Air Operations, Europe

R.A.F. Bomber Command makes many attacks during the month. Targets include Emden, Hamburg, Bremen and Brest (aimed at the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen).

Battle of the Atlantic

The German U-boat fleet now has 91 vessels operational with another 158 on training missions or on trials. The operational boats are distributed with 64 in the Atlantic theater, 23 in the Mediterranean and 4 in the Arctic. This month Allied shipping losses in all theaters amount to 106 ships of 419,900 tons; 48 ships are sunk in the Atlantic and 62 ships fall to Axis submarines of all nations.(Allied Ships Lost to U-boats this month)

From later in the month until March Dönitz is compelled by Hitler to deploy a significant number of his fleet off Norway to guard against an invasion. This is one useful result for the Allies of the British commando raid on the Lofotens at the end of 1941. The most important development in the maritime war during the month is the move of the German submarines to the East Coast of America (see January 13, 1942).

Battle of the Atlantic

The British steamer Kentwood (2180t) is badly damaged by a mine near Haisboro. The ship later sinks being towed by a navy ship. The entire crew are rescued.

Borneo

Sarawak is abandoned by the British after oil field facilities are destroyed.

Britain, Home Front

In an explosion in a colliery in Burslem, Staffordshire, 58 miners are killed.

Diplomatic Relations

The Chinese government asks for help under the Lend-Lease Act to build a road from Ledo in India to Lungling in China across northern Burma, creating a real 'Burma Road' to supply the Chinese forces.

Dutch East Indies

The Japanese land on Labuan Island.

Australians Fighting Near Buna

Eastern Front

German forces mount a strong counterattack on the Russians that have penetrated into the peninsula near Kerch and Feodosiya in the Crimea. The attacks of the Kalinin Front retake Staritza, 48 km northeast of Rzhev, which has been destroyed by the Germans.

Timoshenko unleashes his assault in the Ukraine. Planning to attack all along his sector, the Bryansk Front is to attack toward Kursk and Orel with the 3rd, 13th and 61st Armies in conjunction with the 21st ant 40th Armies on the northern wing of the Southwest Front. The Southwest Front is to attack with the 38th and 6th Armies in the Chuguyev-Balakleya-Izyum area to capture Kharkov and Krasnograd. The South Front, with the 57th, 37th and 9th Armies is to attack toward Pavlograd and seize Dnepropetrovsk and Zaporozhe. The 57th is to push through Barvenkovo to Pavlograd, while the 37th Army attacks toward Bolshoi Tokmak. The 51st and 44th Armies are to coninue their offensive in the Crimea.

The offensive begins at dawn, heavy fighting erupting along the Siem River as the 40th and 21st Armies launch vigorous attacks toward Oboyan and Kursk. The left wing of the 40th pushes 20 miles into the German positions, while the 21st Army cuts the Belgorod-Kursk road.

In the Crimea, the XLII Corps counterattacks but is unable to crush the Soviet bridgehead at Feodosia. The XLII is too weak to destroy the Soviet force.

Malaya

The Japanese 25th Army under Gen Tomoyuki Yamashita continues its southerly advance. In the eastern sector Kuantan is taken by the Imperial Guards Div. In a brilliant amphibious operation the 5th and 18th Divs outflank the 11th Indian Div, which is putting up a dogged resistance to the Japanese at Kampar northeast of Telok Anson, and along the road leading south to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and occupy Telok Anson. On the island of Singapore, Tengah airfield suffers its first heavy Japanese air raid.

Malta

There are heavy raids by Axis aircraft on the island's airfields and ports.

North Africa

In an effort to relieve the pressure being exerted by the British 8th Army, the Germans and Italians, who have consolidated near Agedabia, counterattack inland on the right flank.

A new assault on Bardia takes place by the 8th and 44th Royal Tanks from the 1st Army Tank Brigade, which has the 3rd and 4th South African Brigades under tactical command for the operation. After some preliminary moves during daylight, the armor launches a major attack after dark under cover of a heavy artillery bombardment. The attack is successful and at dawn 2 January the garrison surrenders.

German Transport Column Under Air Attack

Air Operations, Europe

British aircraft raid Naples causing severe material damage.

BOMBER COMMAND

• 12 Hampdens are involved in 'roving patrols' on the Dutch and German coasts. 1 plane bombs at Leeuwarden. There are no losses.
• In evening operations 22 Wellingtons and 9 Stirlings are sent to bomb the German battlecruisers in Brest. Only 7 aircraft bomb the primary target in what is the first of 11 January raids on these ships. 15 Whitleys and 12 Manchester are sent to St Nazaire where only 8 bomb the primary target area. There are no losses on either raid.
• In minor operations 36 Hampdens lay mines in the Frisians and off the French Biscay ports. There are no losses.

Barents Sea

U-134 sinks the British steamer Waziristan (5135t) from Convoy PQ-7A 20 miles south of Bear Island with the loss of all 47 of her crew.

Borneo

Brunei Bay is occupied by a Japanese landing force.

A Convoy in China

Eastern Front

In the advance of the West Front south of Moscow Maloyaroslavets, 129 km southwest of Moscow, is retaken as 3 German divisions are defeated. On the Kerch peninsula during the last few days the Russians capture 48 guns and over 1,000 motorcycles.

The Northwest Front receives new orders for operations against Army Groups North and Center. The 3rd and 4th Shock Armies are to seize Ostashkov and Toropets and smash the junction of the two army groups. The attack is planned for January 9 and is aimed to destroy the northern wing of Army Group Center, completing the envelopment of the German armies before Moscow. Already hard pressed by the Kalinin Front, the 9th Army requests permission to withdraw from its positions on the Volga to a shorter line to the rear. Hitler categorically forbids a withdrawal, ordering the 9th to hold its line. To the south, the West Front recaptures Maloyaroslavets as the 4th Army falls back.

The fighting on the Kerch peninsula has cost the Soviets 30,000 killed and missing and 7,700 wounded of 62,000 originally committed. The Soviets have also lost 35 tanks, 133 artillery pieces and 39 aircraft.

Malaya

British and Empire forces continue to be compelled to retreat southward. To avoid encirclement by the Japanese, who have landed in their rear and taken Telok Anson, the 15th Indian Brigade defending Kampar, begin withdrawing southward to the Slim River line. The Japanese occupy Kampar and attempt a landing at Kuala Selangor (on the west coast, northwest of Kuala Lumpur), but are stopped by British artillery.

Malta

There are more attacks on the island's air and naval bases by Axis aircraft.

Advancing Near Tobruk

North Africa

The Axis garrison of Bardia on the Egyptian border, surrounded since the middle of December and left without supplies or ammunition, surrenders to the 2nd South African Div and the 1st Armored Brigade, 8th Army. It has held out since almost the start of the CRUSADER offensive. 7,000 prisoners are taken.

Air Operations, CBI

2nd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40 fighters down 3 Japanese Navy fighters over Rahaeng/Tak Airfield in Thailand.

Air Operations, Europe

During the evening 14 Stirlings and 4 Wellingtons are sent to bomb Brest. 10 Hampdens are involved in mine lay in the Frisians. 1 Wellington and 1 Hampden are lost in these operations.

Allied Command

By the authority of the Arcadia Conference Chiang Kai-shek is named Commander-in-Chief of Allied forces in China. Gen Wavell is appointed to the newly established ABDA (American-British-Dutch-Australia) Command. The new command is to defend the line stretching from Burma and the Malay Peninsula, through Sumatra and Java, across to the Philippines and Okinawa, North Australia, the Netherlands East Indies, New Guinea, to the Solomons, and as far south ast New Zealand. The command is ordered to take the offensive at the earliest possible opportunity. His deputy commander is Maj-Gen George H. Brett of the US. This attempt at a joint command stucture will prove to be difficult n practice, with international and interservice rivalries reducing efficiency.

Battle of the Atlantic

The British steamer Corfen (1848t) is badly damaged on a mine 2 miles from Barrow Deep with the loss of 1 crewman. The ship sinks later in the day while being towed. The rest of the crew are rescued. The British steamer Robert (1272t) is also badly damaged on a mine off Lowestoft. The entire crew are rescued. The ship sinks the next day while under tow.

Borneo

The Japanese land unopposed on the island of Labuan in the Gulf of Brunei. From there a detachment moves on to the mainland at Mempakul.

A British Matilda Tank

Britain, Planning

The British chiefs of staff direct the Home Forces to begin planning operations for a second front in western Europe. This planning will eventually lead the Normandy invasion some 20 months later.

Eastern Front

Elements of the 10th Army encircle 4,000 men of the 216th Infantry Division in Sukhinichi. The beleaguered force, only recently arrived from the west, is attacked by tank and infantry forces and brought under sustained artillery fire. Despite its inexperience the division holds, compelling the Soviets to divert forces from their westward drive.

The Southwest Front attacks the 6th Army around Kharkov but with little success. Timoshenko orders the 21st and 38th Armies to take Belgorod by January 5. In the Crimea, the 44th and 51st "Armies attack at Feodosia and Kerch.

Zhukov's concentrated and directed assault against Army Group Center had successfully, over the course of a month, forced the Germans to relinquish territory at great cost. However, with the road to victory partially traversed, Stalin undertook to reconquer all. Despite the protests of Zhukov, the Stalin offensives were about to begin and the gains of the past month would be squandered in localized attacks from the frozen north to the Don in the south.

Indian Ocean

In only 3 months, 'Port T', a secret British naval base, hacked out of virgin jungle and swamp on Addu Atoll in the Maldive Islands, becomes operational despite appalling problems of climate and terrain. The first convoy of troopships, escorted by the cruiser Emerald, arrives.

Malaya

On the west coast the British continue their withdrawal across the Slim River. On the east coast the Kuantan defenders begin to retire southward to avoid being cut off. The desire of the British headquarters would have been to hold on to the airport in Kuantan for at least another week.

Royal Engineers Prepare to Blow up a Bridge

Air Operations, CBI

A 2nd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40 shoots down a Japanese Navy A5M 'Claude' fighter over Rangoon at 1205 hours.

Air Operations, Mediterranean

Wellingtons bomb the Castel Vetrano airfield in Sicily.

Air Operations, Pacific

USAAF B-17s bomb Japanese warships in Malalag Bay, Davao in the Philippines and damage the heavy cruisers Myoko and Nachi.

Allied Command

In these difficult conditions the Allied supreme command gives the following instructions to Gen Wavell: to hold the 'Malayan barrier' (the line from the Malayan peninsula through Sumatra and Java to northern Australia) and oppose any Japanese advance beyond that line; to reinforce Burma and Australia; and to re-establish contact with the Philippines across the Dutch East Indies.

