Air Operations, Europe

There are several important landmarks for Bomber Command this month. The 'Gee' navigational aid comes into large-scale service after being tested in 1941. The Lancaster bomber is first used on operations in the raid on Lübeck on the 28th, which is itself important as being the first demonstration of Harris' new policy. Lübeck is chosen because it is a medieval town with narrow streets and timber framed houses and will, therefore, burn well. RAF targets include Essen, Cologne and Kiel.

Battle of the Atlantic

The U-boat campaign off the United States is stepped up. Of the 111 operational U-boats 80 are deployed for the Atlantic. Axis submarines sink 95 ships this month, 35 of them in US or West Indian waters. Of these 35 ships half are large tankers. 2 U-boats off Freetown sink 11 ships. Toward the end of the month the first submarine tanker of 'milch cow' leaves Lorient to join the U-boat fleet. During the next few months there will be 2 or 3 of these on station at any time, effectively doubling the radius of the German U-boats.

Total Allied shipping losses are 273 ships of 834,200 tons of which 534,000 tons are sunk in the North Atlantic.(Allied Ships Lost to U-boats this month) In the war against Japan 252,000 tons are lost. The US Navy is still arguing against British advice and saying that the weak convoys would be all they would be able to organize would be worse that none.

Many of the US forces deployed in the Atlantic before December 1941 are now, of course, in the Pacific, but about 35 British escorts and some Coastal Command aircraft are now operating off the US or in the Caribbean. The safest of the convoy routes at this time is to Murmansk, where only 1 of 110 ships hauling material to Russia had been lost in 1941 and through March 1942. It is at this juncture, however, that the Germans begin shifting their naval and air strength to Norway and begin scoring dramatic successes on the northern convoys.

Eastern Front

The mud of the spring thaws checks movement all along the front. Both Russians and Germans are becoming too exhausted to make important gains.

Germany, Home Front

Germany begins collecting church bells to be melted down. The bronze and copper are needed for airplane engine production. By this time, all one and two pfennig copper coins had been collected. Copper, chromium, tungsten and vanadium are the metals in shortest supply.

Mediterranean

German air attacks on Malta continue throughout the month, as do British efforts to transport supplies to the island.(see March 6 and March 20-23.)

Air Operations, Mediterranean

There are severe raids on Malta by Axis aircraft while the RAF make a night raid on Tripoli.

Battle of Sunda Strait

After the Battle of the Java Sea, Allied vessels heading for the Sunda Strait are attacked by Japanese naval forces. The British heavy cruiser Exeter, the destroyer Encounter and a Dutch destroyer are sunk in the action. The destroyer Pope (DD-225) is sunk by a dive bomber and surface gunfire. Only a handful of Allied vessels manage to slip through the Bali Strait, all that remained of what only three months before had been a formidable force. The Japanese could now move with virtual impunity throughout the southwest Pacific area.

For the next week the Japanese wreak havoc among Allied shipping around Java. The US cruiser Houston (CA-30), the Australian cruiser Perth, 2 American destroyers, the Edsall (DD-219) and the Pillsbury (DD-227), and 1 tanker, the Pecos (AO-6) carrying survivors from the Langley (AV-3), are sunk by Japanese gunfire and torpedoes south of Christmas Island. 1 British destroyer, the Stronghold and 1 Dutch destroyers are also lost. The Japanese lose only 4 transports: Ryuho Maru, Tatsuno Maru, Sakura Maru and Horai Maru.

Allied Ships Under Attack

Battle of the Atlantic

U-656 is sunk by a Catalina of US Navy patrol squadron VP-82 with the loss of her entire crew.

U-656

Burma

The Chinese 5th Army is being concentrated around Toungoo, on the Sittang 150 miles from Rangoon. Chennault's 'Flying Tigers', who have done sterling work in the defense of Rangoon, move to the RAF bomber base at Magwe.

Dutch East Indies

Since they have virtually eliminated the Allied fleet and have destroyed all the Dutch and British aircraft on the ground, the Japanese occupy Java at great speed with landings at Kragan, Merak and Eretenwetan. All Allied ships in the island's harbors leave to take refuge in Australia, but these ships along with the rest of Adm Doorman's squadron run into a Japanese force in the Sunda Strait.

Eastern Front

A new Soviet push begins in the Crimea attacking German positions near Kerch and Sevastopol. The Germans still cannot free the II Corps of the 16th Army from encirclement where they are cut off southeast of Staraya Russa. In a staff analysis Gen Halder estimates that German losses in the war with the USSR have reached 1,500,000 or about 31% of all effectives. 202,257 have been killed, 112,617 have been severly frostbitten and 46,511 are missing. Figures released two weeks later are much lower than these.

Indian Ocean

The Indian minesweeping trawler Sophie Marie sinks on a mine at the south entrance to MacPherson Strait, Nicobars with the loss of 2 crewmen.

Malta

Heavy bombing by the Axis continues.

Mediterranean

The British submarine Unbeaten sinks the French tanker PLM-25 off Misurata, Libya.

Philippines

During two months of fighting on Luzon, the Japanese have lost 2,700 men killed in action and nearly 7,000 wounded.

USAFFE Headquarters, Malinta Tunnel

Air Operations, Europe

4 Bostons attack ships off Den Helder, Holland. There are no losses.

Air Operations, Mediterranean

The British launch two heavy air raids of Wellingtons on Palermo. The ammunition ship Cuma goes up in an explosion that damages 13 other ships.

Australia, Home Front

All civilians are now liable for compulsory war service.

Burma

The Japanese begin to cross the Sittang in force. The Japanese continue to infiltrate between the 1st Burma Div and the 17th Indian Div. They bypass Pegu and converge on Rangoon.

The 'Flying Tigers', a tiny force of veteran air volunteers under the command of retired American officer Claire Chennault, do their best to support the defense of Rangoon but now retreat to an RAF base at Magwe.

Diplomatic Relations

Australia declares war on Thailand.

The US recognizes Free French authority over all French possessions and says it will cooperate in their defense: 'In its relations with the local French authorities in French territories the United States has and will continue to be governed by the manifest effectiveness with which those authorities endeavor to protect their territories from domination and control by the common enemy.'

Dutch East Indies

The Japanese occupation of Java continues. Japanese troops capture Batavia. The government of the Dutch East Indies has already left to move to Bandoeng.

The British destroyer Stronghold is sunk by the Japanese heavy cruiser Maya and the destroyers Arashi and Nowake. 70 of the crew are lost, 51 survivors are picked up by the captured Dutch steamer Duymaer van Twist, transferred to the Maya and made prisoners of war.

Indian Ocean

The American destroyer Pillsbury (DD-227) is sunk by Japanese heavy cruisers Atago and Takao south of the Java coast. 180 men are lost including 29 from the American destroyer Stewart (DD-224). There are no survivors.

Air Operations, Australia

In a short fifteen-minute raid, Japanese aircraft hit Broome in Western Australia where most of the refugees from Java are concentrated. 70 people are killed and 24 Allied aircraft are destroyed on the ground.

Japanese Attack on Broome

Air Operations, North Africa

The RAF make a night raid on Benghazi.

