World War II in real time

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World War II real time

lordroel
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World War II in real time Jan 11, 2021 3:49:24 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 11, 2021 3:49:24 GMT

Day 864 of World War II, January 11th 1942

Eastern Front

Soviet 39th Army continues advancing West and South around Rhzev, capturing large German supply dumps at Sychevka. Konev sends 11th Cavalry Corps charging on horseback through this gap in German 9th Army defenses, hoping to achieve a rapid encirclement of Rhzev.

Battle of the Atlantic

Unternehmen Paukenschlag ("roll of the kettledrums" ) descends upon the eastern seaboard of the U.S. like a "bolt from the blue." The first group of five German submarines takes up station off the east coast of the United States on this date. Over the next month, these boats (U-66, U-109, U-123, U-125 and U-130) will sink 26 Allied ships; the presence of the enemy off the eastern seaboard takes U.S. Navy antisubmarine forces by surprise. The first ship, the British freighter SS 'Cyclops', is sunk by 'U-123' 300 miles (483 kilometers) east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Battle of the Mediterranean

30 miles North of Tobruk, Libya, a British Swordfish aircraft (815 Squadron) damages U-577 with depth charges.

Western Desert Campaign

The South African 2nd Division of 30 Corps, British Eighth Army, attacks Sollum, just across the Egyptian border, and captures it early on 12 January. 13 Corps pursues Rommel's forces toward El Agheila, a strong natural position.

United States

The plan to dispatch the U.S. V Corps, reinforced, and air and supply forces to Northern Ireland (Operation MAGNET) is approved.

Pacific War

JAPAN

Japan declares war on the Netherlands. They did recognize and treat the Netherlands East Indies (NEI) Government as a separate entity of the Dutch government in exile. The NEI Government operated on its own apparently for the most part independent of the government in London. The NEI Government declared war on Japan on 8 Dec 41. After the fall of the NEI, the government in London formed a consultive board on the NEI on 17 June 42 By Royal Decree the NEI Government in exile was established on Ceylon on September 19, 1942.

MALAYA

A lull develops in the ground action as the Indian 3 Corps continues their withdrawal into Lahore, but enemy planes remain active and begin series of strikes against Muar. The Japanese 5th Infantry Division rumbles into Malaya's capital Kuala Lumpur at 2000 hours local. They find the fuel supplies have been set ablaze, but the quantity of supplies and equipment captured is immense. Japanese soldiers try out rare delicacies like corned beef and Johnny Walker Red.

Photo: Japanese troops mopping up in Kuala Lumpur during their advance through Malaya

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

The Japanese invade at 2 points. The central assault force spotted by the Dutch yesterday, consisting of the 56th Regimental Group and the 2nd Kure Special Naval Landing Force (SNLF) with air support from Jolo Island in the Philippines, lands at rich oil Tarakan Island at 0000 hours. The eastern assault force from Davao, Mindanao, consisting of the Sasebo Combined SNLF and the 1st Yokosuka SNLF, invades Celebes Island at Menado and Kema at approximately 0300 hours.

Photo: Japanese Troops guarding Tarakan after capturing the Island

A Japanese Naval paratroop force of 334 men is dropped on the airfield just south of Menado and suffers heavy casualties (30 dead and 90 injured). Allied planes are unable to halt the Japanese, and the small Dutch garrisons are quickly overwhelmed. The Japanese soon put Tarakan and Menado into use as air bases from which to support operations to south.

Photo: Japanese Paratroopers Dropping Over Langoan Airfield, Manado, 1942

Seven USAAF Far East Air Force B-17 Flying Fortresses based at Singosari Airdrome, Java, are dispatched to attack the Japanese landing forces on Tarakan Island. Four abort due to mechanical problems and the other three abort due to poor weather over the target.

USN Patrol Squadron Twenty Two (VP-22), with PBY-5 Catalinas, joins Patrol Wing Ten (PatWing-10) at Ambon Island, the first aviation reinforcements from the Central Pacific to reach southwest Pacific Forces opposing the Japanese advance through the Netherlands East Indies. (PatWing-10 had been based at Cavite, Philippine Islands on 8 December 1941.) Unfortunately, the PBY-5 aircraft they received in Hawaii were the early models without self-sealing fuel tanks and armor. PatWing-10 later received five newer model PBY-5 Catalinas from the Dutch in Java. All of the rest of the PatWingís original aircraft were the older PBY-4 models. Almost immediately after arrival several of the VP-22 Catalinas were caught at anchor at Ambon and destroyed.

PACIFIC

While sailing for a rendezvous with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6), 500 miles (805 kilometers) southwest of Hawaii, the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3) is torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-6. Although six men are killed and three firerooms are flooded, the carrier returns to Oahu under her own power.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

In the II Corps area on Bataan, the Japanese advancing down the east coast of Bataan drive back the outpost line of the 57th Infantry, Philippine Scouts, cross the Calaguiman River, and after nightfall begin an assault on the main line of resistance, forcing the 57th Infantry to fall back a little. Fighting continues throughout night of 11/12 January. Reserves are committed and the 57th Infantry counterattacks, regaining most of lost ground by dawn of 12th. To the west, another enemy column shifts west in the sector of 41st Division, Philippine Army (PA), and is contained by that division. Advance elements of still another column, pushing slowly south in central Bataan toward the 51st Division (PA), reach the Orani River by morning.

SAMOA

Naval Station Pago Pago, Samoa, is shelled by a Japanese submarine.

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World War II in real time Jan 12, 2021 3:47:34 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 2 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 12, 2021 3:47:34 GMT

Day 865 of World War II, January 12th 1942

Eastern Front

Field Marshal von Reichenau, commander of German 6th Army, collapses from a stroke after his morning run in the bitter cold at Poltava, Ukraine. He is flown to Germany for treatment but dies when his plane crash lands on a refueling stop at Lemberg, Ukraine. von Reichenau’s Chief of Staff, General Friedrich Paulus, is promoted to take over 6th Army despite being a career staff officer with no previous command experience.

Battle of the Atlantic

Adolf Hitler orders plans are to be made for the battle cruisers 'Gneisenau' and 'Scharnhorst' to sail from Brest, France, to Norway.

U-boat war on American coastal shipping (Operation Drumbeat) claims its first victim. At 1.49 AM off Nova Scotia, U-123 sinks British SS Cyclops (40 crew, 46 passengers and 1 gunner killed; 56 crew, 33 passengers and 6 gunners rescued by Canadian minesweeper HMCS Red Deer). 5 U-boats are already patrolling off US East coast and another 10 are on their way across the Atlantic.

Photo: U-123 readying its deck gun, January/February 1942

Western Desert Campaign - Operation Crusader

South African 1st Division attacks German and Italian garrison at Sollum, Egypt, which surrenders quickly after being isolated since November 23, 1941. Meanwhile, Rommel in Libya is planning to use his newly-arrived tanks to launch a local counterattack on Allied forward positions.

Battle of the Mediterranean

'U-374' (Type VIIC) is sunk in the western Mediterranean east of Cape Spartivento, in position 37.50N, 16.00E, by torpedoes from the British submarine HMS 'Unbeaten'. 43 dead, but 1 survivor taken into captivity.

At 2.38 AM off Tobruk, U-77 blows the stern off British destroyer HMS Kimberley (3 killed) which is towed to Alexandria by destroyer HMS Heythrop.

Pacific War

ALASKA

Amchitka Island is occupied by a small American force. The AMULET FORCE consisted of 2,000 men under command of Brigadier General Lloyd E. Jones. The invasion was covered by the USN's Task Group 8.6 (TG 8.6) consisting of the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35), light cruisers USS Detroit (CL-8) and USS Raleigh (CL-7) and four destroyers, which patrolled off Amchitka and Kiska Islands.

Photo: The American landing at Constantine Harbor, 12 January 1942

The transport group consisted of the transports USS Arthur Middleton (AP-55), US Army Transport Delarof, and SS Lakona; the cargo ship USS Vega (AK-17); and the destroyers USS Dewey (DD-349), USS Gillespie (DD-609), USS Kalk (DD-611) and USS Worden (DD-352). There is no enemy opposition but a fierce storm hits and continues for two weeks. The transport USS Arthur Middleton, manned by a US Coast Guard crew, runs aground as it rescues 175 sailors from the destroyer USS Worden. USS Worden was guarding the transport USS Arthur Middleton as that transport put the preliminary Army security unit on the shores of Constantine Harbor Amchitka Island. The destroyer maneuvered into the rock-edged harbor and stayed there until the last men had landed and then turned to the ticklish business of clearing the harbor. A strong current, however, swept USS Worden onto a pinnacle that tore into her hull beneath her engine room and caused a complete loss of power. USS Dewey passed a towline to her stricken sister and attempted to tow her free, but the cable parted, and the heavy seas began moving USS Worden totally without power inexorably toward the rocky shore. The destroyer then broached and began breaking up in the surf; Commander William G. Pogue, the stricken destroyer's commanding officer, ordered abandon ship, and, as he was directing that effort, was swept overboard into the wintry seas by a heavy wave that broke over the ship. Commander Pogue was among the fortunate ones, however, because he was hauled, unconscious, out of the sea. Fourteen of his crew drowned. USS Worden, herself, was a total loss.

Photo: USS Worden being abandoned shortly after a hull breach beneath the engine room

AUSTRALIA

Three USAAF B-17 Flying Fortresses arrive in Australia after flying a new southern ferry route from Hawaii.

The Japanese submarine I-121 mines Clarence Strait, the body of water connecting Van Diemen Gulf and the Timor Sea, off Australia's Northern Territory, at the approaches to Darwin, the Asiatic Fleet's main logistics base.

Photo: I-121 at Kobe, Japan, on her commissioning day, 31 March 1927

MALAYA

Eight RAAF Brewster Buffalo fighters intercept 27 Japanese bombers after they had bombed Singapore. Seeing the fighters, the bombers went into a shallow dive and outran the fighters. One RAAF pilot put it, "Bombers outpacing fighters. You've got to bloody-well laugh."

