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