Battle of the Atlantic

The British destroyer Hesperus sinks U-93 northeast of Madeira with the loss of 6 of her crew. 40 survivors are picked up by the destroyer.

Black Sea

Stukas badly damage the Russian cruiser Krasny Kavkaz.

China

The Japanese advance in the area of Changsha is held up by Chinese forces.

Eastern Front

Russian forces recapture Borovsk.

Equipped for the Conditions, the Russians Counterattack

India, Home Front

Indian leaders promise to support the Allied war effort if Britain will grant India dominion status.

Air Operations - Europe

A total of 154 aircraft, including 89 Wellingtons, are sent to hit targets in the Brest area. 87 aircraft are given the Gneisenau and the Scharnhorst as their targets while the rest are to hit the naval yards. Accurate bombing is prevented by a smoke screen but large fires are seen after the attack. No aircraft are lost.

In minor operations, 37 planes are sent to Cherbourg and 5 more lay mines in Quiberon Bay. There are no losses.

Black Sea

The battleship Parizhskaya Kommuna bombards German positions on the Crimean coast.

Eastern Front

Stalin refuses advice from Zhukov and his other military advisers and in an address to the Stavka, the GHQ of the Soviet High Command, orders offensives on all fronts rather than concentrating against Army Group Center. Zhukov has argued that Soviet resources are not sufficient to allow such diverse operations and that, although early successes may be achieved, there will be no reserve of strength to break into German fortified positions. This will turn out to be an accurate prediction.

In the northern sector fighting continues along the Volkhov River with no major gains by either side although the Russians recapture the Kirichi rail junction. At Leningrad, where cold and hunger claims hundreds of victims every day, preparations are made for a massive evacuation of the civilian population across frozen Lake Ladoga.

In the central sector, the Russians retake Belev, west of the Oka River. In the southern sector, Red Army reinforcements land on the coasts of the Crimea near Evpatoriya and Sudak to attempt to break the siege on the fortress of Sevastopol by the Germans and the Rumanians. The Russians make little progress, however, against the stubborn German resistance.

The Germans are counterattacking the 21st Army around Belgorod, prompting Timoshenko to commit the 38th Army in this area. In the Crimea, the Germans repel Red Army landings at Sudak and Evatoria.[MORE]

Left Behind by the Retreating Germans

Malaya

On the Slim River line the 11th Indian Div repels a Japanese attack along the Penang-Singapore railway line. Japanese reinforcements land on the west coast of the peninsula. British forces pull back to new defensive positions. The headquarters of the British Far East fleet is transferred from Singapore to Batavia, in Java.

Malta

The bombing of the island by Axis forces is intensified.

Mediterranean

• A large Italian convoy reaches Tripoli.
• The Italian submarine Ammiraglio St. Bon, carrying gasoline to North Africa, is sunk by the British submarine, Upholder, northwest of Messina. 3 crewmen are rescued.
• The British submarine Proteus sinks the Italian troopship Citta di Palermo 3 miles west of Cape Dukato in the Ionian Sea.

North Africa

The German defenses in the Halfaya Pass are assaulted by British forces.

An Axis convoy reaches Tripoli with 20 armored cars, a batch of anti-tank guns, a stock of fuel and 54 tanks with crews. The tanks are Mark IIIs strengthened with additional plate on the front of the hull.

Air Operations - Europe

31 Wellingtons are sent to hit the warships at Brest. There are no special results claimed although one bomb pierces the hull of the Gneisenau and floods two compartments. 1 aircraft is lost.

In minor operations, 18 Hampdens patrol over Northern Germany, 11 Whitleys are sent to Stavanger airfield, 5 Wellingtons to Cherbourg and there are 16 OTU sorties. There are no losses in the minor operations.

Baltic States

A typhus outbreak reaches epidemic proportions in Lithuania.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-701 sinks the British steamer Baron Erskine (3657t) 360 miles east-southeast of Cape Farewell with the loss of her entire crew of 41.

Britain, Home Front

Lord Woolton, Minister of Food, declares that, thanks to the success of the Government's food policy, the British people are 'fighting fit'. Black marketeers have caused some problems, but those responsible are 'having a diet at Wormwood Scrubs'. Emergency feeding arrangements now include 1,170 'British Restaurants'.

China

Chiang Kai-shek asks Washington to name a senior American officer to be chief of staff of the Allied troops (American and British) operating in China.

Eastern Front

Near Leningrad, after crossing ice, the Russians recapture Hogland Island in the Gulf of Finland. The Spanish volunteer 'Blue Division', fighting on the Leningrad front, has suffered heavy casualties, including many frostbite victims.[MORE]

Punishment for Partisan Activity

Malaya

In the western sector Indian troops are moved in to defend the Selangor River. In the east the troops that evacuated Kuantan continue their withdrawal.

North Africa

The British 1st Arm Div becomes operational in Cyrenaica. The inexperience of this formation is to be an important factor in the coming operations. This unit takes position at Antelat in Cyrenaica. Derna harbor is reopened to traffic. The German retreat through Cyrenaica comes to an end. The Italians and Germans are deployed along a line from El Agheila to Marada. The British advance has reached Mersa Brega and is temporarily halted east of El Agheila. 8th Army's first offensive is successful inflicting a severe defeat on Rommel's forces which suffered 38,000 killed, wounded and missing. It is the first victory for the British over the Germans in World War II.

Italian Artillery Near Tobruk

Air Operations - Europe

68 Wellingtons are sent to bomb Brest and 27 aircraft to St-Nazaire. There are no losses.

Battle of the Atlantic

German submarines are deployed off the east coast of the US in their first big 'hunt'. An average of 54 units are in action and in less than a month 142,373 tons of shipping are sunk.

Borneo

In Sarawak the Japanese reach the Sarawak-Dutch West Borneo border.

China

During the period from January 3, Chinese troops rout a Japanese force of an estimated 70,000 in a major battle in the Hunan provincial capital of Changsha. The Japanese admit defeat by the Nationalist Chinese force.

Eastern Front

The Russians are advancing north and south of Mozhaisk. On the southern front they recapture Meshchovsk.

To the accompaniment of massed artillery fire, the Volkhov Front launches its offensive along the Volkhov. Fierce fighting develops as the partially deployed 2nd Shock and 59th Armies attac the I and XXXVIII Corps. The hastily prepared Soviet attacks fail to penetrate the German positions.

Germans Surrendering on the Russian Front

South of Lake Ilmen, the Northwest Front begins probing attacks against the X and II Corps of the 16th Army, concentrating its efforts in the 11th Army sector near Staraya Russa. The Germans have recently brought the 18th Motorized Division down to this sector and in heavy fighting it inflicts severe casualties upon the Soviet units. For the operation the Soviets have assembled 106,000 men between the 1st Shock, 11th, 34th and 53rd Armies. The 3rd SS Totenkopf, 30th and 290th Infantry Divisions absorbed the main force of the Soviet attacks. All three divisions lose considerable numbers during the fighting.

The Kalinin Front reaches the Volga near Rzhev, having mauled 6 German divisions during the fight around the town.

The Bryansk Front renews its attacks in teh Bolkhov-Orel-Kromy area with the 61st Army. The 3rd and 13th Armies will join the attack shortly.

Germans Hug the Ground to Escape Enemy Fire

Malaya

Japanese tanks and infantry totally disrupt the defenses of 11th Indian Div around Trolak and Kampong Slim. The 2 brigades most heavily engaged are reduced to about 20 percent of their normal strength and the 11th Indian Div is no longer considered an organized fighting unit. The Japanese break through and start advancing towards Kuala Lampur, reaching a point nearly two miles from the village of Slim. The Indian III Corps succeeds in forming a new defensive line further south near Kuala Kubu.

Stocks of Rubber Burning

Air Operations - CBI

3rd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s down 3 Japanese Ki-30 light bombers over Mesoht, Thailand.

Air Operations - Europe

151 aircraft are sent to bomb Brest. 1 Manchester is lost on the raid.

In minor operations, 31 aircraft attack Cherbourg, 5 Hampdens lay mines in the Frisians and there are 2 OTU sorties. 1 plane is lost on the Cherbourg raid.

Borneo

The Japanese take Jesselton, or Kota Kinabalu, the capital of British North Borneo, in British North Borneo, Sabah.

Eastern Front

West of Moscow the Soviet forces are now attacking Mozhaysk. Mosalsk Vetchino and Serpeysk are recaptured. North of Mozhaisk, Zhukov's forces have recaptured 51 villages in 2 days, but the German garrison at Mozhaisk continues a stubborn resistance. The siege of Sevastopol is lifted by the Red Army.

German Soldier at a Observation Post

The Soviet 2nd Shock, 52nd and 59th Armies continue their offensive, although the Germans maintain a solid defense. The Northwestern Front launches more assaults against the German 16th Army, inflicting heavy casualties on II Corps.

The German 9th Army at Rzhev and 4th Army at Mozhaisk continue to repel Red Army attacks. In response, the Stavka reinforces the Kalinin Front, bringing its strength up to 346,000 troops. The Western Front is ordered to achieve breakthroughs at Volokolamsk and Rzhev and reach Vyazma, thus separating and isolating the German 4th Army and 2nd Panzer Army. For these tasks it has 713,000 troops. To the south the Bryansk Front (317,000 troops) starts its offensive. These attacks are grouped under the Moscow Offensive.

Repeated attacks against Kharkov by the Soviet 21st, 38th and 40th Armies are having no success.[MORE]

Iraq

In Baghdad Raschid Ali is sentenced to death in absentia by court-marshal.

Malaya

Gen Wavell, visiting Singapore, orders the Allied forces to withdraw to positions south of the Muar River into Johore state, north of Singapore, where the next stand is to be made.

Over the next couple of days a third wave of Japanese landings brings in more troops. There is the usual lavish escort for the convoys. The outer defense line of Kuala Lumpur is penetrated by the Japanese.

Pacific

I-56 sinks the Dutch steamer Van Rees (3000t) 80 miles south of Tjilatjap and the Dutch steamer Van Riebeeck (2263t) in the same area.

Air Operations - CBI

2nd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s destroy 4 Japanese fighters on the ground while attacking the Rahaeng/Tak Airfield in Thailand.

Air Operations - Europe

82 aircraft are sent on a raid to Brest. There are no losses.

In minor operations, 5 Hampdens are sent to lay mines off Brest. 1 plane is lost. 1 Manchester is sent on a leaflet flight over France.

Atlantic

The destroyer Vimiera hits a mine and sinks in the Thames Estuary.

