Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Tuesday, 7 April 1942

US NAVY

ATLANTIC—Destroyer Wilkes (DD-441) is damaged when accidentally rammed by British tanker Davila, Boston, Massachusetts.

            Destroyer Sturtevant (DD-240), directed to the scene by a USN patrol plane, rescues the 39 survivors (including the entire 6 man Armed Guard detachment) of U.S. tanker Comol Rico, sunk by U-154 on 4 April.

            U.S. tanker Pan Rhode Island, off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, rescues 29 survivors of Norwegian freighter Lancing, torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-552, and 20 men from British tanker British Splendour, sunk by the same U-boat the same day.

US ARMY AIR FORCE

UNITED STATES—War Department officially states that Eighth AF will be established in UK as intermediate command between USAFBI and the AF commands. General Marshall notifies General Chaney of this decision.

FIFTH AF—During 6/7 Apr the Japanese break the Philippine II Corps front on Bataan, thus necessitating immediate removal of all remaining fighters to Mindanao, where for the next 3 days they will fly reconnaissance, cover Heavy Bombers (sent to Mindanao from Australia) operating against concentrations at Legaspi, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, and carry out a strafing attack against aircraft at Davao. After the Heavy Bombers return to Australia on 12 Apr, the fighters will continue to fly reconnaissance until Japanese forces envelop the troops on Mindanao on 1 May.

US ARMY

LUZON—Japanese, attacking again in II Corps area with air and artillery support, force entire corps MAIN LINE OF RESISTANCE back to Mamala River line; this line, too, becomes untenable, and Americans and Filipinos withdraw under cover of darkness, 7–8, to Alangan River. 26th Cavalry (PS), released to II Corps from I Corps reserve, establishes holding position while line is formed along the Mamala. Meanwhile, attempts by Philippine Division units to form continuous line prove futile. Philippine Constabulary regiments defending beaches are ordered into battle line. I Corps is directed to withdraw southward to Binuangan River line.

US MARINE CORPS

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