Saturday, 21 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Triton (SS-201) sinks Japanese merchant cargo vessel Shokyu Maru in East China Sea, 60 miles south of Quelpart Island, 32°10'N, 126°28'E.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker J.N. Pew is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-67 about 225 miles west of Aruba, D.W.I, 12°40'N, 74°00'W; two survivors reach the coast of Colombia, 35 miles east of Riohacha (see 14 March).

           Unarmed U.S. tanker Republic is torpedoed by German submarine U-504 about three miles east of Jupiter Inlet, Florida, 27°05'N, 80°15'W; three crewmen perish in the initial explosion, while two drown in the abandonment. One lifeboat reaches shore unaided (18 men on board) while U.S. tanker Cities Service Missouri rescues six men from a second boat (see 23 February).

EUROPE—Admiral Leahy receives instruction to see Admiral Darlan immediately about German submarine U-156's receiving assistance at Martinique. Unless the Vichy French can assure the U.S. government that no Axis ships or planes will be allowed to enter French ports or territory in the Western Hemisphere, and that unless such assurances are rigidly maintained, the United States "will take such action in the interest of security of the Western Hemisphere as it may judge necessary and in accordance with existing inter-American obligations." Leahy writes in his diary that everything points to his early recall to Washington "for consultation" (see 16 April).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FIFTH AF—General Brett, Dep CG ABDACOM, informs WD of his decision to evacuate Fifth AF and other US troops from Java. Fifth AF bombers at Java bases fly about 20 strikes, usually in 2-and 3-aircraft elements, against shipping in Java Sea and against targets on Bali from this date through 1 Mar. 11 strikes are complete failures; the remainder, although causing some damage to vessels and airfield facilities, fail to deter the invasion of Java.

US ARMY

LUZON—Lull settles over entire front as both sides dig in and prepare for further action. Japanese have completed withdrawal from I Corps area; diversionary forces employed against II Corps are ordered back to Balanga area.

BURMA—Removed from jurisdiction of ABDA Command and placed under command of CinC, India. 7th Armored Brigade arrives at Rangoon from Middle East; is soon committed on Pegu front. Indian 17th Division continues toward Sittang bridge near Mokpalin with Japanese in close pursuit.

US MARINE CORPS

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Friday, 20 February 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—Commander in Chief U.S. Fleet directs Atlantic and Pacific Fleets to establish Amphibious Forces.

PACIFIC—TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.), en route to attack Rabaul, is spotted by Japanese reconnaissance flying boats (Yokohama Kokutai). Although the American attack is cancelled, Japanese naval land-based bombers (4th Kokutai) attack TF 11, centering their efforts upon Lexington (CV-2). In the ensuing battle off Bougainville, combat air patrolF4Fs (VF 3) and SBDs (VS 2) (the latter utilized in the anti-torpedo plane role) and ships' antiaircraft fire annihilate the enemy formations. In the battle, Lieutenant Edward H. O'Hare (VF 3) shoots down five bombers in six minutes, a phenomenal performance that earns him the Medal of Honor.

           Submarine Swordfish (SS-193) embarks Philippine President Manuel Quezon, his wife and two children, Vice President Sergio Osmeña, and other Philippine government officials off Mariveles.

           In the wake of the Japanese carrier strike the day before, Darwin, Australia, is abandoned as an Allied naval base. RAF and USAAF air operations from the field outside the port, however, will continue.

           Japanese invade Timor Island, N.E.I.

           Destroyer Stewart (DD-224), damaged by shellfire in the Battle of Badoeng Strait the previous night, suffers further damage when, improperly shored and placed on blocks, she rolls on her port side in a Dutch floating drydock at Surabaya, Java.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter Delplata is torpedoed by German submarine U-156 about 60 miles west of Martinique, 14°45'N,62°10'W. Small seaplane tender Lapwing (AVP-1) rescues the 52 survivors (including the 13 man Armed Guard) and then scuttles the irreparably damaged merchantman with gunfire.

           Unarmed U.S. freighter Azalea City is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-432 about 125 miles east-southeast of Ocean City, Maryland, 38°00'N, 73°00'W. There are no survivors from the 38 man crew.

EUROPE—Admiral William D. Leahy writes to President Roosevelt that he expects a recall "for consultation" since the French have not responded positively to Roosevelt's message of 11 February. President Roosevelt, while sympathetic to Admiral Leahy's position, subsequently informs his ambassador to Vichy that "to hold the fort [in Vichy] is as important a military task as any other in these days." Leahy is thus retained in France. On the same day that Leahy writes to the President, however, German submarine U-156 puts in to Martinique to put ashore one of the men wounded by the premature barrel explosion on 16 February (see 21 February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES IN BRITIAN—General Eaker arrives in UK with 6 staff officers.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Grants billion-dollar loan to USSR.

LUZON—In Manila Bay area, Japanese artillery bombardment of fortified islands reaches peak intensity.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese invade Timor, where Australian 2/40th Battalion defends Penfoie airdrome.

SOUTH PACIFIC—Newly formed U.S. naval TF, consisting of USS Lexington with screen of cruisers and DD’s, heads toward Rabaul, New Britain, to disperse Japanese concentrations but when attacked by enemy planes withdraws without executing mission. Japanese suffer heavy plane losses and postpone operations scheduled against New Guinea.

BURMA—Indian 17th Division begins withdrawal behind Sittang River, 48th Brigade leading.

UNITED KINGDOM—Maj General Ira C. Eaker, who is to command VIII Bomber Command, arrives by air to prepare for reception of U.S. air force (Eighth); reports to Maj General James E. Chaney, CG USAFBI.

US MARINE CORPS

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Thursday, 19 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese forces land on Bali, N.E.I.