Air Operations, Europe

BOMBER COMMAND

235 aircraft - 89 Wellingtons, 48 Hampdens, 29 Stirlings, 26 Manchesters, 23 Whitleys, and 23 Halifaxes - are sent in 3 waves to hit the Renault factory at Boulogne-Billancourt just west of the center of Paris. This factory is capable of making 18,000 trucks a year. The bombing plan calls for massive use of flares and very low level of bombing so the crews could hit the factory without too many bombs falling in the surrounding town. There are no Flak defenses at this time. 223 aircraft hit the target with a loss of only 1 Wellington. The bombing results are reported as excellent. The main raid lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes. Many records are broken by Bomber Command this night: number of aircraft to one target - 235; concentration of bombers over a target - 121 per hour; total bomb tonnage dropped - estimated between 412 and 470. A significant tactical point is the massive use of flares with experienced crews leading each wave. This foreshadows some of the 'pathfinding' methods that are used later in the war. The raid is considered a great success and the damage caused in the factory receives much publicity. Unfortunately, French civilian casualties are heavy because workers' apartments are close to the factory.

RAF Attack on the Renault Factory at Billancourt

In minor operations, 4 Wellingtons are sent to Emden with 1 loss. 2 Whitleys are sent on leaflet flights over France and 4 Lancasters make their combat debut laying mines off the German northwest coast.

Air Operations, Pacific

The RAAF bomb airfields and shipping at Gasmata, New Britain. The Japanese bomb Port Moresby, New Guinea and 60 Japanese aircraft raid Banduang, Java causing 102 casualties for the loss of 5 aircraft. 2 Japanese 'Emily' bombers, refuelled by submarines, make an unsuccessful night raid on Pearl Harbor. The naval base was again the target, but, hampered by cloud conditions, one plane missed the base by six miles and dropped its four bombs on Mount Tantalus. The other plane's four bombs fell harmlessly in the Pacific.

Allied Command

The Western Pacific is reorganized. Responsibilty for the area including Burma and all Southeast Asia west of Java and Sumatra is given to the British, commanded by Sir Archibald P. Wavell and unter the strategic direction of the British Chiefs of Staff. The area eastward is controlled by the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Burma

Fighting continues in the Waw-Pyinbon area, northeast of Pegu. A new British brigade arrives to bolster the defenses of Rangoon.

Diplomatic Relations

The United States purchases large quantities of rubber from Brazil to help make up the shortfall in supplies resulting from the Japanese occupation of Malaya. Similar agreements will be made over the next few months with Peru, Nicaragua, Colombia, Bolivia and British Honduras.

East Africa

Duke of Aosta, chivalrous former Commander-in-Chief of Italian forces in East Africa, dies from tuberculosis at Nairobi at the age of 43.

Air Operations, Australia

23 Allied planes are destroyed on the ground and 70 people are killed in Broome, Australia, when Japanese zeros attack. The aircraft were being used to evacuate civilians from Java. Broome is the refueling station on flights from Perth to Java.

Allied Command

In the East Indies, Lt-Gen Hein ter Poorten is appointed Commander-in-Chief Allied Land Forces and Rear-Adm J. van Stavern Commander-in-Chief Allied Naval Forces.

Britain, Home Front

Sir William Jowett is appointed Paymaster General and Maxwell Fyfe Solicitor General.

China

At Chungking Gen Stilwell establishes the headquarters of American force operating in China, Burma and India.

Central Pacific

US carrier aircraft from Halsey's task force attack Japanese positions and installations on Marcus Island. 1 US aircraft is downed, but the bombing damages ammunition dumps, airfields and radio installations.

Dutch East Indies

The Dutch see that the battle to defend Java is lost, and they proceed to destroy all installations that can be of value to the enemy.

Indian Ocean

Japanese warships sink the Australian sloop Yarra, the escorting depot ship Anking, the British tanker Francol and the motor minesweeper MMS-51 300 miles south of Java. All 138 of the crew are lost on the Yarra along with the survivors from the Dutch ship Parigi. 41 crewmen are lost on the Anking, 57 survivors are picked up by the Dutch steamer Tawali. There are 2 survivors from the Francol. Survivors from the minesweeper are picked up by the Dutch steamer Tjimanoek on the 7th.

Commander Anthony Miers Wins the Victoria Cross

Air Operations, Europe

The Germans drop a few bombs over the Isle of Wight and Dorset and claim to have 'blown up an ammunition dump near Portsmouth'. There is also a night raid on Moscow.

Barents Sea

The German steamer Argus, with a supply of munitions, is lost in an explosion of her cargo at Hamnbukt, Norway.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The unarmed US freighter Collamer, straggling from convoy HX-178, is torpedoed and sunk by U-404 off the coast of Nova Scotia. The British freighter Empire Woodcock rescues the 24 survivors from the crew of 31.
• U-126 torpedoes and sinks the unarmed US freighter Mariana east of Nassau, Bahamas. There are no survivors from the 36-man crew.

Britain, Home Front

Conscription extends to men aged 41-45 and women between 20 and 30.

Britain, Command

Gen Sir Alan Brooke replaces Adm Sir Dudley Pound as Chairman of the British Chiefs of Staff Committee. Brooke works well with Churchill and his all-around qualities are an improvement on Pound's more strictly maritime viewpoint.

Racial Prejudice Against the Japanese

Burma

Gen Sir Harold Alexander arrives in Rangoon to take command of the troops in Burma. He replaces Gen Thomas Hutton. Martial law is declared in southern Burma. He orders an immediate counter-offensive to close the gap between the 1st Burma and the 17th Indian Divisions. The Japanese attack Pegu from the west and succeed in entering the town.

Dutch East Indies

Fighting contiues in Java. The Dutch announce that Batavia has been evacuated and Batavia becomes an 'open city'.

Eastern Front

In the central sector the Soviets recapture Yukhnov, an important rail center northwest of Kaluga and east of Smolensk.

CENTRAL SECTOR

The West Front captures Yukhnow after a bitter struggle.

Soviets Enter Yukhnow

Camouflaged Infantry Mopping-up

On March 5 Soviet forces under General Golubov recaptured Yukhnov, 125 miles east of Smolensk, an important rail center and supply base for the German armies on the Central Front. The town, which was protected by a formidable double row of fortifications, fell after a fierce struggle lasting several days, during which Soviet troops fought their way through the battered streets and engaged in house-to-house fighting.

Arctic

During the next few days, while the convoy PQ-12 is sailing to the USSR, the German battleship Tirpitz makes a sortie from Trondheim to try to attack it. The British Home Fleet with the carrier Victorious is out also and, although it is given accurate instructions from the Admiralty, there is no contact between the various forces. This is one instance when it has been correct for the Admiralty to 'interfere' in the conduct of operations in the way that will attract criticism concerning the PQ-17 operation.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-129 torpedoes and sinks the US freighter Steel Age about 130 miles northeast of Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana and takes the lone survivor captive.

Burma

The 63rd Brigade of the 17th Indian Div attempts to open the Rangoon-Pegu road, held by the Japanese, in order to relieve the garrison still cut off in Pegu. In view of the serious situation Alexander confirms the order for the evacuation of Rangoon.

