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CHRONOLOGY

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7 DecemberINTERNATIONAL SITUATIONJapan strikes with-

out warning and almost simultaneously at variousU.S. and British possessions in the Pacific; declareswar against U.S. and Great Britain.

HAWAIILaunched from carriers of a navaltask force (TF) standing 200 miles N of Oahu,Japanese planes attack Oahu between 0750 and 1000bombing the Pacific Fleet, which, except for the

carriers, is concentrated in Pearl Harbor, and AAFplanes parked in close formation on Hickam andWheeler airfields. 3 BB's are sunk, another is cap-sized, and 4 more are damaged; 3 CL's, 3 DD's, andother vessels are seriously damaged. 92 Navy and96 Army planes are lost. American casualties are2,280 killed and 1,109 wounded. Japanese lose 29planes and 5 midget submarines.

MIDWAYAt 2135, 2 Japanese DD's bombardMidway, garrisoned by a small U.S. Marine detach-ment (6th Defense Bn), to neutralize it.

LIBYAMaj Gen N. M. Ritchie's British (Br)Eighth Army, a component of Gen Sir Claude J. E.Auchinleck's Br Middle East Forces (MEF), con-tinues offensive, begun in November, to clear Libyaof German and Italian forces, which are nominallyunder Italian command, but actually under GermanField Marshal Erwin Rommel. Objective is two-fold: first, destruction of enemy concentrated in ECyrenaica, which is in progress; second, conquest ofTripolitania. Armd elements of Br 30 Corps bat-tle enemy tanks around Bir el Gubi. After night-fall, Br 13 Corps goes on the offensive, 10th Div

driving along El Adem Ridge, key feature S ofTobruk.

USSRGerman offensive (Operation BARBA-ROSSA, begun on 22 July 1941 by Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch, CinC of the GermanArmy) to crush Soviet forces has ground to a halt onbroken line from Lake Ladoga on N to Sea of Azovon S. At the extremities of front, Soviet garrisons ofLeningrad and Sevastopol are besieged; on centralfront Germans are at outskirts of Moscow. RedArmy is conducting general counteroffensive (be-gun on 6 December) to drive enemy westward. 3

fresh Soviet armies are exerting pressure againstenemy spearheads in vicinity of Moscow. Althoughassured the support of satellite nations (Finland,Rumania, Hungary), Germans are at a disadvantage

because of overextended supply lines and battleexhaustion.

WESTERN EUROPEAlthough Adolf Hitler hasby this time abandoned plans for invasion of Eng-land (Operation SEA LION) as result of defeat ofLuftwaffe in Battle of Britain (8 August31 October1940), German planes continue active over England.RAF in turn has been making frequent attacks onEuropean continent.

8 December

INTERNATIONAL S ITUATIONU.S. and GreatBritain declare war on Japan. On W side of inter-national date line (7 December, Hawaiian time), Japanese bombard Wake and Guam, each garri-soned by small detachments of U.S. marines;British-mandated Nauru and Ocean Islands; thePhilippines; British Malaya and Singapore; Thai-land; Hong Kong.

P.I.Japanese naval planes from Formosa at-tack Clark and Iba Fields and catch many aircraft onthe ground. FEAF is reduced to almost halfstrength, and installations are severely damaged.Tuguegarao and Baguio are each hit by JapaneseArmy planes before the main strike against ClarkField. TF 5, Asiatic Fleet, under Rear Adm Wil-liam A. Glassford, heads S toward safer waters.Japanese begin advance landings to acquire air basesfrom which to support main assault: invade BatanI., between Formosa and Luzon, without opposition.

THAILANDSome Japanese from Indochina

cross into Thailand and drive on Bangkok againstnegligible resistance. Others land unopposed atSingora and Patani on E coast and start SW acrossKra Isthmus to assist in conquest of Malaya.

MALAYAJapanese invade Malaya early in themorning, landing on E coast near Kota Bharu afternaval bombardment of beaches, and are vigorouslyengaged by Lt Gen A. E. Percival's Malaya Com-mand. Ind 3 Corps (under Lt Gen Sir LewisHeath), which is responsible for all Malaya N ofJohore and Malacca, employs Ind 9th Div againstenemy in Kota Bharu area and sends Ind 11th Div,

already poised to move into Thailand, across borderto delay enemy on roads to Singora and Patani. Ind9th Div, whose primary mission is to protect the 3airfields in Kelantan (Kota Bharu, Gong Kedah,

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and Machang), fights losing battle for Kota Bharu,from which it starts withdrawing during night 89.One Ind 11th Div column, driving toward Singora,engages tank-supported enemy force 10 miles N offrontier; another, advancing toward Patani, is op-

posed only by Thai police forces. In conjunction withground attacks, Japanese planes strike repeatedly atairfields in N Malaya and greatly reduce strengthof RAF Far East Command. RAF, after attackingenemy shipping and troops in Kota Bharu area,withdraws from the Kelantan airfields to Kuantan,far to S. Singapore, ultimate objective of Japanese25th Army in Malaya, is also attacked by air.

CHINAJapanese seize International Settlementat Shanghai, and many ships are sunk or captured inits harbor; move troops toward Kowloon, on main-land across from Hong Kong.

LIBYAAxis forces begin orderly withdrawaltoward Gazala, followed closely by 13 and 30 Corpsof Br Eighth Army and harassed by RAF. Skillfulrear-guard action delays pursuit.

USSRGerman Army Group North withdrawsfrom Tichwin, on Leningrad-Vologda RR, underSoviet pressure.Army Group Centeris slowly givingground in Moscow area.

9 DecemberCENTRAL PACIFICJapanese continue prein-

vasion bombing of Wake and Guam; invade GilbertIs.P.I.Continuing neutralization of airpower on

Luzon, enemy bombers strike Nichols Field, nearManila.

THAILANDJapanese occupy Bangkok withoutopposition.

MALAYAJapanese force Ind 9th Div of Ind 3Corps from Kota Bharu airfield and continue airattacks on other fields, including Kuantan. RAFabandons Kuantan airfield for Singapore I. and AlorStar airfield, on NW coast, for Butterworth. RAF

bomber attack on Singora airfield (Thailand) provesvery costly since fighter protection is lacking. Dutchplanes arrive at Singapore to augment strength ofRAF.

CHINADeclares war on Japan, Germany, andItaly.

10 DecemberCENTRAL PACIFICJapanese invade Guam and

overwhelm small U.S. garrison; continue prein-vasion bombing of Wake.

P.I.Two Japanese TF's, each consisting of

some 2,000 men, arrive off N Luzon from Formosa.Landings begin simultaneously at Aparri and nearVigan, but rough sea forces alteration in plans. TheAparri force gets 2 cos ashore at Aparri and the rest

at Gonzaga, over 20 miles to E; upon closing onAparri, pushes 6 miles S and seizes Camalaniuganairstrip. The Vigan force lands small group at Pan-dan, near Vigan, and the rest at point 4 miles S;quickly secures Vigan and sends elements N along

Route 3 toward Laoag. No opposition is offered by11th Div (PA), which is responsible for defense of Ncoast. U.S. planes attack shipping of the invasionforce. Capt Colin Kelly becomes the f irst U.S. heroof World War II in this action by hitting what wassupposed to be a Japanese BB; subsequent investiga-tion has revealed that there were no BB's present.Fighter aircraft from Batan I. provide cover forenemy. Japanese planes bomb and strafe Nichols andNielson Fields, near Manila, and Del Carmen Field,near Clark, achieving particularly damaging resultsat Nichols. Cavite naval base also suffers heavily

from enemy air attack. FEAF, by this time halfstrength, decides to confine its future activities to rcnflights.

MALAYAJapanese gain control of waters E ofMalaya and air over N Malaya. The small BritishEastern Fleet is severely crippled by loss ofRepulseand Prince of Wales off Kuantan to enemy planes.Adm Sir Tom Phillips, CinC Eastern Fleet, is killedin this action and is replaced by Vice Adm SirGeoffrey Layton. As enemy continues destructiveattacks on airfields in NW Malaya, RAF abandonsairfield at Sungei Patani and withdraws all service-

able aircraft from Butterworth. From Butterworth,RAF bomber sq, reduced to 2 aircraft, withdraws toTaiping and RAAF fighter sq (6 repairable air-craft) to Ipoh. Japanese begin series of heavy airattacks against Penang I. Ind 9th Div withstandsattacks while organizing delaying positions S ofKota Bharu. Ind 11th Div columns operating alongThailand frontier attempt to delay enemy. Far EastCouncil is formed at Singapore.

LIBYASiege of Tobruk is lifted after 8 monthsas Pol garrison breaks out of town early in morn-ing and joins other Br Eighth Army forces in

Acroma area. Forward supply base is soon organizedat Tobruk.

11 December

INTERNATIONAL SITUATIONGermany and Italydeclare war on U.S., which then replies withdecl arat ions against them.

WAKEWake garrison (about 450 marines of1st Defense Bn) repels invasion attempt. Japanesenaval force arrives off Wake early in morning andat dawn opens fire. Shore batteries force the vesselsto withdraw with landing force still embarked.

4 a ircraft of VMF211, all that remain serviceableof the original fighter sq on Wake, pursue and at-tack enemy force as it retires toward the Marshalls.2 planes that survive this action intercept shore-based

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Japanese aircraft that try to attack Wake later in themorning. Wake is subsequently subjected to almostdaily air strikes as enemy continues softening thedefense in preparation for landing.

P.I.Japanese Aparri force on Luzon continues

rapidly S along Route 5 toward Tuguegarao.Laoag and its airfield fall to Vigan force. Japanesebegin mining San Bernardino and Surigao Straits.Commercial vessels withdraw from Manila Bay.

MALAYAInd 9th Div, Ind 3 Corps, abandonsthe 2 remaining airfields in Kelantan (Gong Kedahand Machang) in order to protect communications.Japanese exert strong pressure against one Ind 11thDiv column on Kroh-Patani road and force theother, on road to Singora, back toward partiallyprepared positions at Jitra. RAF, now greatly de-pleted in strength, adopts policy of conducting

bomber operations only at night until adequatefighter support is available and of using fightersprimarily for defense of Singapore Naval Base andfor protection of convoys bringing reinforcements.Ind 3 Corps troops are thus denied much close airsupport.

BURMAJapanese begin offensive against lowerBurma with air attack on Tavoy airdrome.

12 DecemberPACIFICU.S. troops aboard Allied convoy pro-

ceeding from Hawaii toward Far East under escortof CA Pensacola are organized as TF South Pacificand placed under command of Brig Gen Julian F.Barnes.

P.I.Japanese make another preliminary land-ing, at Legaspi, S Luzon. TF of 2,500 men fromPalau goes ashore unopposed and secures Legaspiand the airfield. Maj Gen George M. Parker, Jr.,whose South Luzon Force consists of 41st and 51stDivs (PA), sends elements of 51st forward to delayenemy, but contact is not made for several days.Tuguegarao airfield falls to Aparri force early in

morning. Japanese planes attack Luzon in force.Iba and Clark Fields are targets, with main forceagainst Iba. Batangas is an alternate target.