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, the Japanese exert strong pressure against the II Corps, particularly on the west, while taking up positions for a concerted assault. The 51st Division, Philippine Army (PA), is hard hit and gives ground, some of which is regained after reserves are committed. In the center, the Japanese push back the outpost line of the 41st Division (PA). On the east coast, the Japanese regain positions on the south bank of the Calaguiman River; to meet threat there, the 21st Infantry (PA) is released from reserve to assist the 57th Infantry, Philippine Scouts. In the I Corps area, a Japanese detachment moves by boat and seizes undefended Grande Island in Manila Bay.

UNITED STATES

The Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCS) approve U.S. plans to garrison the islands along the proposed ferry route from Hawaii to Australia. Local defense forces are to be based at American Samoa, Bora Bora, Canton Island, Christmas Island, the Fiji Islands and Palmyra Island. The CCS also approves the deployment of a USAAF fighter squadron to New Caledonia Island in the New Hebrides Islands.

TARAKAN, DUTCH BORNEO

Japanese troops, who landed yesterday, overwhelm the 1300 Dutch defenders (although coastal batteries hold out and sink Japanese minesweepers W.13 and W.14). Dutch troops who have surrendered are massacred in retaliation for the destruction of the oil wells and refinery.

Map: Route of Japanese attack on Tarakan (and the sinking of Hr. Ms. Prins Van Oranje and minesweepers W-13 and W-14), 11–12 January 1942

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lordroel
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World War II in real time Jan 13, 2021 3:56:07 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 13, 2021 3:56:07 GMT

Day 866 of World War II, January 13th 1942

Eastern Front

Red Army meets stubborn German resistance in towns Northwest and West of Moscow. Both sides are immobilised by lack of equipment and supplies and by the extreme cold, leading to fierce hand-to-hand fighting. Soviet 11th Army and German 18th Motorised Division contest possession of Staraya Russa. Soviet 29th and 39th Army fail to penetrate German 9th Army defenses around Rhzev, leading to the creating of a German salient. Soviet 11th Cavalry Corps charge is held up Southwest of Rzhev, allowing Germans to maintain a corridor West from Rzhev along the main highway to Vyazma and Smolensk. The railway goods yard at Sychevka is contested in frenzied close quarter combat.

Battle of the Atlantic

Despite opposition, Admiral Karl Donitz, Flag Officer U-Boats, begins Unternehmen "Drum Roll" (Paukenschlag), the use of U-boats in the waters off the eastern coast of North America. The submariners are surprised to find peacetime conditions on the U.S. coast, with lighthouses and marker buoys still lit. In addition there is no radio silence and positions of merchant ships are frequently given away in radio communications. These conditions and the inexperience of the USN escort vessels lead to a loss of 150,000 tons in the first month of the operation. The fact that "Drum Roll" could not begin until some weeks after the German declaration of war on the US indicates how unprepared the Navy was for this sudden development.

United Kingdom

Representatives of nine German-occupied countries meet in London to declare that all those found guilty of war crimes would be punished after the war ended. Among the signatories to the declaration were Polish General Wladyslaw Sikorski and French General Charles de Gaulle. The core of the declaration was the promise of;

"the punishment, through the channels of organized justice, of those guilty of, or responsible for, these crimes, whether they have ordered them, perpetrated them, or participated in them."

United States

The Combined Chiefs of Staff attending the ARCADIA conference in Washington, D.C., agree to move USAAF units and contingents to bases in the U.K. as soon as possible.

The Ford Motor Company patents a plastic-bodied automobile which was 30 percent lighter than ordinary cars. Plastic, a relatively new material in 1942, was revolutionizing industry after industry in the United States.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the U.S. War Production Board, with business executive Donald M. Nelson as its chairman. The War Production Board, created to establish order out of the chaos of meeting extraordinary wartime demands and needs, replaced the Supply Priorities and Allocations Board. As chairman, Nelson oversaw the largest war production in history, often clashing with civilian factories over the most efficient means of converting to wartime use and butting heads with the armed forces over priorities. Despite early success, Nelson made a major judgement error in June 1944, on the eve of the Normandy invasion, when he allowed certain plants that had reached the end of their government/military production contracts to reconvert to civilian use. The military knew the war was far from over and feared a sudden shortage of vital supplies. A political battle ensued, and Nelson was eased out of his office and reassigned by the President to be his personal representative to Chiang Kai-shek in China.

Nineteen West Coast shipyards adopt around-the-clock, seven-day-a-week work schedules.

Pacific War

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

(Far East Air Force): The air echelons of the 9th and 11th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrive at Singosari, Java from the US with B-17's; the air echelon of the 22d Bombardment Squadron arrives at Singosari from the Territory of Hawaii. The ground echelons are at Brisbane.

BORNEO

The Dutch commander on Tarakan Island surrenders to the Japanese and they complete mopping up the island. The Japanese assault force boards ships tomorrow for the assault on Balikpapan.

BURMA

The Joint Military Council recommends the construction of the Ledo and Imphal roads.

MALAYA

General Archibald Lord Wavell, Commander in Chief Australian-British-Dutch- American (ABDA) Command, South West Pacific, again visits the front and confers with commanding officers. The withdrawal of the Indian 3 Corps into Johore State reaches its final stage, all vehicles are being moved through Segamat.

A convoy with badly needed reinforcements reaches Singapore and unloads the first echelon of the British 18th Division (the 53d Brigade Group), antiaircraft units, and 51 crated Hawker Hurricane fighters with crews.

Photo: Part of the convoy which brought the division's final elements to Singapore

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On the east flank of the II Corps on Bataan, the 21st Infantry, Philippine Army (PA), counterattacks at 0600 hours after an artillery preparation and reduces part of the Japanese salient on the left flank of the 57th Infantry, Philippine Scouts.

The Japanese are thus prevented from launching a planned offensive in that area, but make progress to the west against the 51st Division, PA, forcing it back to the main line of resistance along the Balantay River. The Japanese column driving south in central Bataan, with the task of turning the corps' left flank, is not yet in position for an
attack.

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World War II in real time Jan 14, 2021 3:47:46 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 14, 2021 3:47:46 GMT

Day 867 of World War II, January 14th 1942

Eastern Front

Following their seizure of Kirov yesterday, Soviet forces recapture Medya, on the central front northwest of Kaluga, driving a wedge between two Panzer divisions.

Battle of the Atlantic

450 miles Northwest of Ireland, U-43 attacks convoy ON 55 sinking Greek SS Maro (all hands lost), British SS Empire Surf (45 killed, 6 survivors) and Panamanian SS Chepo (17 killed, 21 survivors).

At 11 PM, German battleship Tirpitz leaves Wilhelmshaven, Germany, and sails to Trondheim, Norway, escorted by 4 destroyers. RAF is unable to attack during the journey due to bad weather and Royal Navy Home Fleet responds too slowly.

Battle of the Mediterranean

Malta receives 14 air raid alerts in 19 hours today. A total of 262 air raids are sounded in Malta this month.

United States

New York: Banner headlines in this evening's newspapers have sent tremors all around the island of Manhattan. The news of the torpedoing of the Panamanian tanker 'NORNESS' just 100 miles from the piers where liners berth has brought home the realities of war to New Yorkers. The SS 'NORNESS' falls victim to 'U-123', 73 miles south-southwest of Nanucket Island, Massachusetts. Only two days ago the British merchant ship 'CYCLOPS' was sunk 300 miles off the eastern seaboard. These two attacks are the first signs of what Admiral Dönitz called the Paukenschlag - roll of drums - to mark America's entry in the war. Dönitz has sent his finest long-range U-boats into the Atlantic to prey on America's coastline. They lie on the seabed by day, and surface at night to pick off ships silhouetted against the bright lights on America's coast. With orders to "sink as much shipping as possible in the most economical manner", U-boat commanders are relishing the prospect of a second "happy time". The first "happy time" began in 1940 when the U-boats enjoyed a rich crop of sinkings in British home waters.

The Anglo-American ARCADIA Conference, held in Washington, DC starting on 20 December 1941, developed plans for the proposed Anglo- American offensive against Germany. Participants include President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill and their military staffs. Among the major decisions reached are:

(1) an agreement to establish Combined Chiefs of Staff to direct the British-American war effort;
(2) the main effort must be made first against Germany;
(3) occupation of French North Africa (Operation GYMNAST) is of strategic importance in Atlantic area.

As discussions are begun in Washington to consider who shall go to China instead of Lieutenant General Hugh A. Drum, General George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff U.S. Army, proposes Major General Joseph W. Stilwell, who is being considered for command of Operation GYMNAST.

President Roosevelt orders all aliens in the United States to register with the government. The brunt of these orders later will fall on Japanese-Americans on the West Coast.

Pacific War

AUSTRALIA

British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill implies to Australian Prime Minister John Curtin that Singapore could be held for some time.

BURMA

Japanese aircraft bomb Rangoon.

MALAYA

The Indian 3 Corps completes its withdrawal into Johore State and assumes responsibility for the southern part of Johore; assault elements, Australian 22nd Brigade of the Australian 8th Division, are designated East Force and disposed astride the Malacca-Segamat road. The Australian Imperial Force Malaya (less the Australian 22d Brigade), made responsible for northwestern Johore State, is reinforced by the Indian 9th Division and the Indian 45th Brigade and is designated West Force. The Australian 27th Brigade and Indian 8th Brig Groups are astride the main road and railroad north of Segamat. The Japanese are to be kept north of the line Muar-Segamat-Mersmg, if possible.

Photo: Type 95 Ha-Go tanks destroyed by an Australian 2-pounder anti-tank gun

The Japanese overtake West and East Forces. Many cyclists are killed in an ambush prepared near Gemas by "B" Company of the Australian 2/30th Battalion of West Force; this is the first battle between the Japanese and the Australians. East Force patrols encounter the Japanese from Kuantan in the Endau area. On this date and on the 15th, a Dutch detachment of about 80 native troops with European officers flies from the Netherlands East Indies to Singapore and concentrates in the Labus area of North Johore, for guerilla action against enemy communications.

Photo: Japanese troops advancing near Gemas

Japanese aircraft bomb Singapore, where a blackout is in force at last, but lamplighters have to snuff out gas lampposts in low-income districts one at a time when the Air Raid warning screams.