Snow in London

Eastern Front

The Soviet Northwest, Volkhov and Kalinin Fronts launch a new offensive in the Valdai Hills area west and northwest of Moscow. The Soviet advance is very rapid at first despite fierce German resistance. Over the next 12 days the Russians make a 113-km-deep breakthrough between Smolensk and Lake Ilmen. They capture 9 towns and by January 22 Velikie Luki, a vital railway junction, is seriously threatened.

The 3rd and 4th Shock Armies begin to attack across the frozen surface of Lake Selinger but encounter fierce resistance from the 16th Army. The 3rd Shock plans to punch through the German defenses and advance upon Kholm and Velikiye Luki, crushing the southern flank of the 16th Army, while the 4th Shock Army exploits the hole in the German line and rushes forward to storm Vitebsk. The 22nd Army provides support on the left flank. As the Northwest Front increases the pressure upon the right wing of the 16th Army, the German defenses at Peno, near Andreapol, begin to crumble. Elements of the 11th Army penetrate into the German rear and moves up to Staraya Russa.

Bitter fighting continues at Rzhev as the 29th and 39th Armies pound the 9th Army. The Germans throw back each Soviet attack, albeit with heavy casualties. Farther south, the 49th Army is involved in heavy fighting as it advances toward Vyazma, while the 10th Army storms Lyudinovo, taking the town after a fierce battle with the 2nd Panzer Army. The 10th Army is ordered to take Kirov and then cut the Vyazma-Bryansk railway. The 3rd and 13th Armies join the 61st Army attacks upon Bolkhov.

Malaya

The Indian III Corps begins to withdraw southwards. The 11th and 9th Indian Divisions are given the task of stopping the enemy advance, covering the area Seremban, Port Dickson, Tampin and Malacca.

Air Operations, Europe

24 aircraft are sent to bomb Wilhelmshaven. Good bombing results are claimed, but German records classify it as a minor raid with light damage. 6 people are injured. 3 Welligtons and 2 Hampdens are lost.

In minor operations, 29 aircraft raid Emden, the first of 7 raids on Emden during January. Also, 2 Wellingtons raid Boulogne, 5 Hampdens lay mines off Wilhelmshaven, 6 Blenheim Intruders raid Holland and 1 Hampden makes a leaflet flight over France. 1 Blenheim Intruder is lost.

Barents Sea

The Russian submarine M-175 is sunk north of the Rybachiy Peninsula by U-584 with the loss of her entire crew of 21.

Dutch East Indies

The Japanese make landings on the small islands of Tarakan and Minahassa, Borneo. The Japanese plans for the invasion of the East Indies envisages a three-pronged attack. The landings at Tarakan are from the Central Force which is to take Borneo. The Western Force will advance from Sarawak and make landings on Sumatra and Java. The Eastern Force is to begin with landings on the Celebes and at Amboina, before attacking Bali, Timor and the eastern part of Java.

The Japanese 3rd Fleet, given the responsibility for the Borneo operations under the command of Vice-Adm Ibo Takahashi, consists of 2 heavy cruisers, 8 destroyers and 41 transports. They are being covered by another group consisting of 2 heavy cruisers and 7 destroyers commanded by Rear-Adm Takeo Takagi. The land forces are commanded by Gen Tomoyuki Yamashita. Dutch Martin bombers make repeated attacks on the invasion fleet.

Ford Motor Company Begins Making Jeeps

Eastern Front

The attacks by the Soviet 2nd Shock and 59th Armies along the Volkhov have failed. The Red Army will thus try a new tactic: a combined offensive by the Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts. To the south the offensive by the Northwestern front is also faltering, with the 3rd and 4th Shock Armies making slow progress north of Lake Seligar.

Although the Soviet 39th Army has advanced past Rzhev, the 29th Army is still held up in front of the town.

The German 6th Army counterattacks around Kharkov, hitting the junction of the Soviet 21st and 40th Armies.[MORE]

Germany, Home Front

Berlin radio reports that German troops are defending their positions in Russia in a 'wall of blood'.

Ford Motor Company Begins Making Jeeps

Malaya

The British abandon Port Swettenham and Kuala Lumpur, which are immediately occupied by the Japanese. After confining their attacks on Singapore's airfields to after dark, Japanese aircraft begin to attack them by daylight.

Air Operations - Europe

13 Wellingtons and 3 Stirlings are sent on a raid to Brest. There are no losses.

Axis Diplomacy

Japan formally declares war on the Netherlands.

Battle of the Atlantic

In Operation PAUKENSCHLAG ('DRUMBEAT'), 5 U-boats (U-66, U-109, U-123, U-125, and U-130) begin operations off the American east coast. 20 ships are sunk during the period ending February 7.

Borneo

As more troops are landed, Gen Yamashita's forces complete the capture of the island of Tarakan, which contains a number of oilfields.

Celebes

Japanese paratroops land at and occupy Manado, at the extreme north of the island of Celebes, and nearby Kema. Naval parachutists are used in this operation. The small Dutch garrisons are quickly forced to surrender. Both the island of Tarakan and Manado in the Celebes are turned into air bases to support the continued drive to the south by the Japanese.

Japanese Invade Tarakan

Eastern Front

Soviet troops continue their counteroffensive in the central sector cutting the Rzhev-Bryansk railway line. The Russians recapture Liudinovo, southwest of Kaluga, Tikhonovo Pustyn railway junction, northwest of Kaluga and Popovka in the Donets Basin. Moscow radio announces recapture of some Donetz coal-mining districts. In the Battle of Mozhaisk, the Russians oust the Germans from their stronghold west of Moscow.[MORE]

Malaya

The Japanese advance continues, with British and Commonwealth forces establishing defensive lines that are subsequently outflanked by Japanese amphibious landings down the western Malayan coastline. The Indian III Corps continues its withdrawal to the south. The Japanese 5th Div takes Kuala Lumpur and are now 150 miles from Singapore. There is a pause in the ground operations, but the Japanese air attacks increase in intensity, especially against the area of the Muar River, south of Malacca.

Jungle Warfare in Malaya

Jungle Warfare in Malaya

British Anti-Tank Gunners Firing at Enemy Tanks

A Knocked-Out Tank

Axis Diplomacy

After invading the Celebes and Dutch Borneo, Japan declares war on the Dutch East Indies.

Battle of the Atlantic

• A US steamer is sunk by U-123 off New York. The U-boats operating off the east coast of America enjoy what amounts to peacetime conditions. Neither shipping nor coastal towns are blacked-out, buoys are lit and there are no sophisticated anti-submarine defenses in place.
• The British steamer Quickstep (2722t) sinks on a mine southeast of Harwich with the loss of 12 crewmen. 16 of the crew are rescued.
• U-123 sinks the British steamer Cyclops 125 miles southeast of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia with the loss of 87 passengers and crew. 95 survivors are picked up by the Canadian minesweeper Red Deer and taken to Halifax.
• U-43 sinks the Swedish steamer Yngaren (5246t) 600 miles west of Ireland with the loss of 38 of her crew. 2 survivors are picked up a 10 February by a British fishing trawler.

Black Sea

The battleship Parizhskaya Kommuna again bombards German positions on the Crimean coast.

Diplomatic Relations

The US-Mexican Joint Defense Commission is established.

Dutch East Indies

After fierce fighting Tarakan is taken by the Japanese. Tarakan and Manado in the Celebes are quickly made into air bases to support the Japanese advance.

Eastern Front

Field Marshal Walther von Reichenau, commander of Army Group South, suffers a heart attack. He was an ardent Nazi even before Hitler's rise to power. This misfortune means Hitler will be deprived of a senior field commander he could trust.[MORE]

Germany, Command

As Red Army units threaten to cut off 100,000 troops around Demyansk, the commander of Army Group North, von Leeb, requests permission to retreat. Hitler refuses, whereupon von Leeb resigns. He is replaced by Wilhelm von Küchler.

Malaya

Elements of the Japanese 25th Army enter Kuala Lumpur. The capture of the capital enables Japanese forces to resupply its units for he subsequent drive into soutnern Malaya against Johore and Singapore.

North Africa

Rommel agrees with a proposal from his subordinates that they should prepare a surprise counteroffensive against the British. To preserve security neither the German nor Italian High Command are told of the plans. Even during the retreat in December the Germans were receiving new supplies of tanks and more arrived on January 5. The British forces are going to be reduced by the withdrawal of the 2 Australian divisions to face the Japanese, and 7th Armored Brigade will also go. Other units earmarked for 8th Army will be diverted in transit.

Rommel Conversing with His Staff

Damage in Lowestoft Town Center

Clearing the Debris in Lowestoft Town Center

Battle of the Atlantic

• German U-boats begin operations off the US East Coast. The move is code-named PAUKENSCHLAG ('DRUM BEAT'). Dönitz has faced arguments from his superiors in the German Navy who do not favor the operation, and he has had the difficulty that only the larger 740-ton U-boats are really suitable for such long-range patrols. When Dönitz gives the order for the attack to begin there are 11 long-range Type IX 740-ton U-boats in position and 10 more en route, and together they sink 150,000 tons during the first month. Intelligence sources have given reasonable warning of the attack but the U-boats find virtually peace-time conditions in operation. Ships sail with lights at night; lighthouses and buoys are still lit; there is no radio discipline - merchant ships often give their positions in clear language; there are destroyer patrols (not convoys with escorts) but these are regular and predictable and their crews are naturally inexperienced. The US Navy refuses to take the advice on trade protection offered by the British, and the British are annoyed that many of their ships making for the convoy assembly points in Nova Scotia are among the victims.
• The British steamer Lerwick (5626t) is sunk by German bombing off Whitby with the loss of 5 crewmen.

• U-130 sinks the Norwegian steamer Frisco (1582t) off Nova Scotia and the Panamanian steamer Friar Rock (5347t) 110 miles southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland. 13 are lost on the Frisco, 6 survivors are picked up by the Faroese schooner Mjoanes. The Friar Rock loses 31 of her crew, 6 survivors are picked up by the British destroyer Montgomery.

Eastern Front

In the central sector the Russians extend their salient between the II and IV Panzergruppe southwest of Kaluga, capturing Kirov.

The Russians are now in complete control of the railway from Maloyaroslavets south to Kaluga. They also recapture Kirov, southeast of Smolensk, and Dorokhovo, near Mozhaisk.

The Leningrad and Volkhov Fronts renew their offensive. Near Lake Ladoga, the 54th Army attacks towad Pogoste and Tosno. Alongside the 54th Army, however, the 4th Army is hit by German attacks and is forced onto the defensive. Elements of the 2nd Shock and 52nd Armies strike the XXXVIII Corps near Gruzino establishing minor bridgeheads across the Volkhov. Heavy fighting rages at Mostki, Spasskaya-Polist and Zemititsky as the Soviets encounter strong German defensive positions. On either flank, the 59th and the remainder of the 52nd Armies meet with little success, failing to push forward from their start lines.