MALAYAGen Percival decides to withdrawInd 3 Corps from Kelantan since airfields there arealready in possession of Japanese; movement of sur-plus supplies to rear is begun. Troops fight delayingactions while awaiting rolling stock in which towithdraw. Japanese penetrate Jitra position and forceInd 11th Div TF back to Kedah R. Ind 11th Divforce, called Krohcol force, on KrohPatani road,also falls back under pressure and at midnight 1213passes to direct command of corps. Ind 12th BrigGp is released from reserve for action on W coast.

BURMAJapanese begin small-scale operations,using infiltration tactics. From Thailand, small force

crosses into lower Tenasserim unopposed. Gen SirArchibald P. Wavell, CinC India, is given responsi-bility for Burma, previously within Air Chief Mar-shal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham's Far Eastern Com-mand, and is promised reinforcements to strengthen

the small garrison, fighting strength of which doesnot exceed 30 bns during the campaign. Lt GenD. K. MacLeod's Burma Army, charged with pro-tecting Burma Road and Tenasserim airfields, is aheterogeneous group of Burmese, Ind, and Br forces,some poorly trained, formed into Burma 1st Div(Burma 1st and 2d Brigs and Ind 13th Brig) andInd 16th Brig. The 16 obsolete RAF fighters onhand are augmented by sq of American VolunteerGroup (AVG) fighters, which is flown in to Ming-aladon from AVG base in China. Air strength iseventually increased but not enough to alter ground

operations materially.MIDDLE EASTGen Auchinleck receives the first

of a number of notices that forces intended forMiddle East must be diverted to Far East to helpstem Japanese advance. First call i s for Br 18th andInd 17th Divs, 4 light bomber sqs, and AA and ATguns.

LIBYAEighth Army's 30 Corps moves toLibyan-Egyptian frontier to destroy isolated enemygarrisons and open communication lines. 13 Corpsbegins probing enemy's new line, which extendsfrom Gazala southward.

13 December

P.I.Enemy aircraft again attack Luzon,virtually completing destruction of U.S. Army andNavy planes in the Philippines. Del Carmen, Clark,and Nichols Fields are hit, as well as Baguio, Tarlac,Cabanatuan, and Batangas.

MALAYAKrohcol force concentrates in posi-tions 23 miles W of Kroh. Ind 11th Div beginswithdrawing from Kedah R toward Gurun, a morefavorable defense position in S Kedah some 30 miles

S of Jitra. Fighter support is increased as sq fromSingapore joins the few fighters based at Ipoh. Re-ports of Japanese convoy moving SSW from Saigonresult in period of sharply increased Br air rcn fromMalaya.

BORNEOSmall Miri detachment (Ind co andengineers), having destroyed oil fields and installa-tions in E Sarawak and W Brunei to deny them toenemy, sails for Kuching, capital of Sarawak, whererest of the Ind bn, with local and administrativeattachments, is disposed to defend airdrome. Dutchplanes based on Singkawang assist RAF units onMalaya in searching for Japanese shipping headingsouthward from Indochina.

CHINABritish withdraw from Kowloon underpressure as Japanese continue drive on Hong Kong.

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BURMAVictoria Pt, at S tip of Tenasserim, isevacuated by British.

LIBYA13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, opens attackon Rommel's Gazala line and meets firm resistance.Both sides suffer heavy losses.

14 DecemberP.I.Japanese Vigan and Aparri detachments

are placed under the same command and ordered,after the Aparri force joins the Vigan at Vigan, tomarch S to Lingayen Gulf. Adm Thomas C. Hart withdraws the few remaining patrol bombers ofPatrol Wing 10 and 3 tenders from the Philippines,leaving very little of the Asiatic Fleet to supportoperations. Maj Gen Lewis H. Brereton has alreadywithdrawn the heavy bombers of FEAF from Luzon

to Del Monte airfield, Mindanao.MALAYAOn W coast, Ind 11th Div completes withdrawal to Gurun; Japanese, in close pursuit,penetrate the new positions, night 1415. Krohcolforce is dissolved and its components, which areput under command of Ind 12th Brig, move toBaling area, about 9 miles W of Kroh. Ind 3 Corpssends small detachments to guard Grik road, whichis now uncovered. On E coast, Kelantan force con-tinues fighting withdrawal. Since airdromes onSingapore are becoming congested, preparations arebeing made to base air units in NEI.

15 DecemberP.I.Gen Brereton receives permission to with-

draw the few remaining B17's to Darwin (Aus-tralia). Air defense of the Philippines is left to afew fighters.

MALAYAInd 3 Corps remains under strongpressure on W coast. During night 1516, Ind 11thDiv begins withdrawal from Gurun positions toMuda R. Garrison of Penang I. fortress, oppositeButterworth, prepares to withdraw as RAF abandons

Butterworth airdrome.USSROn central front N of Moscow, RedArmy takes Klin, on rail line to Leningrad.

16 DecemberHAWAIIAll elements of U.S. TF 14, bearing

supplies, reinforcements, and aircraft for relief ofWake, rendezvous SW of Oahu and sail for Wake.

MALAYAInd 11th Div completes withdrawalbehind Muda R in Wellesley Province and defeatsenemy efforts to secure foothold on S bank. Ind 3Corps decides to withdraw Ind 11th Div behindKrian R. however, since it is greatly weakened bysustained fighting without benefit of tank and ade-quate air support. Fighting develops on Grik roadN of Grik, night 1617, as small detachment guard-

ing the road encounters main body of JapanesePatani force thrusting toward Kuala Kangsar ineffort to isolate Ind 11th Div on W coast. On Ecoast, Kelantan troops begin withdrawal by railas movement of supplies and equipment is com-

pleted. Penang I. fortress is evacuated as plannedduring night 1617.

BORNEOJapanese invade British Borneo, land-ing on N coast at Miri (Sarawak) and at Seria(Brunei).

CHINAU.S. War Department gives Brig GenJohn Magruder, head of American Military Missionto China (AMMISCA), permission to divert Chi-nese lend-lease to the British, provided Chineseagree.

LIBYAAxis forces begin withdrawal from Ga-zala line toward next delaying position, Agedabia.

Ind 4th Div of 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, whichhas been particularly hard pressed by enemy, pausesbriefly to reorganize before joining other elementsof corps in pursuit.

USSRContinuing firm pressure againstenemy in Moscow area, Soviet forces seize Kalinin,NW of Klin.

17 DecemberU.S.In command shake up, Adm Husband

E. Kimmel is replaced by Adm Chester W. Nimitz

as CinC, Pacific Fleet; Lt Gen Walter C. Short, CGHawaiian Department, is replaced by Lt Gen DelosC. Emmons; Maj Gen Frederick L. Martin, CG Air Force, Hawaiian Department, is replaced byBrig Gen Clarence L. Tinker.

MIDWAYMarine Scout Bombing Sq 231 com-pletes record flight from Hawaii to Midway, bol-stering U.S. positions there.

P.I.Japanese Legaspi force, advancing NW onLuzon along Route 1 toward Naga, makes its firstcontact with Filipino forces near Ragay. B17's be-gin withdrawal from Mindanao to Australia.

MALAYAHard fighting continues on Grikroad. Weak defense detachment is reinf but fallsback under pressure of superior enemy forces. Ind12th Brig Gp is ordered to Kuala Kangsar. GenPercival gives Ind 3 Corps permission to withdrawto Perak R line if necessary. Perak Flotilla is formedto prevent enemy from landing on W coast betweenKrian and Bernam Rivers.

AUSTRALIAPlan is drawn up for using Aus-tralia as an Allied supply base under command ofMaj Gen George H. Brett.

BORNEODutch planes begin 3-day series ofstrikes against Japanese shipping off British NorthBorneo.

USSRGermanArmy Group South opens offen-sive against Sevastopol defenses, in the Crimea, andis stubbornly opposed.

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18 DecemberP.I.Japanese Legaspi detachment reaches

Naga (Luzon).MALAYAInd 11th Div completes withdrawal

behind Krian R and is held in reserve in Taipingarea. Forces defending Grik road are further reinf.After visiting forward areas, Gen Percival draws upplans for withdrawal behind Perak R; decides toamalgamate certain units, among them Ind 6th and15th Brigs (to be designated Ind 6/15 Brig) andto incorporate Ind 12th Brig Gp in Ind 11th Div.

CHINAJapanese invade Hong Kong I., cross-ing straits from mainland.

19 DecemberP.I.On Luzon, Japanese Legaspi detachment

reaches Sipoco and is reported to be pushing towardDaet. On Mindanao, 2 enemy TF's from Palau,totaling about 5,000 men, arrive off Davao duringnight 19-20. Enemy planes discover and attack DelMonte airfield.

MALAYAEnemy is active against right flank ofKrian R line; on Grik road, frustrates efforts ofInd 3 Corps to recover lost ground. RAF fightersbased at lpoh are forced to withdraw to KualaLumpur. Ind 9th Div continues withdrawal south- ward in E Malaya and abandons Kuala Krai rail-head.

BURMAJapanese overrun Bokpyin, villagesome 100 miles N of Victoria Pt. Controversy,known as the Tulsa Incident, arises as a U.S. officerasks Government of Burma to impound lend-leasematerial at Rangoon (a valuable part of which isloaded on the SS Tulsa in the harbor), pending adecision on its use. At the suggestion of the seniorChinese representative in Burma, a committee issubsequently formed to determine the division ofstocks.

LIBYA13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, continues tofollow withdrawing enemy, Ind 4th Div advancingalong coast to Derna and 7th Armd Div acrossdesert.

GERMANYHitler takes personal command ofGerman Army, dismissing Field Marshal vonBrauchitsch.

20 DecemberU.S.Adm Ernest J. King is appointed CinC,

U.S. Fleet.WAKEPatrol bomber bringing news of relief

force en route to Wake arrives in Wake Lagoon.

P.I.In another preliminar y landing, Japaneseinvade Mindanao early in morning. Landing forcegoes ashore at and near Davao; after overcominglight opposition of about 2,000 Filipino troops, seizes

Davao and its airfield. On Luzon, Japanese detach-ment starts S from Vigan toward Lingayen Gulf.

MALAYAIndecisive fighting continues onKrian R front and along Grik road.

CHINACol Claire L. Chennault's AVG, based

at Kunming to protect SW China and patrol BurmaRoad, enters combat, successfully intercepting enemyplanes over Kunming. AVG is under control ofChinese Air Force.

21 DecemberWAKEJapanese carrier planes begin prein-

vasion bombardment of defenses, supplementingattacks by shore-based aircraft. The relief force(TF 14) is within 627 miles of the island.

P.I.3 convoys from Formosa and the Pes-

cadores, bearing main body of Japanese 14th Armyassault force, arrive in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon,night 2122. Filipino 11th Div makes contact withJapanese Vigan force at Bacnotan.