MARIANA ISLANDS

The Japanese force slated to invade Rabaul on New Britain Island in the Bismarck Archipelago, departs Guam.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

In the II Corps area on Bataan, strong Japanese pressure against the western flank of the 41st Division, Philippine Army (PA), forces outposts to retire across the Balantay River. The 51st Division, PA, withdraws to the south bank of the river to tie in with the 41st. A Japanese enveloping column continues slowly down the center of Bataan but is still north of the main line of resistance. In the I Corps area, the Japanese start south on the west coast toward Moron in 2 columns, one by sea and the other along a trail from Olongapo. Waterborne elements land about midway between Olongapo and Moron and continue south on foot. Lieutenant General Jonathan M. Wainwright, Commanding General I Corps, sends a containing force to Moron.

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World War II in real time Jan 15, 2021 9:33:16 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 2 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 15, 2021 9:33:16 GMT

Day 868 of World War II, January 15th 1942

Eastern Front

Heeresgruppe Mitte (Field Marshal Gunther Hans von Kluge) evacuates the Kaluga sector and takes up winter positions 20 miles (32 kilometers) further west.

Battle of the Atlantic

Operation Drumbeat - At 9.41 AM 47 miles South of East Hampton, Long Island, U-123 sinks British tanker Coimbra, carrying 9000 tons of lubricating oil which goes up in a massive explosion (36 killed, 10 survivors). Off Newfoundland, U-552 sinks Dayrose at 1.38 AM (32 crew & 6 gunners killed, 4 crew picked up by destroyers USS Ericsson and USS Stack), U-203 sinks Portuguese trawler Catalina at 11.34 AM (no survivors) and at 11.17 PM U-553 blows the bow off tanker Diala which remains afloat on her empty tanks and drifts Northeast (57 dead, 8 survivors picked up by British merchant Telefora de Larrinaga).

Battle of the Mediterranean

580 miles west of Gibraltar, U-93 attacks convoy HG78 on the surface. British destroyer HMS Hesperus spots U-93 on radar and rams, throwing U-93’s captain and 1st lieutenant out of the conning tower onto the HMS Hesperus's deck. U-93 is abandoned and sinks after HMS Hesperus attacks again with the deck gun and depth charges set shallow (6 dead, 40 survivors). HMS Hesperus is repaired at Gibraltar and Falmouth until April.

Air War over Europe

RAF Bomber Command sends five Blenheims and four Wellingtons to bomb airfields: three aircraft bomb Schipol Airfield, with the loss of one aircraft, and two each bomb Soesterberg and Texel Airfields.

During the night of 15/16 January, RAF Bomber Command aircraft attack three cities:

- 96 bombers are dispatched to bomb Hamburg; 60 aircraft bomb with the loss of five bombers. Hamburg reports 36 fires, three large, three people killed and 25 injured, but no major incidents.

- 60 aircraft are sent to bomb Emden; 42 aircraft bomb the target with the loss of two bombers. Bomber aircrews claim many fires.

- One aircraft bombs Kiel.

South America

Representatives from 21 American republics meet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for an Inter-American Conference to unite the American republics to coordinate policies in the defense of the Western Hemisphere. The delegates unanimously adopt a resolution which calls for all of the American states to sever diplomatic relations with the Axis powers. All of the governments involved at the conference, with the exceptions of Argentina and Chile, break off relations with the Axis states. The conference ends on 28 January.

United Kingdom

An agreement is signed in London between Greece and Yugoslavia for the constitution of a Balkan Union. (The Balkan Pact, signed in February 1934 by Greece, Romania, Turkey and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. The Pact which consisted of 39 articles promoting the principles of friendship and non-aggression, mutual assistance and defense of common security and the protection of the rights of minorities.)

United States

In Washington, Secretary of War Henry Stimson says nearly 2 million men will be inducted into the military this year. By years end it will have 3.6 million men under arms.

The State Department issues a memorandum outlining its position with respect to French sovereignty over bases the United States intends to build in French Oceania.

In baseball, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gives baseball the go-ahead to play despite the war. In his famous "green light" letter, the President says,

"I honestly think it would be best for the country to keep baseball going."

He encourages more night baseball so that war workers may attend. Ironically, the Chicago Cubs, who had signed contracts to install lights at Wrigley Field, drop their plans because of the military need for the material. There will be no lights at Wrigley for 35 more years.

The first "blackout" Cadillacs are completed by General Motors. Due to restrictions on materials necessary for the war effort, these cars have painted trim rather than chrome. They also lack spare tires and other luxuries.

Pacific War

ALASKA

The USAAF's Alaskan Air Force is activated at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Everett S Davis.

BURMA

Troops of the Japanese 55th Division advance into Burma north of Mergui. Though not one of Japan's original war aims, Burma is invaded to eliminate a possible threat to the Japanese army in Malaya. The Japanese also want to cut the Burma Road which is feeding supplies and equipment to China and seize Burma's oil fields. Two Japanese army divisions pour into southern and eastern Burma. To oppose them, the British have two divisions: one Burmese, one Indian. Many of the Burmese hate the British and desert. Later 5,000 join the Burmese National Army and fight alongside the Japanese.

CAROLINE ISLANDS

Six Australian PBY Catalinas are dispatched to bomb the Japanese base in Truk Atoll. Only one aircraft finds the target and drops 16 bombs. Clouds obscure the results.

MALAYA

The Australian 2/30th Battalion, 27th Brigade, 8th Division, stops a Japanese tank-infantry attack in the Gemas area however, the troops withdraw to prevent being encircled by the Japanese. On the west coast, the Japanese reach the northern bank of the Muar River and land a small party between Muar and Batu Pahat, threatening the communications of the West Force in the Yong Peng area. The boundary between the West Force and the Indian III Corps is altered to give this region, which the Indian 45th Brigade is defending, to the III Corps.

Martial law is declared in Singapore resulting in more chaos.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

Seven USAAF Far East Air Force B-17's based at Singosari Airdrome, Java, and flying out of Palembang Airdrome on Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies, attack Sungei Patani Airfield, Malaysia. Two B-17s abort due to weather but the other five bomb the target through light antiaircraft fire. One B-17 is damaged beyond repair in a bad landing at Singosari Airdrome tomorrow.

The American-British- Dutch-Australian (ABDA) Supreme Command is established at the Grand Hotel, Lembang, Java, Netherlands East Indies. British General Sir Archibald Wavell assumes supreme command of all forces in the area effective 1200 hours GMT; Lieutenant General George H. Brett, USAAF, is deputy commander; Admiral Thomas C. Hart, USN, is to command naval forces.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

In the II Corps area on Bataan, the Japanese, attacking vigorously at the junction of the 41st and 51st Divisions, Philippine Army (PA), gain a foothold on the bank of the Balantay River. The 51st Division commits its reserves and service troops to no avail.

Further reinforcements, the Philippine Division (less the 57th Infantry Regiment) from the U.S. Army Forces, Far East (USAFFE) reserve and the 31st Division (-) (PA) from the I Corps, are sent forward. The Japanese enveloping column in central Bataan arrives in position to turn the corps' west flank but pauses to reorganize. Regrouping is conducted to the east as the Japanese threat there diminishes. In the I Corps area, the two Japanese columns driving on Moron converge and push closer to their objective.

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World War II in real time Jan 16, 2021 14:32:37 GMT Zyobot likes this

Post by lordroel on Jan 16, 2021 14:32:37 GMT

Day 869 of World War II, January 16th 1942

YouTube (German U-Boats to Strike New York)

Eastern Front

215 miles Northwest of Moscow, Soviet 3rd Shock captures Andreapol, opening a gap between German Army Group North and Army Group Center. The need for food drives the starving Red Army onwards towards the massive German supply dumps at Toropets. In Moscow, Stalin publishes the notorious “Reichenau Order” from German 6th Army commander Field Marshal von Reichenau, a copy of which was found in German documents at Klin.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-248' (Type VIIC) Sunk in the North Atlantic in position 47.43N, 26.37W, by depth charges from the US destroyer escorts USS Hayter, Otter, Varian and Hubbard. 47 dead (all crew lost).

At 11.15 AM North of the Azores, U-402 blows the rudder off British troopship Llangibby Castle in convoy WS15 from Britain to Egypt, via the Cape of Good Hope (only 26 troops killed from 181 crew, 11 gunners, 1168 troops on board). Llangibby Castle reaches Horta in the Azores, under attack by German Fw200 bombers, and will eventually return to Britain for repairs having sailed 3400 miles without a rudder.

Photo: "The German Commander of the U-boat, Oeberleutnant Zur See Horst Elfe, leaving the destroyer." Elfe was the commander of U-93, sunk by HMS Hesperus (which picked up the survivors) west of southern Spain on 15 January 1942. This photo was taken on 16 January 1942 when Hesperus reached Gibraltar

Pacific War

AUSTRALIA

Japanese submarines continue mining the approaches to Darwin, Northern Territory: I-122 mines Clarence Strait, I-123 Bundas Strait and I-124 the waters off Darwin itself.

Photo: "Australian soldiers at a coastal fortress near Brisbane, 16 January 1942. Close-range shot of a group of four Australian soldiers, wearing helmets, kneeling around a mortar that is about to be fired. A sergeant is kneeling behind the men supervising the activity

Seventeen P-40s of the USAAF's Far East Air Force (FEAF) 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional) , depart Brisbane, Queensland, for Java via Darwin, Northern Territory.

BURMA

The 46th Brigade, Indian 17th Division, arrives in Burma. The Japanese attack and eventually outflank Imperial forces at Myitta, threatening Tavoy.

LINE ISLANDS

Six USAAF Hawaiian Air Force B-17's fly from Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, to Palmyra Island, located 960 miles south of Oahu. This is the first deployment of
Hawaiian Air Force aircraft from Hawaii since the Pearl Harbor attack. As part of the USN's Task Force 8.9, this flight was a test to determine the efficacy of conducting land-based air operations across wide bodies of water.

MALAYA

The Japanese cross the Muar River and force the Indian 45th Brigade from Muar, on the south bank; the Japanese continue landings on west coast in the Muar-Batu Pahat area, increasing the threat to communications. The 53d Brigade of the British 18th Division is released to the Indian 3 Corps, which places it under the Indian 11th Division command; two battalions are dispatched to positions west of Yong Peng and the third is held in reserve at Ayer Hitam. The RAF, concentrated on Singapore Island., prepares to withdraw to Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies because Singapore airdromes are still targets of daily enemy air attacks.