South of Lake Ilmen, the 11th Army continues to fight around Staraya Russa, while the 3rd and 4th Shock Armies slash at the 16th Army, striking the X and II Corps hard, Despite a spirited defense, the German line begins to crack.

Heavy fighting rages around Rzhev as the 29th and 39th Armies press deeper into the positions of the 9th Army, while the 20th and 1st Shock Armies, with the II Guards Cavarly Corps in support, overcome the German defenses around Volokolamsk, Furious fighting ensues as the Soviet units press into and through the town, pushing the 4th Panzer Army back. The 4th Panzer loses contact with the 4th Army to its south, the 33rd Army cutting its lateral communications as it advances upon Vyazma.

Air Operations, Europe

95 aircraft are sent on a raid to Hamburg. The shipyards and an airframe factory are the main targets. Only 48 aircraft claim to have bombed Hamburg. The Altona railway station is hit and 12 fires are started. 2 Hampdens and 2 Wellingtons are lost on the raid.

In minor raids, 18 aircraft are sent to Emden, 11 to Rotterdam, 17 Blenheim Intruders to Dutch airfields and 5 Hampdens lay mines off Kiel and Warnemunde. 1 Intruder is lost.

Air Operations, Pacific

Singapore and Rangoon are bombed by Japanese aircraft.

Barents Sea

The German steamer Turkheim (1878t) is sunk by the Soviet submarine S-102 off Syltefjord, Norway.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-43, under Lt-Cdr Wolfgang Lüth, attacks Convoy ON-55 during a severe storm and sinks 3 ships, the Greek steamer Maro (3838t), the British steamer Empire Surf (6641t), and the Panamanian steamer Chepo (5582t). There are no survivors from the Greek ship. 47 crewmen are lost on the Empire Surf, 6 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Alisma. The Chepo loses 17 of her crew, 21 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Sunflower.
• The German battleship Tirpitz is assigned to anti-convoy duty in the North Atlantic and is transferred to Trondheim, Norway.
• U-123 sinks the Panamanian tanker Norness 60 miles from Montauk Point, Long Island with the loss of 2 of her crew. 39 survivors are picked up by the American cutter Argo (WPC-100) and the American destroyer Ellyson (DD-454).

Diplomatic Relations

The Anglo-American Arcadia conference ends in Washington. The main decisions made are: the setting up of a joint Chiefs of Staffs Committee to coordinate the Anglo-American war effort; priority in the overall operational plan is given to the campaign against Germany; the strategic importance of the occupations of French North Africa (Operation GYMNAST) is recognized. German use of navy and air bases in French North Africa would constitute an unacceptable threat to Allied shipping in the Atlantic.

Dutch East Indies

Gen Wavell formally assumes supreme command in Asia and arrives at Batavia to set up his headquarters.

Eastern Front

In the central sector the Russians recapture Medyn, on the Medynka River northwest of Kaluga. A Russian armored spearhead is only 13 km from Kharkov.

Near Leningrad the 54th and 4th Armies both attack but only make minor gains. Along the Volkhov, the 2nd Shock, 59th and 52nd Armies only manage to advance yards against the I and XXXVIII Corps. Farther south, the 4th Shock Army finally begins to make progress into the positions of the 16th Army before Andreapol.

Bitter fighting raes at Rzhev as the 22nd, 29th and 39th Armies throw repeated attacks against the 9th Army, Medyn falls to the 43rd Army as the West Front maintains the pressure against the center and soutn of the 4th Army.

In the Crimea, the XXX Corps has redeployed to the Kerch peninsula and prepares to strike the Soviet forces around Feodosia. Manstein plans to smash the newly landed Soviet forces and push them back to Kerch.

Air Operations - Europe

• 96 aircraft are sent on a raid to Hamburg. 52 planes claim to have bombed in difficult visibility. 36 fires, including 3 large, are reported in Hamburg. 3 people are killed and 25 are injured. 3 Wellingtons and 1 Hampden are lost on the raid and 8 other aircraft crash in England.
• 50 aircraft are sent to Emden where they claim to have started many fires. 1 Wellington and 1 Whitley are lost.
• In minor operations, 5 Blenheims and 4 Wellingtons bomb Dutch airfields while 3 Hampdens lay mines in the Frisians. There are no losses.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Empire Bay (2824t) is sunk by German bombing off Hartlepool. The entire crew are rescued.
• U-552 sinks the British steamer Dayrose (4113t) southwest of Cape Race with the loss of 38 of her crew. 4 survivors are picked up by the American destroyers Ericsson and Stack.
• U-123 sinks the British tanker Coimbra (6768t) 27 miles off Long Island with the loss of 36 of her crew. 10 survivors are picked up by the American destroyer Rowan.
• U-93 is sunk by the British destroyer HMS Hesperus. Hesperus is an escort of Convoy SL-97 when asdic detects the submarine at 2,000 yards. When the range was reduced to 1,000 yards Hesperus opens fire with starshell as the U-boat is steaming away at 17kts. Hesperus overtakes the submarine and rams her on the port side following with shallow set depth charges.

  U-93

  Class	Type VIIC
  CO	Oberleutnant zur See Horst Elfe
  Location	Atlantic, W of Cape St Vincent
  Cause	Ramming/depth charge/gunfire
  Casualties	6
  Survivors	40

Black Sea

The battleship Parizhskaya Kommuna again bombards German positions on the Crimean coast.

Britain, Home Front

The death of of Field-Marshal the Duke of Connaught, the third son of Queen Victoria and former Governor-General of Canada 1911-1916, is reported. He was 91.

Burma

The Japanese 15th Army advances northward from the Kra isthmus and mainland Thailand into Burma. Units of the Japanese 55th Div move into Burma north of Mergui.

Diplomatic Relations

The Pan-American Conference begins in Rio de Janeiro; it will end January 23. 21 American republics meet to decide measures for defending themselves against aggression. Argentina objects to an American proposal that all relations with the Axis Powers be ended. The border dispute between Peru and Ecuador is settled amicably.

Eastern Front

The Russians re-capture Selijarovo, northwest of Rzhev. In the southern sector the Russians launch a violent attack in the area held by the Italians. Von Küchler replaces von Leeb in command of Army Group North in part of the shake-up ordered by Hitler. The Führer has been upset that his generals are giving orders to retire without consulting him, or more infuriating, withdrawing contrary to orders.[MORE]

India, Politics

Jawaharlal Nehru succeeds Mohandas K. Gandhi as leader of the Congress party.

Indian Ocean

I-66 sinks the Indian steamer Jalarajan (5102t) off North Sumatra with the loss of 7 of her crew. There are 68 survivors.

Malaya

Japanese forces have now penetrated south of Malacca. The Japanese 5th Div is heavily engaged with Australian troops at Batu Anam on the Muar River. The Japanese suffer heavy losses, but the Aussies withdraw to their assigned positions in the defense line. The Japanese then land small detachments between Muar and Batu Pahat, causing some confusion to the British communications in the western sector of the front. Troops from the Japanese Imperial Guards Div break into the coastal section of the Allied position where 45th Indian Brigade is stationed.

Air Operations, Far East

In the face of overwhelming Japanese air superiority, almost all British aircraft on Singapore are flown to Sumatra. Although nearly 500 aircraft were committed to the defense of Malaya, most were obsolete types and were useless against Japanese air units, which enjoyed and aircraft numerical superiority of roughly three to one.

Battle of the Atlantic

The British destroyer Westcott sinks U-581 southwest of the Azores with the loss of 4 crewmen. 41 survivors are rescued by the destroyer.

Britain, Politics

Sir Archibald Clerk Kerr is appointed to replace Sir Stafford Cripps as British Ambassador in Moscow.

Burma

Japanese troops from Thailand enter Burma. Units of the 15th Army meet no resistance until they near Myitta, about 30 miles inside lower Burma. The Japanese begin their attack surrounding the British forces at Myitta and threatening Tavoy.

Eastern Front

Field Marshal von Leeb is removed from command of Army Group North and replaced to Gen von Küchler. All 3 German Army Group commanders have, therefore, been removed since the start of December; 2 of the Panzer Group commanders, Guderian and Hoepner, have also gone, as well as 33 other officers commanding divisions or higher formations. All have been removed because of Hitler's annoyance over their requests to make withdrawals. Hitler now completely dominates German military planning and decision making.

The Russian High Command announces the discovery of an order to German troops signed by Field Marshal von Reichenau, commander of the 6th Army. The order tells German troops to be 'merciless' in dealing with Russians and that food supplies for local civilians and war prisoners are 'unnecessary humanitarianism'.

The remnants of the Andreapol garrison succumb to the attacks of the 4th Shock Army after a bitter struggle, while the main elements of the X Corps retreat to Toropets.

The German 16th Army is forced to retreat from north of Lake Seligar, thus exposing the rear of Army Group Center. The Soviet 11th Army is pushing into the German rear at Pskov.

The Soviets drop a force of 400 paratroopers at Myatlevo, capturing the airfield near the town. Fierce German resistance disrupts further Soviet attacks.

Ferocious battles rage around Feodosia as the XXX Corps smashes the 44th Army, inflicting heavy casualties. The Germans close up to the port while pushing the attack east toward Kerch.

The 3rd Panzer Army is redeployed from the Rzhev salient to take up position between the 16th and 9th Armies in an effort to shore up the front.

The German 11th Army captures Feodosia, together with 10,000 prisoners. This prompts Hitler to order the arrest of Gen Hans von Sponek, commander of the XLII Corps, who had retreated in December.

Prime Minister Churchill at the Controls

Air Operations, CBI

• 3rd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s down 3 Japanese Ki-30 light bombers near Mengtzu, China at 1017 hours.
• The American Volunteer Group led by Gen Chennault claims to have destroyed 90 Japanese planes over southwest China and Burma since December 7 to a loss of 3 US fighters and pilots.

Air Operations, Europe

• 83 aircraft are sent on a raid to Bremen. Only 8 aircraft claim to have bombed the primary target. Some of the aircraft make for alternative targets which include Hamburg. 11 fires are reported there with 5 people killed and 12 injured. 3 Wellingtons are lost on the raid and 1 Stirling crashes in England after being fired upon and damaged by a British convoy.
• In minor operations, 24 aircraft are sent to bomb Emden, 2 to Dunkirk, 2 to Soesterberg, Holland airfield and 8 Hampdens lay mines of Wilhelmshaven and Dunkirk. There are no losses.