           Battle of Badoeng Strait begins as Allied naval force (Rear Admiral Karel W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) of three cruisers and accompanying destroyers attacks retiring Japanese Bali occupation force (Rear Admiral Kubo Kyuji) in Badoeng Strait. Destroyer Stewart (DD-224) is damaged by gunfire of destroyers Oshio and Asashio, 07°18'S, 112°46'E. Dutch destroyer Piet Hien is sunk; 30 of her survivors find motor whaleboat jettisoned by destroyer John D. Ford (DD-228) and proceed unaided to Java. Dutch light cruisers Java and Tromp are damaged by Japanese gunfire. Japanese destroyers Ushio and Michisio are damaged by Allied gunfire.

           Japanese carrier striking force (Vice Admiral Nagumo Chuichi) attacks Darwin, Australia; 189 planes from carriers Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu and Soryu bomb shipping, airfields, and shore installations; carrier bombers sink destroyer Peary(DD 226), 12°30'S, 130°50'E, U.S. Army Transport Miegs and U.S. freighter Mauna Loa (on board the latter all hands--37 man crew and seven passengers--survive); and damage seaplane tender (destroyer) William B. Preston(AVD-7). U.S. freighter Portmar is damaged and beached (one of her 34 man crew is killed; two of the 300 embarked soldiers perish as well; 12 men are injured); freighter Admiral Halstead (carrying drummed gasoline) is damaged as well (she suffers no casualties). In related actions, U.S. freighter Florence D, under charter to the Army and carrying a cargo of ammunition, rescues eight man PBY (VP 22) crew (Lieutenant Thomas H. Moorer) off north coast of Australia, near Darwin, and later comes under attack by Japanese carrier aircraft that bomb and sink the ship (one man of Moorer's crew and three of the 37 man ship's complement are killed in action); Australian minesweeper HMAS Warrnambol and mission boat St. Francis rescue the survivors. Japanese carrier planes also bomb and sink Philippine motorship Don Isidro (chartered by the U.S. Army to run supplies to Corregidor) off northwest coast of Bathurst Island, 11°00'S, 130°00'E; 11 of the 67 man crew and one of the 16 embarked soldiers are killed. HMAS Warrnambol rescues the surviving crew and passengers. Japanese naval land attack planes (Kanoya and 1st Kokutais) bomb airfield at Darwin.

           Submarine S-37 (SS-142) is damaged by grounding off the northeast corner of Lembogan Island, Lombok Strait, N.E.I., but continues on patrol.

           Aviation Chief Machinist's Mate Harold F. Dixon (Naval Aviation Pilot) and his two man crew (VT 6), whose plane ditched due to fuel exhaustion on 16 January, reach Danger Islands, 10°48'S, 165°49'E, having spent 34 days at sea in their rubber boat. They have subsisted on occasional fish speared with a pocket knife, two birds, and rain water. While the straight-line distance traveled measures 450 miles, the estimated track is approximately 1,200 miles. Dixon is awarded the Navy Cross for heroism, leadership, and resourcefulness.

ATLANTIC—Destroyer Dallas (DD-199) rescues 46 survivors from Brazilian tanker Olinda, sunk the day before by German submarine U-432.

           Unarmed U.S. tanker Pan Massachusetts is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-128 about 20 miles off Cape Canaveral, Florida, 28°27'N, 80°08'W; Coast Guard lighthouse tender Forward (WAGL-160) and British tanker Elizabeth Massey rescue 18 survivors from the 38 man crew.

           U.S. freighter Lake Osweya is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-96 in the North Atlantic, 43°14'N,54°45'W. Although U-96 sees three lifeboats pull away from the ship, no survivors from the 30 man merchant

           complement or the seven man Armed Guard are ever found.

CARIBBEAN—Transport William P. Biddle (AP-15) arrives at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and disembarks the 9th Defense Battalion.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FIFTH AF—Operating out of Malang, Madioen, and Jogjakarta, A‑24’s, with P‑40 escort, and B‑17’s attack vessel landing troops on Bali. The attacks, carried out during the afternoon of 19 Feb and throughout the morning of 20 Feb, cause considerable damage to vessels but fail to halt the landings. P‑40’s shoot down or turn back several bombers weeping W over Java. Japanese airplane attack Darwin, bombing vessels loaded with troops destined for defense of Koepang on Timor Island. 10 P‑40’s sent to Darwin to escort the convoy are almost entirely wiped out by the attack.

SEVENTH AF—VII AF Bomber Command is activated.

US ARMY

BADOENG STRAIT—Combined Allied naval force undeRear Admiral Doorman, Royal Netherlands Navy, attacks enemy vessel off Bali, night 19–20. Although considerable damage is believed to have been done to enemy, Dutch DD Piet Hein is sunk and other Allied vessels are damaged.

AUSTRALIA—Darwin undergoes destructive attack by Japanese planes from carriers in Banda Sea and ground base at Kendari. Most of the shipping in the harbor, including USS Peary (DD), is destroyed. Virtually all the aircraft crowded on the airfield are demolished. This is the greatest single Japanese air effort since attack on Pearl Harbor.

BURMA—Indian 17th Division continues to defend Bilin River line throughout day but is ordered to fall back after dark. Mandalay receives its first enemy air attack.