Scorched Earth Policy in Rangoon

Air Operations, Europe

17 aircraft bomb the submarine bases at St Nazaire and 17 Hampdens lay mines off Lorient. 1 Hampden is lost.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-587 sinks the British anti-submarine trawler Northern Princess (655t) off the Grand Banks, Newfoundland with the loss of her entire crew of 38.
• The US freighter Barbara is torpedoed and sunk by U-126 about 9 miles north-northwest of West Tortuga Island, Dominican Republic. A PBY rescues one group of survivors while the remainder reach shore. Some time later the US freighter Cardonia is shelled and sunk by U-126 about 5 miles west-northwest of San Nicholas Mole, Haiti. 22 survivors reach safety at San Nicholas Mose less than 5 hours after the ship sinks.
• The US freighter Independence Hall, straggling from convoy SC-73, founders and sinks off Sable Island. There are 28 survivors of the 38-man crew and no losses among the 9-man Armed Guard.
• The Brazilian steamship Arbabutan is torpedoed and sunk by U-155 off the Virginia capes. The US Coast Guard cutter Calipso (WPC-104) rescues 54 survivors the next day and transfers them to Little Creek, Virginia.

Burma

Rangoon is evacuated by the Allies. British troops retiring north towards Prome have to fight through road blocks in the area of Taukkyan on the way. The Pegu garrison is ordered to break out and make its way north. As Rangoon is the only significant port in Burma, all supplies for the Allies must now come overland from India or by air. Late in the day units of the Japanese 33rd Div occupy Rangoon. They now control the Burmese end of the Burma Road.

Dutch East Indies

On Java, Japanese troops take Surabaya and Lembang. All Allied fighter aircraft have been destroyed. Radio communication with Bandoeng is cut off. The Dutch government administration has fled to Australia. The garrison, under the command of Gen ter Poorten, surrenders to the Japanese.

Eastern Front

MiG-3s on the Vnukovo Airport

Elements of Gen Kirill Moskalenko's 38th Army attacks German positions north of Kharkov. After heavy fighting, a bridgehead is secured on the west bank of the Northern Donets.

Air Operations, Europe

There is an RAF daylight raid on the Matford truck works at Poissy, near Paris. 12 Bostons of 88 and 226 Squadrons make a low-level attack on this truck factory beyond the range of fighter cover. 2 other formations of 6 Bostons each carry out Circus operations to the Abbeville railway yards and the Comines power station at times when it is hoped to divert attention from the Poissy raid. These raids are successful but 1 of the Bostons on the Poissy raid crashes soon after the attack, the first operational loss of a Boston.

During the night a heavy raid is launched on the previously difficult target of Essen with the aid of the new Gee navigational equipment. Included in the 211 aircraft sent on this raid on the Krupp armament works are 115 Wellingtons, 37 Hampdens, 27 Stirlings, 22 Manchesters and 10 Halifaxes. 5 Wellingtons, 2 Manchester and 1 Stirling are lost. The weather is fine but an industrial haze over Essen prevents accurate bombing and the results are disppointing.

Gee enables the aircraft to reach only the approximate area of the target. In this new technique guide aircraft fly over the area first and drop flares. Other aircraft follow dropping incendiary bombs in order to indicate the targets to the bomber squadrons. Photographic evidence shows the main target, the Krupp factories, are not hit, but some bombs fall on the southern part of Essen. Some houses and a church are destroyed with 10 people killed and 19 missing.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-701 sinks the British anti-submarine trawler Notts County southeast of Iceland. There is only 1 survivor of the 42-man crew.

Burma

Elements of the Japanese 15th Army enter Rangoon. Loss of the Burmese capital is particularly serious to the Allies cause because it cuts off the last port through which supplies could be funneled over the Burma Road to China. Indian infantry, with tank and artillery support, break through the Japanese block on the Rangoon-Prome road at Taukkyan, along which the British are retiring. The loss of the capital follows a period of social chaos and internal support for the Japanese from Burmese nationalists. It also results in several British command changes. Gen Sir Harold Alexander replaces Gen Thomas Hutton as commander of the Burma Army.

Japanese Soldiers Capture the Railway Station in Rangoon

Cuba, Home Front

The death of J. R. Capablanca, diplomat and world chess champion from 1921-27 is announced. He died in New York at the age of 53.

Air Operations, Europe

6 Bostons go on a Circus raid to the Mazingarbe fuel depot. There are no losses.

136 Wellingtons, 21 Stirlings, 15 Hampdens, 10 Manchesters and 5 Halifaxes go on another Gee-guided mission to Essen. There is a thick haze covering the ground so the bomb loads are scattered. 2 buildings are destroyed and 72 are damaged. Bombs also fall in 24 other Ruhr towns with particular damage to Hamborn and Duisburg. In Essen 10 people are killed, 52 injured and 19 missing. 74 are killed and 284 injured in other towns. 2 Wellingtons and 1 Halifax are lost on the raid.

Refueling in the North Atlantic

Battle of the Atlantic

The Brazilian steamship Caybu is torpedoed and sunk by U-94 130 miles southeasst of New York.

Burma

The British withdrawal to the north continues. The Japanese block the line of retreat of the British forces 32 km north of Rangoon. They defend a formidable road block for 24 hours against tanks and infantry. The British Commander-in-Chief, Lt-Gen Alexander, is in danger of being captured. The British force trapped at Pegu, northeast of Rangoon, fights its way out and rejoins Gen Alexander.

Dutch East Indies

The Japanese army in Java has virtually complete control of the island. The Dutch government has been evacuated and Gen Ter Poorten has agreed to surrender the 100,000 Allied troops. The whole of the Dutch East Indies is now under the control of the Japanese.

New Guinea

The Japanese troop convoy in the Gulf of Huon is attacked by American aircraft. The Japanese air force continues its raids on the Australian and British positions on the island.

Air Operations, Europe

• 4 Bostons are sent on an uneventful shipping search off the Dutch coast.
• 126 aircraft are dispatched to Essen including 56 Wellingtons, 43 Hampdens, 13 Manchesters, 12 Stirlings and 2 Lancasters. This is the first participation by the Lancasters on a German target. Cloud cover causes another disappointing raid. 62 crews claim to have bombed Essed with 35 bombing alternate targets. Essen reports only 2 bombs fall on industrial targets, the railway lines near the Krupp factory. 5 people are killed and 12 injured. 4 aircraft are lost: 2 Hampdens, 1 Stirling and 1 Wellington.
• In minor operations 23 planes are sent to Boulogne and 3 Hampdens lay mines off the French coast.

Battle of the Atlantic

The US tanker Gulftrade is torpedoed and sunk by U-588 about 2 miles east of Barnegat, New Jersey. The net tender Larch (YN-16) rescues 7 survivors and the Coast Guard cutter Antietam (WPC-128) rescues 9.

Britain, Home Front

Eden reports to the House of Commons on Japanese outrages following the capture of Hong Kong on December 25th, including the massacre of hospital staff and patients.

Burma

The Japanese 15th Army under Gen Shojiro Iida starts the Second Burma Campaign.

Hungary, Home Front

Miklos Kallay succeeds Laszlo Bardossy as Prime Minister.

New Guinea

At Finschhafen, the Japanese land more troops. Japanese aircraft from Rabaul, New Britain carry out 'neutralization raids' on Port Moresby.

Yorktown TBD Devastators Attack Japanese Shipping

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 divisions) 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

4 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 light 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.

Air Operations, Europe

• 68 Wellingtons are sent to attack the Deutsche Werke U-boat yard at Kiel. Reports from Kiel indicate that the target is successfully bombed with damage to the Deutsche Werke and the Germania Werft both U-boat builders. 12 people are killed and 21 injured. 5 planes are lost.
• 20 Wellingtons and 20 Whitleys are involved in an attack on Emden. Bombing photographs indicate that the closest bombs are 5 miles from the target.
• In minor operations, 26 Hampdens and 1 Manchester lay mines off German ports and 1 Hampden drops leaflets over France. There are no losses.
• As the Luftwaffe is engaged more and more on the Eastern Front, the RAF is gradually winning air superiority in the West. Since the beginning of March it has been carrying out a systematic offensive against German industrial centers and submarine bases in Germany, occupied France and Italy, an offensive that will grow steadily more powerful until 1945.