MALAYAInd 11th Div takes command of alltroops W of Perak R, including those on Grik road, who are still heavily engaged, and begins with-drawal behind Perak R.

22 DecemberWAKEJapanese carrier-based and land-based

planes continue strong softening attacks. Of the 2serviceable planes remaining on the island, 1 is lostin combat and the other is rendered useless when itcrash-lands. Personnel of VMF211 offer their ser v-ices as infantry. TF 14, the Wake relief force, isdelayed for refueling.

P.I.Japanese begin main landings along coastof Lingayen Gulf on Luzon before dawn. One as-sault force goes ashore near Bauang, another at Arin-gay, and a third near Agoo. Forces move forward atonce without serious opposit ion from 11th and 21stDivs (PA). 71st Inf of first Div (PA) and 26th Cav

(PS) move out to help halt enemy. The Bauang as-sault force seizes that town, effects junction withVigan force at San Fernando, La Union, and pushesinland toward Baguio, while the other forces over-run Rosario and face S toward Manila. U.S. sub-marines and a few aircraft att ack enemy armada inLingayen Gulf. 9 B17's from Batchelor Fie ld nearDarwin attack enemy shipping off Davao, Min-danao, and then land on Del Monte Field; duringnight 2223, 4 of the planes continue to LingayenGulf and attack transports. This is the first actionin the Philippines by Australian-based planes.

MALAYAAs Ind 11th Div continues with-drawal across Perak R, RAF begins regular rcn ofW coast to prevent enemy landings. Ind 9th Divcompletes planned withdrawal in E Malaya to posi-

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tions from which to defend Kuantan airdrome andprotect Ind 11th Div from att ack from E.

CHINAAt meeting of Allied leaders in Chung-king, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek offers Ch 5thand 6th Armies for defense of Burma. Gen Wavell

accepts Ch 6th Army's 93d Div, elements of whichare approaching border of Burma from China; regtof 49th Div is to be held in reserve on N Burmafrontier.

AUSTRALIAPensacola convoy reaches Brisbane,where Gen Barnes' TF South Pacific becomes U.S.Forces in Australia (USFIA). This is the first U.S.troop detachment to arrive in Australia.

23 DecemberWAKEJapanese naval force arrives off Wake

about 0200 and puts ashore about 1,500 personnel ofSpecial Naval Landing Force. Garrison holds out forabout ii hours before being overwhelmed. TF 14,the relief force, after reaching point a little more than400 miles from Wake, is recalled shortly before sur-render of the island and retires toward Midway, thelast American base remaining between Hawaii andthe Philippines.

P.I.On Luzon, General Douglas MacArthurdecides to evacuate Manila and withdraw to Bataanto make a delaying stand. During night 2324, en-emy invasion force of 7,000 men arrives in Lamon

Bay from the Ryukyus. Enemy invasion force sailsfrom Mindanao for Jolo I., Sulu Archipelago.

MALAYAInd 3 Corps completes withdrawal ofall W coast forces behind Perak R, night 2324.Japanese planes, which so far have concentrated onairfields, begin intensive action against forwardareas.

BORNEOJapanese convoy is detected headingtoward Kuching, Sarawak.

CHINAJapanese begin drive on Changsha,Hunan Province.

BURMAJapanese open series of strong air at-tacks on Rangoon, beginning batt le for airsupremacy that is to last until late February 1942.Exodus of civilian laborers hampers port operationsin Rangoon.

LIBYABecause of supply difficulties, which in-crease as pursuit progresses westward, elements of13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, are forced to remain inplace. However, Ind 4th Div seizes Barce, on coast,and forward elements Of 7th Armd Div force enemyto retire from Antelat to Agedabia.

24 DecemberST PIERREAND MIQUELON Is.These islands, off

Newfoundland, are seized by Free French.INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEAnglo-American

conference, called ARCADIA, opens in Washington toconsider war strategy. Prime Minister Winston S.Churchill, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, andBritish and U.S. Chiefs of Staff attend.

U.S.American engineers and military mem-

bers of Iranian, USSR, and North African missionssail for the Middle East from New York on Armytransport Siboney.

MIDWAYGarrison is reinf with 2 batteries of4th Defense Bn, which arrive from Hawaii.

P.I .On Luzon, Adm Hart releases 4thMarines, stationed at Olongapo, to defend beachesof Corregidor. Japanese Lamon Bay invasion force, which constitutes southern prong of pincers ap-plied against Manila, goes ashore early in morningat 3 pointsMauban, near Atimonan, and Slain.Main assault force, in center, secures Atimonan,

forcing defenders back toward Pagbilao. Maubanforce takes that town and pushes 5 miles W. FromSlain enemy advances in 2 columns, one SW to-ward Tayabas Bay and the other SE along Route 1toward the Legaspi detachment. Japanese on NLuzon consolidate beachhead and debouch on cen-tral plain to thrust sharply toward Agno R line. SanFabian and Binalonan fall, 26th Cav (PS) retiringfrom Binalonan across the Agno to Tayug. Planned withdrawal toward Bataan is begun in evening.USAFFE hq, except for rear echelon, and Presidentand High Commissioner of the Philippines sail to

Corregidor from Manila. Fort Stotsenburg is evacu-ated. Maj Gen Jonathan M. Wainwright's NorthLuzon Force, disposed generally along line TayugUrdanetaSan CarlosAquilar, from E to W, be-gins withdrawing toward Agno R line. South Lu-zon Force, command of which passes from GenParker to Brig Gen Albert M. Jones, is to withdrawnorthward into Bataan. Gen Parker moves toBataan to head Bataan Defense Force, organizedto prepare defensive positions.

SULU ARCHIPELAGOJapanese invade Jolo I. inevening against light resistance from the constabu-

lary.BORNEOJapanese convoy, despite attacks by

Br and Dutch planes and Dutch submarines, suc-ceeds in landing troops in Kuching area, Sarawak,early in morning. Garrison, having already destroyedKuching airdrome, requests permission to withdrawto Dutch Borneo and is told to delay enemy as longas possible before retiring. Dutch aircraft withdrawfrom Singkawang, Borneo, to Palembang, Sumatra.

MALAYAInd 11th Div, controlling all Ind 3Corps troops N of Slim and Bernam Rivers, is or-ganizing defense in depth astride main road withMLR in Kampar area and rear positions near SlimR. Commander AIF Malaya, Ma) Gen Gordon Ben-nett (CG Aus 8th Div), assigns responsibility for NJohore to Aus 27th Brig Gp, Aus 8th Div.

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AUSTRALIABrig Gen Henry B. Claggett takestemporary command of USFIA, pending arrival ofGen Brett from Chungking.

LIBYADetachment Of 7th Armd Div, 13Corps, Br Eighth Army, enters Benghazi and finds

that enemy has withdrawn.

25 DecemberINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEGeneral George

C. Marshall, U.S. Chief of Staff, proposes at theARCADIAConference in Washington that Far Easternforces be placed under a unified command.

MIDWAYGarrison is strengthened as MarineFighter Sq 221 flies in from USS Saratoga.

P.I.USAFFE hq opens on Corregidor. RearAdm F. W. Rockwell is put in charge of all naval

activities in the Philippines. North Luzon Forcereaches Agno R and prepares to hold there untilnight 2627. 71st Div (PA) withdraws from E f lankof line to reorganize. Japanese troops from Urdanetasucceed in crossing the Agno near Tayug, night2526. South Luzon Force begins northward with-drawal toward Bataan. Japanese, in close pursuit,seize Sampoloc and Pagbilao.

SULU ARCHIPELAGOJapanese complete con-quest of Jolo I, increasing threat to NEI.

BORNEOAfter brisk fighting in vicinity ofKuching airdrome, Sarawak, small Ind garrison

breaks contact with enemy and star ts on foot towardDutch Borneo.

CHINABr garrison of Hong Kong surrendersto Japanese. Many Allied ships are captured or sunkoff the island. At a Joint Military Council meetingto consider lend-lease transfers, Chinese representa-tive announces that the Generalissimo has decided,because of the seizure of the Tulsa's cargo, that hewill not co-operate with the British and will recallCh troops.

26 DecemberMIDWAYGarrison is increased by 4th Defense

Bn units and ground echelon of VMF211, who hadmade a futile attempt to relieve the Wake garrison.

P.I.Naval defense forces under Adm Rock- well move to Corregidor. Manila is declared anopen city. North Luzon Force, except for 194thTank Bn, falls back from the Agno to line SantaIgnaciaGuimbaSan Jose. South Luzon Force con-tinues to withdraw in 2 columns and organizesfirst line of defense of Sariaya.

MALAYAIpoh is evacuated by Ind 11th Divtroops, but Ind 12th Brig Gp fights rear-guard actionat Chemor, to N.

CHINATulsa Incident ends with conciliatorymeeting between Chiang Kai-shek and Gen Ma-

gruder during which it is agreed to send anAMMISCA officer to Rangoon.

MIDDLE EASTGen Auchinleck is notified that4 fighter sqs are to be transferred from Middle Eastto Far East; accedes to request for tanks.

NORWAYBr Commandos (Cdos) raid Ger-man bases on islands off Norway.

27 DecemberFAR EASTLt Gen Sir Henry Pownall relieves

Air Chief Marshal Brooke-Popham as Br CinC FarEast.

P.I.Luzon front is quiet as Japanese con-solidate along the Agno. North Luzon Force with-draws toward next delaying line, TarlacCabana-tuan, where it is to make maximum delaying effort.

On S Luzon, Japanese continue to pursue U.S. col-umns along Routes 23 and 1; on latter, Japanesebreak through main positions of 53d Inf and seizeCandelaria.

MALAYAInd 11th Div rear guards (12th and28th Brigs) begin withdrawal to defense positionsnear Kampar. In E Malaya, Japanese threat to Kuan-tan is increasing. Enemy forces near Trengganu-Pahang border are placed under arty fire.

BURMALt Gen T. J. Hutton replaces GenMacLeod as commander of Burma Army.

LIBYA7th Armd Div of 13 Corps, Br Eighth

Army, attacks Rommels Agedabia position, whichis well-suited by nature for defense, but makes noheadway.

NORWAYBr Commandos again raid enemybases on islands off Norway.

28 DecemberU.S.First contingent of construction battal-

ions ("Seabees") is authorized in Navy.P.I.Japanese begin drive from the Agno to-

ward Cabanatuan. In S Luzon, Japanese force 52dInf (PA) back to Tiaong. Gen Jones receives ordersto withdraw speedily to Bataan. 53d Inf (PA) movesto Bataan for rest and reorganization. Enemy seizesLuisiana, on Route 1, and 1st Inf (PA) withdrawswestward.

LIBYA13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, continuesassault on Agedabia with 22d Armd Brig of 7th Armd Div, whose tank strength by this time hasbeen greatly reduced because of mechanical failure.After futile effort to get behind enemy position, 22d Armd Brig falls back to El Haseiat. Both sidessuffer heavy tank losses.