US MARINE CORPS

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Wednesday, 18 February 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Destroyer Truxtun (DD-229) and stores issuing ship Pollux (AKS-2) run aground during storm near Placentia Bay, Newfoundland; the former just east of Ferryland Point and the latter off Lawn Point. Minesweeper Brant (AM-24) arrives on scene and contributes rescue parties as well as brings medical officer and corpsmen from destroyer tender and Support Force flagship Prairie (AD-15). The tragedy produces deep admiration for the lifesaving efforts of the local population. "Hardly a dozen men from both ships would have been saved," one observer writes later, "had it not been for the superb work of the local residents." Many men jeopardize their own lives frequently to save the American sailors; several hang by lines over the cliffs to keep survivors from dragging over sharp rocks as they are pulled up from the beach below; others go out in a dory, risking swamping several times in the rough waves; after working all day rescuing Truxtun's people, some of the local inhabitants then toil all night rescuing Pollux's men with a stamina that defies description. Though poor, the men, women, and children of the town of St. Lawrence turn out to outfit the “survivors with blankets, warm clothes, boots, fed them, cleaned them up as best they could and turned them in their own beds." Subsequently, they turn a deaf ear to offers to pay for food and clothing used in succoring the shipwrecked Americans. Destroyer Wilkes (DD-441) also runs aground off Lawn Head, 46°53'N, 55°28'W, but manages to free herself from her predicament and escape the fates of Truxtun and Pollux.

           Brazilian tanker Olinda is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-432 at 37°30'N, 75°00'W (see 19 February).

CARIBBEAN—U.S. freighter Mokihana is torpedoed by German submarine U-161 while lying at anchor at Port of Spain, Trinidad,12°55'N, 80°33'E; there are no casualties among the 36 man merchant crew or 9 man Armed Guard.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

UNITED STATES—War Department orders overseas contract activities throughout the world militarized. All civilian contract activities are to be terminated by 18 August 1942.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese invade Bali, off E coast of Java, landing on SE coast, night 18–19. This completes isolation of Java. British volunteer party from Batavia (Java) sails to Oesthaven (Sumatra), where equipment is salvaged and demolitions are performed without interference from enemy.

BURMA—Situation of Indian 17th Division deteriorates as Japanese gain foothold on W bank of Bilin River near Bilin and continue pressure on flanks. TF’s are formed by Burma Army to protect Pegu from SE and sea approaches to Syriam.

US MARINE CORPS

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Tuesday, 17 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Seabees (First Naval Construction Battalion) arrive at Bora Bora, Society Islands.

           Submarine Triton (SS-201) torpedoes and sinks Japanese gunboat No. 5 Shin'yo Maru off Nagasaki, Japan, 32°14'N,127°14'E.

           Japanese destroyer Ayanami is damaged when she fouls an uncharted reef 2.4 nautical miles off Durai, Anambas Islands.

ATLANTIC—Coastal minesweeper Detector (AMc-75) is accidentally sunk in collision with U.S. tanker Oswego 300 yards east-northeast of Finn's Ledge Buoy, at the entrance to the north channel at Boston, Massachusetts. There are no casualties.

           Coastal minesweeper Paramount (AMc-92) accidentally runs aground off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and is abandoned without loss. Coast Guard cutter Dione (WPG-107) provides assistance. Paramount is salvaged and returned to service.

           Destroyer Jacob Jones (DD-130) rescues 16 men from Brazilian steamship Buarque, that had been sunk by German submarine U-432 on 15 February; U.S. steamship Eagle rescues 16 more, thus accounting for all survivors.

           Coast Guard cutter Woodbury (WPC-155) rescues all hands (40 men) from mined tanker E.H. Blum. Both halves of the ship are later salvaged and rejoined, and E.H. Blum returns to active service.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

TENTH AF—Col Harry A Halverson becomes CO.

ELEVENTH AF—Colonel Lionel H Dunlap arrives from ZI and becomes CO of the Eleventh.

US ARMY

BORA BORA—U.S. Army units arrive.

LUZON—I Corps completely restores MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE without opposition as enemy continues to withdraw.

BURMA—Japanese maintain pressure against Indian 17th Division along Bilin River and continue outflanking attempts.

MIDDLE EAST—General Auchinleck is ordered to release a more divisions for action in Far East—British 70th and Australian 9th. Australian 9th Division is subsequently allowed to remain in Middle East.

US MARINE CORPS

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Monday, 16 February 1942

US NAVY

CARIBBEAN—Operation NEULAND begins with simultaneous attacks on Dutch and Venezuelan oil ports to disrupt production and flow of petroleum products vital to the Allied war effort; German submarine U-156 shells refinery on Aruba, N.W.I. and torpedoes and damages U.S. tanker Arkansas as she lies alongside Eagle Dock; a second torpedo misses the ship and runs up on the beach. There are no casualties among the 37 man crew. The enemy does not emerge from the action unscathed, however, for the explosion of a shell prematurely in a gun barrel injures two men on board U-156, which will receive permission to put in to Martinique (see 20-21 February).

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker E.H. Blum blunders into U.S. minefield off Cape Henry, Virginia, 36°57'N, 75°52'W and is damaged by mine and breaks in half (see 17 February).

           Coast Guard cutter Calypso (WPG-104) rescues 42 survivors from Brazilian steamship Buarque, that had been sunk by German submarine U-432 the day before (see 17 February).

PACIFIC—Japanese planes bomb U.S. Timor-bound convoy, escorted by heavy cruiser Houston (CA-30) and destroyer Peary (DD 226); U.S. Army transport Miegs and U.S. freighter Mauna Loa are damaged by near-misses. On board the latter, one crewman is killed; of the 500 troops embarked, one is killed and 18 wounded. Houston's heavy antiaircraft fire saves the convoy from destruction, but the imminent fall of Timor results in the recall of the convoy and its routing back to Darwin (see 19 February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

CARIBBEAN—German submarines attack Aruba Island., off coast of Venezuela.

LUZON—I Corps reduces salient in MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE to area 75 by 100 yards. In South Sector, enemy remnants from Silaiim Pt, attempting to escape northward, are detected about 7 miles from the point and destroyed in 2-day fight. In Manila Bay area, Japanese destroy section of pipeline on Cavite shore through which Fort Frank on Carabao Island. received fresh water. Distillation plant is put into operation at Fort Frank.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Withdrawal of British personnel and operational aircraft from Sumatra to Java is completed. Equipment is left behind at Oesthaven. Allied convoy bound for Timor is recalled to Darwin because of heavy attacks by Japanese planes.