Andaman Islands

Following the fall of Rangoon the British base here is no longer defensible, and the garrison is evacuated by seaplanes.

Atlantic

The German auxiliary minelayer Doggerbank lays mines off Cape Town. This is repeated on April 16th.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British air target vessel St Briac (2312t) sinks on a mine off Aberdeen with the loss of 5 of her crew.
• The US tanker John D. Gill (11,461) is torpedoed and irreparably damaged by U-158 off Frying Pan Shoals. Survivors are picked by Coast Guard cutter CG-186, cutter Agassiz (WPC-126) and tanker Robert H. Colley.

• U-126 torpedoes unarmed US freighters off the coast of Cuba, sinking Olga (2496t) off Camaguey, and damaging Colabee (5518t) about 10 miles off Cape Guajaba. Survivors are picked up by the Cuban ship Oriente and the tanker Cities Service Kansas.

Britain, Home Front

Sir William Bragg, scientist and Nobel Prize-winner dies at the age of 79. Oliver Lyttelton is appointed Minister of Production.

Royal Navy Warship Adoption Program

Burma

Allied headquarters are set up at Maymyo, near Mandalay.

Cambodia

Under Japanese auspices Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk proclaims independence from France.

Air Operations, Europe

• 11 Bostons raid the Hazebrouck railway yards with no losses.
• 135 aircraft are sent to Cologne. The leading crews carry flares and incendiary bombs and locate the target without problem. The planes that follow bomb accurately. This raid is considered the first successful Gee-led one and 5 times more effective than the average of recent raids on Cologne. 237 separate fires are started. 62 people are killed and 84 are injured. 1 Manchester is lost on the raid.
• There are many minor raids: 20 aircraft to Boulogne, 19 to Dunkirk, 2 Blenheim Intruders to France and Holland, 5 Hampdens mine-laying in the Frisians, and 7 Hampdens on leaflet flights over France. 2 Wellingtons are lost on the Dunkirk raid and 1 Wellington on the Boulogne raid.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The Chilean ship Tolten is torpedoed and sunk of the American east coast. 27 people are killed. There are two survivors who are picked by the US net tender Larch (YN-16).
• The unarmed US schooner Albert E. Paul (735t) is torpedoed and sung by U-332 off the east coast of the United States. There are no survivors.

Himmler Reviews SS Police Unit

Burma

Over the next 10 days, British forces establish a defensive line across from Prome, Toungoo and Loikaw around the Salween River, with Maj-Gen William Slim in command of the Burma Corps, an ill-equipped force of 1 Indian and 1 Burmese division.

Eastern Front

The 51st Army has regrouped to renew attacks on the Kerch peninsula. In all, 8 rifle divisions and 2 tank brigades strike the 11th Army, but agains the Germans repel the waves of tanks and infantry. Casualties continue to mount as the attacks are pressed home repeatedly. In the three days between the 13th and the 15th, the 51st and 44th Armies lose over 130 tanks to German guns.

Desperate Conditions on the Eastern Front

German Raiders

The German auxiliary cruiser Michel passes through the Strait of Dover on the outward voyage of her first operational cruise.

India

US Air Force personnel begin arriving in Karachi, the first American detachment to reach the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater. They were originally to be deployed in the defense of Java.

Mediterranean

The ship Rabmanso leaves Haifa, Palestine for Piraeus, Greece with emergency supplies of grain.

New Guinea

After consolidating their positions around Lae and Salamaua, the Japanese replace their infantry by naval personnel.

Pacific

The US submarine Gar (SS-206) torpedoes and sinks the Japanese victualling stores ship Chichibu Maru (1520t) about 10 miles southwest of Mikura Jima, south of Tokyo Bay, Japan.

Air Operations, Australia

P-40s of the 49th Pursuit Group's 7th Pursuit Squadron shoot down a Japanese G4M 'Betty' bomber and 4 A6M 'Zeros' over Horn Island (Darwin) around 1300 hours.

Air Operations, Europe

6 Bostons are sent on shipping sweeps off Le Havre.

Air Operations, Mediterranean

The RAF carries out a night raid on Rhodes. Some bombs are mistakenly dropped on Milas, Turkey 113 km to the east.

Air Operations, North Africa

Benghazi is hit in another bombing raid by the RAF.

Allied Planning

The Chief of Staffs Committee decides to maintain defensive positions in the Pacific theater and proceed with the build-up of American forces in Britain for the opening of a second front against the Axis in Europe.

Battle of the Atlantic

The Unarmed US collier Lemuel Burrows is torpedoed and sunk by U-404 off Atlantic City, New Jersey. Survivors are picked by the US freighters Sewalls Point and James Elwood Jones>

Australia

The first convoy with US troops arrives in Australia disembarking about 30,000 soldiers. Since March 2, all physically fit Australian adult male civilians have been eligible for war service.

Australia Begins Preparations to Defend Itself

China

Maj-Gen L. E. Dennys, British military advisor to Chiang Kai-shek, is killed in an air crash near Chungking.

Germany, Planning

Hitler orders terror attacks, Terrorangriffe, against British provincial towns.

Malta

There are more Axis raids on Ta Venezia and Hal Far.

Air Operations, CBI

A 3rd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40 down an A5M 'Claude' fighter near Nyunglabin, Burma at 1615 hours.

Air Operations, Europe

• 6 Bostons are sent on shipping sweeps off Brittany.
• 3 Blenheims are sent to Dutch airfields. Schiphol airfield is attacked with no losses.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-503

Burma

Gen Stilwell is officially notified that the Commander-in-Chief of operations in Burma is still the British Gen Wavell, Commander-in-Chief of Allied forces in India. There has arisen some disagreement about spheres of authority.

Eastern Front

Since January 1 the Ostheer has suffered 240,000 casualties, an average loss rate of 3,200 men per day.

Germany, Home Front

In Berlin, Hitler declares that Russia will be 'annihilatingly defeated' in the coming summer. He says: 'The Bolshevist masses which were not able to conquer the German and allied soldier in the winter, will be beaten in every direction in the summer.' He blames the halt of the German thrust on the exceptionally early winter. German casualties since the start of the year have now reached 250,000.

Mediterranean

The cruisers, Dido and Euryalus, with 6 destroyers bombard the harbor of Rhodes.

German 1800kg ‘Satan’ Bomb (NWMA Malta)

Air Operations, Pacific

Australian-based US bombers attack Japanese positions in the Philippines.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The unarmed US tanker Australia (11,628t) is torpedoed, shelled, and damaged beyond repair the U-332 off Diamond Shoals. Survivors are rescued by the US freighter William J. Salman.
• U-404 torpedoes and sinks the British tanker San Demetrio (8073t) northwest of Cape Charles, Virginia.

Diplomatic Relations

The Soviet ambassador in London calls on the British to begin diversionary military opertions in Europe to draw off German strength from the Russian front.