Atlantic

The US freighter San Jose (3358t) is sunk in a collision with freighter Santa Elisa (8379t) off Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Barents Sea

Convoy PQ-8 is attacked by U-boats. This is the first such attack on an Arctic convoy. 1 destroyer, the Matabele, and 1 merchant ship are sunk by U-454 off Kola Inlet. There are only 2 survivors of a 200-man crew on the destroyer.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-87 sinks the Norwegian tanker Nyholt (8087t) from dispersed Convoy ON-52 180 miles south of Cape Race with the loss of 20 crewmen. 21 survivors are picked up by the Canadian destroyer St Clair.
• U-203 sinks the Norwegian steamer Octavian (1345t) off Cape Race with the loss of her entire crew of 17.
• U-123 sinks the American steamer San Jose (3358t) off the New Jersey coast.

Borneo

Japanese troops land at Sandakan, British North Borneo.

There are not enough Allied troops around to withstand the Japanese initiatives. Under Wavell are the American Adm Hart commanding the naval forces, the British Air Marshal Sir Richard Peirse in command of the air forces and the Dutch Gen Hein ter Poorten heading up the land forces.

Eastern Front

Field Marshal von Reichenau, former commander of the German 6th Army, whose contribution was decisive in the taking of Kiev and Kharkov, dies in a plane crash while returning to Germany from the Eastern Front. On December 1 he had taken over from Field Marshal von Rundstedt, in command of the Army Group South. The next day his command is given to Field Marshal von Bock, who on December 16, physically and mentally exhausted, had asked to be relieved of the command of Army Group Center.[MORE]

Malaya

Reinforcements are sent by the British to the Muar-Yong Peng area. The Japanese continue their pressure on the defenders while concentrating their forces for the offensive against the southern part of the Malayan peninsula.

North Africa

After resisting for two months to land, sea and air attacks and just before an assault is to be launched by the Free French, the last Axis outpost at Halfaya, guarding a pass up the giant escarpment, surrenders to British forces. 13,800 Axis soldiers (mostly Italians) are captured and at Bardia 1,177 Allied soldiers are freed. The garrison at Halfaya has been isolated since the start of the CRUSADER offensive and has been without water for the past three days, but has held out under the command of a remarkable German leader, Maj the Reverend Bach. The Axis garrison at Sollum also surrenders.

With the elimination of Axis resistance in Cyrenaica, the first phase of the British campaign in Libya can be regarded as concluded. The Italians and Germans are in position on the El Agheila line.

Axis Diplomacy

Germany, Italy and Japan sign a military convention in Berlin which sets 'guidelines for common operations against the common enemies.'

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-86 sinks the Greek steamer Dimitrios G. Thermiotis (4271t) 50 miles northeast of St John's, Newfoundland with the loss of her entire crew of 33.
• U-552 sinks the American steamer Frances Salman (2609t) off Newfoundland with the loss of all 28 crewmen.
• U-66 sinks the American tanker Allan Jackson (6635t) 60 miles east-northeast of Diamond Shoals, North Carolina with the loss of 22 of her crew. 13 survivors are picked up by the American destroyer Roe.

Burma

Burma's Premier U Saw is 'detained' by the British for allegedly being in communication with the Japanese.

Eastern Front

South and Southwest Fronts provide the attacking units and the aim is to cross the Donets and wheel south to the Sea of Azov, trapping German units against it. The German 6th and 17th Armies are the defending units. The Russians break through the enemy lines and achieve a complete penetration in the Izyum sector, west of the Donetz in the Ukraine. They advance to within 97 km of the Dniepr and the vital German supply base at Dnieprostroy. Progress is also made in the area of Kursk. Over the next ten days the Russians will advance significantly along the line south of Kharkov.

In the Moscow sector the Valdai Hills offensive is still going well for the Red Army. They have reached to within 70 miles of Smolensk and also threaten Velikiye Luki.

There is heavy fighting in the suburbs of Orel, south of Kaluga. In the Crimea the German forces are recovering from the disruption caused by the Soviet landings at the end of December and have resumed their attacks to take Feodosia.

A Russian parachute brigade and an airborne regiment land behind German lines south of Vyazma.

The German 18th Army is forced out of Schlusselburg, which allows the Red Army to establish a narrow link with Leningrad. Farther south, the 16th Army continues to be battered by the enemy and falls back to Toropets. As the Soviet 3rd and 4th Shock Armies continue to drive into the German lines, the main supply route for the German II and X Corps at Demyansk is severed.

The Soviets attempt an airborne drop into the rear of Army Group Center, with 2,000 men of the 201st Airborne Brigade dropping between Yukhnov and Vyazma. It is a fiasco: around 1,600 are lost.

The Soviet Barvenkovo-Lozavaia Offensive begins as the Southwestern and Southern Fronts attack into the Ukraine, aiming to recapture Kharkov, Krasnograd and Pavlograd.[MORE]

Germany, Command

Field Marchal von Bock replaces the recently deceased von Reichenau as commander of Army Group South.

Malaya

Japanese attacks in the Muar-Yong Peng area are repulsed by the 45th Indian Brigade, but there are new Japanese landings north of Batu Pahat which puts the British positions there in serious danger. Near evening British headquarters orders these positions to be evacuated.

Australian Anti-Tank Gun

Australian Anti-Tank Gun Firing on Japanese Tanks

Air Operations - CBI

3 2nd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s shoot down a Japanese Army reconnaissance plane over the Mesoht Airfield in Thailand.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The Canadian luxury liner Lady Hawkins is sunk by U-66 150 miles from Cape Hatteras. Of a total of 322 onboard 251 are lost. 71 survivors are picked up after 5 days by the American passenger ship Coamo.
• U-109 sinks the British steamer Empire Kingfisher (6082t) off Nova Scotia.
• U-123 sinks the American steamer Norvana (2677t) south of Cape Hatteras with the loss of her entire crew of 29. Next the u-boat sinks the American steamer City of Atlanta (5269t) about 10 miles off the North Carolina coast with the loss of 43 of her crew. 3 survivors are picked up by the American railcar carrier Seatrain Texas. U-123 next damages the American tanker Malay with the loss of 5 crewmen. The tanker makes it to Hampton Roads under her own power. The Latvian steamer Ciltvaira (3779t) is the next victim of the u-boat sustaining heavy damage. She sinks under tow 2 days later. 2 of her crew are lost, 29 survive.

Borneo

British North Borneo surrenders to the Japanese at Sandakan.

Soldiers of the Hawaiian Provisional Battalion

Burma

Tavoy is taken by the Japanese along with its airport. The British garrison at Mergui is withdrawn to Rangoon. The Chinese send a division to Burma to reinforce the British.

Dutch West Indies

US air units arrive in Aruba and Curaçao.

Eastern Front

Von Bock is appointed to succeed von Reichenau in command of Army Group South. The Russians recapture Mozhaysk in the central sector after a fierce street battle. The Germans retreat westward towards Vyazma where they have to fight off attacks by Russian cavalry, ski troops and Ilyushin Shturmovik aircraft. There are also Soviet paratroop landings south of Smolensk now and over the next few days. The paratroops will help establish partisan groups to strike at German rear areas. There is bitter fighting in the southern sector. The Germans retake Feodosiya in the Crimea.

The Germans bring the LIX Corps forward to Vitebsk in an effort to rebuild the shattered left flank of Army Group Center. The 33rd Army recaptures Veriya. Zhukov directs the 5th Army toward Gzhatsk and the 33rd to Vyazma. The German 4th Army has pinned its defenses upon these two locations. To the rear, Soviet paratroopers effect a junction with elements of the 49th Army near Myatlevo, other units of this army capturing Kandorovo. More Soviet paratroops land in the rear of the 9th and 4th Armies near Vyazma.

The 2nd Panzer begins a counterattack against the left wing of the 10th Army with the 208th Infantry and the 4th and 18th Panzer Divisions, the eventual aim being the relief of Sukhinichi. Heavy fighting rages around Lyudinovo, where the Germans force the 322nd Rifle Division out of the town.

Konev issues new orders to his armies, ordering the 22nd to secure the right wing and rear of the 39th and 29th Armies, the 29th to take Rzhev, the 39th to destroy the Germans at Sychevka, the 31st to puch toward Zubtsov, the 3rd Shock to advance on Velikiye Luki and the 4th Shock on Velizh.

Stalin begins to interfere in the conduct of offensive operations. The Northwest Front is instructed to hand over the 3rd and 4th Shock Armies to the Kalinin Front; the 1st Shock Army is moved up from the West Front area of operations to the Northwest Front at Staraya Russa, to be ready to take the offensive on February 6. The Northwest Front will also receive 2 rifle divisions and 2 brigades to aid the assault east of the town. Kurochkin argues to retain the 3rd Shock but fails to change Stalin's mind.

Air Operations, CBI

3 Japanese Ki-27 'Nate' fighters are shot down over the Mesoht Airfield in Thailand by 2nd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s.

Air Operations, Europe

20 Wellingtons and 5 Hampdens raid Emden. 3 Wellingtons and 1 Hampden are lost.

Air Operations, Far East

Japanese planes bomb Singapore city killing 50 people and injuring another 150.

Bismarck Archipelago

Carrier-borne Japanese bombers attack Rabaul, New Britain, causing serious damage to airport installations. There is also a minor attack on Kavieng in New Ireland.

A B5N2 'Kate' from the Carrier Akagi

Burma

Japanese forces from Thailand penetrate in large numbers into Burma. The main attack in the region of northern Tenasserim demolishes the 17th Indian Div and a single Burmese division both commanded by Lt-Gen T. J. Hutton attempting to defend the town of Moulmein.

Eastern Front

Following up their counterattack in the central sector, the Russians retake Mozhaysk about sixty miles west of Moscow. The Russians recapture Toropetz, northeast of Velikie Luki.

The German hold on Staraya Russa is helped by counterattacks by the 11th Army mounted by the German SS Totenkopf and 18th Motorized Divs. Farther south, the Soviet 4th Shock Army recaptures Totopets together with much ammunition and other supplies.

The German 4th Army is forced out of Mozhaisk, prompting Hitler to replace its commander, Gen Ludwig Kübler, with Gen Gotthard Heinrici.[MORE]

Germany, Policy

During the Wannsee Conference in Berlin, Heydrich outlines Hitler's plans for the 'Final Solution' of the Jewish 'Problem'. Meeting, ironically, in the Berlin suburb office of the International Criminal Police Commission, the SS, police, and officials of other Axis nations are told that all European and British Jews will be sent to work projects and many 'will fall out through natural diminution.' He then added, 'The remnant that is able finally to survive all this, since this unquestionably is the part with the strongest resistance, must be given treatment accordingly, because these people, representing a natural selection, are to be regarded as the germ-cell of a new Jewish development should they be allowed to go free.' It is cryptic, but clear. Genocide will become the order of the day.