US MARINE CORPS

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Sunday, 15 February 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Singapore surrenders to the Japanese.

           Japanese army paratroops secure vital oil refineries at Palembang, on southeast Sumatra, N.E.I.; enemy capture of this territory establishes sea and air control of the Karimata Channel and Gaspar Strait.

           Having proceeded through Gaspar Strait to the north of Banka and failed to contact the Japanese force (which has already reached Banka Strait), ABDA striking force (Rear Admiral Karel W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) is attacked by Japanese naval land attack planes (Genzan, Mihoro, and Kanoya Kokutais) as well as carrier attack planes from carrier Ryujo. Australian light cruiser HMAS Hobart is straddled, while near misses damage U.S. destroyers Barker (DD-213) and Bulmer (DD-222), which will need to retire to Australia for repairs.

           U.S. Army transport Meigs, U.S. freighters Mauna Loa and Portmar, and Australian coaster Tulagi, escorted by heavy cruiser Houston (CA-30), destroyer Peary (DD-226) and Australian corvettes HMAS Swan and HMAS Warrego sails from Darwin, Australia, for Timor (see 16 and 19 February).

ATLANTIC—Brazilian steamship Buarque is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-432 30 miles southwest of Cape Henry,36°35'N, 75°20'W (see 16 February).

           U.S. tanker Point Breeze suffers explosion in engine room that damages steering gear, forcing the ship to go aground off Throggs Neck, New York; one man is killed and one is blown overboard. Point Breeze later floats free and is towed to New York for repairs.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

SE ASIA—Japanese forces on Malay Peninsula capture Singapore.

US ARMY

LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese attack in limited strength to ease pressure against troops withdrawing northward from I Corps sector. I Corps continues to make steady progress against salient in MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE.

SINGAPORE—Malayan campaign ends with surrender of Singapore, W anchor of Malay Barrier, to Japanese. General Percival meets with Japanese commander, General Tomoyuki Yamashita, and surrenders his forces (more than 64,000 troops—Indian, British, and Australian) unconditionally, effective at nightfall.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese invasion fleet enters river mouth near Palembang, Sumatra, and unloads troops despite repeated and costly attacks by aircraft from Palembang II airdrome. Dutch and RAF personnel withdraw from Palembang, where demolition of refineries is only partially completed. British personnel holding landing grounds in central and N Sumatra are ordered to W coast for withdrawal.

AUSTRALIA—Allied convoy with reinforcements for Koepang, Timor (Australian 2/4 Pioneer Battalion and U.S. 148th FA Regiment, less one Battalion), sails from Darwin. The units are to secure Penfoie airdrome, the only staging point on Timor for flights to Java.

BURMA—Indian 17th Division begins withdrawal behind Bilin River line, 46th Brigade abandoning Thaton. Japanese follow closely and try to outflank division.

US MARINE CORPS

Singapore surrenders.

Saturday, 14 February 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Submarine Sargo (SS-188) delivers ammunition to Polloc Harbor, Mindanao, P.I., and evacuates USAAF groundcrews (14th Bombardment Squadron).

           Submarine Swordfish (SS-193) torpedoes and sinks Japanese transport Amagisan Maru off Davao, P.I., 06°45'N,126°54'E.

           Admiral Thomas C. Hart, USN, is relieved as Commander in Chief Allied Naval Forces in Southwest Pacific by Vice Admiral Conrad E. L. Helfrich, RNN.

           Japanese army paratroopers assault Palembang, Sumatra. During ensuing Allied air attacks on Japanese invasion convoy, RAF Blenheims bomb and sink merchant ship Inabasan Maru off Palembang.

           ABDA Float orders task force (Rear Admiral Karel W.F.M. Doorman) to proceed and attack Japanese Palembang-bound expeditionary force. As Doorman's ships--two Dutch light cruisers, a Dutch flotilla leader, one British heavy cruiser, one Australian light cruiser, four Dutch destroyers and six American--heads toward its objective, Dutch destroyer Van Ghent runs aground on a reef north of Banka Island; irreparably damaged, she is scuttled; sistership Banckert takes off the crew (see 15 February).

           On request from local British naval authorities, light cruiser Boise (CL-47), at Ceylon en route to Bombay, India, for repairs following her grounding in Sape Strait on 21 January, provides her two SOCs (VCS 9) to augment routine RAF Catalina searches from the seaplane station at Kogalla, Ceylon. Boise's planes fly morning and evening search flights for the next three days.

           PBY (VP 73) accidentally bombs submarine Thresher (SS-200), returning from a war patrol, southwest of Oahu, T.H.

           Japanese submarine I-23 is last reported south of Oahu, T.H. She is not heard from again, and her fate is unknown.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

SEVENTH AF—A B‑17 flies photo reconnaissance of Wake Island.

US ARMY

LUZON—I Corps further reduces salient in MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE, which is now about half its original size.

ABDA COMMAND—Vice Admiral Conrad E. L. Helfrich of Royal Netherlands Navy succeeds Admiral Hart as commander of ABDA Combined Naval Striking Force.

SINGAPORE—Japanese continue to make main effort against W part of S Area and gain ground near Alexandra. Water supply of garrison is in danger of failing within a short time. Supplies of food and ammunition are also dwindling rapidly. British flotilla withdrawing from Singapore is attacked by enemy naval and air forces in approaches to Bangka Strait and suffers heavily. Boat carrying Rear Adm, Malaya, and Air Officer Commanding, Far East, is driven ashore on small deserted island where the men later perish.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese invade Sumatra, dropping paratroopers in Palembang area after air attack on Palembang Island airdrome. Small force defending airdrome (150 Dutch infantry and about 60 RAF ground defense gunners) is forced to withdraw toward W coast, Japanese having blocked road to town of Palembang. Allied naval TF moves N to engage enemy shipping in Bangka Strait but comes under heavy air attack and retires to base. Palembang- based aircraft are attacking enemy shipping in Bangka Strait and cannot be notified in time to intercept invasion force.

