Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Tuesday, 3 March 1942

US NAVY 

PACIFIC—Submarine Perch (SS-176), depth-charged and irreparably damaged by Japanese destroyers Ushio and Sazanami, is scuttled by her crew in Java Sea. All hands (59 men) survive the boat's loss and are taken prisoner.

            Gunboat Asheville (PG-21) is sunk by gunfire of Japanese destroyers Arashi and Nowaki south of Java, 12°33'S,111°35'E. Asheville's sole survivor will perish in POW camp in 1945.

ATLANTIC—Unarmed U.S. freighter Mary is torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-129 about 250 miles northeast of Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, 08°25'N, 52°50'W (see 9 March).

US ARMY AIR FORCE

UNITED STATES—CCS take under consideration recommendation to continue SUPERGYMNAST as an ‘academic study’ only. Thus the proposed N African venture ceases to affect Eighth AF until it is revived later as TORCH.

FIFTH AF—Japanese airplanes attack airfield and harbor at Broome, Australia at 1000, shortly after arrival of 8 Heavy bombers evacuating men from Java. The Japanese destroy 2 B‑17’s, 2 B‑24’s, 12 seaplanes, and 2 Hudsons, and kill at least 45 Dutch civilians and 20 US airmen.

US ARMY

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES—Dutch continue losing battle for Java against superior enemy forces.

AUSTRALIA—Japanese planes strike hard at Broome, where refugees from Java are concentrated, destroying many planes on ground and in water.

BURMA—Fighting continues in Waw-Pyinbon area, NE of Pegu. 63d Brigade Group arrives at Rangoon.

US MARINE CORPS

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