Photo: "Tamil workmen clearing debris in Singapore after a Japanese air raid, 16 January 1942

Twelve RAAF Brewster Buffalos attack a heavy concentration of Japanese vehicles on the Gamas-Teampin road and severely damage the convoy. Later in the day, four Buffalos attack enemy barges, a 200-ton steamer, and several launches at Malacca, sinking four of the barges. Finally, six RAAF Hudson attack barges on the Muar River.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

Three USAAF FEAF LB-30's based at Singosari Airdrome on Java, stage through Kendari Airdrome on Celebes Island to attack Tarakan Airdrome on Tarakan Island; two of the bombers are damaged by Japanese aircraft and both are further damaged when they crash land in remote places.

Two USAAF FEAF B-17's, based at Singosari Airdrome on Java, stage through Kendari Airdrome on Celebes Island to attack Japanese shipping in Menado Bay on Celebes Island. One B-17 returns to Singosari Airdrome and the second lands at Kendari Airdrome where it is destroyed by a Japanese fighter. This is the last effective use of Kendari Airdrome as a staging base.

PACIFIC

During a routine search from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, a Torpedo Squadron Six TBD Devastator flown by Aviation Chief Machinist's Mate Harold F. Dixon (Naval Aviation Pilot) fails to return to the ship and force-lands at sea about 740 miles NE of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, due to fuel starvation. Dixon and his two-man crew have no food and no water but they survive 34-days at sea in a raft.

Six PBY-5's of USN Patrol Squadron Twenty Three temporarily based at Canton Island began daily searches of the waters between Canton Island and the Fiji Islands to protect the advance of Task Force 8 as it prepared for its strike against the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. These were the first combat patrols by U.S. aircraft in the South Pacific.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

In the II Corps area on Bataan, the 51st Division, Philippine Army (PA), counterattacks to restore their positions on the corps western flank; after making limited progress on the right, the Filipinos are subjected to severe pressure and fall back in confusion, the western flank elements making a futile attempt to gain contact with I Corps on the rugged terrain of Mt. Natib. The entire line on Bataan is jeopardized by a Japanese breakthrough in this sector. The Japanese encircling force, although in position to turn the western flank of the corps, prepares instead to advance down the Abo-Abo River valley. To the east, the 41st Division (PA) refuses its left flank in an effort to tie in with the 51st Division and, with assistance of elements of the 23d and 32d Regiments and a quickly formed provisional battalion, succeeds in halting the Japanese. The U.S. 31st Infantry moves to the vicinity of Abucay Hacienda, on the left flank of the 41st Division, and prepares to counterattack; a reserve force, the 45th Infantry, Philippine Scouts, also moves toward attack positions. The I Corps engages the Japanese for the first time. The Japanese cross the Batalan River and attack Moron but are forced back to the river line by the 1st Infantry and elements of 26th Cavalry. The cavalrymen are withdrawn after engagement because of heavy losses.

UNITED KINGDOM

The Admiralty defines its Eastern Fleet as comprising all British battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, minelayers, destroyers and submarines within the limits of the British East Indies and China Stations. This includes the ship in the Australian-British- Dutch-American (ABDA) area, regarded as a detachment of the Eastern Fleet known as the "Far Eastern Squadron."

UNITED STATES

President Franklin D. Roosevelt asks the Secretaries of War, Navy and Interior to study the need for a highway from the Zone of the Interior (ZI), i.e., the continental U.S., to the Territory of Alaska.
American motion picture actress Carole Lombard dies in an airplane crash at Table Rock Mountain, Nevada, near Las Vegas, at age 33. She was returning from a tour to promote war bonds in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lombard, married to Clark Gable since 1939, was one of Hollywood's most glamorous stars of the 1930s. Best loved for her comedies, Lombard starred in screwball comedies, including "My Man Godfrey" and "To Be or Not to Be."

Last Edit: Jan 16, 2021 16:21:12 GMT by lordroel

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World War II in real time Jan 17, 2021 7:47:48 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 17, 2021 7:47:48 GMT

Day 870 of World War II, January 17th 1942

Eastern Front

Field Marshal Walter von Reichenau, Commander in Chief Heeresgruppe Sud, dies of a stroke while returning to Germany.

Western Desert Campaign

The Italian positions around Hellfire Pass surrender. They have been besieged by a South Africans unit. The Italian a garrison unit, built around the Savona Division and under the orders of that division's commander, General De Giorgis, is still holding on despite being completely surrounded, badly outnumbered, 500 miles in the British rear. This unit has held this position since being bypassed during Operation Crusader on December 8, 1941.The Italians have tried to maintain the position by using submarines. 30 Corps, British Eighth Army, receives the surrender of the Halfaya garrison and takes 5500 German and Italian prisoners. The 1st Free French Brigade Group was to have participated in the attack on Halfaya, had the garrison not surrendered. With the destruction of the Axis forces in East Cyrenaica and reopening of communication line from there into Egypt, the first phase of Libyan campaign is successfully concluded. In West Cyrenaica, British 13 Corps reconnoiters the Germans El Agheila position.

Battle of the Atlantic

At 10.21 PM, British destroyer HMS Matabele (escorting convoy PQ-8 in the Kola Inlet near Murmansk) is hit with 1 torpedo from U-454, causing the magazines to explode. HMS Matabele sinks within 2 minutes and her primed depth charges detonate (238 killed by the explosions or freeze to death in the Arctic waters). 2 survivors are picked up by minesweeper HMS Harrier. U-454 also sinks soviet trawler RT-68 Enisej and hits British SS Harmatris with a torpedo starting a fire which is extinguished (SS Harmatris reaches Archangel safely).

German armed merchant cruiser Thor departs La Rochelle, France, for her second raiding cruise.

Operation Drumbeat - At 3.59 AM, U-87 sinks Norwegian tanker Nyholt with 8 torpedoes and 120 rounds from the deck gun. All 41 crew abandon ship but 1 lifeboat is never found. 23 survivors in the other lifeboat are rescued after 10 days on the freezing ocean (2 later die of exposure). At 11.21 AM off Nova Scotia, U-203 sinks Norwegian SS Octavian (all 17 hands lost).

Battle of the Mediterranean

Destroyer HMS 'Gurkha' is torpedoed and sunk by 'U-133', North of Bardia at 31 50N 26 14E. There are 9 casualties, with survivors being taken off by Dutch destroyer 'Isaac Sweers' which towed the wreck clear of the burning oil field.

Pacific War

CHINA

Pilots of the 3d Fighter Squadron, American Volunteer Group shoot down three Japanese "Ann" bombers near Mengtzu at 1017 hours local.

JAPAN

The Japanese Carrier Striking Force sails to participate in operations in the Bismarck Archipelago.

MALAYA

Additional reinforcements are moved into the Muar-Yong Peng area as the Japanese continue attacks and build up. West Force withdraws a battalion from Segamat, and East Force releases one from Jemaluang for operations in this area.

Twenty seven Japanese bombers attack Sembawang Airfield and destroy most of the buildings and the water supply.

OF KRAKATOA,JAVA

The Japanese submarine I-60 is sunk by British destroyer HMS Jupiter 25 miles NNW of Krakatoa, Java, Netherlands East Indies, in position 06.00S, 105.00E.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, the II Corps counterattacks to restore the western portion of the line, formerly held by the 51st Division, Philippine Army (PA), and makes limited progress. The U.S. 31st Infantry, moving north from the Abucay Hacienda area, reaches the Balantay River on the left but is unable to make much headway on the right. Reserves move forward to plug a gap between the assault battalions. The Japanese encircling column begins an unopposed march down the Abo-Abo River toward Orion. In the I Corps area, Moron defenders fall back under enemy pressure to a ridge south and southeast of Moron.

PHOENIX ISLANDS

The six USAAF Hawaiian Air Force B-17s that landed on Palmyra Island in the Line Islands yesterday continue on to Canton Island.

UNITED STATES

The War Department appoints Major General Lewis H. Brereton, Commanding General of the USAAF's Far East Air Force (FEAF), as commander of tactical forces in the Australian-British- Dutch-American (ABDA) area of the Southwest Pacific.

CENTRAL PACIFIC

(Hawaiian Air Force): Aircraft unsuccessfully attack submarines in the Hawaiian area. B-17's of Task Group 8.9 proceed from Palmyra Atoll in the Line to Canton in the Phoenix .

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC

(Far East Air Force): On Celebes, B-17's from Malang, Java, staging through Kendari, hit Langoan Airfield and ships in Menado Bay.

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World War II in real time Jan 18, 2021 3:48:54 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 18, 2021 3:48:54 GMT

Day 871 of World War II, January 18th 1942

Eastern Front

Siege of Leningrad Day 133 - Soviet 54th Army breaks through German defenses at Pogost’e, 25 miles Southwest of Leningrad. However, Germans experiment with Gr.38 High Explosive Anti-Tank rounds and, over the next 3 days, destroy four Kv-1 and five T-34 Soviet tanks which have previously been impervious to ant-tank fire. 30 miles further South, Soviet 2nd Shock Army breaches German line on the Volkhov River near Spasskaya Polisk.

Crimea - German troops of Heeresgruppe B recapture Feodosia and seal off the Soviet bridgehead at Kerch.

Battle of the Atlantic

German submarines attack three unarmed U.S. merchant ships off the east coast of North America:

(1) a freighter is torpedoed and sunk by 'U-552' off St. John's, Newfoundland; there are no survivors from the 28-man crew;

(2) a tanker is torpedoed and sunk by 'U-66' about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina; there are 13 survivors from the 35-man crew.

(3) a tanker is shelled and damaged by 'U-123' off Oregon Inlet, North Carolina; although the tanker is torpedoed by 'U-123' upon the U-boat's return and damaged further, the holed tanker reaches Hampton Roads, Virginia, safely the next day; one man perishes in the shelling and four drown when the ship is abandoned after she is torpedoed.