Eastern Front

Due to constant pressure by the Russian forces, since the beginning of the year the Germans have been compelled to withdraw all along the line. The greatest advances have been made by the Russian horse cavalry between the northern and central sectors, in the area of Kalinin, and Kaluga and south of Lake Ilmen, where huge German forces have been trapped in pockets in the Demyansk and Kholm regions, and in the southern sector in front of Izyum.

From Leningrad the front now runs to Novgorod, Staraya Russa and Velikiye Luki which is being held by Army Group North with the 18th and 16th Armies.

From Velikiye Luki, in Army Group Center's sector, the front line is uneven because of the Russian salients and German counter-salients. It goes up to Nevel, turns east towards Velizh, near Vitebsk, Demidov and Dorogobuzh. From there the line goes north again with the Vyazma and Rzhev salient, finally turning southeast to pass through Kirov and north of Bryansk and Orel. The German 3rd Panzer Army, 9th Army, 4th Panzer Army, 4th Army and 2nd Panzer Army are all operating in this area.

Army Group South, whose front extends from Orel to the Caucasus by way of Kursk, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Stalino, Taganrog and the center of the Caucasus, includes 2nd Army and 6th Army, the Kleist and Manstein Army Groups and the 11th Army, the last being in the Crimea.

According to OKH statistics the Germans on the Eastern Front have lost about 240,000 men between January 1 and mid-March, including 52,000 killed and 15,000 missing. Since the beginning of BARBAROSSA the Wehrmacht has lost over a million men. Gen Halder's figures reported in the entry for March 1 talks of 1.5 million. Russian losses are presumably even higher, though the data here is uncertain and controversial.

Air Operations, Europe

1 Wellington is sent on a cloud-covered raid to Essen and bombs are dropped somewhere in the Ruhr.

Allied Command

By order of President Roosevelt, Gen MacArthur flies from Mindanao to Darwin in Australia where he takes over Supreme Command of Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific. The territorial limits of his command have yet to be worked out. However, by agreement with the Allied governments, the US takes over responsibility for the strategic defense of the whole of the Pacific Ocean. Maj-Gen Wainwright now commands all US-Filipino forces in the Philippines.

Battle of the Atlantic

The unarmed US tanker Acme (6894t) is torpedoed and sunk by U-124 west of Diamond Shoals, North Carolina. A short time later U-124 torpedoes and sinks the Greek freighter Kassandra Louloudi (5106t) four miles west-southwest of Diamond Shoals. Survivors from the two sinkings are rescued by the Coast Guard cutter Dione (WPC-107) and the steamship Beta.

Britain, Home Front

British homes now have rationing on electricity, gas and coal.

Malta

The hammering of the island by Axis aircraft goes on without pause. Out of 25,000 tons of supplies consigned to the island during the month, only 5,000 tons get through.

Mediterranean

The British submarine Unbeaten sinks the Italian submarine Guglielmotti off Calabria. 12 survivors are later rescued by a motor torpedo boat.

New Arrivals at the Belzec Death Camp

Air Operations, CBI

3rd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s destroy 3 Japanese army bombers, 2 transport planes and 11 fighters on the ground during an attack on an airfield near Moulmein, Burma at 0755 hours.

Air Operations, Europe

5 Wellingtons are dispatched to Essen but return because of the lack of cloud cover.

Air Operations, Pacific

Japanese Attack on a US Naval Force

The Aircraft Immediately Went into a Steep Dive

It Crashes into the Sea in Flames

The Crew of Three Perishes

On March 18 the US Navy Department gave details of successes obtained by American and Australian airmen in operations against the Japanese forces invading New Guinea. These included the sinking of two heavy cruisers, damage to three light cruisers, five transports gutted by fire and beached as well as damage to other miscellaneous craft. In all twenty-three enemy ships were sunk or damaged for the loss of one Allied aircraft. On the 19th considerable Japanese forces in New Guinea were seen advancing across the island in a south-westerly direction, but attacks by U.S. bombers on Lae and on Rabaul, where a heavy cruiser was sunk, so interfered with the enemy's plans that he was obliged, at least temporarily, to call a halt. Tokio admitted that at Rabaul alone they had sustained 7,000 casualties.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The US tanker E. M. Clark (9647t) is torpedoed and sunk by U-124 about 22 miles southwest of Diamond Shoals, North Carolina. Survivors are rescued by the Venezuelan tanker Catatumbo and the US destroyer Dickerson (DD-157). U-124 then torpedoes the unarmed US tanker Papoose (3636t) about 15 miles south of Cape Lookout, North Carolina.
• The unarmed US tanker W. E. Hutton (7076t) is torpedoed and sunk by U-332 about 20 miles southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina with the loss of 13 of the ship's 36-man crew.

Air Operations, Europe

1 Wellington is sent to Essen but returns due to lack of clouds.

Battle of the Atlantic

After mistakenly firing upon and damaging the US destroyer Dickerson (DD-157), the US freighter Liberator (7720t) is torpedoed and sunk by U-332 three miles west of the Diamond Shoals Buoy. The US tug Umpqua (AT-25) rescues 30 of the 35-man crew.

Burma

British Gen William Slim arrives in Burma to take operational command of the British forces now to be organized as I Burma Corps. Stilwell will command the Chinese 5th and 6th Armies. This is the first time in history Chinese troops will be led by a foreigner. In the Sittang valley the Japanese advance on Toungoo, which is defended by the Chinese 200th Div.

Diplomatic Relations

Pres Ismet Inonu of Turkey vows that his country will remain neutral and that 'we will maintain our contractual relations with the belligerents, and we mean to carry on those relations... with a straight heart and with loyalty.'

Eastern Front

Russian pressure in the central and southern sectors continues. In the northern sector, Army Group North launches a vigorous counterattack to relieve the II Corps of its encirclement in the area of Kholm and Staraya Russa.

The 18th Army launches a furious counterattack on the Volkhov, closing the net around the 2nd Shock Army and encircling 130,000 men.

The Germans prepare to launch a relief attack toward the II and X Corps at Demyansk from Staraya Russa. A shock group under Gen Walther von Seydlitz-Kurzback, with the 5th and 8th Light and the 122nd, 127th and 329th Infantry Divisions, aims to fight their way through the waist-deep snow along the southern shores of Lake Ilmen to effect a junction with the pocket.

Island of Malta Bombed

LUFTWAFFE RECORD OF ATTACKS ON MALTA
MARCH 19, 1942

Air Operations, Europe

13 Manchesters and 6 Lancasters are sent on a daylight mine-laying mission in the Frisians. Only 11 aircraft reach the correct area. 2 Wellingtons are sent to Essen but return due to lack of clouds.

Battle of the Atlantic

The unarmed US tanker Oakmar (5766t) is shelled by the U-71 and abandoned. US submarine R-6 (SS-83) is sent to Oakmar's assistance. U-71 then torpedoes and shells Oakmar until she sinks. The Greek steamship Panos Pladelis picks up 30 survivors, 6 men perish.

Eastern Front

Manstein commits the 22nd Panzer Division to the fighting on the Kerch peninsula but the new and inexperienced division suffers a severe mauling. The German counterattack, however, succeeds in breaking up new Soviet assaults, giving the XLII Corps a brief respite.

The Stavka revises it sorders to the Kalinin and West Fronts. The objectives are to reach the line Belyi-Dorogobuzh-Elnya-Krasnoye by mid April. By the end of March, the West Front is to establish contact with those units in the German rear, while the 5th Army is to capture Gzhatsk. The 5th will then co-operated with the 43rd, 49th and 50th Armies to take Vyazma using the 29th, 30th, 39th and 31st Armies ant then co-operated with the 22nd Army to destroy the Germans around Olenino. Group Kolpakchy (Gen Vladimir), a force of 5 rifle divisions, is to take Belyi.

