DECEMBER 1st.
In Marseille, occupied France, in the morning early hours, four hooded men enters a notorious brothel where high-ranking German officers are feasting and kill them all with handguns.
This brothel was known by the local police to belong to a chain of such houses (which are legal under the French law) owned by some Corsican heads of the Marseille underworld. Such a direct attack against German officers was seen as very unusual from underworld people. However some Marseille police officers were aware that people running this brothel had kinsfolk in one of the Corsican village destroyed in a "search and destroy" operation.
When the SD and Gestapo officers came late in the day to conduct the enquiry they will discover that files on the well-known underworld Corsican family G. have disappeared from the central police office.
Pacific: last of US Pacific Fleet sails.
In Marseille, occupied France, in the morning early hours, four hooded men enters a notorious brothel where high-ranking German officers are feasting and kill them all with handguns.
This brothel was known by the local police to belong to a chain of such houses (which are legal under the French law) owned by some Corsican heads of the Marseille underworld. Such a direct attack against German officers was seen as very unusual from underworld people. However some Marseille police officers were aware that people running this brothel had kinsfolk in one of the Corsican village destroyed in a "search and destroy" operation.
When the SD and Gestapo officers came late in the day to conduct the enquiry they will discover that files on the well-known underworld Corsican family G. have disappeared from the central police office.
Pacific: last of US Pacific Fleet sails.
Arrival at Cavite of US gunboats Asheville, Tulsa, Ohau, Luzon. They are to form the Inshore Patrol under Cdr K.M. Hoeffel.
In Saigon and Hanoi, French civilian and Military authorities agrees creating a "State of War Emergency" in the whole French Indochina. All military forces are already on a war footing, but atatched US, UK and Australian units are now freed for war operations.
Colonel Pijeaud makes a courtesy visit to Singapore to meet his RAF counterpart and coordonate AdA and RAF/RAAF forces.
British forces in Malaya/Singapore are now up to:
Fighters
132 SQN RAF 16 Spitfire Vb (Seletar / Singapore)
PRU 6 SpitfireC/D (with F52 cameras) at Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang) Malaya.
27 SQN RAF 16 Defiant II (nightfighter) (Seletar / Singapore)
288 SQN RNZAF 16 Hurricane IIB/IIC Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang) Malaya.
453 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricane IIB/IIC at Alor Setar (Malaya)
21 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricane IIB/IIC at Butterworth (Malaya)
30 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricane IIB/IIC at Butterworth (Malaya)
Bombers
97 SQN RAF (Straits Settlements SQN) 15 Manchester (Tengah/Singapore)
14 SQN RAF 16 Wellesley (converting to Wellington Dec 41) (Tengah/Singapore)
223 SQN RAF 16 Wellington (Tengah/Singapore)
34 SQN 16 Blenheim IV bomber at Kluang (Malaya)
60 SQN16 Blenheim IV bomber at Kluang (Malaya)
62 SQN 16 Blenheim IV bomber at Kluang (Malaya)
36 SQN RAF 16 Battles (To re-equip with Hurribombers from Dec 41) Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang) Malaya.
7 SQN RAAF 16 Fairey Battle at Butterworth
1 SQN RAAF 16 Hudson at Machang (Malaya).
8 SQN RAAF 16 Hudson at Penang, (Malaya)
454 SQN RAAF 16 Wellington at Butterworth (Malaya)
458 SQN RAAF 16 Beaufort at Butterworth (Malaya)
Army-Cooperation
100 SQN RAAF 16 Battles (re-equipping with Wirraway) at Sungai-Patani (Malaya)
22 SQN RAAF 8 Wirraway 8 Boomerang (from Richmond NSW) at Machang (Malaya).
Coastal Command - all at the Sembawang base (Singapore)
415 SQN RCAF 16 Beaufort TB
489 SQN RNZAF 16 Beaufort TB
248 SQN RAF 16 Beaufighter IC
253 SQN RAF 16 Beaufighter IC.
DECEMBER 4th.
Europe: Beginning at Munich of a high-ranking staff conference between Germany and Italy. Kesserlring and Italian Marshal Badoglio ask for immediate reinforcements in Greece to counter the signficant strengthening of Allied forces. Feld-Marshal Jodl refuses and explains that axis forces are to stay on the defence till the "Russian question" will be solved by 1942.
A French submarine operating north-east of Formosa detects a large IJN formation. She reports at least 3 and may be 4 battleships and one CV. She fires four torpedoes at long range, but scores no hits.
In the evening, the commander of the French "light squadron" based in Cam Rahn flies to Manila for a staff conference.
Bombers got through and the bombardment on Butterworth is moderately effective. However the one on Alor Setar is very effective and 3 other Hurricanes are destroyed on the ground. Kluang is also hit and 3 Blenheim IVs destroyed on the ground.
Saigon, December 8th, 0530 (0630 in Singapore and Manila, 1200 in Pearl Harbor, 1730 in Washington DC.).
The monsoonal rains having eased, no less than 36 Ki-48 bombers escorted by 21 Ki-43 fighters coming from the 3rd Hikodan are attacking French airfields in Cambodia. French forces have yet to set up the radar they have just received but following numerous talks with General C.L. Chennault and exercises done with the AVG force, which is under training in Indochina, a fairly complete network of ground observers has been set up and has been well tested. The incoming raid is detected and intercepted by 24 Curtiss H-75A4 fighters. In the following fight 6 Ki-48 bombers and 4 Ki-43 fighters are downed to the cost of 6 French planes, which have, as far as possible avoided to mix with nimbler Nakajima fighters.
Philippines, December 8th, 0640 (1210 on the 7th at Pearl, 1740 at Washington DC).
Japanese Rear Admiral Hirose's Surprise attack Force lands about 490 men on Batan Island in Bashi Channel, paving the way for subsequent landings on Luzon north coast.
Wake island, December 8th, 12h00 (14h30 on December 7th in Pearl Harbor).
4 twin-engined Japanese bombers coming from Kwajalein (24th Koku Sentai) strikes the atoll. The bombers are emerge from a rainsquall and are not seen but just before they being their bomb run. Of the Wildcats based here 7 are destroyed in this raid. The Pan Am Clipper Flying boat is slightly damaged and able to take off for Midway in the afternoon.
Guam, December 8th, 0827 (December 7th, 1257 at Pearl Harbor).
IJN planes raid the island and sink the patrol boat USS Penguin.
Hong-Kong, See separate account of the battle for Hong Kong
Tourane (now Da Nang) and Hue area, December 8th, 0745 (December 7th, 1415 in Pearl Harbor).
Vice-Admiral N. Kondo 2nd Fleet Carriers, CV Zuiho (16 A5M4s fighters and 12 B5N2s torpedo-bombers) and Shoho (16 A5M4s and 12B5N2s) escorted by fast BB Haruna and Kongo, CA Atago and 6 Dds are attacking French airfields. At Tourane the French local defence flight is surprised on ground and 4 Morane MS-406 are destroyed. At Hue, the Local Defence flight is able to take-off with 3 MS-406 and 3 Brewster B-339s. They are able to destroy 2 B5N2s “Kate” and one A5M4 fighter before being shot out of the sky by Japanese naval fighters.
Hanoi area, December 8th, 0800 (0900 in Philippines, 1430 on December 7th in Pearl Harbor).
The Haiphong Harbor and airfields around Hanoi are attacked by a force comprising 36 Ki-21, 18 Ki-48 bombers and escorted by 30 Ki-27 from the 4th Hikoshidan. This force is intercepted by 30 P-40C from AVG 1st and 3rd squadrons (the "Adam & Eve" and the "Panda Bear"). Operating under strict Chennault's doctrinal instructions and carefully avoiding mixing with nimbler Japanese fighter, the interception is a success with 6 Ki-21 and 3 Ki-48 bombers destroyed as well as 2 Ki-27 fighters. The AVG loses only 4 planes.
Philippines, December 8th, 0930 (1500 on the 7th at Pearl, 2030 at Washington DC).
32 IJA Mitsubishi Ki-21 twin engined bombers coming from Formosa bomb military installations near Baguio and Tugugarao airfield in northern Luzon. This raid is unopposed and damages at Tugugarao are significant.
Tourane (now Da Nang) and Hue area, December 8th, 0h45 (December 7th, 1615 in Pearl Harbor).
Under the protection of the 2nd Surprise attack force (Rear Adm. S. Nishimura), CL Naka, Seaplane Carriers Kamikawa Maru (8 F1M2, 2 E13A2, 2 E8N), Kimikawa Maru (6 F1M2, 2 E13A1) and Mizuho (14 F1M2s, 8E13A1s, 2 E8Ns), 7 DDs (Murasame, Yudachi, Harusame, Samidare, Asagumo, Minegumo, Natsugumo), 6 minesweepers, 9 subchasers, 6 fast freighters are landing a Japanese joint Navy/Army force near Tourane. Local French defenders are quickly brushed aside. F1M2 seaplanes, which destroy two French bombers, foil an attempt by 6 Martin Marylands light bombers to interfere with the landing. By noon, French light field artillery of the 1/4 RAC tries to support LTC Charnier 10 RMIC men, which are launching a counter-attack. However, without air cover and under constant attacks by Japanese seaplanes, this move fails. By late evening, Japanese forces control the Tourane airfield, allowing the 2nd Surprise attack force to retire.
Philippines, December 8th, 1230 (1800 on December 7th at Pearl and 2330 at Washington DC). 54 G4M1 and 27 G3M2 bombers escorted by 60 A6M2s fighters coming from Formosa and belonging to the 21st and 23rd Koku Sentai attack the Cavite Navy Yard and Nichols Field. The only US search radar operating near Aparri detects them. Surviving US fighter units are able to launch 20 P-40 and 15 P-35 to intercept the enemy. US fighters are badly mauled by escorting A6M2s. 11 Curtiss fighters are destroyed and so are 9 Seversky ones. The bombardment on the Navy yard and docks is accurate and damaging as described by one of Admiral Hart's staff officers standing on the top of the Marsman Building: "Direct hits were made on the power plant, dispensary, torpedo repair shops, supply office and warehouses, signal station, commissary store, receiving station and several ships, tugs and barges along the water front. Some serious fires were set..."
Submarine Sealion and minesweeper Bittern took direct hits disabling both ships. Submarine Seadragon was damaged, and no less than 230 torpedoes were destroyed in the torpedo-shop.
Cavite remains active as an operational base. The main attack was on merchant shipping in Manila Bay. Nearly 20 vessels were sunk in shallow water (where they had been ordered to shelter them from torpedoes) or so damaged as to bebeached. The IJNAF used bombs in this attack, surprising USN observers with their accuracy.