IRAQ—Siboney reaches Basra where American civilian construction force debarks and proceeds by lorry to Umm Qasr, hq of Iranian District engineer, to begin construction projects. Cargo does not arrive at Umm Qasr until end of month.

US MARINE CORPS

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Friday, 13 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Chartered U.S. passenger ship President Taylor, transporting 900 troops to occupy Canton Island, runs aground on a reef off her destination, and becomes stranded.

ATLANTIC—Destroyer Ericsson (DD-440) accidentally sinks Icelandic trawler Greedir in collision off Hvalfjordur, Iceland.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

WESTERN HEMISPHERE—U.S. and Canada approve construction of U.S. Military Highway through Canada to Alaska.

CANTON ISLAND—U.S. detachment arrives.

LUZON—I Corps, after searching entire area of Big Pocket without finding any live Japanese, turns its full attention to the salient, Upper Pocket, in MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE. Elements released from the Big Pocket assault force join in the battle. In South Sector, troops complete destruction of enemy in Silaiim area.

SINGAPORE—Japanese further compress British on Singapore. Main thrusts are against W part of S Area; British forward units pull back, night 13–14, to cover Alexandra area, where main ordnance depot and ammunition magazine are located. All remaining British shipping—small ships and other light craft— sail from Singapore, night 13–14. Some personnel are withdrawn in these vessels among them Rear Adm, Malaya, and Air Officer Commanding, Far East.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese overrun Bandjermasin, key point in SE Borneo.

US MARINE CORPS

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Thursday, 12 February 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Destroyer Whipple (DD-217) is damaged in collision with Dutch light cruiser De Ruyter, Prigi Bay, Java.

           USAAF B-17s bomb Japanese shipping off Surumi, damaging transport Kozui Maru and merchant cargo vessel Kinryu Maru.

           Auxiliary [survey vessel] Sumner (AG 32) completes survey work of Bora Bora, Society Islands and publishes Hydrographic Office Field Chart No.1 for those waters.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter Dixie Sword founders and sinks in Nantucket Sound, 41°35'N, 69°59'W.

           British freighter Raby Castle comes across lifeboat from torpedoed U.S. tanker W.L. Steed (sunk by German submarine U-103 on 2 February) and rescues the one survivor she finds; sadly, he will die on board on 15 February, of exposure.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES—General Arnold indicate that 16 Heavy Bomber groups, 3 Pursuit groups, and 8 photoreconnaissance squadrons will be sent to UK during 1942.

TENTH AF—Activated at Patterson Field.

EIGHTH AF—General Duncan, CG, requests that his force, inadequate for its intended mission under GYMNAST, be strengthened by several bomb and pursuit groups. This move, if carried out, would require diversion of units originally intended for other task forces.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Tenth Air Force is activated at Patterson Field, Ohio, and assigned to General Stilwell.

LUZON—I Corps regains important trail junction unopposed. In South Sector, Japanese try desperately to escape from Silaiim Pt; break through Philippine line, but are overtaken as they push N toward Silaiim River and are forced steadily toward the sea:

SINGAPORE—Japanese attack strongly at several points and make further gains. During night 12–13, beach defense forces on E and SE coasts are withdrawn to strengthen defense perimeter around town of Singapore. Supply situation is deteriorating rapidly.

MEDITERRANEAN—3 supply ships leave Alexandria (Egypt) for Malta, but all are lost to enemy before reaching destination.

ENGLISH CHANNEL—German warships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, and Prinz Eugen proceed from Brest up English Channel under attack by RAF and air arm of Royal Navy.

US MARINE CORPS

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Wednesday, 11 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Shark (SS-174) is sunk by Japanese destroyer Yamakaze about 120 miles east of Menado, Celebes,01°45'N, 127°15'E. There are no survivors from Shark's 58 man crew.

CARIBBEAN—U.S. Army troops arrive at Curacao and Aruba, N.W.I., to assume occupation duty (with the cooperation of the British and Dutch governments) at this naval operating base whose primary mission will be port security, convoy routing, and protection of tankers transporting oil to U.S. ports.

ATLANTIC—PBM (VP 74) rescues nine survivors adrift in a lifeboat from British tanker San Arcadio, sunk by German submarineU-107 on 31 January.

EUROPE—Admiral William D. Leahy, USN (Retired), Ambassador to France, receives instructions from President Roosevelt that the U.S. government has learned that French ships are to be used to transport war materiel between France and Tunisia, and that unless the French government gives assurances that no military aid would go forward to any Axis power, and that French ships would not be used in the furtherance of Axis acts of aggression in any theater of war, the ambassador would be recalled to the United States "for consultation in a determination of American future policy with regard to the government of Vichy" (see 20-21 February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

LUZON—I Corps makes substantial progress against Big Pocket, but enemy succeeds in withdrawing through gap on N side. In South Sector, Japanese fall back to Silaiim Pt, between Silaiim and Anyasan Rivers, under pressure.

SINGAPORE—Japanese gain further ground; drop appeals for the garrison to surrender.

BURMA—Additional enemy forces cross Salween in Paan area and engulf Battalion of Indian 46th Brigade.

US MARINE CORPS

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Tuesday, 10 February 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—USAAF LB-30s bomb and damage Japanese seaplane carrier Chitose in Makassar Strait south of Celebes.

           Japanese submarine I-69 shells Midway but is immediately bombed and damaged by USMC F2As (VMF 221).