Mediterranean

• Over the next few days there is an important British convoy operation to supply Malta, but because of British losses in late 1941 and the demands of the Far East there is only a relatively small escort. It is led by Adm Vian, and has 5 light cruisers and 17 destroyers to face perhaps the whole Italian navy.
• U-652 sinks the British destroyer Heythrop 40 miles northeast of Bardia with the loss of 15 of her crew.

Air Operations, CBI

Japanese Army bombers and fighters open a 24-hour assault against Magwe Airfield, Burma. 3rd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s down 2 Ki-27s at 1430 hours. 9 RAF Blenheim bombers and 3 AVG P-40s are destroyed on the ground and 3 RAF Spitfire fighters are shot down by Japanese Army fighters.

Air Operations, Europe

1 Wellington is sent to Essen but returns due to lack of clouds.

Air Operations, Mediterranean

There are heavy raids on Malta.

Battle of the Atlantic

The unarmed US tanker Esso Nashville is torpedoed by U-124 off the Frying Pan Lightship Buoy. Survivors are rescued by the US high speed transport McKean (APD-5) and the Coast Guard cutters Tallapoosa (WPG-52) and Agassiz (WPC-126).

Britan, Home Front

'Warship Week' is observed in London. The business community and the public raise 146 million pounds. 1,178 local 'Warship Weeks' had been held in 1941-42 raising a total of 546 million pounds. The earlier 'War Weapons Weeks' had raise 451.5 million pounds.

Britain, Politics

The British Government announces that post-war India will achieve a semi-independent status from the British Empire.

Damaged Esso Nashville

Burma

The 1st Burma Div is deployed on the Irrawaddy front, leaving a vast sector south of Toungoo open. The defense of this town and the line Toungoo-Prome is undertaken by the Chinese 5th Army in collaboration with the British. Japanese attacks on the airfields reduce further the already low strength of the Allied aircraft defending this area. A ferry command was activated in the CBI theater with 25 Pan-American transports being pressed into airlift service.

Diplomatic Relations

China and the US complete arrangements for $500 million in aid to go to the Chungking government.

Eastern Front

The units of the German 16th Army surrounded at Demyansk begin attempt to break out. The Germans attack with 4 divisions. However, the thaw holds them up, and it is not until a month later that these 4 divisions manage to re-establish contact with their army.

Gen Walther von Seydlitz-Kurzbach begins the relief attack toward Demyansk. The Germans have to overcome the Soviets around Staraya Russa before advancing toward the pocket. Heavy fighting rages around the town over the next few days as the Germans meet furious resistance from the firmly dug in 11th and 1st Shock Armies.

Air Operations - CBI

A 49th Pursuit Group's 9th Pursuit Squadron P-40 shoots down a Japanese Navy recon bomber over Darwin around 1000 hours.

Axis Diplomacy

King Boris leaves Sofia for Berlin, where he will meet with Hitler. The meeting, like others with leaders of vassal states, is interpreted as a demand for additional manpower for the coming German spring offensive in Russia.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The unarmed US tanker Naeco is torpedoed by the German submarine U-124. 24 men are killed in the attack. Survivors are picked up by the Coast Guard cutter Dione (WPC-107), the minesweeper Osprey (AM-56) and the tug Umpqua (AT-25).
• U-123 torpedoes and sinks the unarmed US tanker Muskogee (7034t) some 335 miles north-northeast of Bermuda resulting in the deaths of the entire crew of 34.

A Chevrolet in Use as an Ambulance

Burma

After receiving heavy Japanese air raids on Magwe airfield, the British and American aircraft are moved to Loiwing, near the Chinese frontier, and to Akyab. The troops defending Burma are, therefore, deprived of close support from the air. In the Toungoo sector the Chinese hold out against Japanese pressure.

India, Home Front

Sir Stafford Cripps arrives in Karachi to discuss constitutional problems with Moslem League and Congress party leaders. He discloses that India will have dominion status following the war. This move is a result of pressure put on Winston Churchill by the Labor Party, and also because Indian troops are being so heavily committed as combatants on behalf of the British.

Mediterranean

Battle of Sirte. On this day the Italians send out the battleship Littorio, 2 heavy cruisers, 1 light cruiser and 8 destroyers to intercept the supply convoy, MW-10, heading for Malta. They attack the convoy during the afternoon but, despite their very superior strength, 1 of the British cruisers and several of the destroyers must stay as close escort and AA defense for the convoy, they are beaten off in an action involving smoke screens and torpedo attacks.

Italian Cruiser Gorizia Firing Her 8-in Guns

British Cruisers Cleopatra and Euryalus

Air Operations, Europe

There is a night raid on Dover by the Luftwaffe.

12 Hampdens, 3 Stirlings and 2 Manchesters lay mines off Lorient. This is the first participation for the Stirlings of 3 Group in the minelaying campaign. There are no losses.

Air Operations, Pacific

The Japanese bomb Port Moresby and Wyndham, Northern Australian. The RAAF raid Dill Airfield on Timor.

Andaman Islands

The Japanese occupy Port Blair in the Andaman Islands which are located in the Bay of Bengal and have been evacuated by the British and Gurkha garrison.

Air Operations, CBI

• 10 1st AVG Fighter Squadron P-40s based at Kunming Airfield, China, and staging through bases at Loiwing, Burma and Namsang, Burma strafe Chiengmai Airfield, Thailand between 0710 and 0725 hours. 15 Japanese Army bombers are destroyed on the ground to a loss of 2 P-40s from ground fire.
• Maj John Van Kuren Newkirk, 'Scarsdale Jack', the top fighter ace of the American Volunteer Group, the 'Flying Tigers', with 25 victories, is killed during a sweep of Chiang Mai airfield, Thailand. He was 28.

Air Operations, Europe

• 12 Bostons are sent to the Comines power station and 6 more to the Abbeville railway yards. The bombing results are not observed. No planes are lost.
• 35 planes of 3 Group and 5 Group lay mines off Lorient. 1 Hampden and 1 Lancaster are lost. These are the first losses in 11 days and nights for Bomber Command. The Lancaster lost is the first such aircraft to be lost on an operation. The aircrew is also lost.

Arctic

U-655 is operating against convoy QP-9 when spotted by the minesweeper HMS Sharpshooter. The ship rammed the U-boat at 13kts, rolling the submarine over.

U-655

Britain, Home Front

The British Army Air Corps is formed.

Burma

Gen Alexander and Chiang Kai-shek meet to discuss plans for the cooperation of Chinese and British forces. Japanese troops make a surprise attack near Toungoo in central Burma and achieve considerable success putting the Chinese 200th Div and the Burmese defenders to flight, almost completely surrounding the town. The British forces to the west of Prome withdraw farther up Burma, as the Chinese defeat leave them in danger of being outflanked.

Eastern Front

It is reported by the Russians that the Germans have lost 16,000 men on the Leningrad front during the last 2 weeks.

The encircled 33rd Army and Group Belov (Gen Pavel) are ordered to fight their way free and effect a junction with the 50th Army.

Egypt, Home Front

In the general election the Wafdists, or Nationalists, win an overwhelming victory.