Saigon, December 8th , 1200 (Singapore 1300, December 7th 1830 in Pearl Harbor, 0001 in Washington DC).
The French Ground Force commander, LTG Mordant signals to Algiers that there is a new development in the northern fighting, Japanese heavy field artillery is shelling French outposts at the China/Tonkin border (Langson and Cao Bang) but also at the Thailand/Cambodia border. Thai planes are making attacks against French defensive positions and a general offensive is believed to begin soon.
Cam Ranh, December 8th, 1400 (December 7th, 2030 at Pearl Harbor and 0200 on December 8th in Washington DC.)
54 Japanese G3M2 bombers and 24 A6M2 fighters based in the Paracels are striking Cam Ranh. It seems that the Japanese naval intelligence still believed that the whole French South China Sea squadron was based at Cam Ranh. French ships duly alerted are manoeuvring hard to avoid the bombing, but large destroyer (“contre-torpilleur”) Panthère is severely damaged by many near-misses and has to be beached. The bombing seriously damages French naval warehouses and shops.
12 Hawk-75A fighters coming from Tanh-Son-Nhut try to interfere with raid and loss 7 of their numbers to A6M2 fighters against three bombers destroyed and one damaged.
Malaya, December 8th, 1545 (0245 on the 8th in Washington DC).
Japanese bombers are making a second raid, targeting this time Butterworth airfield and the Penang Fortress. However, the raid begins by a feint attack at 1435 by 9 Ki-21 escorted by 18 Ki-27. This small raid turns north at mid way between the Thai border and Butterworth, attracting most of the 24 Hurricanes, which have been scrambled. 4 Bombers are destroyed as well as 3 fighters against 3 Hurricanes downed. However, Hurricanes are refuelling when the second raid made of 54 Ki-21 and 27 Ki-43 attacks Butterworth. 6 Hurricanes are able to take-off but 4 are destroyed in dogfights, which however claims 3 Japanese fighters. 13 other Hurricanes are destroyed on the ground with 5 Wellingtons and 4 Beauforts, and Butterworth installations are severely damaged. During this raid 27 Ki-21 escorted by 36 Ki-27 have their luck against the Penang fortress. The light cruiser HMAS Adelaide is damaged by two near-misses, and two minesweepers sunk.
South China Sea, December 8th, 1530 Hanoi time (1630 in Singapore, 0330 in Washington DC.)
French submarine Le Glorieux, on patrol off the Indochina coast, fires 6 torpedoes in two salvoes against Japanese ships belonging to the Kondo support force. Torpedoes are fired however at too long range and miss their targets.
Malaya, December 8th, 1700 (0400 in Washington DC, December 7th, 2h00 in London)
Field Marshall A. Wavell signals to London that Japanese troops are trying to cross the border and enter Malaya in different places but are contained by Commonwealth forces. He however stresses the fact that RAF losses have been important and requires “immediate fighter reinforcements”.
Hanoi, December 8th 16h0 (17h0 in Malaya/Singapore, 04h0 in Washington DC).
Nine Martin Marylands attack Japanese artillery position firing from China on French outposts. The light bomber formation evades Japanese fighters.
Pearl Harbour, December 7th, 2300 (0430 on December 8th in Washington DC).
Adm. Kimmel signals to DesDiv 60 (USS Hopewell, Thomas, Abbot and Bagley) and DesDiv 61 (USS Shubrick, Bailey, Swasey and Meade) to detach to Suva, Fiji. Both Destroyer divisions have been set up during summer and fall 1941 with old "four pipers" destroyers to strengthen the US Asiatic Fleet and have left Pearl Harbor the Saturday 6th to sail for Surabaya and then join with destroyers sent to NEI and Singapore. With Davao under attack and the Japanese clearly in command of Philippines approaches, this plan has to be shelved and the 8 destroyers are ordered to join and reinforce the Pensacola convoy before reaching the operational zone.
At the same time Heavy cruiser Pensacola (under Captain Norman Scott ) escorting tender Niagara, navy transport Chaumont and Republic, two army transports and three chartered freighters carrying thousands of soldiers, aviators and planes, and some naval replacements bound to Manila was diverted to Suva in the Fijis. There, the convoy was to be joined by the eight destroyers and to proceed through Torres straits to Darwin. The RAN is asked to send a tanker to Suva to assist this change of plans - this is to have important consequences.
December 8th, 1130 in the Aegean.
Planes from the Aegean Air Force strike again Andros Island. Douglas DB-73 twin-engines bombers and P-39D are making the low level job with no less than 60 Hurricanes, Hawk-81/87 and some French Spitfires as top cover. This time the Luftwaffe doesn’t react and the light Flak is the only opposition claiming two DB-73 and one P-39D. One light coaster is sunk by Yugoslav P-39D in the Andros harbor.
Malaya, December 8th, 1745 (0445 in Washington DC, December 8th, 0945 in London).
HMS Rodney leaves the graving dock after underwater inspections and defect rectification. HMS Eagle is docked for urgent work The bulk of the fleet is exercising off Pulau Tioman.
Tourane, December 8th 1730 (1830 in Malaya/Singapore, 0530 in Washington DC).
18 Ki-27 fighters from the 4th Hikoshidan lands at the Tourane airfield just captured by Japanese troops. They are followed 30 minutes later by a mixed formation including 12 Ki-51 and 6 Ki-36 light attack and Army Co-operation planes.
Algiers, December 8th, 1200 (0600 in Washington DC).
Paul Reynaud delivers a speech to the French Parliament in Exile in Algiers where it declares that it is French intention to fight the war with the Japanese in fullest cooperation with France's allies inside Vietnam, the various nationalist groupings. He issued a formal apology for the mistreatment and house arrest of the late Phan Bội Châu. He stated that arrangements were being made for a cooperative Alliance between the French colonial government, Viet Minh nationalist movement, the VNQDD and all other Vietnamese and IndoChinese movements. The stated outcome was 'endless resistance to the Japanese, and a settlement after their defeat whereby Indochinese countries would become independent within the larger framework of the French economic and cultural sphere.'
Off Indochina coast, December 8th 18h00 (19h00 in Malaya/Singapore, 06h00 in Washington DC, 11h00 in London).
Bad news for Admiral Kondo. The Junyo port turbine breaks down, seriously damaging gearings and the power train. The mishap is attributed to a probable faulty mountings and lack of experience of the machinery crew, both a result of a very hurriedly commissioning of the ship. Unable to sail at more than 16kts, the large liner converted to carrier is now a liability to Kondo we has no solution but to send her back to the Mitsubishi Yard in Nagasaki with two DDs as escort.
Off Indochina coast, December 8th 2100 (2200 in Malaya/Singapore, 0900 in Washington DC, 1400 in London).
French submarine Protée patrolling South of Hainan island detects a large ship formation sailing North-East. After submerging the submarine reaches 30 minutes later a good firing position and launches first four torpedoes from her bow tubes and one minute later three 550mm torpedoes from the mid-deck rotating mount on a second target. The first salvo registers one hit on the seaplane tender Kimikawa Maru (a former merchant ship converted in the late 30's) and induces a violent fire. The second one, aimed at CL Naka misses its target but one torpedo hit the DD Murasame (Shiratsuyu class). The ship is hit under the bridge and, soon after breaks in two and sinks. As the fire ravaging the Kimikawa Maru is clearly out of control, Rear-Admiral Nishimura decides to scuttle her at 2230 to allow his force to retire as he is tasked with the protection of another landing.
Protée is violently counter-attacked by two Japanese destroyers which were "aggressive and persistent" in her skipper's words. After two hours of depth charging the French submarine escapes but with considerable damages. Some battery cells have been broken and acid vapours are leaking. The submarine commander has no choice but to surface by mid-night and to try to reach Haïphong surfaced as the last radio signal received has indicated that Cam-Ranh was under air-attack.
Tengah airfield (Singapore), December 8th, 2230 local time (0930 in Washington DC, 1430 in London).
Eight Manchester bombers belonging to the 97 Sqn take-off for a night raid against airfields in Thailand. Nine planes have been planned for this first offensive but one had to abort when the port Vulture engine began to loose oil. Soon after the take-off, another plane had to jettison her bombs and return to Tengah after a sudden drop in oil pressure. The seven Manchesters would attack two airfields without significant results. This raid has been planned first for the afternoon but the squadron commander has preferred to delay the take-off so to benefit to a slightly cooler temperature. Manchester bombers are followed 30 minutes later by 12 Wellingtons belonging to the 223 Sqn., which attack similar targets.
December 8th, London, 1500.
Winston Churchill announces to the Commons that Great Britain and the Commonwealth are finally facing the expected Japanese offensive from Thailand. He pledges full support to Commonwealth forces which "are fighting as angry lions" against Japanese forces. Some minutes later Sir Dudley Pound, the First Sea Lord, calls his French counterpart to ask for full support for a fast convoy which is to cross the Mediterranean soon with supplies and reinforcements bound to Singapore.
December 8th, Washington DC, 1000 (London, 1500).
Admiral Stark describes to President Roosevellt the amended war plan. Following fuel losses sustained at Pearl Harbor and news of serious Philippines based USAAF units depletion, the original one which was providing for capture or neutralisation of the Marshall and Caroline islands before moving swiftly to Truk looks impossible. He is very optimistic that Kimmel, who has changed his plans and now is moving to rejoin with Halsey's carriers attacking the Marshalls, will inflict a severe defeat on the detached element of the Japanese Fleet which raided Hawaii.
As the briefing given by Admiral Stark to the President moves on, it is learnt that Guam has been bombed by Japanese planes.
December 8th, London, 1630 (Algiers 1730).
Winston Churchill calls his French counter-part, Paul Reynaud, to ask him if France could redeploy some fighter and bomber units to French Indo-China. Reynaud points to the fact that the Armée de l'Air is already deeply engaged in maintaining an offensive posture in the Aegean to prevent German forces to concentrate against Great-Britain. Any reduction of forces protecting Tunisia and North-Africa could be seen as tempting Axis forces to do something against Malta or even Tunisia and then close the Mediterranean. However, provided that Great-Britain could deliver to the Armée de l'Air 50 Hurricane IIs, the AdA is ready to send another "Groupe de Chasse" (fighter squadron) and "Groupe de Bombardement" (bomber squadron) to boost Indochina defence. Crews were to be taken from the general reserve and some OTUs. The bomber squadron will mount Martin 167 Marylands and could leave Algiers-Maison Blanche by December 10th. The Fighter squadron could be set up at the Cairo-West RAF depot with Hurricane stored for the Aegean Air Force which are to be replaced by planes newly sent from GB.