Battle of the Mediterranean

In Gibraltar harbor, a bomb planted by Spanish saboteurs or Italian manned torpedoes sinks British anti-submarine trawler HMS Erin and minesweeping trawler HMS Honjo (8 killed) and badly damages another anti-submarine trawler HMS Imperialist.

United States

The first increment (1,400 men) of US forces to be sent to the United Kingdom sails for Northern Ireland.

Pacific War

PALESTINE

Haifa: Burma's prime minister, U Saw, was arrested here today when his plane touched down while he was returning to Burma from talks with British representatives. He had been trying unsuccessfully to secure a British promise of Burmese independence in return for supporting the war effort. The nationalist U Maung Saw is unpopular with the British authorities, who see him as a demagogue of suspect loyalty. This suspicion now seems justified, because he contacted Japan's legation in Lisbon on his return flight. He was unaware that Britain had broken Japanese codes and knew of these overtures.

ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

The first U.S. Army engineer troops arrive on Umnak Island to build Otter Point Airfield (renamed Cape Field in 1942). The airfield, which was part of Fort Glenn, is built in secret to protect Dutch Harbor, 70 miles to the east.

AUSTRALIA

Sixteen of the 17 P-40s of the USAAF's Far East Air Force's 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional) arrive in Darwin, Northern Territory, en route to Java.

BORNEO

Due to heavy monsoonal rains and wind that continued throughout the day, the Japanese ships carrying the troops invading Sandakan, British North Borneo, must anchor in Sandakan Harbour.

Following the capture of the island of Tarakan, Dutch Borneo, on January 12, Dutch implement their destruction plan to deny Japanese use of oil installations at Balikpapan (265 miles further South on the mainland of Dutch Borneo).

JAPAN

The USN submarine USS Plunger torpedoes and sinks a Japanese merchant cargo ship off the mouth of Kii Suido, Honshu, in position 33.30N, 135.00E.

MALAYA

The Indian 45th Brigade, reinforced, repels further Japanese attacks in the Muar-Yong Peng area and destroys a number of tanks, but the landing of a strong Japanese force a few miles north of Batu Pahat increases the danger in this sector. In the evening, the Commander of West Force orders a withdrawal. The Entire Muar front is placed temporarily under Indian 3 Corps command.

During the night of 18/19 January, the Indian 9th Division falls back behind the Muar River, as does the Australian 27th Brigade Group behind the Segamat River. The RAF bomber group withdraws from Singapore Island. to Sumatra, Netherlands East Indies.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, the II Corps renews its efforts to restore its western flank positions. The U.S. 31st Infantry is still unable to gain the Balantay River line on the right and is under strong pressure along the river on the left. A battalion of the 45th Infantry, Philippine Scouts, reaches the Balantay River to the west of the 31st Infantry and is attached to 31st Infantry. Two other battalions of 45th Infantry advance toward the Balantay between the 31st Infantry and the 41st Division, Philippine Army, but are halted short of the objective. In the I Corps area, the Japanese increase pressure and force outposts to withdraw. A small Japanese force is moving eastward unopposed to outflank the eastern portion of line.

PHOENIX ISLANDS

The USAAF's Hawaiian Air Force B-17 Flying Fortresses that are part of Task Group 8.9 begin flying antisubmarine patrols from Canton Island.

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World War II in real time Jan 19, 2021 3:48:10 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 19, 2021 3:48:10 GMT

Day 872 of World War II, January 19th 1942

Eastern Front

225 miles Northwest of Moscow, 3rd and 4th Shock Armies continue widening and deepening the gap between German Army Group North and Army Group Center. 4th Shock Army continues it progress Southwest towards Toropets while 3rd Shock aims West for Kholm having overcome initial German resistance.

Photo: an Italian anti-tank platoon in action

Battle of the Atlantic

Operation Drumbeat - At 7.43 AM 150 miles off Cape Hatteras, U-66 sinks Canadian passenger ship SS Lady Hawkins (86 crew, 1 gunner and 164 passengers killed, 22 crew and 49 passengers survive 5 days in a lifeboat until picked up by American passenger ship Coamo and landed at Puerto Rico). Nearby, U-123 sinks Latvian SS Ciltvaira, American steamers SS Norvana and SS City of Atlanta, and also damages American tanker SS Malay.

Western Desert Campaign

General Claude E. Auchinleck, General Officer Commanding Middle East Command. issues operations instructions to Commander, British Troops in Egypt (BTE), and Commander, Eighth Army, restating that the objective in Libya is Tripoli and outlining a plan for a defensive stand in the event the Libyan offensive cannot be continued.

Pacific War

AUSTRALIA

The ground echelons of two USAAF B-17 Flying Fortress squadrons that arrived in Australia by ship on 22 December, depart for service at Singosari Airdrome on Java, Netherlands East Indies.

BORNEO

Beginning at 0700 hours, the Japanese landing force from the ships that had anchored in Sandakan Harbour yesterday because of the weather, come ashore unopposed in Sandakan. The British Governor surrenders British North Borneo to the Japanese and they send the European residents home where they will remain until May 1942.

BURMA

The Japanese seize Tavoy and its airfield. Because of this, it is decided to withdraw the Mergui garrison by sea to Rangoon at once, although Mergui has not yet been attacked. The balance of the Chinese 93d Division, Chinese 6th Army, is ordered to move into Burma.

MALAYA

Bitter fighting continues in the Muar-Yong Peng area. The 53d Brigade of the British 18th Division, under command of the Indian 11th Division, takes responsibility for the strategic positions west of Yong Peng, a defile and a bridge, but loses them. The Muar force (Indian 45th Brigade and two Australian battalions), now isolated, is ordered to withdraw; HQ of the Indian 45th Brigade is bombed and most of the senior officers are killed and an Australian takes command of the brigade.

East Force is formed consisting of the Australian 22nd Brigade, 2/17th Dogra Battalion and the Jat Battalion.

With Japanese troops 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Singapore island, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill cables his top commander on the spot, General Archibald Lord Wavell, General Officer Commanding Australian-British- Dutch-American (ABDA) Command, South West Pacific, to ask what sort of defenses the island has. Wavell's answer, "There are neither plans nor fortifications to defend the north side of this impregnable fortress." Churchill is staggered, and orders what Wavell has been pushing for, digging entrenchments. The defenders of Singapore react by hiring local labor to dig trenches...then waste five days arguing over how much overtime pay they should get.

Churchill orders Wavell and Lieutenant General Arthur Percival, General Officer Commanding Malaya, to fight to the last man, and refuse to surrender. Wavell is happy to comply, but Singapore's immense 15-inch guns face the ocean...not the north, where the Japanese armies are.

Photo: One of 5 enormous 15-inch coastal-defence guns in Singapore, with this one pictured some time before 1942

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, the II Corps continues their efforts to regain positions along the Balantay River on the west flank, the 45th Infantry (-), Philippine Scouts, reaching the river in the region between the U.S. 3lst Infantry and the Philippine Army (PA) 41st Division. The 31st Infantry, however, is under increasingly strong pressure.

The Japanese column driving down the Abo-Abo River valley reaches positions near Guitol and is engaged by the 31st Division and elements the 21st Division, PA. The I Corps restores the outpost line in a counterattack but is forced to abandon it a£ter nightfall. Elements of the 92d Infantry, PA, are sent to block Japanese infiltrators from Mt Silanganan, on the corpsâ eastern flank.
Nine USAAF Far East Air Force B-17's based at Singosari Airdrome on Java, are dispatched to attack shipping at Jolo Island in the Philippine Islands. Three aircraft abort due to weather but the remaining six bomb the ships and then land at Del Monte Field on Mindanao Island in the Philippines.

Motor torpedo boat PT-31 is damaged when her engines fail because of what is believed to be sabotaged gasoline and she runs aground on reef north of Mayagao Point, Bataan.

PHOENIX ISLANDS

USAAF Hawaiian Air Force B-17s of Task Group 8.9 fly antisubmarine mission from Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands.

Last Edit: Jan 19, 2021 16:33:56 GMT by lordroel

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World War II in real time Jan 20, 2021 3:28:03 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 20, 2021 3:28:03 GMT

Day 873 of World War II, January 20th 1942

Eastern Front

180 miles West of Moscow, Soviet 11th Cavalry Corps pushes South from Rzhev towards Vyazma, attempting to isolate German 9th Army at Rzhev. 50 miles further West, Soviet 4th Shock Army finally reaches the German supply dumps at Toropets after several days without food. They attack and capture 6 tanks, 723 trucks, artillery with 450,000 shells, small arms with millions of rounds of ammunition, 1000 drums of fuel and much food.

Germany

At what will become known as the Wannsee Conference, Heydrich presents plans to the leaders of Germany for the "Final Solution". While Hitler was not present, it is commonly assumed that he knew of the conference and the "Final Solution". Nazi officials meet to discuss the details of the "Final Solution" of the "Jewish question." Reinhard Heydrich, SS general and Heinrich Himmler's number-two man, met with Adolf Eichmann, chief of the Central Office of Jewish Emigration, and 15 other officials from various Nazi ministries and organizations at Wannsee, a suburb of Berlin. The agenda was simple and focused: to devise a plan that would render a "final solution to the Jewish question" in Europe. Various gruesome proposals were discussed, including mass sterilization and deportation to the island of Madagascar. Heydrich proposed simply transporting Jews from every corner of Europe to concentration camps in Poland and working them to death. Objections to this plan included the belief that this was simply too time-consuming. What about the strong ones who took longer to die? What about the millions of Jews who were already in Poland? Although the word "extermination" was never uttered during the meeting, the implication was clear: anyone who survived the egregious conditions of a work camp would be "treated accordingly." Shortly after this conference, the elimination camps of Chelmno, Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka, Majdanek and Auschwitz-Birkenau began their work.

United States

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill that decrees Daylight Savings Time for the duration of the war. It goes into effect on 9 February.

Pacific War

AUSTRALIA

Major General George H Brett, Commanding General US Army Forces in Australia (USAFIA), halts ferrying of aircraft from India to the Netherlands East Indies. The USAAF has been sendingheavy bombers to Java by way of Africa and India, but the Japanese are able to inflict prohibitive losses on USAAF aircraft on the last stops of the route by interception from newly acquired airfields near Java. Brett advises the U.S. War Department that, in his capacity as the ABDA Command's deputy commander, he has taken over the supervision, but not the actual command, of all air activities in the Southwest Pacific.