29 DecemberP.I.On N Luzon, gist Div (PA) holds Ca-

banatuan against strong enemy thrust, but Japa-

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nese succeed in crossing Pampanga R near there.Another enemy force, heading for Tarlac in 21stDiv (PA) sector, reaches position just N of Tarlac. All elements of South Luzon Force withdrawquickly toward Bataan. Japanese planes attack Cor-

regidor for the first time. Medium and dive bombersdrop some 60 tons of bombs. Although woodenstructures suffer heavily, little damage is done tomilitary installations. AA fire from forts guardingManila Bay destroys a number of bombers. 4thMarines takes responsibility for beach defense.

MALAYAOn Ind 11th Div front, Ind 12thBrig holds firmly against strong enemy attack but,since its position is becoming untenable, falls backthrough Kampar to Bidor, where it is held inreserve.

BORNEO

Ind detachment from Kuching, Sar-awak, arrives at Sanggau, Dutch Borneo, and isplaced under Dutch command.

CHINAEstablishment of China Theater undersupreme command of Chiang Kai-shek, who is to beassisted by an Allied staff, is announced. Theateris to include portions of Thailand and Indochina infriendly hands.

BURMAFrom Bokpyin, Japanese withdrawunder pressure into Thailand.

30 December

U.S.Forces of Naval Coastal Frontiers areplaced under U.S. Fleet.

P.I.North Luzon Force is unable to holdenemy on line CabanatuanTarlac and begins with-drawal southward toward final defense positionsbefore Bataan. From Cabanatuan, gist Div (PA) withdraws along Route 5 through Gapan towardBaliuag, NE of Calumpit. Tank bns are ordered toPlaridel-Baliuag area to defend vital Calumpitbridge over Pampanga R, across which South LuzonForce must withdraw to reach San Fernando and

the road leading into Bataan, and 71st Div (PA)is dispatched to Baliuag. In center, 11th Div (PA)succeeds in delaying enemy column heading forTarlac from Cabanatuan, 21st Div (PA) falls backfrom Tarlac along Route 3 toward line Bamban- Arayat. South Luzon Force, ordered to delay en-emy, halts at Santiago, where ambush is arranged,but because of reverses of North Luzon Force isdirected in evening to continue withdrawal andcross Calumpit bridge not later than 0600 on 1 Janu-ary. 51st Inf ( ) and battery of 51st FA are dis-patched to assist in defense of Calumpit bridge. 2d

Philippine Constabulary (PC) covers withdrawalwhile main body moves toward Bataan. PresidentManuel Quezon is inaugurated on Corregidor.

MALAYAJapanese maintain pressure againstKampar position in W Malaya; on E coast threatenKuantan from N in greater strength. Kuantan de-fense force is in process of concentrating W of Kuan-tan R, which is crossed by a single ferry.

LIBYAAfter another costly and unsuccessfultank battle for Agedabia, during which 22d ArmdBrig is rendered ineffective as a fighting force, 13Corps of Br Eighth Army suspends assault pendingarrival of reinforcements. German tanks have provedsuperior both mechanically and in gun power.

USSRWhile German Army Group Southcontinues offensive against Sevastopol, Soviet Cau-casian troops make amphibious assault against ECrimea and seize Kerch and Feodosia. On centralfront, Germans continue to withdraw from Moscow

area under Red Army pressure.

31 December

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEARCADIA con-ferees order joint Australian-British-Dutch-Ameri-can (ABDA) Command to be established under GenWavell of the Briti sh Army.

P.I.Evacuation of Manila is completed as rearechelon of USAFFE hq leaves. North Luzon Forcecloses in final defense positions, Bamban-Arayat, be-fore San Fernando and Plaridel, E of Calumpit

bridge. On E f lank, 91st Div (PA) goes into reserveS of Baliuag, leaving 71st Div (PA) to delay enemybriefly at Baliuag; both divs then retire towardCalumpit bridge. Firm contact is made betweenNorth and South Luzon Forces in San Fernandoarea after latter crosses Calumpit bridge. Gen Jonesis placed in command of all forces E of Pampanga R.

MALAYAInd 11th Div now holds relativelywell-organized defense position in W Malaya, withInd 6/15 Brig disposed on MLR at Kampar andInd 28th Brig Gp to E. Japanese increase pressure

against 28th Brig Gp. On E coast, Kuantan defenseforce completes concentration W of Kuantan R anddestroys ferry.

CHINAJoint Military Council is formed inChungking.

AUSTRALIAGen Brett arrives from Chungkingto take command of USFIA.

LIBYAOn Libyan-Egyptian frontier, S African2d Div, assisted by 1st Army Tank Brig of 30 Corps,Br Eighth Army, attacks and penetrates Bardiafortress, on main road f rom Tobruk to Egypt.

USSRGermans on southern front break off

attacks on Sevastopol in order to counter Sovietthrusts from Kerch and Feodosia. On central front,Red Army troops seize Kaluga, SW of Moscow.

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1942

1 JanuaryU.S.Declaration of the United Nations is

signed by 26 nations in Washington, D. C.LUZONSouth Luzon Force, upon completing

withdrawal across the Pampanga at Calumpit by0500 and destroying bridges there at 0615, is dis-banded. Its components continue withdrawal to-ward Bataan, and Gen Jones rejoins 51st Div (PA). Japanese move through Plaridel to Calumpit but

are unable to cross the Pampanga. Covering force(elements of 71st and 91st PA Divs) withdrawsfrom river line toward San Fernando. Meanwhile,21st and 11th Divs (PA) continue fighting with-drawals, 91st along route BambanAngelesPoracand 11th on route MalagangSan FernandoGuagua(N of Sexmoan), arriving on line PoracGuaguaduring night 12.

MALAYAJapanese attack Kampar position inW Malaya in force but are unable to break through.Ind 11th Div is in grave danger as enemy amphibi-ous force lands in Utan Melentang area, at mouthof Bernam R, behind Kampar line. Ind 12th BrigGp moves from Bidor to meet this threat. Japaneseaircraft deliver first severe blow against Tengahairdrome on Singapore I.

CHINAChinese request lend-lease aid for con-struction of road across N Burma to link withBurma Road. The projected road would extendfrom Ledo, India, to Fort Hertz, Myitkyina, andLungling.

BURMAAir Vice Marshal D. F. Stevensontakes command of Allied air forces in Burma, re-

placing Gp Capt E. R. Manning, RAF.LIBYA30 Corps, Br Eighth Army, renews as-sault on Bardia after nightfall.

USSRRed Army continues broad offensivethroughout January with spectacular success in somesectors, but is unable to relieve besieged ports ofLeningrad and Sevastopol.

2 January

U.S.Lt Gen Hugh A. Drum, tentativelyselected for field command in China, arrives inWashington, D. C., where he confers with variousmilitary leaders and finds opinions as to role ofU.S. in China widely divergent.

LuzonDefenders complete successful with-drawal through San Fernando, final elements clear-

ing the town at 0200 and organize delaying posi-tions along 10-mile front from Porac to Guagua.Holding this line are 21st Div (PA) on W, its leftflank covered by 26th Cav (PS) at San Jose, S ofPorac, and 11th Div (PA) on E. Japanese attack Wflank in vicinity of Porac in afternoon and force21st Div to fall back. Meanwhile, Japanese E ofthe Pampanga succeed in crossing the river andmove to San Fernando, where they join with Jap-

anese from Angeles. Japanese occupation forcemoves into Manila. Japanese planes begin dailyattacks on Corregidor.

MALAYAJapanese force reaches Telok Anson via Perak R and goes ashore, greatly increasingthreat to Ind 3 Corps. 1st Independent Co and Ind3d Cav Sq defending this area are forced backthrough Ind 12th Brig Gp, which in turn comesunder severe pressure. Although enemy attacks onKampar position are still being contained, it is de-cided to withdraw to Slim R after nightfall becauseof precarious situation along coast. Japanese landing

attempt at Kuala Selangor is frustrated by arty firelate in day.

LIBYABardia garrison, under pressure of SAfrican 2d Div and 1st Army Tank Brig (30 Corps,Br Eighth Army), surrenders early in day.

3 January

ALLIED STRATEGYGen Wavell, as supremecommander of ABDA forces, is directed to holdMalay Barrier (line Malay PeninsulaSumatraJavaAustralia) and operate as far beyond the Barrier

as possible in order to check Japanese advance; holdBurma and Australia; restore communications withthe Philippines through NEI; maintain communi-cations within theater.

LuzonJapanese continue determined attackson W flank of Porac-Guagua line, where 21st Div(PA) succeeds in halting enemy below Pio; exertstrong pressure on E flank in vicinity of Guagua.

MALAYAInd 11th Div completes withdrawalto Slim R line. Because of threat to communicationsin W Malaya, Kuantan force on E coast, which hadpreviously been ordered to hold airdrome until toJanuary, begins fighting withdrawal at once. Newlyformed and poorly trained Ind 45th Brig, reinf,and an Ind Pioneer bn (a labor unit) arrive atSingapore and concentrate in S Malaya.

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BORNEOJapanese invade Labuan I., in BruneiBay, without opposition. From there, detachmentmoves to mainland at Mempakul, thence to Westonon foot, and from Weston to Beaufort by rail.

4 JanuaryLUZONContinuing strong attacks against E

flank of Porac-Guagua line, Japanese overrunGuagua and continue along Route 7 to Lubao,cutting planned line of retreat of 11th Div (PA).21st Div zone (W part of line) is relatively quiet.Withdrawal from line PoracGuagua begins undercover of darkness, 45, with 21st Div covering for11th. Some cut-off elements of 11th Div make cir-cuitous withdrawal through San Jose, while othersmove down Route 7 and form OPL between Lubao

and Santa Cruz.MALAYAInd 11th Div is under constant air

attacks as it prepares defensive positions along SlimR in W Malaya. Japanese force moves S along Wcoast to Selangor R, then E along the river, threaten-ing communications line at Rawang. To meet thisthreat, Ind 6/15 Brig Gp starts toward BatangBerjuntai.

NEW BRITAINJapanese begin air offensiveagainst Rabaul, strategic base in Bismarck Archi-pelago, garrisoned by 1,400 men (principally 2/22dBn of 8th Div, AIF; RAAF detachment; 100 men of

NGVR; and a few RAN officers). Located atRabaul are a fighter strip at Lakunai and a bomberstrip at Vunakanu.

CHINAChinese halt enemy drive in Changshaarea of Hunan Province.