Jews Deported From Lower Franconia

Items Belonging to the Jews at the Kitzingen Train Station

Air Operations, Asia

Japanese aircraft destroy a large number of RAF and AVG fighters at Magwe, Burma.

Air Operations, Europe

• 9 Bostons, with fighter escort, carry out an accurate bombing raid on the Le Trait shipyard. There are no losses.
• 254 aircraft including 192 Wellingtons, 26 Stirlings, 20 Manchesters, 9 Hampdens and 7 Lancasters are sent to Essen. This raid involves the largest number of planes sent to a single target so far. Visibility is good and 181 planes claim to have bombed Essen even scoring hits on the Krupp factory. Bombing photographs, however, show that much of the effort is drawn off by decoy fires at Rheinberg 18 miles away. The report from Essen says only 9 high explosive bombs and about 700 incendiaries are dropped there. 1 house is destroyed and 2 others damaged. Casualties include 5 killed and 11 wounded. 5 Manchesters, 3 Wellingtons and 1 Hampden are lost on the raid.
• In minor operations 27 aircraft raid St Nazaire, 38 lay mines of Lorient and 30 more on leaflet flights over France. 1 Wellington on the St Nazaire raid and 1 Hampden minelaying are lost.

Atlantic

Task Force 39, consisting of a battleship, 2 cruisers, the carrier Wasp, and a destroyer squadron, leaves for Britain to support the British Home Fleet.

Battle of the Atlantic

• Over the next two and one-half weeks the Italian submarine Pietro Calvi sinks 5 ships off the northeast coast of Brazil.
• The Dutch tanker Ocana (6256t) is torpedoed and sunk by U-552 about 70 miles southeast of Cape Sable, Nova Scotia.

Britain, Home Front

In the Grantham by-election the Independent 'Production for Victory' Candidate defeats the Conservative Air Chief Marshal Arthur Longmore 11,758 to 11,391. This is the first seat lost by the government since the by-election 'truce' began in September 1939. In numerous cases, the Conservative, Labor, or Liberal cadidates have been returned unopposed.

Constructing a Steel Hut

Air Operations, Europe

• 24 Bostons are sent on a daylight raid on Le Havre attacking ships in the harbor. 1 Boston is lost.
• 104 Wellingtons and 11 Stirlings are sent to Essen. Heavy flak is encountered over the target area along with night fighters along the routes. 10 Wellingtons and 1 Stirling are lost. Hits on the Krupp factory and fires in Essen are claimed but the raid is another failure. Essen reports receiving only 22 high-explosive bombs that destroy 2 houses. 6 people are killed and 14 are injured while the bombing force suffers nearly 10 per cent casualties.
• In minor operations, 8 aircraft are sent to Le Havre, 11 Blenheims intruding over Holland, 36 planes lay mines off Wilhelmshaven, in the Frisians and in the Gironde River, and 15 aircraft on leaflet missions over France. 2 Blenheim Intruders and 2 Hampden minelayers are lost.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The American 'Q-ship' Atik (AK-101), a disguised anti U-boat hunter, is sunk in a fierce gun duel with U-boat U-123.
• The unarmed US tanker Dixie Arrow (8046t), heading for Paulsboro, New Jersey, is torpedoed and sunk by U-71 about 12 miles off Diamond Shoals, North Carolina. The US destroyer Tarbell (DD-142) rescues 22 survivors; 11 sailors are lost in the attack.

The Tanker Dixie Arrow Torpedoed off North Carolina

• The Panamanian freighter Equipoise (6210t) is torpedoed and sunk by U-160 about 60 miles southeast of Cape Henry, Virginia.

Britain, Home Front

For reasons not readily apparent to most people at the time, Churchill declares, 'It now seems very likely that we and our Allies cannot lose this war... except through our own fault.'

Burma

Part of the town of Toungoo is now under Japanese control. A Chinese division is sent to reinforce the 200th Div, still fighting in the town and on the outskirts.

Eastern Front

The Soviets renew their offensive on the Kerch peninsula, but immediately their leading units encounter strong resistance and suffer heavy casualties.

Germany, Home Front

Fritz Sauckel is appointed General Commissioner for the Employment of Labor.

German Destroyer Z-26 Sinking

Z-26 Rolling Over and Sinking

Air Operations, Europe

• 12 Bostons attack the Ostend power station but their bombs fall into fields short of the target. There are no losses.
• 35 Whitleys and 27 Wellingtons are sent to bomb German positions around St Nazaire in support of the naval and Commando raid whose mission is to destroy the dry-dock gates in the port. The planes are to bomb only if visibility is good. Conditions are bad, however, and only 4 aircraft bomb in the St Nazaire area. 6 planes bomb other targets. 1 Whitley is lost at sea.
• In minor operations, 8 Blenheim Intruders raid Holland and 15 Hampdens lay mines of the German northwest coast. 1 Blenheim and 3 Hampdens are lost.

Allied Planning

The US issues plans for a limited cross-Channel attack in the fall of 1942 as a means of aiding the Russians if the Red Army shows signs of collapsing. The main invasion of northwest Europe, however, is set for the spring of 1943.

Australia, Command

Gen Sir Thomas Blamey arrives back in Australia with some of the troops from North Africa. He is appointed to command Allied land forces in Australia. Blamey upholds Australia's interests against British and American strategic demands.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-587 is sunk in the North Atlantic during operations against fast troop convoy WS-17 on its way to the Middle East. She is depth charged by British destroyers Leamington Spa, Grove, Aldenham and Volunteer.

U-587

Britain, Command

Adm Sir James Somerville takes command of the British Far East Fleet based in Ceylon.

Burma

With the increasing threat from the enemy, RAF aircraft and the remainder of the volunteer American squadrons are withdrawn from the Akyab base into India. Japanese attacks on the Chinese 200th Div at Toungoo continue but the defenders rally and hold off their attackers. On the Irrawaddy front the Japanese concentrate forces south of Prome.

Eastern Front

The German counterattack southeast of Staraya Russa begins to make headway as the junction of the 11th and 1st Shock Armies is breached.

Air Operations, Australia

40 pilots of the 49th Pursuit Group's 9th Pursuit Squadron down 3 Japanese Army twin-engine bombers over Darwin at 1310 hours.

Air Operations, Europe

• During the night 234 aircraft, including 146 Wellingtons, 41 Hampdens, 26 Stirlings and 21 Manchesters are sent on a raid to Lübeck, in Schleswig-Holstein, on the Trave estuary some 10 miles from the Baltic Sea. This raid is the first major success for Bomber Command against a German target. The attack was carried out in good visibility, with the help of an almost full moon and, because of the light defenses of this target, from a low level, many crews coming down to 2,000 ft. The force was split into 3 waves, the leading one being composed of experienced crews with Gee-fitted aircraft; although Lübeck was beyond the range of Gee, the device helped with preliminary navigation. More than 400 tons of bombs were dropped; two thirds of this tonnage was incendiary. 191 crews claimed successful attacks. Many ancient buildings and monuments are destroyed. The reports from the ground say 1,425 buildings are destroyed, 1,976 are seriously damaged and 8,411 are lightly damaged. These totals represent 62 per cent of all the buildings in Lübeck. The casualty report from the city includes 320 people killed and 784 injured. This action gives Hitler an excuse for recalling two groups of bombers from Sicily and ordering them to carry out reprisal raids on a number of historic British cities, including Exeter, York and Canterbury. These 'Baedeker Raids' begin in April.