At the same time Churchill was communicating with Reynaud, it was learnt that contact has been lost with Gilbert Islands (Tarawa and Makin) which were under British control. They are supposed to have been occupied by a strong Japanese naval group. Acually US Naval intelligence would falsely credit the Yokohama Kokutai with deploying between 40 to 200 planes in the Gilberts.
December 8th, Algiers 18h15 (Washington DC, 12h15).
Full meeting of the "Comité de Défense Nationale". The Minister of Defence, Gen. Charles de Gaulle makes a review of the situation. He expects that French forces in Indochina could fight for 6 weeks, and may be could be strengthened from Singapore. However, the most important point is that due to the US quick entry in the war against Germany and Italy. As the US government has pledged to maintain its "Europe First" policy, Army and Air Force units are to be expected to arrive North Africa by late February or early March. This could allow for switching to an offensive posture against Italy earlier than planned.
Indochina, December 9th 0100 (02h00 in Malaya/Singapore, December 8th 1300 in Washington DC, 1900 in Algiers).
French units around Lang Son and Cao Bang signals co-ordinated night attacks by Japanese troops. Some protecting outer-ring bunkers are already surrounded by enemy troops and communications are lost with others. The Bataillon Etranger d'Artillerie Légère (BEAL or Foreign Light Artillery Battalion with 12 x 75mm field guns) which is deployed around Lang Son tries its best to repulse Japanese troops. Some 75mm guns are firing so fast (a trained gun crew could reach up to 20 rpm for some minutes) that tubes are glowing in the night. French guns are firing a mix of HE fuzed and cannister shells which are causing heavy losses in Japanese troops.
In Saigon and Hanoi, French civilian and Military authorities agrees creating a "State of War Emergency" in the whole French Indochina. All military forces are already on a war footing, but atatched US, UK and Australian units are now freed for war operations.
Colonel Pijeaud makes a courtesy visit to Singapore to meet his RAF counterpart and coordonate AdA and RAF/RAAF forces.
British forces in Malaya/Singapore are now up to:
Fighters
132 SQN RAF 16 Spitfire Vb (Seletar / Singapore)
PRU 6 SpitfireC/D (with F52 cameras) at Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang) Malaya.
27 SQN RAF 16 Defiant II (nightfighter) (Seletar / Singapore)
288 SQN RNZAF 16 Hurricane IIB/IIC Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang) Malaya.
453 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricane IIB/IIC at Alor Setar (Malaya)
21 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricane IIB/IIC at Butterworth (Malaya)
30 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricane IIB/IIC at Butterworth (Malaya)
Bombers
97 SQN RAF (Straits Settlements SQN) 15 Manchester (Tengah/Singapore)
14 SQN RAF 16 Wellesley (converting to Wellington Dec 41) (Tengah/Singapore)
223 SQN RAF 16 Wellington (Tengah/Singapore)
34 SQN 16 Blenheim IV bomber at Kluang (Malaya)
60 SQN16 Blenheim IV bomber at Kluang (Malaya)
62 SQN 16 Blenheim IV bomber at Kluang (Malaya)
36 SQN RAF 16 Battles (To re-equip with Hurribombers from Dec 41) Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang) Malaya.
7 SQN RAAF 16 Fairey Battle at Butterworth
1 SQN RAAF 16 Hudson at Machang (Malaya).
8 SQN RAAF 16 Hudson at Penang, (Malaya)
454 SQN RAAF 16 Wellington at Butterworth (Malaya)
458 SQN RAAF 16 Beaufort at Butterworth (Malaya)
Army-Cooperation
100 SQN RAAF 16 Battles (re-equipping with Wirraway) at Sungai-Patani (Malaya)
22 SQN RAAF 8 Wirraway 8 Boomerang (from Richmond NSW) at Machang (Malaya).
Coastal Command - all at the Sembawang base (Singapore)
415 SQN RCAF 16 Beaufort TB
489 SQN RNZAF 16 Beaufort TB
248 SQN RAF 16 Beaufighter IC
253 SQN RAF 16 Beaufighter IC.
Tentative operations by both sides in Southern Thailand and Malaya are mostly aborted due to severe weather. The northeast monsoon has arrived with a vengeance, and is to disrupt most operations for nearly a week. Both sides use the time to logistic advantage.
DECEMBER 2nd.
Aegean. Major raid by the Aegean Air Force against the Andros Island and the local Axis coastal traffic. For the first time French manned NA B-25 are operating as medium bombers. The operation combines low-level attacks (mostly by Yugoslav manned P-39D and bomb-armed French Hawk-81) and light and medium bomber attacks against German barracks and equipment on the Island. During the ensuing fight with Luftwaffe fighters 17 planes are lost (with 4 others destroyed by the ever aggressive light Flak) against 11 German fighter destroyed.
This raid takes place as the German area commander, General Kesselring, leaves Athens for a staff conference in Munich.
Singapore: Arrival to Singapore of RN Battleship Prince of Wales with HM carriers Formidable and Hermes. HMS Formidable air group includes 20 Sea Hurricanes , 2 Fulmars, 20 Swordfish. Hermes air group includes 12 F4F3s and 6 Swordfish.
DECEMBER 2nd.
Aegean. Major raid by the Aegean Air Force against the Andros Island and the local Axis coastal traffic. For the first time French manned NA B-25 are operating as medium bombers. The operation combines low-level attacks (mostly by Yugoslav manned P-39D and bomb-armed French Hawk-81) and light and medium bomber attacks against German barracks and equipment on the Island. During the ensuing fight with Luftwaffe fighters 17 planes are lost (with 4 others destroyed by the ever aggressive light Flak) against 11 German fighter destroyed.
This raid takes place as the German area commander, General Kesselring, leaves Athens for a staff conference in Munich.
Singapore: Arrival to Singapore of RN Battleship Prince of Wales with HM carriers Formidable and Hermes. HMS Formidable air group includes 20 Sea Hurricanes , 2 Fulmars, 20 Swordfish. Hermes air group includes 12 F4F3s and 6 Swordfish.
Philippines: An attack by 46 B-17 on Takao is met with heavy resistance, no B-17 are lost but 6 are seriously damaged. Takao city is heavily bombed.
DECEMBER 3rd.
In Pearl Harbor the officer in charge of the Hypo radio-interception unit reports to Admiral Kimmel. Ltn-Cdr Rochefort and his deputy note to Admiral Kimmel that they are unable to trace down any more the Japanese Combined Fleet. Radio emissions with Combined Fleet codes they are intercepting are probably coming from decoy ships operating in the Sea of Japan. Admiral Kimmel's response is to draw their attention to Stark's message that Japanese forces are poised to invade the Philippines, French Indochina and Malaya.
DECEMBER 3rd.
In Pearl Harbor the officer in charge of the Hypo radio-interception unit reports to Admiral Kimmel. Ltn-Cdr Rochefort and his deputy note to Admiral Kimmel that they are unable to trace down any more the Japanese Combined Fleet. Radio emissions with Combined Fleet codes they are intercepting are probably coming from decoy ships operating in the Sea of Japan. Admiral Kimmel's response is to draw their attention to Stark's message that Japanese forces are poised to invade the Philippines, French Indochina and Malaya.
Fighting in northern Vietnam is slowed by torrential rains.
DECEMBER 4th.
Europe: Beginning at Munich of a high-ranking staff conference between Germany and Italy. Kesserlring and Italian Marshal Badoglio ask for immediate reinforcements in Greece to counter the signficant strengthening of Allied forces. Feld-Marshal Jodl refuses and explains that axis forces are to stay on the defence till the "Russian question" will be solved by 1942.
A French submarine operating north-east of Formosa detects a large IJN formation. She reports at least 3 and may be 4 battleships and one CV. She fires four torpedoes at long range, but scores no hits.
In the evening, the commander of the French "light squadron" based in Cam Rahn flies to Manila for a staff conference.
A USAAF B-17 on reconnaissance reports two battleships and two carriers off Zhanjiang.
DECEMBER 5th.
Admiral Sir Tom Philips (commander of the Eastern Fleet's fast wing) arrives Manila with his staff for a conference with Admiral Hart and the French light squadron commander about naval operations against Japan.
DECEMBER 5th/6th (NOTE: to clarify matters relating to the date line, TWO dates will be given, the first being East of the IDL and the second West of IDL. Remember that December 1st in Pearl Harbor is December 2nd in Manila, Saigon and Singapore.
Manila (December 6th):
As talks between Admiral Hart (USN) Admiral Phillips (RN) and Cdr Berenger (MN) are beginning in the Marsman building, a report coming from French submarine Le Hero signals a Japanese squadron with at least one light cruiser, two seaplane carriers, destroyers and transports, leaving Hainan and sailing South. This report coming after the one of the previous days about a large Japanese battle group off Formosa is an ominous warning of Tokyo intentions - a lot of Japanese naval power is gathering in southern Chinese waters. The meeting is then cancelled and both Phillips and Berenger fly off Manila in the afternoon. As Admiral Hart bade farewell to Phillips he said that he had ordered USN destroyers sent to Balikpapan (DesDiv 57) to proceed to Batavia on the pretext of rest and leave so to be able to quickly join Somerville in Singapore. To Berenger who was leaving just one hour later, he confirmed, as the French officer was boarding his Dewoitine D-338 that light cruiser Marblehead and DesDiv 58 (DD Stewart, Bulmer, Barker and Parrott) were to leave Puerto Princesa in Palawan to join the Light strike squadron in Cam Rahn as soon as possible. The two other large Asiatic Fleet units, Heavy cruiser USN Houston and the light cruiser CL Concord are to move to Batavia, NEI and from then join Somerville.
USAAF General Brereton orders 4 newly arrived B-17 to patrol sectors between Philippines and Formosa. However USAAF crews are not trained in ship recognition.
DECEMBER 6th/7th The Battle of Limnos
In the Aegean, during the very early hours of Friday 6th, an Italian escorted convoy of three freighters and one tanker coming from Varna through Bosphorus is attacked North of Limnos by Aegean squadron Force A, (Rear Adm. Vian), with CL Aurora, CLAA Naiad and Euralyus, DD Gurkha and Sikh. the Italian escort includes DD (La Masa class) Giuseppe La Masa, and Angelo Bassini and Torpedo-boats Castore, Centauro. Vian is leading from HMS Naiad with Cptn William "Bill" Agnew his second in command from HMS Aurora. Italian ships are surprised when RN ships open fire at 0312 and react with an immediate torpedo attack. Under Vian and Agnew's orders, British ships keep their bows at the enemy, reducing their gunnery salvos but minimising the torpedo target they offer. The Giuseppe la Masa is quickly hit by 5.25in fire from Naiad and Euralyus and stops. Aurora sets a first freighter on fire and then concentrates on the tanker. The ship which is loaded with aviation grade petrol explodes in the night. In the ensuing confusion Torpedo-boats Castore and Centauro conduct a determined attack but are quickly on the receiving end of the two British AA cruisers and of DD Gurkha and Sikh. Centauro is left in a sinking condition as Castore tries to evade behind a curtain of smoke. British ships then concentrate their fire on a second freighter which is partly masked by Angelo Bassini's smoke. This gallant attempt to protect the freighter calls down heavy fire on the old Italian destroyer. At 0351 she is hit in the machinery space by one British torpedo and breaks in half. The two “Tribal class” destroyer 4.7in guns then smash the freighter. By this time, Aurora has found the third freighter and engages her. She starts to capsize at 0412. Vian orders then his ships to turn south so to get under long range fighter cover by dawn.