Reinhard Heydrich hosts a conference of Nazi Party and government officials in the SS RHSA headquarters at Wannsee, a Berlin suburb. The meeting is chaired by Heydrich and attended by 15 SS and government officials, including Wilhelm Stukart, Heinrich Müller, Adolf Eichmann, head of the 'Jewish Evacuation Department' of the Gestapo, and Freisler.

In July 1941, Heydrich had been appointed the officer in charge of planning the 'Final Solution' of the Jewish 'problem'. In the early years of the Nazi regime, they promoted the idea of achieving Aryan racial purity. They decided that undesirables - Slavs, Gypsies, homosexuals, and the handicapped and mentally ill - were to be disposed of. But the chief target of the regime's campaign was the Jewish population of Germany; later, of all Europe. A policy of consistent persecution was followed during the 1930s, but a more ambitious program was crafted under the cover of the war. Hitler announced that about 11 million European Jews yet remained to be dealt with. He had decided that a 'Final Solution' to the Jewish problem must be implemented while the war was going on.

The Wannsee Conference, as it was known, lasted only a few hours, and proposed the 'Final Solution'. The idea of mass deportation was ruled out as impractical, considering the ongoing war. Forced sterilization was discussed, but no decision was made at the conference. But as a result of it, directives were sent to move Jews to the East as part of the 'territorial solution'. No doubt was left that this meant the physical destruction of all Jews, accelerating the process that had already started. The Einsatzgruppen had already been in action for six months and the first extermination camp, at Chelmno, was by then in operation. The conference decided that the best policy was to round up the Jews from all parts of Europe and send them eastward to work in labor gangs. Hard enough work, it was believed, would result in significant loss of life. Within a few weeks the first poison gas chambers in concentration camps were build in Poland. Responsibility for carrying out the policy of extermination was given to Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler. The conference gave Eichmann the necessary authority for his actions in the various ministries, and 30 copies of the conference records were distributed to them. At no point was killing mentioned. Recipients were expected to understand the meaning of 'final solution' and 'deportation to the East'. The policy of extermination went forward until the end of the war. Accurate numbers are impossible to obtain, but the estimates run as high as 15 million people, including 6 million Jews. They were liquidated in the camps or by mass executions in isolated places.

Knocked Out Tanks, Armored Vehicles and Emplacements

Air Operations, Europe

• Bremen is raided by 54 aircraft with only 28 claiming to have bombed the primary target. 2 Hampdens and 1 Wellington are lost.
• 38 aircraft are sent to Emden. 3 Hampdens and 1 Whitley are lost.
• In minor operations, 7 Wellingtons are sent to Boulogne, 8 Wellingtons attack airfields in Holland, 1 Hampden lays mines in the Frisians, and 9 Hampdens and 3 Manchesters are involved with leaflet flights over France. There are no losses.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-754 sinks the Norwegian steamer Belize (2153t) off Newfoundland with the loss of her entire crew of 24. In the same area the Norwegian steamer William Hansen (1344t) is also sunk by U-754 with the loss of 14 crewmen. 5 survivors are picked up by the Canadian corvette Algoma.
• U-130 sinks the Norwegian tanker Alexandra Høegh (8248t) south of Shelburne, Nova Scotia. All 28 members of the crew are picked up by the Boston fishing trawler Grand Marshall.

Bismarck Archipelago

In preparation for their invasion, the Japanese continue their air raids on Rabaul and Kavieng. 120 Japanese aircraft from 4 aircraft carriers attack Rabaul. 7 Australian Wirraway army co-op aircraft intercept the Zeros, shooting down 3 and badly damaging 2 others. The only coastal battery in Rabaul is silenced.

China

Gen Stilwell is nominated as Chief of Staff to Chiang Kai-shek. He is to have executive authority over Allied forces.

Dutch East Indies

• The US submarine S-36, damaged by grounding the day before, is sunk by US forces in Makassar Strait.
• The US light cruiser Boise (CL-47) is damaged by grounding in Sape Strait.

Eastern Front

In the southern sector, in the area of Izyum in the Donetz basin, the Russians succeed in breaking the front of the German 17th Army. Within a few days, however, three German armies, including von Kleist's Panzer Army, restore the situation with a powerful and effective counterattack.[MORE]

Indian Ocean

I-66 sinks the British steamer Chak Sang (2358t) on the approaches to Rangoon. 5 of her 66-man crew are lost. The Panamanian steamer Nord (3193t) is also sunk by I-66 in the same area. Some of the survivors land at Burma.

Malaya

The Allied forces are beginning to retreat south of the Muar after taking heavy losses. They are also falling back from the Segamat area. Some forces in the Muar sector are cut off and have to supplied by air. The 45th and 15th Brigades have been virtually destroyed in the fighting. Japanese air raids on Singapore increase in intensity. The few defending Hurricane fighters are outmatched by the escorting Japanese Zeros. These particular Hurricanes are operating at reduced speed because of the special air-inlet filters used in the Libyan desert where these aircraft have come from. 5 Hurricanes are shot down by Nakajima fighters. Earlier enemy action has knocked out the radar stations, so there is hardly any advance warning of attack. The other operational fighters the British have here are Buffalos. These need almost half an hour to climb to 25,000 feet, the height at which the enemy bombers operate. As a result the Japanese bombers are operating virtually unhindered.

Air Operations, Europe

• 47 aircraft are sent to Munster in the first inland raid of Germany in almost a month. Crews report large fires in the railway station area, but Munster records only report the death of 5 people with no other details. 1 Wellington is lost.
• In minor operations, 5 aircraft are sent to Dunkirk, 6 Blenheim Intruders to Dutch airfields, 9 Hampdens are involved in minelaying operations of the Frisians and Wilhelmshaven, and 5 Hampdens on leaflet flights over France. There are no losses.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-588 sinks the British steamer Canadian Monarch (5851t) 30 miles north-northwest of Lewis, Outer Hebrides with the loss of all 46 crewmen.
• U-66 sinks the American steamer Norvana (2677t) south of Cape Hatteras with the loss of the entire crew of 29.
• U-333 sinks the Greek steamer Vassilios A. Polemis, a straggler from Convoy ON-53, 300 miles south of St John's, Newfoundland with the loss of 21 of her crew. 12 survivors are picked up 2 days later by the Greek steamer Leonidas N. Condylis.
• U-135 sinks the Belgian steamer Gandia (9626t), a straggler from Convoy ON-54, 420 miles east of Cape Race with the loss of 65 of her crew. 14 survivors are picked up by the American destroyer Bernadou and the Portuguese motor trawler João Corte Real.
• U-553 sinks the Norwegian tanker Innerøy (8260t) southeast of Nova Scotia with the loss of 36 crewmen. 5 survivors are landed at Halifax.
• U-82 sinks the British tanker Athelcrown (11,999t) southeast of Cape Race with the loss of 5 crewmen. 33 survivors are picked up by British steamer Argos Hill. 8 more are rescued by a British warship and 4 by the Swedish tanker Saturnus.
• U-130 sinks the Panamanian tanker Olympic (5335t) off North Carolina with the loss of her entire crew of 35.

Bismarck Archipelago

The Japanese occupy Mussau Island, north of New Ireland.

Britain, Home Front

W. R. Sickert, painter and noted eccentric, dies at Bath at the age of 82.

Eastern Front

The mass evacuation of the civilian population from Leningrad begins. Buses are used to ferry the evacuees over frozen Lake Ladoga. 440,000 will be taken out during the period beginning this day and ending April 15. The number of deaths in December is 52,000, the normal figure for a whole year. Even the rations of combat troops are reduced, from 3,500 to 2,600 calories. while all base and line of communication troops are given rations of only 1,600 calories. By the end of January the number of deaths from starvation and cold will pass 200,000. But the city still holds out.

Evacuation Via the 'Ice Road'

The Russians recapture Uvarova, 32 km west of Mozhaisk.

The Soviet 3rd Shock Army increases itsl pressure on Cholm in an effort to take the town.

The Stavka has withdrawn the 1st Shock and 16th Armies from this sector for redeployment, thus relieving the pressure on the 9th Army. Although the 39th Army continues to attack the 9th's positions, it is unable to break through. Indeed, a counterattack by XLVI Panzer Corps manages to stabilize the German frontline.

The Soviet 6th and 57th Armies lance 20 miles into the German front, heading for Barvenkovo.[MORE]

Indian Ocean

I-64 sinks the Dutch steamer Van Overstraten (4482t) east-southest of Ceylon with the loss of the entire crew.

Malaya

The battle on the Muar front ends in complete victory for the Japanese. Despite support from air and sea, the 45th Indian Div is destroyed. The forces defending Batu Pahat, units of the 11th Indian Div, have a few skirmishes with the enemy. On the east of the peninsula a Japanese attempt to break through at Mersing is repulsed. More Indian troops arrive to reinforce Singapore. The Japanese send 100 bombers to attack Singapore, causing many deaths and extensive damage.

Aifield Hangars Burning at Salamaua

Air Operations, CBI

1st and 2nd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s down 5 Ki-27 'Nate' fighters over Rangoon at 1030 hours and 5 Ki-32 light bombers and 7 more Ki-27s about 2 hours later in the same area.

Allied Command

The Combined Chiefs of Staff conducts its first meeting in Washington, D.C. Adm Harold R. Stark, chief of naval operations, Adm Ernest J. King, commander-in-chief, United States Feeet, Lt-Gen Henry H. Arnold, chief of Army Air Forces, and Gen George C. Marshall, army chief of staff, represent the United States. The first order of business is to attempt to deal with the disintigrating situation in the Far East.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The Spanish ship Navemar (5473t) is sunk by the Italian submarine Barbarigo off the Azores with the loss of 2 crewmen. 34 survivors are picked up by the Spanish steamer Isla de Teneriffa.
• U-109 sinks the British steamer Thirlby (4887t) 12 miles southwest from Seal Island, Cape Sable with the loss of 5 of her crew. 41 survivors are picked up by the American steamer Belle Isle.
• U-82 sinks the Norwegian tanker Leiesten (6118t) 400 miles east-southeast of Cape Race with the loss of 6 crewmen. 29 survivors are picked up by the Greek steamer Agios Georgios.

Bismarck Archipelago

There are more landings by the Japanese at Rabaul, New Britain and Kavieng, New Ireland in convoys escorted by the 4th Fleet. The small garrison at Rabaul, an important base area, is quickly overcome, while Kavieng is virtually undefended. Rabaul on the northern tip of New Britain will become an important naval and aviation base for the Japanese.