ATLANTIC—Submarine R-5 (SS-82) fires three torpedoes at what she later reports as a German U-boat at 35°00'N, 65°45'W, but the attack is not successful. By the time R-5 has reloaded, the enemy is gone. While R-5's captain is criticized for erring in judgment for failing to follow up his contact during darkness and continuing the attack, his inexperience (R-5is his first command) is considered, as is the fact that it is that commanding officer's first war patrol. R-5's quarry may have been U-564, which sinks Canadian motor tanker Victolite at 36°12'N, 67°14'W the same day.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

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US ARMY

CHRISTMAS ISLAND—U.S. detachment arrives.

MIDWAY—Shelled by enemy submarine.

LUZON—I Corps is rapidly reducing Big Pocket. South Sector forces are compressing Japanese in Anyasan–Silaiim area.

SINGAPORE—General Wavell visits Singapore and orders the island held and all remaining RAF personnel withdrawn to Netherlands East Indies. Japanese deepen penetration to supply depot area. AIF Malaya, which is further reinforced in W Area, falls back to line Kranji–Jurong, partially prepared switch line position; is later forced from this line.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese ,continue conquest of Borneo and Celebes; on Celebes, land force at Makassar.

BURMA—46th Brigade, Indian 17th Division, which has recently relieved Indian 16th Brigade along the Salween in Martaban area, begins fighting withdrawal from Martaban toward Thaton, since Japanese have bypassed Martaban.

US MARINE CORPS

—

Monday, 9 February 1942

US NAVY 

GENERAL—Rear Admiral Emory S. Land, Chief of the Maritime Commission, is appointed Director of the War Shipping Administration. As WSA director, he is responsible only to the President.

           Admiral William H. Standley, USN (Ret.), former Chief of Naval Operations (1935-1937), is named Ambassador to the USSR.

PACIFIC—Twelve USAAF B-17s are released to Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet for operational control; they will cover the advance of TF 11 (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.) into the South Pacific.

           Transport St. Mihiel (AP-32) is damaged by grounding off MacNamara Point, Alaska.

           Submarine Trout (SS-202) torpedoes and sinks Japanese gunboat Chuwa Maru 53 miles off Keelung, Formosa,25°30'N, 122°38'E.

           Japanese carrier Kaga is damaged when she runs aground on an uncharted reef, Palau, Palau Islands.

           Japanese transport Kurama Maru is torpedoed and sunk, agent unknown, 28°25'N, 122°03'N.

           Japanese destroyer Natsushio, torpedoed by submarine S-37 (SS-142) off Makassar the previous day, sinks.

           Japanese planes bomb Batavia, Surabaya, and Malang, Java.

           Japanese troops land on Singapore Island.

ATLANTIC—Transport Lafayette (AP-53) (ex-French liner Normandie) burns at New York pier and capsizes at her berth.

           Destroyer Roe (DD-418), at approximately 36°24'N, 74°34'W, rescues 14 survivors from British freighter Ocean Venture, sunk the previous day by German submarine U-108.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

SEVENTH AF—12 B‑17’s are detached and released to CINCPAC for assignment to TF 11 for operations in S Pacific.

FIFTH AF—Between this day and 18 Feb, Heavy Bombers fly at least 14 missions, but they result in claims of only 3 hits on shipping.

US ARMY

LUZON—In I Corps area, Japanese remnants from Little Pocket are destroyed while seeking to escape. 1st Division is now free to join in battle against Big Pocket, which is being compressed and from which Japanese are trying to escape. In South Sector, 2d Battalion of 57th (PS) replaces 3d Battalion in center of line in Anyasan–Silaiim region and makes limited progress against enemy.

SINGAPORE—Although reinforcements are sent to W Area from other sectors, Japanese reach Tengah airfield. In evening, additional enemy land in area just W of causeway. General Percival orders garrison to defend S part of the island, where Singapore town, Kalang airdrome, the reservoirs, and supply depots are located. Far East War Council meets for the last time.

UNITED KINGDOM—Pacific War Council, composed of representatives from Great Britain, Australia, Netherlands East Indies, and New Zealand, is formed in London.

US MARINE CORPS

Japanese land at Singapore

Sunday, 8 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Japanese submarine I-69, which has been reconnoitering the atoll since 21 January, shells Midway.

           Japanese troops land at Gasmata, New Britain.

           Submarine S-37 (SS-142) attacks Japanese convoy in Makassar Strait, and torpedoes destroyer Natsushio south of Makassar City, Celebes, 05°10'S, 119°24'E. S-37 survives resultant depth-charging (see 9 February).

           Japanese infiltration force at Quinauan Point, Bataan, is mopped up, supported by armed motor launches from submarine tender Canopus (AS-9) (Lieutenant Commander H.H. Goodall). Japanese planes, however, attack the boats, bombing and strafing them, killing three and wounding 15 (including Goodall).

           British submarine HMS Trusty shells Japanese merchant coaster Se Go off Poulo Condore, French Indochina.

ATLANTIC—British freighter Ocean Venture is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-108 at 37°05'N, 74°45'W (see 9February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

MIDWAY—Bombarded by Japanese submarine.

LUZON—Lt General Masaharu Homma orders general withdrawal northward to more favorable positions where troops can be rested and reorganized while awaiting reinforcements for final assault on Bataan. I Corps continues battle to destroy Little and Big Pockets and completely encircles latter. Japanese escape from Little Pocket through small gap on E during night 8–9. In South Sector, resistance on Quinauan Pt ends after small naval craft from Mariveles neutralize beaches, then land party of 21st Pursuit Sq, which works inland and meets Scouts pushing toward beaches. Company of 57th Infantry and platoon of 37-mm. guns are released at Quinauan for action against enemy in Anyasan–Silaiim sector. Japanese make final attempt to withdraw forces from SW coast by water and succeed in rescuing 34.

SINGAPORE—Japanese intensify bombardment and about 2045 begin landing in force on NW coast; despite opposition at beaches, gain firm bridgehead and start toward Tengah airfield, driving wedge in Australian line in W Area.