This action known in the Royal Navy as the Battle of Limnos and by the Regia Marina as the "Bloody Friday" demonstrates once more that under Dodecanese based fighter cover Allied ships are exerting a complete control of the Aegean sea.
This very night, Aegean squadron Force B (French Rear-Adm. Lavoix, Aegean Squadron 2nd in command) Cruiser Montcalm (Flagship), Gloire and DD Le Fantasque, Le Terrible, L'Indomptable are laying mines at the entry of the Patras Gulf.
During this day both Andros and Piraeus and raided by Allied medium and light bombers. Andros particularly is attacked by Yugoslav manned P-39 ground attack fighters. The Luftwaffe reacts violently and no less than 7 bombers and 9 fighters are lost (not including one bomber and two P-39D lost by Flak) against 6 German fighters. In a notorious dogfight, three AdA Hawk-81 are downed by a single German pilot who outmanoeuvre Curtiss fighters trying to fend his attack by flying in a defensive circle by using what is called "vertical yo-yo".
For the first time the daily official statement mentions the Slobodno Jugoslovensko Kraljevsko Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo (SJKRV or Free Yugoslav Royal Air Force) and particularly the 80 Lovacki Puk (literally Fighter Regiment but actually Fighter Wing) to whom belongs the P-39Ds.
A large RAF raid at Brest targeting both German Battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. The later is slightly damaged by two near-misses.
French Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Lemonnier orders training cruisers Jeanne d'Arc and large submarine Surcouf which had completed a refit at the San Diego Navy Yard to sail to Nouméa (New Caledonia).
Washington (December 6th):
The Pacific Fleet is well away from Hawaii and is poised to attack the Mandates. Fighting begins to pick up along the northern border of Vietnam, and skirmishing commences on th Thai-Malaya border. Both the RAF and Japanese forces are waiting for the weather to clear.
Manila (December 7th)
A heavy dusk raid on Manila bay by 24 G3M sinks seven merchant ships in shallow water and damages four more, which have to be beached. This raid is actually cover for a daring minelay by the minelayer Yaeyama. She lays 180 mines in two barrages. These quickly prove effective, two small merchant ships being lost within the next 24 hours. Admirals Purnell and Hart return from an inspection of the salvage work on Langley to their office in the Marsman Building and worked late.
DECEMBER 5th.
Admiral Sir Tom Philips (commander of the Eastern Fleet's fast wing) arrives Manila with his staff for a conference with Admiral Hart and the French light squadron commander about naval operations against Japan.
DECEMBER 5th/6th (NOTE: to clarify matters relating to the date line, TWO dates will be given, the first being East of the IDL and the second West of IDL. Remember that December 1st in Pearl Harbor is December 2nd in Manila, Saigon and Singapore.
Manila (December 6th):
As talks between Admiral Hart (USN) Admiral Phillips (RN) and Cdr Berenger (MN) are beginning in the Marsman building, a report coming from French submarine Le Hero signals a Japanese squadron with at least one light cruiser, two seaplane carriers, destroyers and transports, leaving Hainan and sailing South. This report coming after the one of the previous days about a large Japanese battle group off Formosa is an ominous warning of Tokyo intentions - a lot of Japanese naval power is gathering in southern Chinese waters. The meeting is then cancelled and both Phillips and Berenger fly off Manila in the afternoon. As Admiral Hart bade farewell to Phillips he said that he had ordered USN destroyers sent to Balikpapan (DesDiv 57) to proceed to Batavia on the pretext of rest and leave so to be able to quickly join Somerville in Singapore. To Berenger who was leaving just one hour later, he confirmed, as the French officer was boarding his Dewoitine D-338 that light cruiser Marblehead and DesDiv 58 (DD Stewart, Bulmer, Barker and Parrott) were to leave Puerto Princesa in Palawan to join the Light strike squadron in Cam Rahn as soon as possible. The two other large Asiatic Fleet units, Heavy cruiser USN Houston and the light cruiser CL Concord are to move to Batavia, NEI and from then join Somerville.
USAAF General Brereton orders 4 newly arrived B-17 to patrol sectors between Philippines and Formosa. However USAAF crews are not trained in ship recognition.
DECEMBER 6th/7th The Battle of Limnos
In the Aegean, during the very early hours of Friday 6th, an Italian escorted convoy of three freighters and one tanker coming from Varna through Bosphorus is attacked North of Limnos by Aegean squadron Force A, (Rear Adm. Vian), with CL Aurora, CLAA Naiad and Euralyus, DD Gurkha and Sikh. the Italian escort includes DD (La Masa class) Giuseppe La Masa, and Angelo Bassini and Torpedo-boats Castore, Centauro. Vian is leading from HMS Naiad with Cptn William "Bill" Agnew his second in command from HMS Aurora. Italian ships are surprised when RN ships open fire at 0312 and react with an immediate torpedo attack. Under Vian and Agnew's orders, British ships keep their bows at the enemy, reducing their gunnery salvos but minimising the torpedo target they offer. The Giuseppe la Masa is quickly hit by 5.25in fire from Naiad and Euralyus and stops. Aurora sets a first freighter on fire and then concentrates on the tanker. The ship which is loaded with aviation grade petrol explodes in the night. In the ensuing confusion Torpedo-boats Castore and Centauro conduct a determined attack but are quickly on the receiving end of the two British AA cruisers and of DD Gurkha and Sikh. Centauro is left in a sinking condition as Castore tries to evade behind a curtain of smoke. British ships then concentrate their fire on a second freighter which is partly masked by Angelo Bassini's smoke. This gallant attempt to protect the freighter calls down heavy fire on the old Italian destroyer. At 0351 she is hit in the machinery space by one British torpedo and breaks in half. The two “Tribal class” destroyer 4.7in guns then smash the freighter. By this time, Aurora has found the third freighter and engages her. She starts to capsize at 0412. Vian orders then his ships to turn south so to get under long range fighter cover by dawn.
This action known in the Royal Navy as the Battle of Limnos and by the Regia Marina as the "Bloody Friday" demonstrates once more that under Dodecanese based fighter cover Allied ships are exerting a complete control of the Aegean sea.
This very night, Aegean squadron Force B (French Rear-Adm. Lavoix, Aegean Squadron 2nd in command) Cruiser Montcalm (Flagship), Gloire and DD Le Fantasque, Le Terrible, L'Indomptable are laying mines at the entry of the Patras Gulf.
During this day both Andros and Piraeus and raided by Allied medium and light bombers. Andros particularly is attacked by Yugoslav manned P-39 ground attack fighters. The Luftwaffe reacts violently and no less than 7 bombers and 9 fighters are lost (not including one bomber and two P-39D lost by Flak) against 6 German fighters. In a notorious dogfight, three AdA Hawk-81 are downed by a single German pilot who outmanoeuvre Curtiss fighters trying to fend his attack by flying in a defensive circle by using what is called "vertical yo-yo".
For the first time the daily official statement mentions the Slobodno Jugoslovensko Kraljevsko Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo (SJKRV or Free Yugoslav Royal Air Force) and particularly the 80 Lovacki Puk (literally Fighter Regiment but actually Fighter Wing) to whom belongs the P-39Ds.
A large RAF raid at Brest targeting both German Battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. The later is slightly damaged by two near-misses.
French Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Lemonnier orders training cruisers Jeanne d'Arc and large submarine Surcouf which had completed a refit at the San Diego Navy Yard to sail to Nouméa (New Caledonia).
Washington (December 6th):
The Pacific Fleet is well away from Hawaii and is poised to attack the Mandates. Fighting begins to pick up along the northern border of Vietnam, and skirmishing commences on th Thai-Malaya border. Both the RAF and Japanese forces are waiting for the weather to clear.
Manila (December 7th)
A heavy dusk raid on Manila bay by 24 G3M sinks seven merchant ships in shallow water and damages four more, which have to be beached. This raid is actually cover for a daring minelay by the minelayer Yaeyama. She lays 180 mines in two barrages. These quickly prove effective, two small merchant ships being lost within the next 24 hours. Admirals Purnell and Hart return from an inspection of the salvage work on Langley to their office in the Marsman Building and worked late.
Hawaii 8 Dec 41 0800 local (1330 Washington). Nagumo's carrier force starts to attack the empty US base at Pearl harbour, having achieved strategic surprise. They had to contest USAAF fighter Squadrons on the way in to the target. The news rapidly spreads, causing consternation in USPACFLT and Washington. Kimmel realises that Nagumo is between him and his main base, while Halsey is deeply enmeshed in attacking Inoue's forces in the Marshalls - over three days steaming away.
Philippines, December 8th, 0620 (1150 on the 7th at Pearl, 1720 at Washington DC).
The original Japanese attack plans, which could not be altered, start to kick in.
13 Japanese dive-bombers escorted by 9 A6M2s fighters from light CV Ryujo attack the seaplane tender USS William B. Preston anchored in the Davao Gulf. Two flying boats are destroyed and the ship, which has escaped without damage, get under way to seek a safe anchorage.
At 0625 54 G3M2s and 18 G4M1 naval heavy bombers of Mihoro, Genzan and Kanoya Kokutai escorted by 60 A6M2s fighters coming from bases in the Paracels hit Clark and Nichols Fields again. Damage is only moderate. The Japanese attack force loses only 3 planes in the attack.
Malaya, December 8th, 0630 (1200 on the 7th at Pearl, 1730 at Washington DC).
No less than 122 Ki-21 bombers of the 7th and 10th Hikodan escorted by 30 Ki-43 “Oscar” and 90 Ki-27 “Nate” of the 7th, 10th and 12th Hikodan attack RAF airfields at Butterworth, Kluang and Alor Setar. Helped by radar stations deployed in Malayan hills, RAF fighter units are not surprised and the raid is met by no less than 48 Hurricanes coming from the two RAAF squadrons based at Butterworth, the one at Alor Setar and a RNZAF Squadron based at Subang, near Kual Lumpur. 11 Japanese bombers are destroyed during the first attack, however then Hurricane pilots are making the mistake to try to outmanoeuvre much more agile Japanese fighters. In ensuing dogfights, 12 Hurricanes are destroyed and 7 other damaged against 6 Japanese fighter destroyed.