The Fall of Rabaul

Dutch East Indies

Japanese troops are landed at Balikpapan, Borneo and Kendari in the Celebes. Dutch aircraft attack the Japanese ships off Balikpapan, but with little success.

Eastern Front

Northwest of Moscow the Red Army, following up its forceful counterattack, retakes Kholm, one of the strongpoints on the German defensive line between Army Groups North and Center. In the southeast another German strongpont, Rzhev, is threatened by encirclement.[MORE]

Germans Still Rely Heavily on Horse Drawn Transport

Indian Ocean

The British armed patrol vessel Larut (894t) is sunk by Japanese bombing at Sabang, Indonesia. The entire crew are rescued.

Malaya

Fighting continues in the area of Batu Pahat. The troops defending the Segamat and Muar fronts succeed in breaking off the fight and retire southwards. The defense of Johore state, which means the defense of Singapore, is mainly in the hands of the Indian III Corps.

Mediterranean

The Italian troopship Victoria (13,098), part of a convoy bound for Tripoli, is torpedoed by an Albacore of 826 Squadron. The ship sinks a little later. Of the 1,455 on board, 1,064 passengers and crew are rescued.

North Africa

Group Marcks (Gen Erich) leaves southeast out of Saunnu, intending to attack the eastern flank of the trapped forces, but German armor which was to take its place in Saunnu does not do so, leaving an escape route open for the British. Covered by artillery fire, the remainder of the 1st Armored Brigade fights its way northward to safety. Though the 2nd Armored Brigade loses a number of tanks in the process, the 10th Hussars being reduced to 8, the Afrika Korps loses about 20 in all.

Air Operations, CBI

1st and 2nd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s down 4 Japanese Army bombers and 8 fighters over Rangoon between 0945 and 1030 hours.

Air Operations, Pacific

During the night the RAAF bomb Rabaul. Dutch Martin 139 bombers and American B-17s attack the invasion shipping at Balikpapan. The transports Nana Maru and Jukka Maru are sunk.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-66 sinks the British tanker Empire Gem (8139t) and the American steamer Venore (8017t) off Cape Hatteras. 49 are lost on the tanker, 2 are picked up by an Amercian coast guard vessel. 17 are lost on the American ship, 24 survivors are picked up by the British steamer Tennessee and the American tanker Australia.
• U-106 sinks the British steamer Empire Wildebeeste (5631t) east of New York with the loss of 9 crewmen. 22 survivors are picked up by the American destroyer Lang (DD-399).
• U-333 sinks the Norwegian steamer Ringstad (4765t) 85 miles southeast of Cape Race with the loss of 30 of her crew. 13 survivors are rescued by the American destroyer Swanson (DD-443).

Burma

The Japanese approach the town of Moulmein.

Diplomatic Relations

Peru severs diplomatic relations with Germany, Italy and Japan.

Dutch East Indies

Japanese units consolidate their coastal gains with more amphibious advances. The Western Force moves down to Kuching in southern Sarawak. Meanwhile, the Central Force and the Eastern Force also make advaces through their respective territories so that in a week's time the Allied forces in the Dutch East Indies will be coastally encircled.

Eastern Front

In the southern esctor, on the Donetz front, the Russians break through the German defenses near Izyum and take Barvenkove(o), about 40 miles east of Lozovaya, south of Kharkov. In the center, near Valdai height, the Russians extend the salient between Kholm and Rzhev, coming close to Velikiye Luki, where the German position is particularly strong.

Berlin admits the Russians have penetrated the German defenses at two points in the Ukraine.

Three Soviet armies attack on the Volkhov: the 2nd Shock, 52nd and 59th. Of these, only the 2nd Shock manages to break through the German lines. Fighting ontinues at Cholm as the 3rd Shock Army continues to attack the German defenders.

The German 9th Army is attacking the isolated Soviet 29th and 39th Armies, with few results. The reconstituted Soviet 16th Army is ordered to strike the southern flank of the German 4th Army and advance northwest to link up with the Kalinin Front near Smolensk.

The Soviet 9th Army recaptures Barvenkovo. To reinforce this success the Stavka reinforces the Southern Front with more than 300 tanks.[MORE]

Malaya

There is hard fighting at Batu Pahat, the last defensive position near the Muar River, until it is abandoned by the Allied forces. The Japanese also threaten the town of Kluang. Wavell has authorized Percival to retreat to Singapore. Plans are then made to withdraw all British forces to the island of Singapore. About 3,000 Australians, still not fully trained, arrive in Singapore as reinforcements.

New Guinea

Allies troops evacuate Lae, the capital, and Salamaua, is directly threatened by the Japanese.

North Africa

The British 2nd Armored Brigade is largely destroyed in fighting around Msus as the German advance continues. Maj-Gen Frank Messervy pulls his troops farther north toward Msus while Rommel hunts for them in vain south of Antelat. The British XIII Corps prepares to counterattack. If it proves impossible to stop the enemy, the British will withdraw to a line running from Derna to El Mechili.

XIII Corps commander Lt-Gen Reade Godwin-Austen is alarmed for the safety of Messervy's weakened 1st Armored Div which is feared to be unable to hold Msus and the 7th Indian Brigade which might easily be outflanked at Benghazi. He asks 8th Army Colmander Neil Ritchie for permission to withdraw eastward to Mechili if this proves necessary. Ritchie instructs him to cover Benghazi and Msus if possible, but gives him discretion to retire if need be. Ritchie also orders Lt-Gen Willoughby Norrie's XXX Corps up from the frontier to prepare a reserve defensive line south from Gazala to protect Tobruk.

The Axis air force tries to help but Hurricanes of 224 Squadron intercept a Stuka raid, destroy 4 dive-bombers plus 3 escorting fighters for the loss of only 1 of their number which crash lands.

Pacific

• The British steamer Tai Sang (3555t) sinks on a mine in a Dutch mine field southwest of Singapore with the loss of 33 on board. 2 survivors are made prisoners of war.
• The US submarine Swordfish (SS-193) sinks the Japanese gunboat Myoken Maru (570t) north of Kema, Celebes.
• The submarine tender Canopus (AS-9) is damaged by bombs in Lilimbom Cove, Mariveles.

Air Operations, Europe

• 61 aircraft are sent to Brest. Bombing results are not observed. There are no losses.
• In minor operations, 3 Hampdens lay mines off the French coast without a loss.

Air Operations, Pacific

Dutch bombers and American B-17s again attack the shipping at Balikpapan.

Australia, Home Front

Full mobilization is ordered.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-754 sinks the Greek steamer Mount Kitheron (3876t) 8 miles east-southeast of St John's, Newfoundland with the loss of 12 of her crew. 24 survivors reach shore in lifeboats.
• U-130 sinks the Norwegian tanker Varanger (9305t) 28 miles southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. All 40 of the crew are towed in lifeboats by 2 fishing vessesl to the US Coast Guard Station at Sea Island Inlet, New Jersey.
• U-123 sinks the British steamer Culebra (3044t) from displersed Convoy ON-53 east-northeast of Bermuda with the loss of the entire crew of 45.
• The British steamer Swynfleet (1168t) sinks on a mine near the Landguard Point Lighthouse. The entire crew are rescued.

Burma

Gen Wavell, visiting Rangoon, gives orders for the defense of Moulmein although the local commander would prefer to retire. Troops of the 17th Indian Div are deployed on the west bank of the Salween River in defense of Moulmein. The Japanese are regrouping and do not mount any substantial operations.

Diplomatic Relations

Basing its outlook on undeniable Japanese successes, the government of Thailand declares war on the United States and Great Britain. Its forces immediately join the invasion of Burma.

Peru and Uruguay break off relations with the Axis powers.

South Africa and New Zealand declare war on Thailand.

Dutch East Indies

The Japanese carriers Hiryu and Soryu launch air strikes at the naval base on Amboina Island.

Eastern Front

Zhukov attempts to storm the fortified town of Gzhatsk, west of Mozhaisk, but, as he had predicted, his weakened forces are inadequate for the task before them.[MORE]

German Anti-Tank Gun in Action near Toropez

Malaya

The fighting at Batu Pahat continues all day, but it is now clear that the Japanese have the upper hand. On the east of the peninsula, however, enemy attacks in the Kluang area are forcefully repulsed.

Air Operations, Asia

68 British aircraft attack the Japanese troop convoy off the east coast of Malaya. 13 aircraft are lost.

Air Operations, CBI

1st and 2nd AVG Figher Squadron P-40s shoot down 3 Japanese Army fighters over Rangoon around 1100 hours.

Air Operations, Europe

• 71 aircraft are sent on a raid to Hanover. Only 32 claim to have hit the target, but many fire are believe to have been started. There are no losses.
• In a raid on Emden by 31 aircraft, 2 Whitleys are lost.
• 22 Wellingtons and 3 Stirlings raid Brest with no losses.
• In minor operations, 6 Hampdens lay mines in the Frisians, 2 Whitleys are sent to Germany and 2 Hampdens to France on leaflet flights. The Whitley leaflet flights are the first leaflet-only flights to Germany since April 1940. 1 Whitley is lost.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-106 sinks the British steamer Traveller (3963t) east of New York with the loss of the entire crew of 52.
• U-125 sinks the American steamer West Ivis (5666t) off Cape Hatteras with the loss of her entire crew of 45.
• U-754 sinks the Greek steamer Icarion (4013t) 48 miles southwest of Cape Race with the loss of 9 crewmen. 20 survivors reach Newfoundland in lifeboats 2 days later.
• U-582 sinks the British tanker Refast (5189t) south of St John's with the loss of 10 of her crew. 32 survivors are picked up by the British steamer Mariposa.
• U-123 sinks the Norwegian tanker Pan Norway (9231t) in the middle of the North Atlantic. Her entire crew of 41 is picked up by the Greek steamer Mount Aetna.

Eastern Front

The 4th Shock Army increases its threat on Army Group Center. In the south von Bock regroups his forces to hold the line of Donets.[MORE]

Britain, Home Front

The first contingents of American troops land in Northern Ireland. The premier of the Irish Republic, Eamon De Valera, protests strongly.

First US Troops Arrive in Europe

Malaya

Japanese amphibious units land south of Endau, about 90 miles north of Singapore, on the east side of the peninsula and move rapidly inland. British forces in the Batu Pahat area, already outflanked by the Japanese, try to regain their line by filtering through the jungle.

Malta

There are more Axis air raids mainly against the airfields.