USN destroyer USS Edsall and Australian minesweeper HMAS Deloraine sink Japanese submarine I-124 off Darwin, Northern Territory.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO

Ninety Japanese carrier-based aircraft from the aircraft carriers HIJMS Akagi, HIJMS Kaga, HIJMS Shokaku and HIJMS Zuikaku attack Rabaul on New Britain Island, causing serious damage.
No. 24 Squadron RAAF loses six aircraft (3 shot down, 1 wrecked after take-off and 2 damaged in crash landings) leaving two Wirraways in commission. The squadron commander sends the following message to Northeast Area HQ: "2 Wirraways useless defence. Will you now please send some fighters."

Kavieng on New Ireland Island, is also attacked by air but by a smaller force.

BURMA

The Japanese cross into Burma in force and begin an assault on north Tenasserim, attacking the 16th Brigade, Indian 17th Division, on the Myawadi-Kawkareik road, near the Thai border east of Moulmein, in conjunction with air attacks.

CELEBES SEA

A Japanese convoy is reported in Makassar Strait, bound for Balikpapan, Borneo.

MALAYA

The British 53d Brigade counterattacks west of Yong Peng but is unable to recover lost ground. The Muar force begins a difficult withdrawal toward Yong Peng and the withdrawal of Segamat forces continues.

During the night of 20/21 January, the Australian 27th Brigade Group moves from the Segamat River line to Yong Peng; the Indian 9th Division pulls back to defensive position to the east.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

The six USAAF Far East Air Force B-17's that landed at Del Monte Field on Mindanao, Philippine Islands, yesterday, take off and attempt to bomb Japanese shipping at Jolo Island but abort to bad weather. The aircraft return to Singosari Airdrome on Java carrying 23 B-17 aircrew who had been left at Del Monte Field.

A Dutch Dornier flying boat spotted a small vessel off the coast of Samboaja, heading for Balikpapan, Borneo. The flying-boat landed near the vessel, the motor boat Parsifal, and took aboard a two Dutch officer captured on Tarakan Island and three Japanese soldier-interpreters and flew them to Balikpapan. They carried a message from the Japanese to the Balikpapan Garrison Commander, demanding that the oil refinery installations there be handed over to the Japanese Army without being damaged; this offer was refused by the Dutch commander and the three Japanese were returned to their outfits.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, the Japanese contain repeated attacks by the Philippine Division (U.S. 31st and Philippine Scout 45th Regiments) on the western flank of the II Corps while preparing for a major assault to begin on 22 January. After further fighting before Guitol, the Japanese retire northward. In the I Corps area, the Japanese maintain pressure and continue infiltration into the right flank from Mt. Silanganan.

Motor torpedo boat PT-31, damaged by grounding on reef north of Mayagao Point, Bataan, the day before, is burned by crew to prevent capture.

SAMOA ISLANDS

The U.S. Second Marine Brigade (Brigadier General Henry L. Larson, USMC) arrives at Pago Pago on Tutuila Island, America Samoa, in transports SS Lurline, SS Matsonia, and SS Monterey, along with cargo ship USS Jupiter and ammunition ship USS Lassen, to protect that portion of the important lifeline to Australia. Cover for the operation is provided by Task Force 8 formed around aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (Vice Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.) and TF 17 (Rear Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher) formed around aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. The two carrier task forces then set course for the Japanese-held Marshalls and Gilberts to carry out the initial raids on the enemy's defensive perimeter.

THAILAND

Pilots of the 2d Fighter Squadron, American Volunteer Group shoot down three "Ann" Light Bombers over Mesoht Airdrome.

SOUTH CHINA SEA

The US submarine S-36 commanded by John R. Mcknight Jr. ran aground on Taka Bakang Reef-South end of Makassar Strait. No hands lost.

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World War II in real time Jan 21, 2021 3:52:55 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 21, 2021 3:52:55 GMT

Day 874 of World War II, January 21st 1942

Battle of the Atlantic

Operation Drumbeat - At 10.21 PM 200 miles East of Rhodes Island, USA, U-130 sinks Norwegian tanker MV Alexandra Høegh (all 28 hands picked up in 2 lifeboats 38 hours later by Boston fishing trawler Grand Marshall). At 7.22 PM off Newfoundland, U-754 sinks Norwegian SS Belize (all 24 hands lost).

Western Desert Campaign

Rommel launches a "reconnaissance in force" from El Agheila, Libya, sending his new tanks forward to find and engage the British tanks. The inexperienced British 1st Armored Brigade arrived recently to replace the battle-hardened 7th Armored Brigade (sent to protect British interests in Malaya and Burma). This counterattack from the “beaten” Afrika Korps surprises the thin defensive line of 1st Armored Division.

Pacific War

AUSTRALIA

The Australian corvettes HMAS Deloraine, HMAS Katoomba and HMAS Lithgow sink Japanese submarine I-124 off Darwin, Northern Territory.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO

Carrier-based Japanese aircraft from the aircraft carriers Akagi and Kaga again bomb Rabaul on New Britain Island while aircraft from Shokaku and Zuikaku bomb Kaviengon New Ireland Island.

CELEBES SEA

In response to the movement of the Japanese convoy sighted the previous day in Makassar Strait, a USN task force (Rear Admiral William A. Glassford), consisting of the light cruisers USS Boise(flagship) and USS Marblehead and four destroyers sails from Koepang, Timor, Netherlands East Indies to engage it. En route, however, USS Boise steams across an uncharted pinnacle in Sape Strait, and suffers sufficient damage to eliminate her from the force. Turbine trouble limits USS Marblehead (the ship to which Glassford transfers his flag) to only 15 knots, so the admiral orders the destroyers (Commander Paul H. Talbot) ahead.

USN submarine USS S-36, damaged by grounding on Taka Bakang Reef in Makassar Strait yesterday, is scuttled by her crew.

CHINA

The Chinese Government accepts the proposal that U.S. Major General Joseph W. Stilwell act as chief of the Generalissimo' s Allied staff and agrees to give him executive authority over Allied Units. The Chinese 49th Division of the 6th Army, is authorized to move Into Burma.

FIJI ISLANDS

The USAAF's Hawaiian Air Force B-17's of Task Group 8.9 fly from Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands to Nandi on West Viti Levu Island in the Fiji Islands.

MALAYA

The withdrawal of defense forces from the Muar and Segamat fronts continues. The Commander of West Force is placed in charge of all troops on the Yong Peng-Muar road and the Muar force is supplied by air.

East Force patrols ambush the Japanese force driving on Mersing. The Japanese 55th Regiment captures Endau on the east coast. Australian troops, trapped by a Japanese roadblock at Parit Sulong, try to break through swamp and jungle to reach British lines. Before setting off, they leave their wounded at the roadside, "lying huddled around trees, smoking calmly, unafraid." The Japanese capture the men and shoot them.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

In the II Corps area on Bataan, the Japanese continue preparations for an offensive, massing their assault forces on extreme western flank of the corps; the Japanese also contain the further attempts of the Philippine Division to restore the western flank positions.

In the I Corps area, a small enemy force, having circled about the eastern flank of the corps, reaches West Road in the area 4 miles east of Mauban and blocks it, cutting off the 1st Division troops along the main line of resistance from forces to the south.

Forces that can be spared from other sectors attack the Japanese block from the north and south but are unable to reduce it.
USAAF Far East Air Force B-17 Flying Fortresses based on Java stage through Del Monte Field on Mindanao Island to attack Japanese targets in the Philippines. Three aircraft are badly damaged by Japanese fighters.

UNITED KINGDOM

Prime Minister Winston Churchill urges his Chiefs of Staff to consider writing Singapore off and sending reinforcements en route there to Burma.

UNITED STATES

General George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, advises President Franklin D. Roosevelt that the Army expects the Japanese to attack Dutch Harbor on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands, Territory of Alaska, at any time. The president orders that a plan to establish a striking force in Aleutian Islands be created and executed by the summer of 1942.

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World War II in real time Jan 22, 2021 2:48:44 GMT stevep, Zyobot, and 1 more like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 22, 2021 2:48:44 GMT

Day 875 of World War II, January 22nd 1942

Eastern Front

German 9th Army is in danger of encirclement in the Rzhev salient as Soviets converge on Vyazma (29th and 39th Armies from the North and General Pavel Belov’s 2nd Cavalry Corps from the South). At 10 AM, 9th Army’s General Model attempts to break up the encirclement by attacking out of Rzhev with tanks and Stuka dive-bomber support into the extended flank of Soviet 29th Army. Further North, Soviet 3rd Shock Army reaches the town of Kholm, held by German 218th Infantry Division.

Photo: Italian column moving towards new positions in the winter of 1942

Battle of the Atlantic

Operation Drumbeat. U-66, U-82, U-135, U-333, U-553 and U-754 each sink 1 merchant ship off the coast of North America (mostly near Newfoundland). 4 survivors in a lifeboat from British tanker MV Athelcrown board the drifting wreck of tanker Diala, which was torpedoed by U-553 on January 15. They will be rescued 8 days later by Swedish tanker MV Saturnus and landed on the Faroe Islands.

Western Desert Campaign

Exploiting the gaps in British 1st Armored Brigade, Afrika Korps tanks rush forward to capture Agedabia and Antelat. The equally inexperienced British 2nd Armored Brigade is thrown in piecemeal and picked off by the massed Panzers. Italian transport ships Ravello, Monviso, Monginevro, Victoria and Vettor Pisani (convoy T18) leave Messina, Sicily, and Taranto for Tripoli, carrying 97 tanks, 271 trucks, 11,823 tons of material and 1467 troops for Rommel. They are escorted by Italian battleship Duilo, 3 cruisers, 14 destroyers and 2 torpedo boats, indicating the importance of this shipment.

Pacific War

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO

Carrier-based aircraft from Akagi and Kaga attack Rabaul on New Britain Island for the third straight day. The last of the fixed defenses are destroyed.

Japanese troops land on Mussau Island, largest island in the Saint Mathias group, located 113 miles NW of Kavieng, New Ireland Island.