NEW BRITAIN—Japanese seize Gasmata.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Saturday, 7 February 1942

US NAVY

GENERAL—President signs Executive Order 9054 establishing War Shipping Administration (WSA) to bring the control and operation of all U.S. merchant shipping under a single head. The WSA's most pressing task is to mobilize the shipping capacity of the country (the majority of which is still in private hands by the end of the year 1941) to bring it under single control so that vessels can be allocated more readily on the basis of overall shipping needs of the U.S. and the Allies (see 9 February).

PACIFIC—Commander Naval Forces Southwest Pacific Area (Vice Admiral William A. Glassford) establishes headquarters at the port of Tjilatjap, on Java's south coast.

           Yacht Isabel (PY-10) rescues all 187 survivors from Dutch freighter Van Cloon, which had been torpedoed and shelled earlier that day by Japanese submarine I-155 and beached in a sinking condition off Java, 06°25'S, 111°25'E.

           Small reconnaissance seaplane from Japanese submarine I-25 reconnoiters Sydney, Australia. 

           Japanese submarines RO-61 and RO-62 are damaged in collision, Kwajalein atoll.

ATLANTIC—U.S. freighter West Jaffrey is stranded off Halfbald Island, Nova Scotia, 43°36'N, 66°02'W, and wrecked. There are no casualties to either the merchant crew or the 14 man Armed Guard.

           Coast Guard cutter Nike (WPC-112) rescues all 37 survivors of U.S. tanker China Arrow, sunk by German submarineU-103 off Winter Quarter Lightship on 5 February.

           U.S. freighter Mary is damaged in collision with freighter Palimol at 24°50'N, 66°00'W, and proceeds to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for repairs.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

PACIFIC—ANZAC Force is placed under command of Vice Admiral Herbert F. Leary, USN.

LUZON—I Corps opens all-out attack, under command of CG, Left Sector, against enemy pockets and partially encircles both. 1st Division is employed against Little Pocket. 92d Infantry of 91st Division (PA) makes main attack against Big Pocket from W and is supported by elements of 11th, Philippine, and 51st Divisions. In South Sector, after Scouts on left flank come up against enemy positions in Anyasan–Silaiim area and are brought to a halt, Filipino air corps troops and Constabulary Battalion are committed to form continuous line from Silaiim Bay to Quinauan Pt. Methodical destruction of enemy remnants at Quinauan Pt continues. Japanese relief force attempting to evacuate troops from SW coast is attacked by P–40’s and shore guns and forced back to Olongapo.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Friday, 6 February 1942

US NAVY 

GENERAL—Naval Coastal Frontiers--Eastern, Gulf, Caribbean, Panama, Hawaiian, Northwest, Western, Philippine--are redesignated as Sea Frontiers.

           U.S. and Britain establish Combined Chiefs of Staff.

PACIFIC—Japanese land reinforcements at Lingayen Gulf.

           Japanese artillery on the Cavite coast, near Ternate, shell Corregidor, Fort Hughes, Fort Frank, Fort Drum and anchorage of Inshore Patrol off South Harbor, Corregidor; river gunboat Luzon (PR-7) is hit by a shell in her vacant admiral’s quarters; there are no casualties.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. freighter Major Wheeler, en route from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-107. There are no survivors from the 35 man crew.

           British freighter Hartlepool comes across lifeboat from torpedoed U.S. tanker W.L. Steed (sunk by German submarineU-103 on 2 February) and rescues the two survivors she finds; one of them will die in hospital on 10 February of exposure (see 12 February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

COMBINED CHIEFS OF STAFF—WD announces creation of US-British CCS in Washington.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Naval Coastal Frontiers are redesignated Sea Frontiers.

LUZON—In I Corps area, Japanese receive reinforcements and attack late in day to relieve pockets. While some elements increase pressure against 1st and 11th Philippine Divisions, others drive toward Big Pocket until stopped by 11th Division 800 yards from objective. Small salient in corps MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE is thus formed and called Upper Pocket. In Manila Bay area, Japanese artillery, emplaced along S shore of Manila Bay in vicinity of Ternate, begins daily bombardment of fortified islands. Forts Drum and Frank receive main weight of shells.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese now hold Samarinda, on E coast of Dutch Borneo.

US MARINE CORPS

U. S. and Great Britain establish Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS).

 

Thursday, 5 February 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Submarine Seadragon (SS-194) evacuates a nucleus group of people from the naval communications/radio intelligence unit, and associated equipment, from Corregidor, to set up facilities on Java.

           Japanese planes bomb Allied shipping off Soembawa Island, N.E.I.; after destroyer Paul Jones (DD-230) is damaged by near-miss, she then rescues survivors of Dutch merchantman Tidore, which had run aground in an attempt to avoid Japanese bombs.

ATLANTIC—Naval Operating Base, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, is established to serve as a turnaround point for transatlantic convoys.

           Unarmed U.S. tanker China Arrow is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-103 off Winter Quarter Lightship, 37°44'N, 73°18'W (see 7 February).

UNITED STATES— National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, is established in this Washington, D.C. suburb.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES—Far East, Caribbean, Hawaiian, and Alaskan AFs are redesignated Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eleventh AFs, respectively.

US ARMY

UNITED STATES—Caribbean Air Force is redesignated Sixth Air Force; Pacific Air Command becomes Seventh Air Force; Alaskan Air Force is redesignated Eleventh Air Force.

LUZON—I Corps plans to attack with all available forces against enemy pockets. In South Sector, Japanese are driven to edge of cliff overlooking beaches at Quinauan Pt. Little progress is made against enemy in Anyasan–Silaiim sector.

SINGAPORE—Convoy bringing final elements of British 18th Division and some Indian reinforcements arrives. Slowest ship of the convoy, Empress of Asia, is sunk by enemy planes before reaching destination. Japanese air attacks on docks at Singapore prevent other ships of the convoy from unloading some of their cargo.

