Battle of the Atlantic
- U-701 sinks the British anti-submarine trawler Stella Capella south of Iceland with the loss of her entire crew of 33.
- The unarmed US freighter Texan (8615t) is torpedoes, shelled and sunk by U-126 about 40 miles east of Nuevitas, Cuba. The Cuban fishing boat Yoyo rescues the survivors.
- U-158 torpedoes and sinks the unarmed US freighter Caribsea (2609t) about 14 miles east of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The US freighter Norlindo rescues the survivors.
| 
]Brazil, Home Front
In order to recompense themselves for losses of Brazilian ships sunk in the Atlantic, Brazil confiscates up to 30 percent of funds held by Axis nationals.
[ | ]Britain, Home Front
The maximum penalty for black-marketeering is increased to 14 years in prison.
[ | ]Britain, Policy
Winston Churchill speaks on India. He says the British wish to avoid 'fierce constitutional and communal disputes at a moment when the enemy is at the gates of India.' Sir Stafford Cripps, Lord Privy Seal, is to be sent to prepare the way for independence by winning approval of terms for self-government from Indian leaders.
[ | ]Burma
Allied troops take up defensive positions to keep the Japanese out of the northern part of the country. The 17th Indian Div is deployed near Tharrawaddy, in the Irrawaddy valley, and the 1st Burma Div takes up positions in the upper Sittang valley. Lt-Gen Joseph Stilwell is appointed to command the Chinese 5th and 6th Armies (the equivalent of European divs) presently concentrating around Mandalay and in the Shan States respectively. Another Chinese division is deployed in the Toungoo area. Their aim is to protect the Burma Road into China. The Allied ground forces are supported by 1 RAF squadron and up to 30 'Flying Tiger' aircraft flown by an all-volunteer force of US pilots. They face over 200 enemy aircraft.
[ | ]Eastern Front
SOUTHERN SECTOR4 days of fierce fighting has seen the 38th Army extend its bridgehead north of Kharkov. Stubborn German resistance has brought the advance to a halt.
[ | ]Japan, Home Front
Tojo says one of Japan's war aims is to free India from Anglo-Saxon rule and influence.
[ | ]Mediterranean
The British lighat cruiser Naiad under Capt G. Grantham is sunk by 1 torpedo from U-565 50 miles north of Sollum. 82 men are lost, 582 survivors are picked up by the British destroyers Jervis, Kipling and Lively.
[ | ]Pacific
US submarine Pollack (SS-180), operating in the East China Sea about 270 miles east of Shanghai, sinks the Japanese merchant cargo ship Fukushu Maru (1434t) and the passenger cargo ship Baikal Maru.
[ | ]Philippines
Gen MacArthur, with his personal staff, and Rear-Adm F. W. Rockwell, together with members of the General Staff, leaves Luzon on board 4 motor torpedo-boats for Mindanao. Emotional but determined the Commander-in-Chief, South Pacific issues his famous declaration to the Filipinos, 'I shall return!' On orders from Washington he hands over his command to Gen Wainwright.
MacArthur Ordered to Leave the Philippines |
 |
| ]