Wednesday, 21 January 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—In response to the movement of the Japanese convoy sighted the previous day in Makassar Strait, a U.S. task force (Rear Admiral William A. Glassford), consisting of light cruisers Boise (CL-47) (flagship) and Marblehead (CL-12) and four destroyers sails from Koepang, Timor, to engage it. En route, however, Boise steams across an uncharted pinnacle in Sape Strait, N.E.I., and suffers sufficient damage to eliminate her from the force. Turbine trouble limits Marblehead (the ship to which Glassford transfers his flag) to only 15 knots, so the admiral orders the destroyers (Commander Paul H. Talbot) ahead (see 24 January).

           Submarine S-36 (SS-141), damaged by grounding on 20 January, is scuttled by her crew in Makassar Strait.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

HAWAIIAN AF—B‑17’s of TG 8.9 fly from Canton Island to Nandi.

US ARMY

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese continue preparations for offensive, massing assault forces on extreme W flank of corps; contain further attempts of Philippine Division to restore W flank positions. In I Corps area, small enemy force, having circled about E flank of corps, reaches West Road in area 4 miles E of Mauban and blocks it, cutting off 1st Division troops along MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE from forces to S. Forces that can be spared from other sectors attack the Japanese block from N and S but are unable to reduce it.

MALAYA—Withdrawal of defense forces from Muar and Segamat fronts continues. Commander of West Force is placed in charge of all troops on Yong Peng-Muar road. Muar force is supplied by air. East Force patrols ambush enemy force driving on Mersing.

CELEBES SEA—Enemy convoy is observed moving S in Celebes Sea.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO—Japanese planes continue preinvasion bombardment of Rabaul (New Britain) and Kavieng (New Ireland). At Rabaul, the only coastal battery is destroyed.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin air offensive against New Guinea with 50-plane attack on Lae- Salamaua area.

CHINA—Chinese Government accepts proposal that General Stilwell act as chief of the Generalissimo’s Allied staff and agrees to give him executive authority over Allied units. Ch 49th Division (6th Army) is authorized to move into Burma.

LIBYA—Axis forces, with strong air support, go on the offensive in W Cyrenaica, pushing rapidly eastward in 3 columns astride main road. British Eighth Army’s 13 Corps commander orders withdrawal to line Agedabia–El Haseiat at once and a further retreat if necessary; orders Indian 4th Division to check coastal advance toward Benghazi.

US MARINE CORPS