BURMA—General Wavell again visits Burma and inspects situation W of the Salween opposite Moulmein.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Wednesday, 4 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Australian-New Zealand naval command is established (Vice Admiral H. Fairfax Leary). 

           Japanese reconnaissance flying boats (Toko Kokutai) contact and shadow allied force (Rear Admiral Karel W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) of four cruisers and accompanying destroyers (sighted the previous day by 1st Kokutai aircraft) attempting transit of Madoera Strait to attack Japanese Borneo invasion fleet. On the strength of that intelligence, Japanese naval land attack planes (Takao, Kanoya, and 1st Kokutais) bomb Doorman's ships, damaging heavy cruiser Houston (CA-30) (1st Kokutai) and light cruiser Marblehead (CL-12) (Kanoya Kokutai), 07°23'S, 115°47'E. Dutchlight cruisers De Ruyter and Tromp are slightly damaged by near-misses (1st Kokutai). Marblehead's extensive damage (only by masterful seamanship and heroic effort does she reach Tjilatjap after the battle) results in her being sent back to the United States via Ceylon and South Africa; despite the loss of turret III (one-third of her main battery), Houston, however, remains.

           Asiatic Fleet (Admiral Thomas C. Hart) ceases to exist organizationally (not formally abolished). Units of Asiatic Fleet are organized into Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific Area (Vice Admiral William A. Glassford).

           Submarine Sculpin (SS-191) torpedoes Japanese destroyer Sukukaze as the latter patrols off Staring Bay, south of Kendari, Celebes, 04°00'S, 123°00'E.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. tanker India Arrow is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-103 about 20 miles southeast of Cape May, New Jersey, 38°48'N, 73°40'W. Two of her men perish when the ship is shelled; 24 drown when two lifeboats are swamped. Fishing skiff Gitana rescues the 12 survivors 12 miles off Atlantic City, New Jersey.

           Canadian armed merchant cruiser HMCS Alcantara comes across lifeboat from torpedoed U.S. tanker W.L. Steed (sunk by German submarine U-103 on 2 February) and rescues the three survivors she finds (see 6 and 12 February).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

 

US ARMY

PHILLIPINE ISLANDS—USAFFE takes direct control of Panay and Mindoro garrisons, which were previously part of Visayan–Mindoro Force, established early in January under command of Brigadier General William F. Sharp.

LUZON—II Corps front is relatively quiet. In I Corps area, Japanese in Big Pocket repel still another tank-infantry attack. In South Sector, Scouts and tanks continue attack against Quinauan Pt and this time succeed in compressing enemy into small area at tip. In Anyasan–Silaiim sector, tank-infantry attacks against enemy still make slow progress. MADOERA STRAIT—U.S.–Dutch naval force of 4 cruisers and. 7 DD’s, under command of ReaRear Admiral Karel W. Doorman of Royal Netherlands Navy, sets out to attack enemy shipping off Balikpapan but is detected and attacked by enemy planes in Madoera Strait and abandons mission. USS Houston and USS Marblehead are damaged in the action.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Small Australian garrison of Ambon Island. (largely 2/21 Battalion) surrenders to Japanese.

LIBYA—13 Corps, British Eighth Army, completes withdrawal to line Gazala–Bir Hacheim and is fortifying it. Axis forces hold line Tmimi–Mechili. Lull ensues until summer during which both sides conduct harassing operations and prepare to renew offensive. British gradually relieve battle-weary forces with fresh troops as they become available.

US MARINE CORPS

 

Tuesday, 3 February 1942

US NAVY

PACIFIC—Submarine Trout (SS-202) delivers ammunition to Corregidor, P.I., and removes gold, silver, securities and mail. She uses the gold as ballast on the return voyage to Pearl Harbor. 

           Japanese naval land attack planes (Takao Kokutai) bomb ABDA operating base at Surabaya; other naval land attack planes (1st Kokutai) bomb Malang, Java. These raids indicate for the first time that substantial Japanese air forces have been moved south. En route home from Malang, 1st Kokutai aircraft report presence of Allied naval force (Rear Admiral Karel W.F.M. Doorman, RNN) off Madoera (see 4 February).

ATLANTIC—Panamanian freighter San Gil is torpedoed, shelled, and sunk by German submarine U-103 approximately 15 miles south of Fenwick Island light, 38°05'N, 74°40'W. Two crewmen perish in the attack; Coast Guard cutter Nike (WPC-112) rescues the 38 survivors.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

FAR EAST AF—Bad weather from now until 18 Feb, along with effective interception by fighters, thwarts attempts of Heavy Bombers in Java to deliver damaging blows on shipping and airfields in NEI. B‑17’s strikes from Singosari against shipping at Balikpapan (8 Feb) and an airfield at Kendari (9 Feb) are repulsed by fighter attacks. B‑17’s on a shipping strike claim hits on a carrier near Sinjai.

US ARMY

LUZON—II Corps, finding enemy bridgehead clear, advances OPL in that sector. I Corps continues to make little headway against enemy pockets in sectors of 1st and 11th Divisions. In South Sector, Scouts and tanks are still unable to make much progress against Quinauan Pt beachhead. Progress is also limited in Anyasan–Silaiim sector although tanks of 192d Tank Battalion and artillery assist Scouts there.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Japanese begin preinvasion air attacks on Java. From Kendari, Celebes, enemy aircraft strike hard at Soerabaja, Madionen, and Malang.

NEW GUINEA—Japanese begin bombing Port Moresby, garrisoned by small Australian force.

BURMA—Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek agrees to let Ch 5th Army take over Toungoo front. Balance of Ch 6th Army is ordered to move into Burma. Indian 48th Brigade is ordered to zone of Indian 17th Division, under which it is to fight.

US MARINE CORPS