5 January

LUZONU.S. and Filipino troops complete withdrawal to new line extending along base ofBataan Peninsula from Dinalupihan on W to Her-mosa on E. During night 56, withdrawal continues

through Layac Junction, the funnel through whichall roads into Bataan pass, final elements clearing itby 0200 after which the bridge is blown. Delayingposition, called Layac line, is formed S of LayacJunction and manned by 71st and 72d Regts of 71stDiv (PA), U.S. 31st Inf of Philippine Div, and 26thCav (PS). 31st Inf, the only completely U.S. regtin the Philippines, has not yet been in action. Rationof Bataan defense force and of garrisons of fortifiedislands in Manila Bay is cut in half. Bataan echelonof hq is established on Bataan under Brig GenRichard J. Marshall. Japanese continue daily air

attacks on Corregidor and occasional attacks onother targets in Manila Bay area.

MALAYACinC Eastern Fleet moves hq fromSingapore to Batavia, Java. Gen Percival, at con-

ference in Segamat, plans for withdrawal into Johore.On Slim R front, Ind 11th Div repels enemy attackdown railway.

AUSTRALIAGen Brett assumes duties as CG,U.S. Army Forces in Australia (USAFIA, previ-

ously USFIA).BURMAHq of Ind 17th Div is established at

Moulmein. Of 3 brigs that this div is to contain, onlyoneInd 16this in Burma.

MIDDLE EASTGen Auchinleck is given re-sponsibility for Iraq and Iran. Lt Gen E. P. Quinansforces in Iraq become Br Tenth Army, correspond-ing to Br Ninth Army under Gen Sir Henry Mait-land Wilson in Syria.

USSRRed Army lands reinforcements onCrimean coast near Eupatoria and Sudak in effortto break siege of Sevastopol naval base, but canmake little headway against firm German resistance.On central front S of Kaluga, Soviet forces holdBelev, W of Oka R. Action on northern front alongVolkhov R is indecisive.

6 January

LUZONAfter destructive arty exchanges inmorning, Japanese having the advantage of airspotting, enemy attacks the overextended delayingline S of Layac Junction in force and makes limitedpenetration; enters Dinalupihan without opposition.

Withdrawal of line begins during night 67. Japanese aerial bombardment of Corregidor endsexcept for nuisance raids. Enemy air attacks duringfirst week of 1942 have resulted in little damage tofortifications.

MALAYAOn Ind 11th Div front, Ind 6/15 BrigGp reaches Batang Berjuntai area and takes up de-fensive positions S of Selangor R. Kuantan forcecompletes withdrawal from E Malaya through Jeran-tut during night 67; continues W in Raub area.

CHINAHaving accepted nomination of ChiangKai-shek as Supreme Commander of an Allied ChinaTheater, Chinese ask that a senior U.S. officer besent to China to act as chief of the GeneralissimosAllied staff.

LIBYABr 1st Armd Div, which has recently ar-rived from U. K. and relieved 7th Armd Div of 13Corps, Br Eighth Army, reaches Antelat. Port atDerna opens to traffic.

7 January

LUZONSiege of Bataan begins as U.S. andFil ipino forces complete withdrawal from Layac line.

North Luzon Force becomes I Philippine Corps,containing about 22,500 men of 1st 31st, 71st, and91st Divs (all PA), 26th Cav (PS), miscellaneoustroops, and supporting weapons. Bataan Defense

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Force is renamed II Philippine Corps and consistsof about 25,000 men of 11th, 21st 41st, and 51stDivs (all PA), 57th Inf (PS) of Philippine Div, andsupporting weapons. Defense of Bataan as far S asMariveles Mts is divided about equally between the

2 corps, I Corps being responsible for W half andII Corps for E half. Service Command Area is lo-cated at S tip below Mariveles Mts and is the re-sponsibility of Brig Gen A. C. McBride; in this areaare 2d Div (PC)organized on this dateprovi-s ional infantry units formed from air corpsper sonnel, and provisional bn of Navy and Marinepersonnel. Defenses on Bataan are organized indepth: MLR extends from Mauban on W to Maba-tang on E, a distance of 20 miles; OPL is disposedbefore the MLR; and rear line of defense, mannedby USAFFE reserve (Philippine Div, less 57th Inf;

tank group; SPM group), is being formed.MALAYAJapanese, in strong tank-infantry as-

sault beginning before dawn, break through SlimR positions of Ind 11th Div and drive rapidly towardKuala Lumpur, reaching positions a miles S ofSlim village. Ind 3 Corps withdraws the Slim R linesouthward to Tanjong Malim, between village ofSlim and road junction at Kuala Kubu. This actiontemporarily leaves Ind 11th Div ineffective as afighting force. Gen Wavell arrives at Singapore.

BORNEOJapanese in Sarawak reach frontier

of Dutch West Borneo.LIBYA13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, patrols to Agedabia and finds that enemy has withdrawn.Convoy arrives safely at Benghazi. Because of roughseas, this port is not put into full operation.

8 January

U.S.War Department orders that only AirCorps, AA, and service troops be sent to Australia,where emphasis will be placed on rapid build upof air forces.

LuzonFront is quiet as Japanese regroup fordrive on Bataan and U.S. and Philippine forcesorganize defense positions.

MALAYAGen Wavell visits Malayan front,where preparations are being made for withdrawalof Ind 3 Corps into Johore.

BORNEOJapanese occupy Jesselton, BritishNorth Borneo.

9 January

LuzonJapanese open assault on Bataan at1500 From Dinalupihan-Hermosa area, 3 RCTswith arty support move forward, a against II Corpson E and I toward I Corps sector on W. None ofthe columns reaches the OPL. II Corps, defendingAbucay line (from Mabatang on Manila Bay to Mt

Natib) with 57th Inf (PS) on E, 41st Div (PA) incenter, and 51st Div (PA) on W, opens fire onenemy combat team driving down East Road andmakes patrol contact with it. To W, another Japa-nese column advances unmolested down trail from

Dinalupihan to vicinity of Album. In I Corps area,enemy column from Dinalupihan is slowed onlyby demolitions while moving W along Route 7toward Olongapo. Disposed along I Corps Maubanline (Mt Silanganan on E to Mauban on Subic Bay)are Co K of 1st Inf (PA); 31st FA bn of 31st Div(PA) organized as infantry; and 3d Inf of 1st Div(PA). Additional troops are maintaining OPL tofront.

MALAYAGen Percival issues instructions forwithdrawal of Ind 3 Corps into Johore, where finalstand before Singapore Naval Base is to be made.Corps begins withdrawal at once, executing demoli-tion program as it goes. Ind 11th Div and line ofcommunications troops are to delay enemy alongtwo lines: one covering Seremban and Port Dick-son, and the other covering Tampin and Malacca;Ind 9th Div is to clear Kuala Pilah and Tampin,respectively.

BORNEORAF planes from Malaya terminateaction over Borneo with rcn flight over Kuching.

CHINAAs consideration of the U.S. role inChina continues in Washington, Gen Marshall de-

cides to recommend against sending Gen Drum toChina because of the small effort that is currentlyto be made there.

10 January

LUZONGen MacArthur inspects Bataan de-fenses. Japanese make their first surrender demand,dropping it from the air. In II Corps area, Japaneseforce driving S along East Road splits, most of itmoving W; both forces reach OPL along Calagui-man R below Samal and exert strong pressure

against it. Enemy column pushing S in centralBataan is slowed by jungle terrain. In I Corps area,Japanese W assault force reaches Olongapo withoutopposition.

MALAYAInd 3 Corps abandons Port Swetten-ham and Kuala Lumpur while falling back to coverPort Dickson and Seremban area. Japanese planes,which since late December have been making nightattacks on airdromes on Singapore, begin daylightraids on the airdromes.

NEIGen Wavell, Supreme Commander of ABDA area, flies to Java, where he confers with

members of ABDA staff; establishes hq at Lembang,10 miles N of Bandoeng.

BURMACommander of Ind 17th Div arrivesin Burma to take charge of Tenasserim operations.

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11 JanuaryU.S.Plan to dispatch U.S. V Corps, reinf,

and air and supply forces to N Ireland (MAGNET) isapproved.

LUZONIn II Corps area, Japanese advancingdown E coast of Bataan drive back OPL of 57thInf (PS), cross Calaguiman R, and after nightfallbegin assault on MLR, forcing 57th Inf to fall backa little. Fighting continues throughout night 1112.Reserves are committed and 57th Inf counter-attacks, regaining most of lost ground by dawn of12th. To W, another enemy column shifts W insector of 41st Div (PA) and is contained by thatdiv. Advance elements of still another column,pushing slowly S in central Bataan toward 51st Div(PA), reach, Orani R by morning.

MALAYA

Lull develops in ground action as Ind3 Corps continues withdrawal into Johore, butenemy planes remain active and begin series ofstrikes against Muar.

NEIJapanese invade NEI at 2 points. Centralassault force, with air support from Jolo I., landsat rich oil center of Tarakan, off E coast of DutchBorneo, while E assault force from Davao, Min-danao, invades Celebes at Menado and Kema.Naval paratroop force is dropped on airfield justS of Menado. Allied planes are unable to halt enemy,and the small Dutch garrisons are quickly over-

whelmed. Japanese soon put Tarakan and Menadointo use as air bases from which to support op-erations to S.

LIBYA-EGYPTS African 2d Div of 30 Corps,Br Eighth Army, attacks Sollum, just across Egyp-tian border, and captures it early on 12th. 13 Corpspursues Rommels forces toward El Agheila, astrong natural position.

USSRSoviet forces continue to push west-ward on central front and cut NS RzhevBrvanskRR line.

12 JanuaryLUZONJapanese exert strong pressure against

II Corps, particularly on W, while taking up posi-tions for concerted assault. 51st Div (PA) is hardhit and gives ground, some of which is regainedafter reserves are committed. In center, Japanesepush back OPL of 41st Div (PA). On E coast,Japanese regain positions on S bank of CalaguimanR; to meet threat there, 21st Inf (PA) is releasedfrom reserve to assist 57th Inf (PS). In I Corps area,Japanese detachment moves by boat and seizes un-defended Grande I.

13 JanuaryLUZONOn E flank of II Corps, 21st Inf (PA)

counterattacks at 0600 after arty preparation and

reduces part of salient on left f lank of 57th Inf (PS).Japanese are thus prevented from launching plannedoffensive in that area, but make progress to Wagainst 51st Div (PA), forcing it back to MLR alongBalantay R. Enemy column driving S in central

Bataan, with task of turning corps left flank, is notyet in position for attack.

MALAYAGen Wavell again visits front andconfers with commanding officers. Withdrawal ofInd 3 Corps into Johore reaches final stage; allvehicles are being moved through Segamat. Convoywith badly needed reinforcements reaches Singaporeand unloads first echelon of Br 18th Div (53d BrigGp), AA units, and 50 Hurricane fighters withcrews.

BURMAJoint Military Council recommendsconstruction of Ledo and Imphal roads.

USSRRed Army has driven deep salient be-tween German 2d Pz and 4th Armies on centralfront SW of Kaluga; deepens it with capture ofKirov.

14 JanuaryINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCESAnglo-Ameri-

can ARCADIA Conference ends in Washington.Among major decisions reached are: agreement toestablish Combined Chiefs of Staff to direct British-American war effort; the main effort must be madefirst against Germany; occupation of French N

Africa (GYMNAST) is of strategic importance inAtlantic area.