13 Japanese dive-bombers escorted by 9 A6M2s fighters from light CV Ryujo attack the seaplane tender USS William B. Preston anchored in the Davao Gulf. Two flying boats are destroyed and the ship, which has escaped without damage, get under way to seek a safe anchorage.
At 0625 54 G3M2s and 18 G4M1 naval heavy bombers of Mihoro, Genzan and Kanoya Kokutai escorted by 60 A6M2s fighters coming from bases in the Paracels hit Clark and Nichols Fields again. Damage is only moderate. The Japanese attack force loses only 3 planes in the attack.
Malaya, December 8th, 0630 (1200 on the 7th at Pearl, 1730 at Washington DC).
No less than 122 Ki-21 bombers of the 7th and 10th Hikodan escorted by 30 Ki-43 “Oscar” and 90 Ki-27 “Nate” of the 7th, 10th and 12th Hikodan attack RAF airfields at Butterworth, Kluang and Alor Setar. Helped by radar stations deployed in Malayan hills, RAF fighter units are not surprised and the raid is met by no less than 48 Hurricanes coming from the two RAAF squadrons based at Butterworth, the one at Alor Setar and a RNZAF Squadron based at Subang, near Kual Lumpur. 11 Japanese bombers are destroyed during the first attack, however then Hurricane pilots are making the mistake to try to outmanoeuvre much more agile Japanese fighters. In ensuing dogfights, 12 Hurricanes are destroyed and 7 other damaged against 6 Japanese fighter destroyed.
Bombers got through and the bombardment on Butterworth is moderately effective. However the one on Alor Setar is very effective and 3 other Hurricanes are destroyed on the ground. Kluang is also hit and 3 Blenheim IVs destroyed on the ground.
Saigon, December 8th, 0530 (0630 in Singapore and Manila, 1200 in Pearl Harbor, 1730 in Washington DC.).
The monsoonal rains having eased, no less than 36 Ki-48 bombers escorted by 21 Ki-43 fighters coming from the 3rd Hikodan are attacking French airfields in Cambodia. French forces have yet to set up the radar they have just received but following numerous talks with General C.L. Chennault and exercises done with the AVG force, which is under training in Indochina, a fairly complete network of ground observers has been set up and has been well tested. The incoming raid is detected and intercepted by 24 Curtiss H-75A4 fighters. In the following fight 6 Ki-48 bombers and 4 Ki-43 fighters are downed to the cost of 6 French planes, which have, as far as possible avoided to mix with nimbler Nakajima fighters.
Philippines, December 8th, 0640 (1210 on the 7th at Pearl, 1740 at Washington DC).
Japanese Rear Admiral Hirose's Surprise attack Force lands about 490 men on Batan Island in Bashi Channel, paving the way for subsequent landings on Luzon north coast.
Wake island, December 8th, 12h00 (14h30 on December 7th in Pearl Harbor).
4 twin-engined Japanese bombers coming from Kwajalein (24th Koku Sentai) strikes the atoll. The bombers are emerge from a rainsquall and are not seen but just before they being their bomb run. Of the Wildcats based here 7 are destroyed in this raid. The Pan Am Clipper Flying boat is slightly damaged and able to take off for Midway in the afternoon.
Guam, December 8th, 0827 (December 7th, 1257 at Pearl Harbor).
IJN planes raid the island and sink the patrol boat USS Penguin.
Hong-Kong, See separate account of the battle for Hong Kong
Tourane (now Da Nang) and Hue area, December 8th, 0745 (December 7th, 1415 in Pearl Harbor).
Vice-Admiral N. Kondo 2nd Fleet Carriers, CV Zuiho (16 A5M4s fighters and 12 B5N2s torpedo-bombers) and Shoho (16 A5M4s and 12B5N2s) escorted by fast BB Haruna and Kongo, CA Atago and 6 Dds are attacking French airfields. At Tourane the French local defence flight is surprised on ground and 4 Morane MS-406 are destroyed. At Hue, the Local Defence flight is able to take-off with 3 MS-406 and 3 Brewster B-339s. They are able to destroy 2 B5N2s “Kate” and one A5M4 fighter before being shot out of the sky by Japanese naval fighters.
Hanoi area, December 8th, 0800 (0900 in Philippines, 1430 on December 7th in Pearl Harbor).
The Haiphong Harbor and airfields around Hanoi are attacked by a force comprising 36 Ki-21, 18 Ki-48 bombers and escorted by 30 Ki-27 from the 4th Hikoshidan. This force is intercepted by 30 P-40C from AVG 1st and 3rd squadrons (the "Adam & Eve" and the "Panda Bear"). Operating under strict Chennault's doctrinal instructions and carefully avoiding mixing with nimbler Japanese fighter, the interception is a success with 6 Ki-21 and 3 Ki-48 bombers destroyed as well as 2 Ki-27 fighters. The AVG loses only 4 planes.
Philippines, December 8th, 0930 (1500 on the 7th at Pearl, 2030 at Washington DC).
32 IJA Mitsubishi Ki-21 twin engined bombers coming from Formosa bomb military installations near Baguio and Tugugarao airfield in northern Luzon. This raid is unopposed and damages at Tugugarao are significant.
Tourane (now Da Nang) and Hue area, December 8th, 0h45 (December 7th, 1615 in Pearl Harbor).
Under the protection of the 2nd Surprise attack force (Rear Adm. S. Nishimura), CL Naka, Seaplane Carriers Kamikawa Maru (8 F1M2, 2 E13A2, 2 E8N), Kimikawa Maru (6 F1M2, 2 E13A1) and Mizuho (14 F1M2s, 8E13A1s, 2 E8Ns), 7 DDs (Murasame, Yudachi, Harusame, Samidare, Asagumo, Minegumo, Natsugumo), 6 minesweepers, 9 subchasers, 6 fast freighters are landing a Japanese joint Navy/Army force near Tourane. Local French defenders are quickly brushed aside. F1M2 seaplanes, which destroy two French bombers, foil an attempt by 6 Martin Marylands light bombers to interfere with the landing. By noon, French light field artillery of the 1/4 RAC tries to support LTC Charnier 10 RMIC men, which are launching a counter-attack. However, without air cover and under constant attacks by Japanese seaplanes, this move fails. By late evening, Japanese forces control the Tourane airfield, allowing the 2nd Surprise attack force to retire.
Philippines, December 8th, 1230 (1800 on December 7th at Pearl and 2330 at Washington DC). 54 G4M1 and 27 G3M2 bombers escorted by 60 A6M2s fighters coming from Formosa and belonging to the 21st and 23rd Koku Sentai attack the Cavite Navy Yard and Nichols Field. The only US search radar operating near Aparri detects them. Surviving US fighter units are able to launch 20 P-40 and 15 P-35 to intercept the enemy. US fighters are badly mauled by escorting A6M2s. 11 Curtiss fighters are destroyed and so are 9 Seversky ones. The bombardment on the Navy yard and docks is accurate and damaging as described by one of Admiral Hart's staff officers standing on the top of the Marsman Building: "Direct hits were made on the power plant, dispensary, torpedo repair shops, supply office and warehouses, signal station, commissary store, receiving station and several ships, tugs and barges along the water front. Some serious fires were set..."
Submarine Sealion and minesweeper Bittern took direct hits disabling both ships. Submarine Seadragon was damaged, and no less than 230 torpedoes were destroyed in the torpedo-shop.
Cavite remains active as an operational base. The main attack was on merchant shipping in Manila Bay. Nearly 20 vessels were sunk in shallow water (where they had been ordered to shelter them from torpedoes) or so damaged as to bebeached. The IJNAF used bombs in this attack, surprising USN observers with their accuracy.
Saigon, December 8th , 1200 (Singapore 1300, December 7th 1830 in Pearl Harbor, 0001 in Washington DC).
The French Ground Force commander, LTG Mordant signals to Algiers that there is a new development in the northern fighting, Japanese heavy field artillery is shelling French outposts at the China/Tonkin border (Langson and Cao Bang) but also at the Thailand/Cambodia border. Thai planes are making attacks against French defensive positions and a general offensive is believed to begin soon.
Cam Ranh, December 8th, 1400 (December 7th, 2030 at Pearl Harbor and 0200 on December 8th in Washington DC.)
54 Japanese G3M2 bombers and 24 A6M2 fighters based in the Paracels are striking Cam Ranh. It seems that the Japanese naval intelligence still believed that the whole French South China Sea squadron was based at Cam Ranh. French ships duly alerted are manoeuvring hard to avoid the bombing, but large destroyer (“contre-torpilleur”) Panthère is severely damaged by many near-misses and has to be beached. The bombing seriously damages French naval warehouses and shops.
12 Hawk-75A fighters coming from Tanh-Son-Nhut try to interfere with raid and loss 7 of their numbers to A6M2 fighters against three bombers destroyed and one damaged.
Malaya, December 8th, 1545 (0245 on the 8th in Washington DC).
Japanese bombers are making a second raid, targeting this time Butterworth airfield and the Penang Fortress. However, the raid begins by a feint attack at 1435 by 9 Ki-21 escorted by 18 Ki-27. This small raid turns north at mid way between the Thai border and Butterworth, attracting most of the 24 Hurricanes, which have been scrambled. 4 Bombers are destroyed as well as 3 fighters against 3 Hurricanes downed. However, Hurricanes are refuelling when the second raid made of 54 Ki-21 and 27 Ki-43 attacks Butterworth. 6 Hurricanes are able to take-off but 4 are destroyed in dogfights, which however claims 3 Japanese fighters. 13 other Hurricanes are destroyed on the ground with 5 Wellingtons and 4 Beauforts, and Butterworth installations are severely damaged. During this raid 27 Ki-21 escorted by 36 Ki-27 have their luck against the Penang fortress. The light cruiser HMAS Adelaide is damaged by two near-misses, and two minesweepers sunk.
South China Sea, December 8th, 1530 Hanoi time (1630 in Singapore, 0330 in Washington DC.)
French submarine Le Glorieux, on patrol off the Indochina coast, fires 6 torpedoes in two salvoes against Japanese ships belonging to the Kondo support force. Torpedoes are fired however at too long range and miss their targets.
Malaya, December 8th, 1700 (0400 in Washington DC, December 7th, 2h00 in London)
Field Marshall A. Wavell signals to London that Japanese troops are trying to cross the border and enter Malaya in different places but are contained by Commonwealth forces. He however stresses the fact that RAF losses have been important and requires “immediate fighter reinforcements”.
Hanoi, December 8th 16h0 (17h0 in Malaya/Singapore, 04h0 in Washington DC).