BURMA

The Indian 16th Brigade breaks off action in the Kawkareik area and falls back toward Moulmein.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

The USN's Task Force Eleven (TF 11) (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.), formed around carrier USS Lexington, departs Oahu to raid Wake Island.

Photo: "USS Cassin (DD-372), at left, and USS Downes (DD-375), Under salvage in Drydock Number One at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard. They had been wrecked during the 7 December 1941 Japanese air raid. Photographed from the foremast of USS Raleigh (CL-7), which was undergoing battle damage repairs in the drydock.

MAKASSAR STRAIT

The Japanese invasion force headed for Balikpapan, Borneo, crosses the equator at 2000 hours local.

From this date through 3 February, USAAF FEAF B-17's launch at least 15 missions out of Malang, Java, against shipping moving through Makassar Strait between Borneo and Celebes Island. Four missions abort due to bad weather, six end with negative results, and the remaining five suffer heavy losses but sink 4 ships.

MALAYA

The six-day battle on the Muar front ends in victory for the Japanese. The Indian 45th Brigade, despite close air and naval support during the operation, is destroyed as a fighting body. The Muar force destroys its vehicles and weapons and pushes toward Yong Peng by infiltration, leaving their wounded behind. The Batu Pahat defense force (a detachment of the Indian 11th Division) skirmishes with the Japanese on the Batu Pahat-Ayer Hitam road. The Indian 8th Brigade Group, 9th Division, having withdrawn from the Segamat sector to positions astride the main road between Labis and Yong Peng, is attacked by enemy. The East Force repels the Japanese attempt to cross the river at Mersing. The partly trained Indian 44th Brigade, reinforced, and 7,000 Indian reinforcements arrive at Singapore.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

Australian sloop HMAS Warrego and HMAS Koolama land reinforcements on Ambon Island.

NEW GUINEA

Carrier based aircraft from Shokaku and Zuikaku attack Lae, Salamaua and Bulolo.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, General Douglas MacArthur, Commander in Chief US Army Forces Far East (USAFFE), orders the withdrawal of the entire Mauban-Abucay line southward to a final defense position, behind the Pilar-Bagac road; the withdrawal is to start after nightfall on 23 January and be completed by daylight of 26 January. In the II Corps area, the Japanese open an offensive that forces the Philippine Division back to positions east and south of Abucay Hacienda, approximately those held at beginning of counter-offensive on 16 January. In the I Corps area, elements of 91st Division, Philippine Army (PA), supported by

Philippine Scouts of the 26th Cavalry and tanks, attempt unsuccessfully to reduce the roadblock on West Road and to reach 1st Division, PA, troops still fighting along the main line of resistance to the north. The Japanese begin a series of amphibious operations during the night of 22-23 January, when a battalion embarks in barges at Moron and sails toward Caibobo Point, below Bagac.Motor Torpedo Boat 34 (PT-34) (Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley) encounters and sinks two landing barges.

Japanese reinforcements land in the Subic Bay area.

CENTRAL PACIFIC

(Hawaiian Air Force): HQ 14th Pursuit Wing is inactivated at Wheeler Field, Oahu. B-17's of Task Group 8.9 return from Nandi in Fiji to Canton.

SAMOANS

The first naval aircraft to operate in the Samoans, OS2Us of VS-1-D14, arrived with Marine Corps reinforcements from San Diego.

Last Edit: Jan 22, 2021 2:49:28 GMT by lordroel

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World War II in real time Jan 23, 2021 14:32:02 GMT stevep and gillan1220 like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 23, 2021 14:32:02 GMT

Day 876 of World War II, January 23rd 1942

YouTube (The Formalization of Extermination - The Wansee Conference)

East Front

Siege of Leningrad Day 138 - The mass evacuation of civilians begins via the "ice road" across Lake Ladoga. (About 440,000 people are transported out of Leningrad between 22 January and 15 April 1942.) Meanwhile, Soviet forces recapture Uvarovo, 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Mozhaisk.

Battle of the Atlantic

Operation Drumbeat - At 8.12 AM 20 miles off Nova Scotia, U-109 sinks British SS Thirlby carrying 7600 tons of maize to Britain (5 killed, 41 survivors picked up by American steamer Belle Isle). At 1.40 PM 400 miles East of Newfoundland, U-82 sinks Norwegian tanker MV Leiesten (6 killed, 29 survivors picked up by Greek steamer Agios Georgios).

Western Desert Campaign

Libya. Afrika Korps’ rapid advance continues causing panic in the British rearguard, elements of which run East for safety. In the Gulf of Sirte, a British Fairey Albacore torpedo bomber (FAA 826 Squadron from Libya) sinks Italian troopship Victoria in supply convoy T18 (391 killed, 1064 crew and troops taken off by Italian destroyers Aviere and Camicia Nera).

Pacific War

AUSTRALIA

Australian Prime Minister John Curtin cables British Prime Minister Winston Churchill stating, After all the assurances we have been given, the evacuation of Singapore would be regarded here and elsewhere as an inexcusable betrayal.

USN destroyer USS Edsall is damaged by an explosion of its own depth charges during an attack on a submarine contact in Howard Channel, Clarence Strait, one of the approaches to Darwin, Northern Territory.

BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO

The Japanese 55th Regimental Group, numbering about 5300 troops, lands at Rabaul on New Britain Island while the Maizuru Special Naval Landing Force lands at Kavieng on New Ireland Island.

The small Australian garrison at Rabaul numbers 76 officers and 1314 other ranks. Two officers and 26 men are killed today, about 130 men of the 2/22nd Battalion are massacred at Tol, south of Rabaul, in February 1942, about 400 escape to Australia and New Guinea and the remaining 800 become POWs. At Kavieg, six men of the 1st Independent Company are killed and the rest are captured.
Five RAAF Catalinas attempt to attack a Japanese convoy off Wantom Island which lies a few kilometers north of Rabaul. The mission is aborted due to darkness and poor visibility.

BURMA

Japanese aircraft begin a period of intensified attacks on the Rangoon area in effort to destroy Allied aircraft in Burma. Pilots of the 1st and 2d Fighter Squadrons, American Volunteer Group shoot down five "Nate" fighters, over Rangoon at 1030 hours local, and five "Mary" Light Bombers and seven Ki-27 fighters over Rangoon at 1230 hours.

MALAYA

Rear guards from the Segamat and Muar fronts complete a withdrawal through Yong Peng at midnight, 23/24 January; West Force then comes under command of the Indian 3 Corps, which is to defend central Johore State and thereby protect Singapore naval base until reinforcements arrive. The Japanese are to be kept north of the line Batu Pahat-Ayer Hitam-Kluang- Jemaluang, if possible. Fighting continues in the Batu Pahat area, and the road from there to Ayer Hitam is closed. The Japanese intensify air attacks.

Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival, General Officer Commanding Malaya Command, orders the implementation of the plan for the withdrawal of British and Commonwealth troops to Singapore Island.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

Japanese Invasion forces move south in two convoys, one through Makassar Strait to Balikpapan on Borneo and the other through Molucca Passage to Kendari on Celebes Island. Unopposed landings are made at both places, but the convoy off Balikpapan is attacked by Dutch planes. On Sumatra, RAF reinforcements from the Middle East begin arriving at Palembang, where one of the two airdromes is attacked for the first time by enemy planes.

During the night of 23/24 January soldiers and officers of the Japanese Sasebo Combined Special Naval Landing Force went ashore north of Kendari, Celebes Island. Several hours later, they reached their main objective-the Kendari Airdrome which they captured.

Map: Japanese landing and attack on Kendari

USN destroyers Parrott, John D. Ford, Pope and Paul Jones entered Balikpapan Bay where, lying at anchor, were 16 Japanese transports and three 750 ton torpedo boats, guarded by a Japanese Destroyer Squadron. The foursome fired several patterns of torpedoes and had the satisfaction of seeing four enemy transports and one torpedo boat sink as the Japanese destroyers searched aimlessly in the strait for non-existent submarines.

PACIFIC

The oiler USS Neches is torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I-72, 136 miles WSW of Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, in position, 21.01N, 160.06W. The loss of the oiler supporting Task Force Eleven (TF 11) (Vice Admiral Wilson Brown Jr.) forces cancellation of the projected raid on Wake Island.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, the Philippine Division, on the II Corps western flank, withstands increasingly heavy pressure. After nightfall, the II Corps begins awithdrawal to the final defense line. In the I Corps area, the Japanese maintain heavy pressure against the Mauban main line of resistance and frustrate further attempts to reduce the roadblock on West Road. In the Service Command Area, a Japanese amphibious force heading for Cobweb Point, having lost its way during the night, arrives at two points on the southwestern coast, both well south of the objective. About a third land at Longoskawayan Point; the rest land at Quinauan Point. Brigadier General A.C. McBride, responsible for defense of the southern tip of Bataan except for the naval reservation near Mariveles, sends Philippine Constabulary elements to Quinauan Point, but they make little headway. Commander Francis J. Bridget, commanding the naval reservation, dispatches sailors and marines to Longoskawayan Point; these, reinforced by personnel of U.S. 301st Chemical Company and a howitzer from the Constabulary, clear Pucot Hill, but the Japanese return after nightfall.

PHOENIX ISLANDS

The USAAF's Hawaiian Air Force B-17 Flying Fortresses of Task Group 8.9 return from Nandi in the Fiji Islands to Canton Island in the Phoenix Islands.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Elements of the Japanese Fourth Fleet invade Kieta on Bougainville Island without opposition.

UNITED STATES

The Roberts Commission, whose work had begun on 18 December 1941, concludes its investigation to "ascertain and report the facts relating to the attack made by the Japanese armed forces upon the Territory of Hawaii on December 7, 1941..." The exhibits gathered amount to 2,173 printed pages.

Major General Joseph W. Stilwell, in Washington, accepts the China assignment and takes over part of the staff previously selected by Lieutenant General Hugh A. Drum.

The USAAF's Flying Training Command is established under the Chief of Air Corps and given jurisdiction over the Southeast Gulf Coast and West Coast Flying Training Centers which had been established on 8 July 40.

The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) begins to televise a series of training programs for air raid wardens in the New York City area, the start of educational television broadcasting in the U.S.