U.S.As discussions are begun in Washingtonto consider who shall go to China instead of GenDrum, Gen Marshall proposes Maj Gen Joseph W.Stilwell, who is being considered for command ofGYMNAST.

LUZONIn II Corps area, strong Japanese pres-sure against W flank of 41st Div (PA) forces out-posts to retire across Balantay R. 51st Div (PA)withdraws to S bank of river to tie in with 41st.Japanese enveloping column continues slowly down

center of Bataan but is still N of MLR. In I Corpsarea, Japanese start S on W coast toward Moron in2 columns, one by sea and the other along trail fromOlongapo. Waterborne elements land about mid-way between Olongapo and Moron and continue Son foot. Gen Wainwright sends containing force toMoron.

MALAYAInd 3 Corps completes withdrawalinto Johore and assumes responsibility for S part ofJohore; assault elements (Aus 22d Brig of Aus 8thDiv) are designated East Force and disposed astrideMalaccaSegamat road. AIF Malaya (less Aus 22dBrig), responsible for NW Johore, is reinf by Ind9th Div and Ind 45th Brig and is designated WestForce. Aus 27th Brig and Ind 8th Brig Gps areastride main road and RR N of Segamat. Enemy is to

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be kept N of line MuarSegamatMersing, if pos-sible. Japanese overtake West and East Forces. Manycyclists are killed in ambush prepared near Gemasby elements of West Force. East Force patrols en-counter enemy from Kuantan in Endau area. On this

date and 15th, Dutch detachment of about 80 nativetroops with European officers flies from NEI toSingapore and concentrates in Labis area, N Johore,for guerrilla action against enemy communications.

USSRMoscow announces capture by RedArmy of Medyn, on central front NW of Kaluga.

15 JanuaryALASKAAlaskan Air Force is activated at Elm-

endorf Field under command of Lt Col Everett S.Davis.

LUZONIn II Corps area, Japanese, attackingvigorously at junction of 41st and 51st Divs (PA),gain foothold on S bank of the Balantay. 51st Divcommits reserves and service troops to no avail.Further reinforcements, Philippine Div (less 57thInf) from USAFFE reserve and 31st Div ( ) (PA)from I Corps, are sent forward. Japanese envelopingcolumn in central Bataan arrives in position toturn corps W flank and pauses to reorganize. Re-grouping is conducted to E as enemy threat therediminishes. In I Corps area, the 2 Japanese columnsdriving on Moron converge and push closer to

objective.MALAYAForward elements of Aus 27th Brig

Gp inf lict more casualties on enemy in Gemas areabefore pulling back to main position. On W coast, Japanese reach N bank of Muar R and land smallparty between Muar and Batu Pahat, threateningcommunications of West Force in Yong Peng area.Boundary between West Force and Ind 3 Corps isaltered to give this region, which Ind 45th Brig isdefending, to 3 Corps.

ABDA COMMANDHeaded by Gen Wavell, ABDA opens officially at Batavia, Java, at noon

GMT. Gen Wavell is replaced as CinC India byGen Sir Alan Hartley.

MIDDLE EASTU.S. War Department, learningof transfer of Iraq and Iran to Middle East Com-mand from India Command, cables the informa-tion to chiefs of U.S. Military North African Mis-sion and U.S. Military Iranian Mission.

16 January

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCESRepresentativesof 21 American Republics meet in Rio de Janeiro,Brazil, to provide for hemispheric solidarity againstattack.

LuzonIn II Corps area, 51st Div (PA) coun-terattacks to restore positions on corps W flank; after

making limited progress on right, is subjected tosevere pressure and falls back in confusion, W flankelements making futile attempt to gain contact withI Corps on rugged terrain of Mt. Natib. Entire lineon Bataan is jeopardized by enemy breakthrough in

this sector. Japanese encircling force, although inposition to turn W flank of corps, prepares insteadto advance down Abo-Abo R valley. To E, 41st Div(PA) refuses its left flank in effort to tie in with51st Div and, with assistance of elements of 23d and32d Regts and quickly formed prov bn, succeeds inhalting enemy. U.S. 31st Inf moves to vicinity ofAbucay Hacienda, on left flank of 41st Div, andprepares to counterattack; reserve force, 45th Inf(PS), also moves toward attack positions. I Corpsengages enemy for first time. Japanese cross BatalanR and attack Moron but are forced back to river line

by 1st Inf and elements of 26th Cav. Cavalrymen are withdrawn after engagement because of heavylosses.

MALAYAJapanese cross Muar R and force Ind45th Brig from Muar, on S bank; continue landingson W coast in Muar-Batu Pahat area, increasingthreat to communications. 53d Brig of Br 18th Divis released to Ind 3 Corps, which places it underInd 11th Div command; 2 bns are dispatched topositions W of Yong Peng and the third is held inreserve at Ayer Hitam. RAF, concentrated onSingapore I, prepares to withdraw to Sumatra.Singapore airdromes are still targets of daily enemyair attacks.

BURMA46th Brig, Ind 17th Div, arrives. Japanese attack and eventually outflank Imperialforces at Myitta, threatening Tavoy.

17 January

U.S.War Department appoints Gen Bretoncommander of tactical forces in ABDA area.

LuzonII Corps counterattacks to restore Wportion of line, formerly held by 51st Div (PA),

and makes limited progress. U.S. 31st Inf, movingN from Abucay Hacienda area, reaches Balantay Ron left but is unable to make much headway onright. Reserves move forward to plug gap betweenthe assault bns. Japanese encircling column beginsunopposed march down Abo-Abo R toward Orion.In I Corps area, Moron defenders fall back underenemy pressure to ridge S and SE of Moron.

MALAYAAdditional reinforcements are movedinto Muar-Yong Peng area as enemy continues at-tacks and build up. West Force withdraws bn fromSegamat, and East Force releases one from Jema-luang for operations in this area.

BORNEOJapanese force lands at Sandakan,British North Borneo.

LIBYA-EGYPT30 Corps, Br Eighth Army, re-

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ceives surrender of Halfaya garrison and takes manyprisoners. 1st Free French (FF) Brig Gp was tohave participated in attack on Halfaya, had the gar-rison not surrendered. With destruction of enemyin E Cyrenaica and reopening of communication

line from there into Egypt, first phase of Libyancampaign is successfully concluded. In W Cyrenaica,13 Corps reconnoiters enemys El Agheila position.

18 JanuaryLUZONII Corps renews efforts to restore W

flank positions. U.S. 31st Inf is still unable to gainBalantay R line on right and is under strong pres-sure along the river on left. Bn of 45th Inf (PS)reaches the Balantay to W of 31st Inf and is attachedto 31st Inf. 2 other bns of 45th Inf advance toward

the Balantay between 31st Inf and 41st Div (PA),but are halted short of objective. In I Corps area,Japanese increase pressure and force outposts to with-draw. Small enemy force is moving eastward un-opposed to outflank E portion of line.

MALAYAInd 45th Brig, reinf, repels furtherenemy attacks in Muar-Yong Peng area and destroysa number of tanks, but landing of strong Japaneseforce a few miles N of Batu Pahat increases dangerin this sector. In evening, Commander West Forceorders withdrawal. Entire Muar front is placedtemporarily under Ind 3 Corps command. During

night 1819, Ind 9th Div falls back behind Muar R,as does AUS 27th Brig Gp behind Segamat R.RAF bomber group withdraws from Singapore I. toSumatra.

USSROn southern front, Red Army makesdeep penetration near Izyum, on Donets R in theUkraine; gains ground E of Kursk.

19 JanuaryLUZONII Corps continues efforts to regain

positions along Balantay R on W flank , 45th Inf

( ) (PS) reaching river in region between 31st Inf(U.S.) and 41st Div (PA). 31st Inf, however, isunder increasingly strong pressure. Enemy columndriving down Abo-Abo R valley reaches positionsnear Guitol and is engaged by 31st Div and elementsof 21st Div (PA). I Corps restores OPL in counter-attack but is forced to abandon it after nightfall.Elements of 92d Inf (PA) are sent to block enemyinfiltrators from Mt Silanganan, on corps E flank.

MALAYABitter fighting continues in Muar- Yong Peng area. 53d Brig of Br 18th Div, undercommand of Ind 11th Div, takes responsibility forstrategic positions W of Yong Penga defile andbridgebut loses them. Muar force (Ind 45th Brigand 2 Aus bns), now isolated, is ordered to with-draw.

BORNEOBritish North Borneo is surrenderedto Japanese at Sandakan.

BURMAJapanese seize Tavoy and its airfield.Because of this, it is decided to withdraw Merguigarrison by sea to Rangoon at once, although Mergui

has not yet been attacked. Balance of Ch 93d Div(6th Army) is ordered to move into Burma.

MIDDLE EASTGen Auchinleck issues opera-tions instructions to Commander, British Troops inEgypt (BTE), and Commander, Eighth Army, re-stating that objective in Libya is Tripoli and outlin-ing plan for defensive stand in the event the Libyanoffensive cannot be continued.

USSRHeavy fighting continues on southernfront; Germans in the Crimea recapture Feodosia.

20 JanuaryLUZONJapanese contain repeated attacks byPhilippine Div (U.S- 31st and PS 45th Regts) on Wflank of II Corps while preparing for major assaultto begin on 22d. After further fighting before Guitol,Japanese retire northward. In I Corps area, Japanesemaintain pressure and continue infiltration into rightflank from Mt. Silanganan.

MALAYABr 53d Brig counterattacks W of Yong Peng but is unable to recover lost ground.Muar force begins difficult withdrawal toward YongPeng. Withdrawal of Segamat forces continues;

during night 2021, Aus 27th Brig Gp moves fromSegamat R line to Yong Peng; Ind 9th Div pullsback to defensive position to E.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGOMore than 100 Japa-nese carrier-based planes attack Rabaul, New Britain,causing serious damage. Kavieng, New Ireland, isalso attacked by air but in much less strength.

BURMAJapanese cross into Burma in forceand begin assault on N Tenasserim, attacking 16thBrig, Ind 17th Div, on MyawadiKawkareik road,near Thai border E of Moulmein, in conjunctionwith air attacks.

USSRMozhaisk, about 60 miles W of Mos-cow, falls to Soviet forces.

21 JanuaryLuzonIn II Corps area, Japanese continue

preparations for offensive, massing assault forces onextreme W flank of corps; contain further attemptsof Philippine Div to restore W flank positions. In ICorps area, small enemy force, having circled aboutE flank of corps, reaches West Road in area 4 milesE of Mauban and blocks it, cutting off 1st Div troopsalong MLR from forces to S. Forces that can bespared from other sectors attack the Japanese blockfrom N and S but are unable to reduce it.

MALAYAWithdrawal of defense forces from

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Muar and Segamat fronts continues. Commander ofWest Force is placed in charge of all troops on YongPeng-Muar road. Muar force is supplied by air. EastForce patrols ambush enemy force driving onMersing.