Nine Martin Marylands attack Japanese artillery position firing from China on French outposts. The light bomber formation evades Japanese fighters.
Pearl Harbour, December 7th, 2300 (0430 on December 8th in Washington DC).
Adm. Kimmel signals to DesDiv 60 (USS Hopewell, Thomas, Abbot and Bagley) and DesDiv 61 (USS Shubrick, Bailey, Swasey and Meade) to detach to Suva, Fiji. Both Destroyer divisions have been set up during summer and fall 1941 with old "four pipers" destroyers to strengthen the US Asiatic Fleet and have left Pearl Harbor the Saturday 6th to sail for Surabaya and then join with destroyers sent to NEI and Singapore. With Davao under attack and the Japanese clearly in command of Philippines approaches, this plan has to be shelved and the 8 destroyers are ordered to join and reinforce the Pensacola convoy before reaching the operational zone.
At the same time Heavy cruiser Pensacola (under Captain Norman Scott ) escorting tender Niagara, navy transport Chaumont and Republic, two army transports and three chartered freighters carrying thousands of soldiers, aviators and planes, and some naval replacements bound to Manila was diverted to Suva in the Fijis. There, the convoy was to be joined by the eight destroyers and to proceed through Torres straits to Darwin. The RAN is asked to send a tanker to Suva to assist this change of plans - this is to have important consequences.
December 8th, 1130 in the Aegean.
Planes from the Aegean Air Force strike again Andros Island. Douglas DB-73 twin-engines bombers and P-39D are making the low level job with no less than 60 Hurricanes, Hawk-81/87 and some French Spitfires as top cover. This time the Luftwaffe doesn’t react and the light Flak is the only opposition claiming two DB-73 and one P-39D. One light coaster is sunk by Yugoslav P-39D in the Andros harbor.
Malaya, December 8th, 1745 (0445 in Washington DC, December 8th, 0945 in London).
HMS Rodney leaves the graving dock after underwater inspections and defect rectification. HMS Eagle is docked for urgent work The bulk of the fleet is exercising off Pulau Tioman.
Tourane, December 8th 1730 (1830 in Malaya/Singapore, 0530 in Washington DC).
18 Ki-27 fighters from the 4th Hikoshidan lands at the Tourane airfield just captured by Japanese troops. They are followed 30 minutes later by a mixed formation including 12 Ki-51 and 6 Ki-36 light attack and Army Co-operation planes.
Algiers, December 8th, 1200 (0600 in Washington DC).
Paul Reynaud delivers a speech to the French Parliament in Exile in Algiers where it declares that it is French intention to fight the war with the Japanese in fullest cooperation with France's allies inside Vietnam, the various nationalist groupings. He issued a formal apology for the mistreatment and house arrest of the late Phan Bội Châu. He stated that arrangements were being made for a cooperative Alliance between the French colonial government, Viet Minh nationalist movement, the VNQDD and all other Vietnamese and IndoChinese movements. The stated outcome was 'endless resistance to the Japanese, and a settlement after their defeat whereby Indochinese countries would become independent within the larger framework of the French economic and cultural sphere.'
Off Indochina coast, December 8th 18h00 (19h00 in Malaya/Singapore, 06h00 in Washington DC, 11h00 in London).
Bad news for Admiral Kondo. The Junyo port turbine breaks down, seriously damaging gearings and the power train. The mishap is attributed to a probable faulty mountings and lack of experience of the machinery crew, both a result of a very hurriedly commissioning of the ship. Unable to sail at more than 16kts, the large liner converted to carrier is now a liability to Kondo we has no solution but to send her back to the Mitsubishi Yard in Nagasaki with two DDs as escort.
Off Indochina coast, December 8th 2100 (2200 in Malaya/Singapore, 0900 in Washington DC, 1400 in London).
French submarine Protée patrolling South of Hainan island detects a large ship formation sailing North-East. After submerging the submarine reaches 30 minutes later a good firing position and launches first four torpedoes from her bow tubes and one minute later three 550mm torpedoes from the mid-deck rotating mount on a second target. The first salvo registers one hit on the seaplane tender Kimikawa Maru (a former merchant ship converted in the late 30's) and induces a violent fire. The second one, aimed at CL Naka misses its target but one torpedo hit the DD Murasame (Shiratsuyu class). The ship is hit under the bridge and, soon after breaks in two and sinks. As the fire ravaging the Kimikawa Maru is clearly out of control, Rear-Admiral Nishimura decides to scuttle her at 2230 to allow his force to retire as he is tasked with the protection of another landing.
Protée is violently counter-attacked by two Japanese destroyers which were "aggressive and persistent" in her skipper's words. After two hours of depth charging the French submarine escapes but with considerable damages. Some battery cells have been broken and acid vapours are leaking. The submarine commander has no choice but to surface by mid-night and to try to reach Haïphong surfaced as the last radio signal received has indicated that Cam-Ranh was under air-attack.
Tengah airfield (Singapore), December 8th, 2230 local time (0930 in Washington DC, 1430 in London).
Eight Manchester bombers belonging to the 97 Sqn take-off for a night raid against airfields in Thailand. Nine planes have been planned for this first offensive but one had to abort when the port Vulture engine began to loose oil. Soon after the take-off, another plane had to jettison her bombs and return to Tengah after a sudden drop in oil pressure. The seven Manchesters would attack two airfields without significant results. This raid has been planned first for the afternoon but the squadron commander has preferred to delay the take-off so to benefit to a slightly cooler temperature. Manchester bombers are followed 30 minutes later by 12 Wellingtons belonging to the 223 Sqn., which attack similar targets.
December 8th, London, 1500.
Winston Churchill announces to the Commons that Great Britain and the Commonwealth are finally facing the expected Japanese offensive from Thailand. He pledges full support to Commonwealth forces which "are fighting as angry lions" against Japanese forces. Some minutes later Sir Dudley Pound, the First Sea Lord, calls his French counterpart to ask for full support for a fast convoy which is to cross the Mediterranean soon with supplies and reinforcements bound to Singapore.
December 8th, Washington DC, 1000 (London, 1500).
Admiral Stark describes to President Roosevellt the amended war plan. Following fuel losses sustained at Pearl Harbor and news of serious Philippines based USAAF units depletion, the original one which was providing for capture or neutralisation of the Marshall and Caroline islands before moving swiftly to Truk looks impossible. He is very optimistic that Kimmel, who has changed his plans and now is moving to rejoin with Halsey's carriers attacking the Marshalls, will inflict a severe defeat on the detached element of the Japanese Fleet which raided Hawaii.
As the briefing given by Admiral Stark to the President moves on, it is learnt that Guam has been bombed by Japanese planes.
December 8th, London, 1630 (Algiers 1730).
Winston Churchill calls his French counter-part, Paul Reynaud, to ask him if France could redeploy some fighter and bomber units to French Indo-China. Reynaud points to the fact that the Armée de l'Air is already deeply engaged in maintaining an offensive posture in the Aegean to prevent German forces to concentrate against Great-Britain. Any reduction of forces protecting Tunisia and North-Africa could be seen as tempting Axis forces to do something against Malta or even Tunisia and then close the Mediterranean. However, provided that Great-Britain could deliver to the Armée de l'Air 50 Hurricane IIs, the AdA is ready to send another "Groupe de Chasse" (fighter squadron) and "Groupe de Bombardement" (bomber squadron) to boost Indochina defence. Crews were to be taken from the general reserve and some OTUs. The bomber squadron will mount Martin 167 Marylands and could leave Algiers-Maison Blanche by December 10th. The Fighter squadron could be set up at the Cairo-West RAF depot with Hurricane stored for the Aegean Air Force which are to be replaced by planes newly sent from GB.
At the same time Churchill was communicating with Reynaud, it was learnt that contact has been lost with Gilbert Islands (Tarawa and Makin) which were under British control. They are supposed to have been occupied by a strong Japanese naval group. Acually US Naval intelligence would falsely credit the Yokohama Kokutai with deploying between 40 to 200 planes in the Gilberts.
December 8th, Algiers 18h15 (Washington DC, 12h15).
Full meeting of the "Comité de Défense Nationale". The Minister of Defence, Gen. Charles de Gaulle makes a review of the situation. He expects that French forces in Indochina could fight for 6 weeks, and may be could be strengthened from Singapore. However, the most important point is that due to the US quick entry in the war against Germany and Italy. As the US government has pledged to maintain its "Europe First" policy, Army and Air Force units are to be expected to arrive North Africa by late February or early March. This could allow for switching to an offensive posture against Italy earlier than planned.
Indochina, December 9th 0100 (02h00 in Malaya/Singapore, December 8th 1300 in Washington DC, 1900 in Algiers).
French units around Lang Son and Cao Bang signals co-ordinated night attacks by Japanese troops. Some protecting outer-ring bunkers are already surrounded by enemy troops and communications are lost with others. The Bataillon Etranger d'Artillerie Légère (BEAL or Foreign Light Artillery Battalion with 12 x 75mm field guns) which is deployed around Lang Son tries its best to repulse Japanese troops. Some 75mm guns are firing so fast (a trained gun crew could reach up to 20 rpm for some minutes) that tubes are glowing in the night. French guns are firing a mix of HE fuzed and cannister shells which are causing heavy losses in Japanese troops.
DECEMBER 9th, 1941
Indochina, December 9th 0530 (0630 in Malaya/Singapore, December 8th 1730 in Washington DC, 2330 in Algiers).
The battle for Cao-Bang and Lang-Son rages on. At Cao-Bang, Japanese troops have nearly encircled the 2nd battalion of the 5th Régiment Etranger d'Infanterie (5th Foreign Legion Infantry regiment or 5th REI). At Lang-Son however the two other 5th REI battalions, helped by local Vietnamese units, are counter-attacking fiercely to join encircled defenders of the outer-ring fortifications. Japanese artillery, firing from the other side of the border soon joins the show. However, by 0550 twelve French Maryland light bombers, escorted by 16 AVG P-40Cs are attacking Japanese artillery positions, inflicting heavy casualties.
At the same time, at Tourane (Da Nang), one battalion of the 10th RMIC (Regiment de Marche de l'Infanterie Coloniale) and two battalions of the 2nd Régiment de Tirailleurs Annamites (RTA or Annam Riflemen Regiment), supported by the Détachement Motorisé d'Annam (Annam motorized detachment) with one light tank Cy (12 x M2A4 light tanks), two Armoured car platoons ( 4 Marmont-Herrington and 3 white/Dodge and one P-28), one Scout car platoon with 4 Berliet VUDB armoured cars, one Motorcycle platoon, one carrier platoon (3 Renault UE31R), are attacking toward the airfield. The attack first makes progresses as Japanese troops are initially surprised by the presence of tanks among French-Vietnamese forces.