Mediterranean

British submarine P-34 sinks the Italian steamer Dalmatia (3252t) off the Straits of Messina.

New Britain

Rabaul falls to the Japanese giving them a major strategically located air and naval base.

Air Operations, Asia

Japanese bombers attack Bandjermasin airfield on south Borneo. 9 Dutch bombers are destroyed.

Axis Diplomacy

Göring begins a nine-day visit to Italy which includes talks with Mussolini. Germany needs more Italian workers in view of the drain on their own manpower in Russia.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-130 sinks the American tanker Francis E. Powell (7096t) about 8 miles northeast of the Winter Quarter Light Vessel, Maryland with the loss of 4 of her crew. 28 survivors are picked up by the American tanker W. C. Fairbanks and an American Coast Guard vessel.

Borneo

A Japanese force lands and captures Pemangkat and the nearby airfield.

Britain, Politics

Churchill opens a major House of Commons debate with a report of recent negotiations of measures for Allied cooperation. He describes the Combined Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Pacific Council and the plans for US land forces to come to Britain. He also defends the government against critics, especially of the North African and Far East campaigns. The debate clears the air of various criticisms of the conduct of the war and a vote of confidence is opposed by only one member.

Diplomatic Relations

Free France agrees to open French possessions in the Pacific as Allied military bases.

Eastern Front

Timoshenko's troops continue their advance into the Ukraine and capture the important railway junction of Lozovaya, west of Isyum. They now threaten Dnepropetrovsk which is the main supply base for Army Group South. The German defense is now stiffening and by January 31 the Soviets will be halted.

German Assault Guns Supporting Infantry

The 4th Shock Army launches heavy attacks upon Velizh while other unites move upon Demidov.

The Soviets concentrate for an all-out assault upoon Vyazma, the XI Cavalry moving from the north, Group Belov (Gen Pavel) from the southwest and the 33rd Army from the east. As a prelude to the attack, the IV Airborne Corps begins to drop west of Vyazma.

The Soviet 6th Army and the VI Cavalry Corps capture Lozovaya.

Air Operations, CBI

1st and 2nd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s down 12 Ki-27 'Nate' fighters over Rangoon during the afternoon.

Air Operations, Europe

• 55 Wellingtons and 29 Hampdens are sent on a raid to Munster. Visibility is very poor and no aircraft positively identify the target area but some believe they do hit it. Local records report that no bombs fell in Munster. 4 Hampdens and 1 Wellington are lost.
• Bologna is raided by 48 aircraft. 1 Whitley is shot down into the sea by a British ship. There are no survivors.
• In minor operations, 29 Whitleys are sent to Rotterdam, 16 Blenheim Intruders to airfields in France and Holland, and 2 aircraft on leaflet flights over France. 1 Intruder is lost.

Diplomatic Relations

A conference of Foreign Ministers of the American republics ends in Rio de Janeiro. Lasting almost 2 weeks the purpose of the meeting was to cement the unity of the continent.

Brazil and Paraguay breaks off diplomatic relations with the Axis powers.

Eastern Front

The 9th Army counterattacks with the XLVI Panzer Corps, aiming to restore positions in the Rzhev salient. On the extreme left wing, the 4th Shock Army attacks Velizh but can not encircle the town, which is held by elements of the LIX Corps.

The Luftwaffe attacks Soviet air bases near Kaluga where the IV Airborne Corps is assembling for its drop at Vyazma.

Groups Mackensen (Gen Eberhard von) and Kleist counterattack to prevent further Soviet progress along the road to Dnepropetrovsk, while in the Crimea the Stavka activates a new Crimean Front under Gen Dmitriy Kozlov. The Stavka is planning to launch a major attack in the Crimea, using the 44th Army along the coastal road to push into the rear of the Germans at Sevastopol. A second assault force is to land at Sudak. The attack is scheduled to start on February 13.

Malaya

The retreat of the British forces from the mainland continues. The Japanese reach Benut in pursuit of the 11th Indian Div, which retreats in disorder, leaving the 22nd Indian Brigade open on its flank and completely cut off from the main body.

Mediterranean

The British submarine Thorn sinks the Italian steamer Ninuccia (4583t) off Cape Planka, Yugoslavia.

New Guinea

The Japanese land on Rossel Island off Papua in the Louisiades east of New Guinea. The threat to Australia becomes increasingly serious.

Air Operations, Europe

9 Halifaxes and 7 Stirlings are sent to bomb the Tirpitz in Trondheim. Only 2 aircraft reach the Norwegian coast and bomb ships there. 1 Stirling is lost on the raid.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The US Coast Guard cutter Alexander Hamilton (PG-34) (2,000t) is sunk off Reykjavik by U-132 with the loss of 20 of her crew. Over 100 survivors are picked up by the British destroyer Gwin and an Icelandic fishing trawler.
• The Norwegian steamer Bjornvik (812t) is sunk by German bombing about 3 miles east of Lizard Head in the English Channel with the loss of 16 crewmen. 3 are rescued.

Britain, Home Front

Despite British military setbacks, Churchill wins a Parliamentary Vote of Confidence, 464-1.

Winston Churchill Wins Vote of ‘Confidence’

The first broadcast of 'Desert Island Discs' airs. It will become the BBC's longest-running program.

Diplomatic Relations

Britain and the USSR sign a treaty of alliance with Iran by which Iran pledges to remain neutral. British and Russian troops will be withdrawn from the country six months after the end of the war with the Axis powers. Many supplies from the Western Allies later use this route to Russia. It will be called the 'Persian corridor'.

Ecuador severs relations with the Axis powers.

Allied Supply Train Carrying Persian Oil

The 'Persian Corridor'

Dutch East Indies

The Japanese land at Bandoeng and at Mampawan in the Celebes, and in Dutch Borneo they occupy the west coast town of Pontianak.

Eastern Front

In the central sector the Russians extend the salient splitting the German armies southwest of Kaluga, and retake Sukhinichi, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy in men and materials.[MORE]

Battle of the Atlantic

U-106 sinks the American tanker Rochester (6836t) 85 miles east of Chesapeake Lightship with the loss of 4 crewmen. 31 survivors are picked up by the American destroyer Roe (DD-418).

Burma

The Japanese 55th Div begins attacks on Moulmein and capture the airport. In the drive toward Rangoon, the Japanese forge three other lines of advance. In these advances, several major Allied air bases fall into Japanese hands. These include Tenasserim, Tavoy and Martaban effectively severing the British India-Burma lifeline. Only 35 Allied aircraft remain in Burma to face more than 150 Japanese air opponents.

Dutch East Indies

Amboina, the second largest naval base in the Dutch East Indies, is attacked by the Japanese. The Dutch and Australian garrison is quickly overcome.

Eastern Front

Heavy fighting rages along the southern shore of Lake Ilmen as the 34th Army and the 3rd Shock Army attack the left flank of the 16th Army. With the arrival of the 1st Shock Army during the first days of February, the Soviet offensive to isolate and destroy the II Corps in the Demyansk sector will begin in earnest.

The threat to the northern flank of Army Group Center grows as Soviet units, having bypassed Velizh, move toward Demidov. The LIX Corps throws units out along an increasing line in order to shore up the flank of the army group and prevent Soviet forces flooding into the rear. Heavy fighting continues around Velizh as the 30,000 troops of the 4th Shock Army attempts to storm the town being held by 3,000 German defenders. Sinzinger holds out against the odds, repulsing each new attack.

Germany, Home Front

In Berlin Hitler speaks on the ninth anniversary of coming to power; he calls Roosevelt a 'mad fool' and speaks of ridding Europe of all Jews. He says, 'They rightfully hate us, just as much as we hate them. . . . We are well and declares, 'The Jews are the ones who will be finally destroyed. This war will be fought in the true Biblical manner - an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'

Indian Ocean

I-64 sinks the Indian steamer Jalatarang (2498t) east of Chennai, India with the loss of 38 of her crew. There are 11 survivors.

Air Operations, Europe

• 72 aircraft are sent to bomb Brest. 3 Manchesters and 2 Hampdens are lost. The 3 Manchesters lost are all from 61 Squadron.
• In minor operations, 31 aircraft are sent to St Nazaire, 14 to Le Havre and 13 drop leaflets over France, all with no losses.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-107 sinks the British tanker San Arcadio (7419t) north of Bermuda with the loss of 41 of her crew. 9 survivors are rescued by a Mariner flying boat and taken to Bermuda.
• The British tanker Tacoma Star (7924t) is torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-109 off the US east coast. The US destroyer Roe (DD-418) is sent to rescue survivors.
• U-333 mistakenly sinks the German blockade runner Spreewald (5083t) northwest of Portugal with the loss of 72 on board. 80 survivors are rescued from lifeboats by U-105 2 days later.

Burma

In Burma there is more heavy fighting at Moulmein causing British troops to retire northward across the Salween River. The town falls to the Japanese. The Japanese bomb and shell Martaban. A brigade of the 19th Indian Div reaches Rangoon.

Diplomatic Relations

Great Britain recognizes the independence and sovereignty of Ethiopia, now liberated from Italian occupation.

Eastern Front

During the Barvenkovo-Kozovaya offensive operation the South and Southwest Fronts lose 11,095 killed and missing and 29,786 wounded. The Germans have by this time largely contained the Soviet offensive around Kharkov.

The German Army on the Eastern Front can now deploy only 4,241 tanks and self-propelled guns.

During January the Germans commit 7 infantry and 2 security divisions to the fighting. No divisions leave the line but many are well below their regulation strengths. As an example the 23rd Infantry Division has around 1,000 men, while the 106th has just 500 left in the combat line. The 4th Army has just 32 field guns and howitzers and 12 assault guns left at its disposal. The Germans have increased their commitment to 19 panzer, 15 motorized and 115 infantry divisions.

During January 1942 the Germans lose 48,000 killed in the east.

Indian Ocean

I-64 sinks the Indian steamer Jalapalaka (4215t) east of Chennai, India with the loss of 13 of her crew. There are 54 survivors.

Malaya

At 8:15am the last Australian-British forces are withdrawn from the Malayan mainland to Singapore. The three-quarter-mile causeway connecting the island with the mainland is blown up and the seige of Singapore begins. Lt-Gen A. E. Percival, GOC Malaya, issues this message: 'The battle of Malaya has come to an end and the battle of Singapore has started.' The island is divided into three defensive sectors, north, south and west, under Generals Sir Lewis Heath, Frank Simmons and Gordon Bennett, respectively. The troops under their commands include Indians, British, Australians, Canadians and Malayans. The Japanese occupy the city of Johore Bharu, opposite the island, and at once begin shelling. Their main targets are store depots and airfields, especially that at Kalang.

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