CELEBES SEAEnemy convoy is observed mov-ing S in Celebes Sea.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGOJapanese planes con-tinue preinvasion bombardment of Rabaul (NewBritain) and Kavieng (New Ireland). At Rabaul,the only coastal battery is destroyed.

NEW GUINEAJapanese begin air offensiveagainst New Guinea with 50-plane attack on Lae-Salamaua area.

CHINAChinese Government accepts proposalthat Gen Stilwell act as chief of the Generalissimos Allied staff and agrees to give him executive au-

thority over Allied units. Ch 49th Div (6th Army)is authorized to move into Burma.

LIBYAAxis forces, with strong air support,go on the offensive in W Cyrenaica, pushing rapidlyeastward in 3 columns astride main road. Br EighthArmys 13 Corps commander orders withdrawal toline AgedabiaEl Haseiat at once and a further re-treat if necessary; orders Ind 4th Div to check coastaladvance toward Benghazi.

22 January

LUZONGen MacArthur orders withdrawal ofentire MaubanAbucay line southward to final de-fense position on Bataan, behind PilarBagac road;withdrawal is to start after nightfall on 23d and becompleted by daylight of 26th. In II Corps area,Japanese open offensive that forces Philippine Divback to positions E and S of Abucay Hacienda,approximately those held at beginning of counter-offensive on 16 January. In I Corps area, elementsof 91st Div (PA), supported by Scouts of 26th Cavand tanks, attempt unsuccessfully to reduce road-block on West Road and to reach 1st Div troops still

fighting along MLR to N. Japanese begin series ofamphibious operations, night 2223, when bn em-barks in barges at Moron and sails toward CaiboboPt, below Bagac. U.S. PT boat encounters and sinks2 vessels.

MALAYASix-day battle on Muar front ends invictory for Japanese. Ind 45th Brig, despite close airand naval support during the operation, is destroyedas a fighting body. Muar force destroys its vehiclesand weapons and pushes toward Yong Peng byinfiltration, leaving wounded behind. Batu Pahatdefense force (detachment of Ind 11th Div) skir-mishes with enemy on Batu PahatAyer Hitam road.Ind 8th Brig Gp, 9th Div, having withdrawn fromSegamat sector to positions astride main road be-tween Labis and Yong Peng, is attacked by enemy.

East Force repels enemy attempt to cross river atMersing. Partly trained Ind 44th Brig, reinf, and7,000 Ind reinforcements arrive at Singapore.

MAKASSAR STRAITU.S. submarine attacksenemy convoy.

BURMAInd 16th Brig breaks off action inKawkareik area and falls back toward Moulmein.

LIBYAContinuing swiftly eastward, Axisforces occupy Agedabia.

23 January

U.S.Gen Stilwell, in Washington, acceptsChina assignment and takes over part of staff pre-viously selected by Gen Drum.

LuzonPhilippine Div, on II Corps W flank,withstands increasingly heavy pressure. After night-fall, II Corps begins withdrawal to final defenseline. In I Corps area, Japanese maintain heavy pres-sure against Mauban MLR and frustrate furtherattempts to reduce roadblock on West Road. InService Command Area, enemy amphibious forceheading for Caibobo Pt, having lost its way duringnight, arrives at 2 points on SW coast, both wellS of objective. About a third land at LongoskawayanPt; the rest land at Quinauan Pt. Gen McBride, re-sponsible for defense of S tip of Bataan except fornaval reservation near Mariveles, sends Philippine

Constabulary elements to Quinauan Pt, but theymake little headway. Comdr Francis J. Bridget, com-manding naval reservation, dispatches sailors andmarines to Longoskawayan Pt; these, reinf by per-sonnel of U.S. 301st Chemical Co and a howitzerfrom the Constabulary, clear Pucot Hill, but enemyreturns after nightfall.

MALAYARear guards from Segamat and Muarfronts complete withdrawal through Yong Peng atmidnight, 2324; West Force then comes undercommand of Ind 3 Corps, which is to defend central Johore and thereby protect Singapore naval base

until reinforcements arrive. Japanese are to be keptN of line Batu PahatAyer HitamKluangJema-luang, if possible. Fighting continues in Batu Pahatarea, and road from there to Ayer Hitam is closed.Japanese intensify air attacks.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGOJapanese Fourth Fleetlands troops at Rabaul (New Britain) and Kavieng(New Ireland). Small Aus garrison of the importantRabaul base is soon overwhelmed. Kavieng is unde-fended. Japanese are now within easy striking dis-tance of New Guinea.

SOLOMON IS.Elements of Japanese Fourth Fleetinvade Kieta (Bougainville) without opposition.

NEIJapanese invasion forces move S in 2convoys, one through Makassar Strait to Balikpapan(Borneo) and the other through Molucca Passage

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to Kendari (Celebes). Unopposed landings aremade at both places, but convoy off Balikpapan isattacked by Dutch planes. On Sumatra, RAF rein-forcements from Middle East begin arriving atPalembang, where one of the 2 airdromes is attacked

for first time by enemy planes.BURMAJapanese planes begin period of in-

tensified attacks on Rangoon area in effort to de-stroy Allied aircraft in Burma.

LIBYAAxis troops take Antelat and Saunnudespite opposition of 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army.

USSRThrusting strongly SW from ValdaiHills, NW of Moscow, Red Army seizes Cholm,German center of resistance near boundary ofCen-ter and Northern Army Groups. To SE, Rzhev, an-other enemy center of resistance, is being en-circled.

24 JanuaryLUZONII Corps begins disengaging and with-

drawing combat troops. Japanese maintain intensepressure on Philippine Div and attack coveringforce, but bulk of troops withdraw successfully.Situation in I Corps area deteriorates rapidly. 1stDiv, exhausted by prolonged fighting along MLRand critically in need of supplies and ammunition,remains under pressure. Additional strength isapplied against Japanese roadblock on West Roadwithout avail. In Service Command Area Japa-nese cannot be ousted from Quinauan and Long-oskawayan Pts. Sailors and marines succeed, how-ever, in regaining Pucot Hill and driving enemyback to Longoskawayan and Lapiay Pts.

MALAYAOutline plan for withdrawal to Sing-apore is issued. Hard fighting continues at BatuPahat. Japanese are approaching Kluang, in Ind 9thDiv sector. Additional units (Aus MG bn and about2,000 Aus reinforcements, many of whom are poorlytrained) arrive at Singapore.

MAKASSAR STRAITBattle of Makassar Strait,first big naval battle of the war, occurs early inmorning when 4 U.S. DDs strike at enemy shippingoff Balikpapan, Borneo, with good effect.

NEIThe first of a small group of U.S. P40sreaches Java from Australia.

NEW GUINEAAllied forces evacuate Lae andSalamaua, which are threatened by Japanese.

AUSTRALIACombined Chiefs of Staff orderDarwin area incorporated into ABDA Command.

BURMARear elements of Mergui garrison ar-rive at Rangoon. Moulmein is now threatened.

LIBYABr Eighth Armys 13 Corps preparesto counterattack or, if enemy cannot be contained,to fall back on line DernaMechili as Axis offensivehalts briefly.

USSRSoviet forces on Donets front in theUkraine break through enemy positions in Izyum

area and capture Barvenkova, about 40 miles E ofLozovaya; in Valdai Hills sector to N, deepen salientbetween Cholm and Rzhev to vicinity of VelikieLuki, where Germans are firmly established.

25 JanuaryMIDWAYShelled by Japanese submarine.LUZONResponsibility for defense of beach

area of S Bataan passes from Gen McBride of Serv-ice Command Area to commanders of I and IICorps. II Corps continues withdrawal under airattack and with Japanese in full pursuit. I Corpsabandons Mauban MLR. Withdrawal of 1st Divsouthward begins during morning and continuesthrough night 2526. Diverting enemy attention,other elements of I Corps press in on roadblock on

West Road from the W. In South Sector, opera-tions against Japanese at Quinauan and Longo-skawayan Pts remain indecisive.

THAILANDDeclares war on U.S.MALAYASince Batu Pahat must be abandoned

at once, Gen Percival orders entire line in central Johore withdrawn. Ind 3 Corps is responsible forwithdrawal operation, which begins after nightfall.Meanwhile, Batu Pahat defense force fights losingbattle for that town throughout day. Ind 11th Divcommander sends Br 53d Brig Gp to relief of BatuPahat defense force, but most of the column is

unable to get through. To E, enemy attacks in AyerHitam-Kluang area are beaten off.

BURMAGen Wavell, visiting Rangoon, ordersMoulmein held. 16th Brig, Ind 17th Div, is disposedW of Salween R, opposite Moulmein. Ind 46th Brigis ordered to Bilin area. Lull ensues as Japanesebring up reinforcements to vicinity of Paan andMoulmein, on Salween R.

LIBYASpeeding eastward again, Rommellsforces seize Msus. Weakened 1st Armd Div of 13Corps, Br Eighth Army, is ordered to fall back onMechili, leaving detachment to protect withdrawalof Ind 4th Div from Benghazi and Barce. Gen Auchinleck visits Eighth Army hq, where he re-mains until 1 February. Gen Ritchie revokes orderfor general withdrawal of 13 Corps and orders Ind4th Div, over which he takes direct control, and1st Armd Div to counterattack in Msus area.

26 JanuaryLUZONPhilippine II and I Corps complete

withdrawal to final defense line on Bataan inmorning, closely followed by Japanese. The new

line, which is to be continuous for the first time,extends from Orion on E to Bagac on W and is gen-erally behind PilarBagac road. Gaps develop in eachcorps sector when USAFFE withdraws Philippine

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Div as its reserve. Units are hastily shifted to replace31st (U.S.) and 57th (PS) Regts in II Corps lineand 45th Inf (PS) in I Corps line. II Corps, re-sponsible for E Bataan from coast to Pantingan R,organizes its line into 4 sectors, from E to W: Sector

A, 31st Inf of 31st Div (PA); Sector B, Prov AirCorps Regt; Sector C, elements of 31st Div (PA)and remnants of 51st Div (PA); Sector D, 41st and21st Divs (PA) and 33d Inf, less 1st Bn, of 31stDiv (PA). In addition, beach defense forces are or-ganized as Sector E. 1st Bn of 33d Inf, 31st Div(PA), and regt of PA combat engineers constitutecorps reserve. Japanese patrol along E slopes of MtSamat almost to MLR but do not discover gap inline, which exists for several hours. I Corps line, ex-tending from Pantingan R to W coast, is dividedinto Right and Left Sectors: Right Sector is manned

by 2d PC Regt (less one bn) on E and 11th Div(PA) on W; disposed in Left Sector are elementsof 1st Div (PA) on E and 91st (PA) on W. Beachdefense forces make up South Sector. 26th Cav(PS) is held in corps reserve. Japanese open offen-sive, driving S along West Road toward BinuanganR. 91st Div (PA) contains these attacks. In SouthSector, Japanese maintain beachheads at Quinauanand Longoskawayan Pts and move reinforcementstoward former. USAFFE sends 88th FA (PS) to Wcoast from II Corps sector, one of its gun batteriesto Quinauan Pt and another to Longoskawayan Pt.