Japanese planes (Ki-38 and Ki-51) are however constantly straffing attacking troops and some Japanese units resorts to suicide squads (with demolition charges) to stop tanks. By 0800 local time, the attack is stalled not far of the airfield edge. No less than 7 tanks have been destroyed by suicide squads.
Malaya, December 9th 0700.
Two large Japanese raids attack the Penang fortress and the Alor Setar airfield, each with 27 Ki-21 bombers escorted bi Ki-27 and Ki-43 fighters. During dogfights following interception by a total od 24 Hurricanes, 7 bombers and 6 fighters are destroyed for the cost of 6 RAF fighters. Alor Setar is seriously hit but the bombardment on Penang is much less effective than the previous one. Still, it raises a beginning of panic among local workers.
Japanese Army Co-operation planes are appearing in significant numbers over points where Commonwealth troops are clashing with the Japanese Army. Men of the 7th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (M.G.) and 7th Loyal Regt. (North Lancashire) supported by two Valentine tanks platoon and one of Matilda II are launching a counter-attack at Jitra.
Indochina, December 9th 0630 (0730 in Malaya/Singapore, December 8th 1830 in Washington DC, December 9th 0030 in Algiers).
Japanese and Thai troops began to cross the new Thai/Cambodian border and attack toward Siem Reap. The main thrust is centered around the 6th Field Army (Ltn-Gen Tôji), which includes the 23rd Infantry Division (Ltn-Gen Kanji) and the 7th Infantry Division ((Ltn-Gen Nobory) composed of the 13th Inf. Brigade (25th and 26th rgmts) and the 14th Brigade (27th and 28th Rgmts), supported by the1st Tank Brigade (Ltn-Gen Yasuoka) with only 2 tank regiments (3rd and 4th) and the 4th Field Artillery Brigade. Most of these forces have fought at Khalkhin Ghol where the 23rd division has been nearly annihilated. French forces prepare for the defence of Siem Reap which now lies quite close to the border. Mimicking tactics used inChina, Japanese foces are led by tank units which are operately as semi-independent vanguard.
Manila, December 9th 0830 (0730 in Indochina, December 8th 1930 in Washington DC, December 9th 0130 in Algiers).
As weather in Formosa prevents again Japanes planes based here to take-off, IJN planes based in the Paracels are doubling on their traditional targets. 36 G3M2 are attacking Cavite and 18 G4M1 Clark and Nichols airfields, both formations being escorted by a total of 54 A6M2 fighters. The two bombardment are heavily destructive and the attacking force lose 3 bombers and 2 fighters to the cost of 4 USAAF P-40s destroyed but more than 11 seriously damaged. Even more serious is the fact that 3 B-17 have been destroyed and 4 other damaged on ground.
General Brereton signals to Washington that air assets in Philippines are suffering but still fighting hard and are still able to provide some support to the Army. B-17 attacks on distant Japanese targets continue, but with smaller numbers in the raids (most are not more then 5 machines)
Indochina, December 9th 0800 (0900 in Malaya/Singapore).
Saigon and Tanh-Son-Nut are attacked by 27 Ki-21 escorted by 36 Ki-27 and 43. French fighters (H-75A4) down 4 bombers and 5 fighters for the cost of 4 of their own. The bombardment on the airfield is quite off the mark, but bombs falling on the “Chinese city” in Saigon are killing more the 50 civilians and induce a panic in the whole city. The Saigon Governor implements the Martial Law by 0900.
Thailand, December 9th 0930 (0830 in Indochina).
RAF Blenheims are making what is called a "massive attack" (actually 36 planes in 3 separate formations) against Japanese held airfields in South Thailand. On one airfield, no less than 11 planes are caught on ground and destroyed (mostly Ki-27 fighters and Ki-51 Army planes). However, the 34 Sqn is intercepted by Japanese fighters and lose 5 of its 12 planes in the fight.
On the border with Malaya the engagement at Jitra is turning into a bitter fight. Japanese field artillery try to hammer the British counter-attack, but is the subject of powerful and devastating counter-battery fire. The IJA artillery corps is learning many lessons about modern warfare - and all of them the hard way. Because of their weight, Matilda tanks are restricted in wet padi but can support lighter Valentines. The Australian 8th Division commits one Brigade (the 22nd Australian Brigade) one independent tank Company of 16 M3 light tanks and, more significantly, its two field artillery regiments.
Indochina, December 9th 1130 (1230 in Malaya/Singapore, December 8th 2330 in Washington DC, December 9th 0530 in Algiers).
On the edge of Siem Reap Ltn. Gen Yasuoka's Tank Brigade clashes with elements of the Schlesser force (the GBMS or Armoured Mobile Group Schlesser). Japanese tanks of the 3rd tank regiment are fired first by a mixed forces including M3F (47mm) light tanks belonging to the GBMS reconnaissance group and half-track mounted 75mm guns. French gunners, well entrenched behind ridges and small walls, open fire out of range for Japanese 37mm or short 57mm guns and quickly inflict damage to more than 10 tanks. To avoid what he sees a difficult battle, Yasuoka orders his force to try to turn Siem Reap by the North as the Japanese infantry began to invest the town suburbs. Just before noon, the Japanese 1st tank brigade, which is now adopting an elongated formation is attacked by two GBMS armoured companies (24 SAV-40) supported by one mechanized company. In the ensuing battle, no less than 35 light and medium Japanese tanks are knocked out to no combat cost for French ones (three break down but two are recovered, one falls into IJA hands as it's engine has seized). As the GBMS engages Japanese tanks in a hot pursuit, the 4th Field artillery Regiment began to pound French tanks and Col. Schlesser orders a retreat to initial positions. The GBMS is bombed twice during the battle, the first time inaccurately by some Ki-48 twin-engined bombers, and the second time by some Ki-36, two of them falling victims of Half-Track mounted 0.5in Hmg.
Malaya/Singapore December 9th 1330 (0130 in Washington DC, 0730 in Algiers).
Fairey Battle bombers of RAAF Sqn 7 and 100 begins to make "sustained raids" against the logistic tail of the Japanese force attacking Jitra. This implies successive attacks by 6 planes elements every 15 minutes. RAAF 21 and 30 Sqn were supposed to provide cover by flying roving patrols in the area between Jitra and the border. The first two attacks are uneventful and some Japanese trucks are destroyed and at least two marching columns dispersed with heavy losses. However after the last air-battles over Butterworth, Alor Setar and Penang only 12 Hurricanes can be so deployed. At 1411 a 7 Sqn 6 planes element, call sign Banjo is bounced by 9 Ki-27. Quickly two single-engined bombers are downed and two others are severely damaged. 6 Hurricane try to interpose and are able to destroy 2 of the agile Japanese fighters before losing an equal number of their own.
At 1440, as surviving Battle and Hurricane are landing at Butterworth, the airfield is attacked by 9 Ki-21 flying at medium altitude. Japanese bombers have been obviously confused by radar operators with returning RAAF planes and only the local AA fire is able to oppose the raid. If AA gunners are able to destroy two Japanese bombers and damage another one, bombs destroy no less than 6 parked planes, damaging 5 others and setting the fuel pumping system in fire.
In the early afternoon, Indian forces are strongly attacked at Kroh. The special Kroh Column or Krohcol is immediately engaged against what is estimated as a push by nearly a full division - but one fatally strung out along a single road. The Krohcol is made of the 4th Armour “Hussars” Squadron (drawn from 7th Armoured Division) with 16 A10 Cruiser Tanks Mk II & an attached reconnaissance platoon of 12 Bren carriers supported by an Artillery Detachments –(8 x 4.5-inch howitzers, 4 x 18-pdr guns, 4 x 2-pdr A/T guns) and a strong infantry core made of the 7th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (M.G. Bn); 12th Royal Welsh Fusiliers; 7th South Wales Borderers. Relatively lightly armoured A10 cruiser tanks are quickly falling victims of special anti-tank squad, with usually 2 x 37mm ATG and some "tank attack squads" using petrol bottles or demolition charges. However, well supported by artillery, the British infantry repulse two Japanese regiments on their jumping lines by 1700. By this time, Japanese tactical co-operation planes are quite active, directing heavy field artillery (150mm howitzers and 100mm Field Guns). The British counter-attack is stalled by the end of the afternoon. Several dogfights have taken place over the battlefield, RAAF units losing 3 Hurricanes, 3 Fairey Battle and 2 Wirraways against 2 Ki-27, on Ki-36 and one Ki-51 for the IJAF.
South of Hainan, December 9th 1300 - Indochina time - (1400 in Singapore, 0200 in Washington DC, 0800 in Algiers).
French submarine Le Hero signals a convoy sailing south, toward the Indochina coast. At reception of this message in Cam Ranh, Cdr Berenger commander of the Light Striking Force orders his ship to sortie, anticipating an attempt to reinforce Japanese troops at Tourane. The LSF includes now USN light cruiser Marblehead and DesDiv 58 (DD Stewart, Bulmer, Barker and Parrott) in addition to MN light cruiser Primaguet, and large DDs or "contre-torpilleurs", Lynx, Tigre, Leopard. However, Berenger expects to fight the convoy at night to avoid running into Paracels based Japanese naval bombers and hopes to surprise the enemy.
The signal sent by Le Hero was the last ever received from this submarine. It has been suspected at first that she could have been sunk by one of Nishimura's force subchasers. It seems however that the submarine was caught at shallow immersion when preparing to send another message by one of Mizuho's E13A2 floatplanes and sunk by a bomb three hours after her last message.
Haïphong December 9th 1400 (1500 in Singapore, 0300 in Washington DC, 0900 in Algiers).
As French submarine Protée enters Haïphong harbour after having travelled surfaced for the last 14 hours because of toxic gases from a battery fire, 21 Ki-48 attack the city and naval installations. The raid is intercepted by AVG fighters, which destroy 3 bombers and 1 escorting fighters for the loss of 2 P-40s. The bombardment is however quite accurate. The old sloop Tahure receives two 400lbs bombs and capsizes. Protée is near-missed twice, and suffers more shock damage on her batteries.
Moulmein (Burma) December 9th 1500 (1600 in Singapore, 0400 in Washington DC, 1000 in Algiers).
The city is raided for the first time by the IJAF. 21 Ki-21 of the 7th Hikohidan, escorted by 36 Ki-27 of the 12th Hikohidan are attacking the airfield. 24 Hurricanes belonging to RAF 146 Sqn and 155 Sqn scramble to counter the strike. 4 Bombers and 7 escorting fighters are destroyed for the cost of 6 Hurricanes downed and 3 other damaged. 5 Wellington bombers are destroyed on the ground.
