1942 - US Army Center Of Military History

[ 14 ]
11 January
U.S.—Plan to dispatch U.S. V Corps, reinf,
and air and supply forces to N Ireland (MAGNET) is
approved.
LUZON—In II Corps area, Japanese advancing
down E coast of Bataan drive back OPL of 57th
Inf (PS), cross Calaguiman R, and after nightfall
begin assault on MLR, forcing 57th Inf to fall back
a little. Fighting continues throughout night 11–12.
Reserves are committed and 57th Inf counterattacks,
regaining most of lost ground by dawn of
12th. To W, another enemy column shifts W in
sector of 41st Div (PA) and is contained by that
div. 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 Ind
3 Corps continues withdrawal into Johore, but
enemy planes remain active and begin series of
strikes against Muar.
NEI—Japanese invade NEI at 2 points. Central
assault force, with air support from Jolo I., lands
at rich oil center of Tarakan, off E coast of Dutch
Borneo, while E assault force from Davao, Mindanao,
invades Celebes at Menado and Kema.
Naval paratroop force is dropped on airfield just
S of Menado. Allied planes are unable to halt enemy,
and the small Dutch garrisons are quickly overwhelmed.
Japanese soon put Tarakan and Menado
into use as air bases from which to support operations
to S.
LIBYA-EGYPT—S African 2d Div of 30 Corps,
Br Eighth Army, attacks Sollum, just across Egyptian
border, and captures it early on 12th. 13 Corps
pursues Rommel’s forces toward El Agheila, a
strong natural position.
USSR—Soviet forces continue to push westward
on central front and cut N–S Rzhev–Brvansk
RR line.
12 January
LUZON—Japanese exert strong pressure against
II Corps, particularly on W, while taking up positions
for concerted assault. 51st Div (PA) is hard
hit and gives ground, some of which is regained
after reserves are committed. In center, Japanese
push back OPL of 41st Div (PA). On E coast,
Japanese regain positions on S bank of Calaguiman
R; to meet threat there, 21st Inf (PA) is released
from reserve to assist 57th Inf (PS). In I Corps area,
Japanese detachment moves by boat and seizes undefended
Grande I.
13 January
LUZON—On E flank of II Corps, 21st Inf (PA)
counterattacks at 0600 after arty preparation and
[ 11–14 JANUARY 1942 ]
reduces part of salient on left flank of 57th Inf (PS).
Japanese are thus prevented from launching planned
offensive in that area, but make progress to W
against 51st Div (PA), forcing it back to MLR along
Balantay R. Enemy column driving S in central
Bataan, with task of turning corps’ left flank, is not
yet in position for attack.
MALAYA—Gen Wavell again visits front and
confers with commanding officers. Withdrawal of
Ind 3 Corps into Johore reaches final stage; all
vehicles are being moved through Segamat. Convoy
with badly needed reinforcements reaches Singapore
and unloads first echelon of Br 18th Div (53d Brig
Gp), AA units, and 50 Hurricane fighters with
crews.
BURMA—Joint Military Council recommends
construction of Ledo and Imphal roads.
USSR—Red Army has driven deep salient between
German 2d Pz and 4th Armies on central
front SW of Kaluga; deepens it with capture of
Kirov.
14 January
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES—Anglo-American
ARCADIA Conference ends in Washington.
Among major decisions reached are: agreement to
establish Combined Chiefs of Staff to direct British-
American war effort; the main effort must be made
first against Germany; occupation of French N
Africa (GYMNAST) is of strategic importance in
Atlantic area.
U.S.—As discussions are begun in Washington
to consider who shall go to China instead of Gen
Drum, Gen Marshall proposes Maj Gen Joseph W.
Stilwell, who is being considered for command of
GYMNAST.
LUZON—In II Corps area, strong Japanese pressure
against W flank of 41st Div (PA) forces outposts
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 Corps
area, Japanese start S on W coast toward Moron in
2 columns, one by sea and the other along trail from
Olongapo. Waterborne elements land about midway
between Olongapo and Moron and continue S
on foot. Gen Wainwright sends containing force to
Moron.
MALAYA—Ind 3 Corps completes withdrawal
into Johore and assumes responsibility for S part of
Johore; assault elements (Aus 22d Brig of Aus 8th
Div) are designated East Force and disposed astride
Malacca–Segamat road. AIF Malaya (less Aus 22d
Brig), responsible for NW Johore, is reinf by Ind
9th Div and Ind 45th Brig and is designated West
Force. Aus 27th Brig and Ind 8th Brig Gps are
astride main road and RR N of Segamat. Enemy is to