Task Force 6814 departs New York for New Zealand and then to New Caledonia. This unit with other additions will become the Americal Division. New Caledonia was a Free French French colony. With the Japanese war machine rolling, the French asked on 12-15-41 for military assistance on (protection). Troops from the British Empire (NZ and Aust.) were committed in North Africa. DeGaulle had been discussing the possibility of allowing Allied airfield construction prior to Pearl Harbor. TF 6814 was built around 2 regiments, the 132nd (Illinois) and the 182nd. These had been declared surplus when the federalized NG 33rd and 26th Divisions had been reorganized into triangular divisions. The 164th Regiment (North Dakota) was later added and thus the units were in place for the creation of the Americal Division.

Last Edit: Jan 23, 2021 14:32:38 GMT by lordroel

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World War II in real time Jan 24, 2021 7:52:44 GMT stevep and gillan1220 like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 24, 2021 7:52:44 GMT

Day 877 of World War II, January 24th 1942

Western Desert Campaign

Libya - Afrika Korps continues advancing across towards Benghazi. Rommel supply convoy T18 reaches Tripoli with a complete cargo except the 391 killed yesterday in the sinking of Italian troopship Victoria.

Battle of the Atlantic

Operation Drumbeat - At 2.40 AM 20 miles off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, U-66 sinks British tanker MV Empire Gem (carrying machinery and 10,692 tons of motor spirit to Britain) and American freighter SS Venore. At 6.53 AM 430 miles Southeast of Nova Scotia, U-106 sinks British SS Empire Wildebeeste. At 3.25 PM off Newfoundland, U-333 sinks Norwegian MV Ringstad.

Photo: British tanker Empire Gem sinks off Cape Hatteras after being torpedoed by U-66 on 24 January 1942

Battle of the Caribbean

American submarine chaser USS PC-460 mistakes US submarine USS S-26 for an enemy at night in the Gulf of Panama. USS PC-460 rams and sinks USS S-26 (46 dead; 3 survivors - the captain, his executive officer and a look-out, who are all on the conning tower).

Photo: USS PC-460

Pacific War

CENTRAL PACIFIC

(Hawaiian Air Force): B-17's of Task Group 8.9 fly from Canton to Nandi on Fiji.

MALAYA

The outline of the plan for withdrawal to Singapore Island is issued. Hard fighting continues at Batu Pahat. The Japanese are approaching Kluang, in the Indian 9th Division sector. The 942 men of the Australian 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion and 1907 other Australian reinforcements arrive in Singapore. The reinforcements are woefully undertrained; some had only seven days training as soldiers and many had never fired a rifle.

The remainder of the Japanese 18th Division lands at Singora.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

The Japanese Eastern Invasion Force lands at Kendari on Celebes Island. A USN seaplane tender (destroyer), USS Childs (AVD-1, ex DD-241), is leaving Kendari harbor and spots the Japanese. A rain squall obscures the seaplane tender for a while, allowing her to avoid two Japanese destroyers. Than she is attacked by six Japanese aircraft at 0800 hours local but escapes to the south. By the evening, Kendari is fully occupied by the Japanese. Most of the Dutch troops are captured by Japanese; some fight a guerrilla war for a short period, while others try to escape to safer parts of archipelago. Kendari Airdrome is considered the best in the Netherlands East Indies and was immediately put into operation by the Japanese 21st Air Flotilla.

Photo: Reconnaissance photo of Kendari II Airfield, 1942

USN submarine USS Swordfish sinks a Japanese gunboat north of Kema, Celebes Island.

Carrier-based aircraft from the aircraft carriers Soryu and Hiryu bomb Ambon Island.

The first of a small group of USAAF Far East Air Force P-40s reaches Blimbing Airdrome, Java from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

Map: Map showing USAAF fields in Java – 1942

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, the II Corps begins disengaging and withdrawing combat troops. The Japanese maintain intense pressure on the Philippine Division and attack the covering force, but the bulk of the troops withdraw successfully. The situation in the I Corps area deteriorates rapidly. The 1st Division, Philippine Army, exhausted by prolonged fighting along the main line of resistance and critically in need of supplies and ammunition, remains under pressure. Additional strength is applied against the Japanese roadblock on the West Road without avail.

In the Service Command Area of southern Bataan, the Japanese cannot be ousted from Quinauan and Longoskawayan Points. Sailors and marines succeed, however, in regaining Pucot Hill and driving the Japanese back to Longoskawayan and Lapiay Points; they are supported by the last four P-40s on Luzon.

Eight USAAF Far East Air Force B-17's based on Java, stage through Del Monte Field on Mindanao, to attack Japanese targets. Two aircraft are lost in crash landings.

UNITED STATES

The Special Court of Inquiry on Pearl Harbor, headed by Supreme Court Justice Owen J Roberts, places the main responsibility for the 7 December 1941 disaster on Admiral Husband E Kimmel and Lieutenant General Walter C Short, accusing them of neglecting to heed attack warnings, failing to confer with each other, and taking only minimum precautions.

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World War II in real time Jan 25, 2021 3:38:49 GMT stevep and gillan1220 like this

Post by lordroel on Jan 25, 2021 3:38:49 GMT

Day 878 of World War II, January 25th 1942

Battle of the Atlantic

Operation Drumbeat - At 9.25 AM off Newfoundland, U-754 sinks Greek SS Mount Kitheron. At 10.02 AM 28 miles Southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey, U-130 Norwegian tanker MV Varanger carrying 12,750 tons of fuel oil from Curacao to New York (all 40 hands escape in 2 lifeboats). U-123, in mid-Atlantic returning from Operation Drumbeat out of torpedoes, sinks British SS Culebra (all 45 hands lost).

German destroyer Z8 Bruno Heinemann (sailing from Kiel with Z4, Z5 and Z7 to Brest, France, to escort battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau), hits 2 British mines and sinks in the Strait of Dover, English Channel (98 killed, 229 rescued).

Battle of the Mediterranean

30 miles South of Messina, Sicily, British submarine HMS Ultimatum sinks Italian passenger ship Dalmatia L.

Western Desert Campaign

Libya - Germans overrun British tanks, capturing 30 Valentines (heavily-armored British “Infantry” tanks) parked in formation and part of the Divisional HQ, at the key road junction at Msus. The road runs Northeast of Msus to Benghazi, while a track heads East across the desert towards Egypt. British 1st Armored Division, which arrived from Britain in November, has lost 100 of its 150 tanks in 5 days.

Pacific War

AUSTRALIA

The government orders full mobilization. The War Cabinet orders that "all able-bodied white male British subjects" between 18- and 45-years-old should be called up immediately for service. The central government also assumes control of all state budgets.

By this date, the USAAF has received 112 P-40s from the U.S. with another 160 due by 4 February.

The USAAF Far East Air Force's 20th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional), which is preparing to depart Brisbane, Queensland for Port Moresby, New Guinea, is ordered to fly to Darwin, Northern Territory, as quickly as possible for duty in Java.

BORNEO

By dawn, the Japanese Assault Unit that landed near Balikpapan have occupied the airfield. Their advance southward, however, is slow as the bridges on the coastal road have been destroyed and the unit did not reach the northern outskirts of Balikpapan City until the night of the 25th. The Dutch garrison troops had been withdrawn and the unit entered the city without a fight. Guided by the lights placed by two traitorous native policemen, who had proceeded them, the Japanese Surprise Attack Unit lands just south of the reservoir at 0430 hours and sails up the river in camouflaged boats. No Dutch troops are encountered and while part of the unit occupies the area around the reservoir, the main body proceeds to the village of Banoeabaroe, arriving there at 1440 hours, thus cutting off the Dutch line of retreat. While the main body of the unit was advancing along the road to Balikpapan City, it ran into a Dutch military column attempting to escape from Balikpapan. After defeating this Dutch column, the Surprise Attack Unit proceeded to Balikpapan City. The city was completely occupied during the night of the 25th.

BURMA

General Archibald Lord Wavell, Commander in Chief Australian-British- Dutch-American (ABDA) Command, South West Pacific, visiting Rangoon, orders Moulmein held. The 16th Brigade, Indian 17th Division, is disposed west of the Salween River, opposite Moulmein. The Indian 46th Brigade is ordered to the Bilin area. A lull ensues as the Japanese bring up reinforcements to the vicinity of Paan and Moulmein, on the Salween River.

MALAYA

Since Batu Pahat must be abandoned at once, Lieutenant General Arthur Percival, General Officer Commanding Malaya Command, orders the entire line in central Johore State withdrawn. The Indian 3 Corps is responsible for the withdrawal operation, which begins after nightfall. Meanwhile, the Batu Pahat defense force fights a losing battle for that town throughout the day. The Indian 11th Division commander sends the British 53d Brigade Group to the relief of the Batu Pahat defense force, but most of the column is unable to get through. To the east, Japanese attacks in the Ayer Hitam-Kluang area are beaten off.

Photo: "Malaya. AIF artillerymen firing a 25 pounder gun from beside a rubber plantation." January 1942

MIDWAY ISLAND

Overnight, Japanese submarines I-24 and I-18 shell U.S. Marine positions on Midway Island. The Marines return fire, forcing both submarines to submerge.

NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES

The advance flight echelon of the USAAF Far East Air Force 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional) arrives at Soerabaja, Java with 13 P-40s. They will undergo five days of theater training by RNAF pilots.

Twenty five Japanese fighter aircraft land on Kendari Airdrome that was captured two days ago.

PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

On Bataan, the responsibility for the defense of beach area of southern Bataan passes from the Service Command Area to commanders of the I and II Corps. II Corps continues their withdrawal under air attack and with the Japanese in full pursuit. I Corps abandons the Mauban main line of resistance. The withdrawal of the 1st Division, Philippine Army, southward begins during the morning and continues through the night of 25/26 January. Diverting the enemy's attention, other elements of I Corps press in on the roadblock on West Road from the west. In the South Sector, operations against Japanese at Quinauan and Longoskawayan Points remain indecisive.

THAILAND

The government declares war on the U.S. and the U.K. The government of Great Britain, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa respond in kind.

CENTRAL PACIFIC

(Hawaiian Air Force): B-17's of Task Group 8.9 fly from Canton to Nandi on Fiji.

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