Eastern Front

While Army Group South continues its offensive against Sevastopol, Russian troops coming from the Caucasus mount an amphibious attack against the eastern Crimea, taking Kerch and Feodosia. On the central front the Germans are forced back under the pressure of the Soviet counteroffensive. The Russians occupy Kaluga, 90 miles southwest of Moscow.

Cossack Troops in Action

Cossack Troops Waiting to Attack Enemy Blockhouses

The Soviets pour forces into the Crimea as the XLII Corps retreats to the Ak-Monai narrows, fighting rear guard battles as it falls back.

Malaya

The Japanese maintain pressure against the Kampar position in western Malaya. On the east coast, the Japanese threaten Kuantan from the north in greater strength. The Kuantan defense force in in the process of concentrating west of the Kuantan River, which is crossed by a single ferry.

Mediterranean

• The British submarine Thorn sinks the German steamer Campina (3032t) in the Peloponnese.
• The British submarine Proteus sinks the Italian steamer Citta di Marsala (2480t) leaving Argostoli.

North Africa

After losing still more tanks to what is now considered to be superior German armored vehicles, the British cease their drive for Agedabia in Libya.

Pacific

Philippines

Under Japanese pressure from the north the US and Filipino forces fall back from Tarlac to their last prepared line before the Bataan Peninsula. They must attempt to hold this position just north of Clark Field so that the troops retiring before the Japanese landings in south Luzon can pass through Manila to get to San Fernando and the road to Bataan. From Cabanatuan, the 91st Division (PA) withdraws along Route 5 through Gapan toward Baliuag, northeast of Calumpit. The armor is concentrated in the Plaridel-Baliuag area to defend the Calumpit bridge over the Pampanga River for this purpose. This is where the South Luzon Force must withdraw to reach San Fernando and the road leading to Bataan. The 71st Division (PA) is dispatched to Baliuag. In the center, the 11th Division (PA) succeeds in delaying an enemy column heading for Tarlac from Cabanatuan. The 21st Division (PA) falls back from Tarlac along Route 3, toward the line Bamban-Arayat. The South Luzon Force, ordered to delay the enemy, halts at Santiago, where an ambush is arranged, but because of the reverses of the North Luzon Force is directed in the evening to continue the withdrawal and cross the Calumpit bridge not later than 0600 on January 1.

Churchill Addresses the Canadian Parliament