Lübeck During the Raid

Lübeck Bombed

Lübeck City Center

• RAF air superiority in Europe is now firmly established due to the increasing demands of the Eastern Front on Luftwaffe resources.
• In minor operations, 2 Blenheims raid Holland, 7 Hampdens lay mines in the Frisians and 14 aircraft on leaflet flights over Holland. There are no losses.

Atlantic

The British destroyer Campbeltown is used as an explosive vessel against the gate of the massive dry dock Normandie at St Nazaire, France.

Battle of the Atlantic

The Battle of Convoy PQ-13 takes place over the next 4 days. After being scattered by storms, the convoy and escorts are attacked by German bombers, torpedo planes, 6 U-boats and 3 destroyers. 5 merchant ships are sunk. The cruiser Trinidad cripples the destroyer Z-26, but is then hit by 1 of her own torpedoes which circles back causing serious damage. (See May 14.)

Burma

In response to a request by Gen Stilwell, Gen Alexander orders the I Burma Corps to attack in the Irrawaddy sector. The Japanese are heavily engaged at Paungde, southeast of Prome.

Diplomatic Relations

The Vatican establishes diplomatic relations with Japan.

Air Operations, CBI

A 3rd AVG Fighter Squadron P-40 shoots down a Japanese Army reconnaissance plane near Loiwing, Burma during the afternoon.

Air Operations, Europe

18 Hampdens and 8 Manchesters lay mines in the Frisians and off Denmark. 6 aircraft are involved on leaflet flights over France. 2 Manchester minelayers are lost.

Air Operations, North Africa

There is a German air raid on Tobruk.

Arctic

A British convoy for Murmansk is engaged unsuccessfully by German surface forces. The Tirpitz and the other heavy units of the German fleet are now based in Norway posing a further threat to convoys. The convoy reaches Murmansk successfully lifting Allied hopes. The Murmansk run is the most dangerous of the war.

Battle of the Atlantic

The US steamship City of New York (8272t) is torpedoed and sunk by U-160 about 40 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Of the 132 persons on board, 26 are killed. Survivors are rescued by the US destroyer Greer (DD-145) and Roper (DD-147) and the cutter Acushnet (AT-63)/

Britain, Home Front

Another National Day of Prayer is observed at the request of King George VI.

Burma

At the request of Gen Stilwell in order to relieve the Japanese pressure on the Chinese in the Toungoo area, British forces attack Paungde. The positions of the I Burma Corps becomes precarious when the Japanese take up positions just north of Padigon and at Shwedaung on the east bank of the Irrawaddy. The Chinese accuse the Japanese of using poison gas and bacteriological warfare.

India, Home Front

The British government's constitutional proposals for India are published. India is to have full Dominion status after the war. Britain will defend the sub-contintent until then.

Mediterranean

The British submarine Proteus attacks an Italian convoy of steamers heading for Bari sinking the Galilea (8040t). Of the 1,275 men on board only 284 are rescued. Most of the losses are Alpine troops from the Battaglione Gemona.

The Italian Liner Galilea

Air Operations, Europe

34 Halifax bombers attack the Tirpitz in a fjord near Trondheim. They do not find the Tirpitz. Flak positions are bombed by 3 of the aircraft. 1 Halifax is lost at sea.

The German Battleship Tirpitz

Arctic

U-585 is sunk by hitting a mine in the German Bantos field probably as a result of a navigation error. The entire crew is lost.

U-585

Ascension Island

A US detachment arrives on this small island between Africa and South America.

Burma

Unable to withstand Japanese pressure any longer, Toungoo is abandoned by the Chinese 200th Div of the 5th Army. The special force from I Burma Corps falls back on Prome from Paungde. In the evening the Japanese attack the 63rd Indian Brigade at Prome and quickly put them to flight, so that the 17th Indian Div's flank is dangerously exposed.

Eastern Front

Only 8 of the 162 German divisions are at full strength at the conclusion of the great Russian counteroffensive. The 15 Panzer divisions have a grand total of only 140 serviceable tanks.

Indian Ocean

Japanese land troops on Christmas Island, south of Java.

Air Operations, Australia

A 49th Pursuit Group 9th Pursuit Squadron P-40 downs a A6M 'Zero' over Van Dieman Gulf between Australia and Timor at 1320 hours.

Air Operations, Europe

• 11 Hampdens and 6 Wellingtons are sent on cloud cover raids to Germany. 6 aircraft locate targets to bomb. No planes are lost.
• 4 Wellingtons with selected crews are sent to Essen, but only random targets are bombed by 2 of the planes. There are no losses.

Battle of the Atlantic

The unarmed US tanker T. C. McCobb (7452t) en route to Caripito, Venezuela from Buenos Aires, Argentina is torpedoed and sunk by the Italian submarine Pietro Calvi.

Burma

The Chinese 200th and 22nd Divs withdraw from the Toungoo area towards Pyinmana. With the loss of Toungoo the road to Mauchi lies open to the Japanese, and the small Chinese garrison there will be overrun by the Japanese a few days later.

Eastern Front

The Soviets punch a corridor through to the 2nd Shock Army but can not free the starving army. Farther south, the fighting on the road to Demyansk continues as the Germans slowly progress toward the II and X Corps.

During March the Ostheer commits 2 panzer and 4 infantry divisions to the front, bringing its field strength to 21 panzer, 15 motorized and 127 infantry divisions. Since June 1941 the Panzerwaffe in the East has lost 3,486 tanks but has replaced just 873. The German tank strength stands at 1,503 vehicles.

During March the Ostheer loses 44,000 men killed.

The Red Army and Navy lose 675,315 killed and missing in action and 1,179,457 wounded during the first quarter of 1942. Soviet tank strength stands at 4,690 vehicles.

Soviet command raises the ADD (Long-Range Aviation). This is the bomber arm of the Soviet air force and is independent of the combat fronts. It is commanded by Gen Alexander Golovanov.

In the north, the Volkhov Front is downgraded to an Operational Group under command of Gen Mikhail Khozin's Leningrad Front. Gen Kirill Meretskov is given command of the 33rd Army and is made deputy commander of the West Front.

The fighting in the east between January and March 1942 witnesses a remarkable turn around in the fortunes of the two combatants. It is apparent that the Stalin offensive has failed to bring about the destruction of the German forces in the east. The dispersal of the Soviet strength from the center dilutes the weight of the blow, which could have resulted in the destruction of Army Group Center. Combined with this, since the frontwide offensive began, the Red Army loses in excess of 330,000 killed, 1,000 tanks and 1,000 artillery pieces destroyed and more importantly, the chance to destroy Army Group Center.

Since the Soviet counteroffensive before Moscow had begun, the Germans have lost 900,000 men, including 110,000 killed and missing and 268,000 wounded but in return have received only 450,000 reinforcements.

As spring took its grip on Russia, the opposing armies took the opportunity to reflect and rebuild. The Ostheer, so sure of victory in 1941, had entered 1942 on the back foot, fighting for its very survival in the face of fanatical Soviet attacks. The Red Army meanwhile had begun the long road towards victory. Stalin and the Higher Command were in the very early stages of mastery of the operational art, while the lower units remained unsophisticated. In contrast the German army operated with spirit and élan at its base but was uncoordinated at its head, led by a dictator who increasingly ignored the ability of his commanders. Such trends were to develop on both sides of the combat line as the year and the war progressed, each dictator still tasting defeat and victory in equal measure in the immediate future.