MALAYAJapanese amphibious force lands in EMalaya at Endau and moves rapidly inland. Somedamage is done to the convoy by RAF planes as itapproaches Endau and by naval vessels after it hasanchored, but British lose HMS Thanet in the action.Ind 11th Div makes another unsuccessful attempt torelieve Batu Pahat force, which withdraws by infil-tration, leaving wounded behind.

NORTHERN IR EL AN DFirst convoy of U.S.troops arrives.

27 JanuaryLUZONIn II Corps area, Japanese begin as-

sault against MLR in afternoon. After feint downEast Road, main attack is made against Sectors Cand D. Sector C is thinly manned and in the processof being reinf by 41st Inf from Sector D. Japaneseforce the outposts back and get small advance groupacross Pilar R. In I Corps area, enemy renews effortsto break through MLR on W coast and is againbrought to a halt by 91st Div (PA). In South Sec-tor, Gen Wainwright sends 3d Bn of 45th Inf toQuinauan Pt and 2d Bn of 57th Inf to Longoska- wayan Pt to dislodge or destroy enemy along SWcoast. Meanwhile, after preparatory fire from allavailable guns is conducted against LongoskawayanPt, infantry attacks but is unable to clear it. Scouts of2d Bn, 57th Inf, relieve naval bn there during night

2728. Japanese are contained but cannot be clearedfrom Quinauan Pt. Water-borne reinforcements forthis position land short of objective, between Anya-san and Silaiim Rivers, before dawn and put beachdefenders, 1st Bn of 1st Philippine Constabulary, to

flight. 17th Pursuit Sq, from reserve, and 2d Bn of2d Philippine Constabulary, from MLR to N, moveagainst Japanese but are halted about 1,000 yardsfrom shore. Japanese are ordered, upon reinforcingQuinauan beachhead, to drive to Mariveles.

MALAYAGen Percival, receiving permissionfrom Gen Wavell to retire to Singapore at his discre-tion, decides to withdraw at once through JohoreBahru and across causeway to Singapore. With-drawal is to be accomplished under cover of dark-ness and completed during night 3031. East Forcemeets no opposition as it pulls back. While elements

of Ind 11th Divs Batu Pahat force fall back to Benut,the rest move to Ponggor R mouth, from which theyare withdrawn by sea during the following nights.West Force fights local actions while retiring alongmain road and RR.

NEISingkawang II airfield, Borneo, underenemy attack, is ordered evacuated.

AUSTRALIAGen Barnes assumes command ofbase facilities in Australia.

LIBYAAs 13 Corps, Br Eighth Army, preparesto counterattack in Msus area, enemy renews offen-sive, making main effort toward Benghazi whilemoving strong diversionary column toward Mechili.

USSROn Donets front, Soviet forces seize im-portant rail center of Lozovaya, W of Izyum.

28 JanuaryINTERNATIONAL CONFERENCESRio Conference

of American republics ends.U.S.Eighth Air Force is activated at Savan-

nah, Georgia, under Brig Gen Asa N. Duncan.LUZONIn II Corps area, 41st Inf completes

movement into Sector C line, taking up positions

between 31st and 51st Div elements. Japanese renewattack against corps in evening: some cross TiawirR in front of Sector D, where they are halted;others attempt to move forward in Sector C with-out success. From W coast, in I Corps area, Japanesemove eastward along corps MLR to 1st Div sector,where defense preparations are not yet completed;during night 2829, Japanese breach MLR thereand pour southward through gap. As the enemyforce becomes divided in dense jungle, two pockets,called Little Pocket and Big Pocket, are formed,Little Pocket about 400 yards below MLR and BigPocket nearly a mile behind MLR. In South Sector,Scouts of 2d Bn, 57th Inf, attack LongoskawayanPt and advance two thirds of its length before artysupport is obstructed by Pucot Hill. 3d Bn of 45th

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Inf (PS) attacks enemy beachhead at QuinauanPt, but jungle terrain and enemy make progressslow and costly. At night 3d Bn is reinf by Co B of57th Inf. In Anyasan-Silaiim sector, 17th PursuitSq and Philippine Constabulary elements push al-

most to coast of Anyasan Bay, but Constabulary,fearing counterattack, withdraws in confusion afterdark.

MALAYAEast Force continues unopposedwithdrawal toward Singapore. Japanese reach Benutand continue southward behind Ind 11th Div. Gapdevelops between the two brigs of Ind 9th Divwithdrawing along RR; 22d Brig becomes isolatedfrom main body.

LIBYAInd 4th Div is authorized to withdrawfrom Benghazi since armored elements of 13 Corps,Br Eighth Army, are too busily engaged to assist it.

Ind 7th Brig, the last to withdraw, finds its line ofretreat blocked but breaks out to S and eventuallymakes its way back to Eighth Army.

29 JanuaryU.S.Combined Chiefs of Staff establish

ANZAC Area, covering ocean expanses betweenAustralia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Thisarea is to be under U.S. naval command.

FIJI IS.U.S. troops arrive in islands.LuzonII Corps withstands further efforts of

Japanese to breach MLR. In r Corps area, troops of1st and 11th Divs operate against Little and BigPockets, respectively, in effort to determine theirstrength and disposition, and evoke sharp opposi-tion. Scouts of 1st Bn, 45th Inf,, prepare to assist11th Div in attack on Big Pocket. In South Sector,after half-hour arty preparation augmented by fireof mine sweeper offshore, ad Bn of 57th Inf (PS)attacks and clears Longoskawayan Pt; enemy rem-nants are being mopped up. 3d Bn of 45th Inf (PS)continues to make slow and costly progress atQuinauan Pt. In Anyasan-Silaiim sector, Scouts of

2d Bn, 45th Inf, prepare for attack and are reinf by1st Bn of Philippine Constabulary and 1st Bn of12th Inf (PA), both of these having been relievedat Quinauan Pt. Co A of 57th Inf is to guard WestRoad.

MALAYAWithdrawal toward Singapore con-tinues. Additional elements of Br 18th Div arriveat Singapore; also, a sq of obsolete light tanks arrivesfrom India, the only tanks to reach Malaya.

NEIJapanese occupy Pontianak, on W coastof Dutch Borneo.

IRA NGreat Britain and Soviet Union signtreaty of alliance with Iran, wherein Iran agrees toremain neutral; Britain and USSR promise to with-draw their troops from Iranian territory 6 monthsafter hostilities with Axis cease. (Persian Corridor

is to become principal route for movement ofsupplies to USSR.)

LIBYAAxis main forces remain in Msus area,but elements pursue Ind 4th Div of Br Eighth Armyas it falls back slowly toward Derna line.

USSROn central front, Red Army continuesto deepen salient SW of Kaluga and reports captureof Sukhinichi.

30 JanuaryP.IGen MacArthur takes control of all

naval forces in the Philippines.LuzonIn Sector C of II Corps, efforts to dis-

lodge enemy from Pilar R bridgehead fail. Inde-cisive fighting continues along MLR. I Corps makesslow progress against enemy pockets behind MLR. While 1st Div attempts to reduce Little Pocket,elements of 11th and 45th Regts attack Big Pocketfrom N and S, respectively. In South Sector, 3d Bnof 45th Inf, reinf, continues to attack Quinauan Ptbeachhead. 2d Bn of same regt, reinf, supported by88th FA battery, pushes slowly toward Silaiim Rmouth.

MALAYABritish withdrawal to Singaporereaches its final stage. East Force is the first unitto cross causeway and is followed by Ind 11th Divand West Force. West Force delays withdrawal aslong as possible in futile effort to recover 22d Brig

of Ind 9th Div. Remnants of this brig are eventuallyferried across Strait of Singapore. It is decided to withdraw Malaya Air Force to NEI except for asingle squadron.

NEIJapanese invade Ambon (Amboina),second largest naval base in NEI, and are opposedby garrison of Dutch and Australians. Allied airand naval forces have already been withdrawn be-cause of enemy air attacks.

BU R MAJapanese open strong attack onMoulmein and seize the airdrome.

31 JanuaryU.S.Gen Stilwell, in memo to Gen Marshall,estimates his needs for China assignment and re-quests that his staf f and any forces that may joinit be called a task force. War Department subse-quently approves designation of Stilwells forces asU.S. Task Force in China.

LUZONAfter air and arty preparation, Japa-nese begin attack on II Corps in evening but arehalted by corps fire. Enemy regt concealed in bridge-head across Pilar R begins withdrawing under coverof darkness. I Corps continues battle against enemy

pockets in sectors of 1st and 11th Divs. The pocketsare now cut off from supply. In South Sector, oper-ations against enemy beachhead at Quinauan Ptcontinue with little change in positions. Japanese

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reinforcements are ordered to the area. 192d TankBn (less one co) is sent to W coast to help reduceQuinauan Pt beachhead.

MALAYAMalaya defense force completes with-drawal to Singapore Island at 0815 and blows cause-

way. For defense purposes, Singapore is dividedinto 3 sectors. Ind 3 Corps, under command of GenHeath, consisting of Ind 11th and Br 8th Divs andcorps troops, is responsible for N area. S Area, whichincludes Singapore town, is the responsibility ofMaj Gen F. Keith Simmons, commander of Singa-pore Fortress troops, who has under his commandin addition to fixed defenses, 1st and 2d MalayanBrigs and Strait Settlements Volunteer Force. W Area, under command of Gen Bennett, Com-mander AIF, is manned by Australians and Ind44th Brig, with attachments. Activity from this time

until Japanese invasion is confined to arty exchanges,air attacks, and patrolling. Chief targets for enemyplanes are docks and Kalang airdrome.

BURMAMoulmein garrison withdraws acrossthe Salween to Martaban. 48th Brig of Ind 19th Divarrives in Rangoon and is held in reserve. Anotherbrief lull ensues in ground action as Japanese pre-pare for further attacks, infiltrating across the Sal-ween and bombing and shelling Martaban.

ETHIOPIAGreat Britain recognizes indepen-dence of Ethiopia.

IRANMaj Gen John N. Greely, head of U.S.

Military Mission to USSR, which is to advise andassist Russians on lend-lease matters, arrives at Basra,Iraq; from there proceeds to Tehran, Iran, where heestablishes his hq.

[ 13 FEBRUARY 1942 ]

1 FebruaryGILBERT AND MARSHALL Is.Units of U.S.

Pacific Fleet make surprise air and naval attackson Japanese air and naval bases at Roi, Kwajalein, Wotje, Taroa, and Jaluit Islands in the Marshallgroup and Makin in the Gilbert group, severelydamaging enemy shipping and aircraft facilities.

LUZONII Corps prepares to attack in Sector Cto clear enemy bridge