Haïphong December 9th 1700 (1800 in Singapore, 0600 in Washington DC, 1200 in Algiers).
Mixed news of the battle of the border are received at the "Division du Tonkin" HQ. Lang Son defenders are holding strongly and Japanese forces are stopped by the outer fortification ring. Some encircled bunkers have been relieved by Foreign Legion counter-attack and the Japanese infantry has learnt that bayonet attacks are not a monopoly of Japanese troops. Losses have been heavy, but morale is high. However, all radio and field phone communications with Cao Bang have been lost since mid-day. Fighting is continuing on the ground as it had been seen from a Martin 167 Maryland escorted by 4 AVG P-40. Still Japanese forces have penetrated inside the little town and are clearly surrounding it. There is then a possibility that Japanese forces could march on Thay-Nguyen from North, cutting communications with Lang Son and directly threatening Hanoi and the railway to Kunming.
After communication with Saigon, the Hanoi commander decides to send the Détachement motorisé du Tonkin or DMT (Tonkin Motorized Detachment) with One light tank Coy (12 x M2A4 light tanks) one Armoured car platoon (3 White/Dodge and one Citroën-Kegresse P-28) one Motorcycle platoon (11 motorcycle combinations, with 1 NCO and 29 men), one Scout car platoon with 4 Berliet VUDB armoured cars, one carrier platoon with 4 Renault UE31R (light tracked carrier or "chenillettes") and the 9th "Regiment d'Infanterie Coloniale" or Colonial Infantry Regiment (9th RIC) with 3 battalions at Bac Can to stop any possible Japanese advance from Cao Bang. This is clearly a calculated risk as the Japanese Army could clearly engage more troops at Lang Son and could attack on the coastal road too. However the threat of an enveloping move from North is a too serious one to be ignored.
Malaya, December 9th 1830 (1730 in Indochina, 0630 in Washington DC, 1130 in London).
RAF Blenheims belonging to 34 and 60 Sqn raid Japanese ground forces around Jitra. Escort Hurricanes are attacked by a mixed Ki-27/Ki-43 formation, and 2 bombers and 4 British fighters are destroyed to the cost of 3 Japanese fighters. Because of damage caused by continuous Japanese raids on Butterworth, units are redeployed as:
21 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricanes IIB/IIC to Alor Setar
30 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricanes IIB/IIC to Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang)
454 SQN RAAF 16 Wellington to Kluang (where RAF Wellington equipped squadrons are based).
458 SQN RAAF 16 Beaufort to Kuantan
Miscellaneous units are redeployed to Ipoh.
Saigon, December 9th 18h30 (1930 in Singapore, 0730 in Washington DC, 1330 in Algiers).
French HQ is assessing the situation in Cochinchina and Cambodia. Japanese and Thai troops have attacked on both sides of the Tonle Sab Lake, toward Phnom Penh and Saigon. This clearly is the main drive. The most dangerous attack has been against Siem Reap where French and Japanese armoured formations have clashed violently. No less than 29 Type-97 medium and 14 Type-95 light tanks have been knocked out. The attempt to by-pass Siem Reap has been foiled and the front looks stabilized. On the right bank of the Tonle Sap, Japanese and Thai troops have been stopped on the Battambang - Phnom Penh road by the 3rd Régiment de Tirailleurs Annamites (3rd RTA or Annam Riflemen Regiment) with 4 battalions. The situation looks however more critical here than in Siem Reap, and the Cochinchine Division commander orders the GBMS tank company so far held in reserve to move forward toward Phum Prey and to join the Détachement Motorisé de Cochinchine (DMC or Cochinchine motorized detachment) with one light tank Cy (12 x M2A4 light tanks), two Armoured car platoons ( 8 Marmont-Herringtons), two Scout car platoons each with 4 Berliet VUDB armoured cars, one Motorcycle platoon, one carrier platoon (3 Renault UE31R) so to block any enemy attempt to break out toward Phnom Penh.
Japanese and Thai bombers have raided Phnom Penh. AdA Hawk-75A4 intercepted the second raid. During the fight 4 RTAF Ki-21 and 3 RTAF Ki-27 have been destroyed. However 3 Hawk fighters have been destroyed too and 3 other damaged beyond repair. Damages to military installations have been limited, however losses in the civilian population have been high and there is a panic move spreading now, despite the Martial Law.
Other attacks have been taking place during the whole at the Thailand/Laos border toward Pakse and Savannakhet, in a clear attempt to cut the North-South road going along Laos toward Luang-Prabang. Potez 63/11s and Wirraways co-operation planes belonging to "Groupes d'Observation et de Coopération Tactique" I/52 and II/52 have been busily engaged, bombing and strafing enemy troops. One Wirraway has been destroyed by a marauding RTAF Ki-27 and two Potez 63/11 have been bounced over Pakse by a trio of RTAF Hawk 75N, one twin-engined light bombardment and co-operation plane having to make a crash landing not far from the town, and the other having been able to return to Salawang on one engine. The fight has not been completely one-sided as one II/52 Wirraway has downed an old RTAF Vough V-93 Corsair observation biplane and two Brewster B-339s belonging to the Savannakhet Patrouille de Protection PP3 (Protection Flight) have destroyed a Tachikawa Ki-36 over the Mekong River. The 4th and 5th Bataillons Annamites d'Infanterie de Montagne (Mountain troops battalion formed from central-Annam local tribesmen) based in Pleiku and Kontum are ordered to march toward Saravane (Laos) so to be able to deploy either toward Pakse or Savannakhet.
In the report sent to Algiers, the Area commander based in Saigon can state that the military situation is under control, be it in Cochinchina or Tonkin. Enemy losses have been heavy, be it at Lang Son or Siem Reap. The fall of Cao Bang is confirmed by air visual reconnaissance but the Division du Tonkin has good faith in the DMT ability to check any enemy advance from this direction toward Haiphong. The most serious development however is taking place in Annam, where the Japanese landing in Tourane is seriously threatening Hué and is now attracting nearly all reserve forces available. The inability of the morning counter-attack to recapture the Tourane airfield is a bad omen. Any further Japanese strengthening in Tourane could allow the enemy to move either north toward Hué or South, toward Cam Ranh and Saigon.
Malaya, December 9th 2000 (19h00 in Indochina, 08h00 in Washington DC, 13h00 in London).
A large Japanese bomber formations (27 Ki-21 escorted by 21 Ki-27 fighters) deliver a near surprise attack on the Penang Fortress after approaching from the sea. Hurricanes based at Alor Setar (RAAF 453 Sqn) take off too late to prevent the bombing, which is just opposed by AA fire. Japanese bombers are ready to bomb from only 6,000ft to achieve good results. The Penang airfield is badly hit and the beached old cruiser HMAS Adelaide hit by one 250lbs bomb on the stern and near-missed by two others near the bow. British AA guns claim 2 bombers and 4 others are lost when the raid is intercepted by Alor Setar based fighters as well as 3 escorting Ki-27. Only 2 Hurricanes are lost.
However, as RAAF fighters are landing after the fight at 21h10, 18 Ki-30 single engined bombers deliver a "dusk raid" which destroys or damages no less than 11 Hurricanes. 2 RAAF fighters which had not still landed when the raid began were able to catch the attackers and destroy 4 Ki-30.
Algiers, December 9th 1500 (2000 in Indochina, 2100 in Malaya, 0900 in Washington DC, 1400 in London).
At Algiers-Maison Blanche airfield, the GB IV/62 (4th Bombing Squadron of the 62nd Bombing wing) is set up with 20 operational Martin 167 Marylands and 4 reserve planes from the Algiers and Oran Armée de l'Air depots.
This unit is to reach Tan-Son-Nhut as fast as possible via teh standard RAF aviation route with stops at Cairo, Baghdad, Karachi, Calcutta, Rangoon and Singapore, while mechanics and ground crews are to be flown to Indochina by two Dewoitine 338 and two DC-3s. If French crews have been told they are to strengthen their hard fighting comrades in Tonkin, the AdA Chief of Staff has acknowledged to the RAF one that this unit could be based in Malaya if the situation in Indochina would have too much deteriorated by the time of its arrival. Departure date has been given as December11th.
Malaya/Burma December 9th 2230 (Singapore time) (21300 in Indochina, 1030 in Washington DC, 1530 in London).
The RAF/RAAF command launches a major night bombing operation targeting airfields and strategic points in Thailand. 24 Wellingtons belonging to RAF 40 & 104 Sqn based at Moulmein take off to attack Nakhon Sawan and the Dong Muang airfield near Bangkok. 9 RAAF 454 Sqn Wellingtons which have redeployed from Butterworth to Kluang take-off at 22h45 in company of 9 RAF 223 Sqn and 6 RAF 14 Sqn Wellingtons to attack the Singora airfield and the Ban Don one. At 2300, 6 RAF 97sqn Manchesters take off to attack Bangkok harbour.
These combined raids have been designed to cause the greatest possible perturbation on IJAF and IJA logistic chains.
Off Tourane December 9th 2230 (2330 in Singapore, 1130 in Washington DC, 1730 in Algiers).
As the Light Striking Force sails north, hoping to intercept the convoy she runs into more than what Cdr Berenger expected. Since the sighting by the submarine Le Hero, nothing has been heard of the convoy whose composition was even at best sketchy from the detection signal, which was mentioning "one cruiser, 2 destroyers, at least 6 freighters". Two Hudsons of the E29 Aeronavale flotilla (a general reconnaissance unit mixing eight Lockheed planes with three old Breguet 521 Bizerte flying boats) have been sent to investigate, but none returned. The CinC in Saigon had assumed that both planes have come too close to Hainan and have been intercepted by Japanese fighters based here. Berenger, on the other hand had received the report coming from the submarine Protée stating that he had torpedoed one large ship and one cruiser (actually the IJN destroyer Murasame). As the strong Japanese naval group detected earlier by Le Glorieux was though to be still between Formosa and Hainan, Cdr Berenger deductions were not ungrounded and could be seen as perfectly rational.
Actually, for his resupply mission, Rear-Adm. Nishimura had received some reinforcements from Adm. Kondo 2nd Fleet, as the two heavy cruisers Atago and Takao, and two destroyers, the Nowaki and Hagikaze. These ships added to the light cruiser Naka and the six surviving destroyers of Nishimura command and he has organized this force in a two column formation protecting the convoy itself made of 6 freighters, the two surviving seaplane tenders (it actually was F1M2 seaplanes from the Mizuho who have downed the two French Hudsons), 6 minesweepers and 9 subchasers. This was a quite considerable force to which Berenger could oppose two old light cruisers (Primaguet and Marblehead respectively with eight 155mm and twelve 6in), three French large destroyers ("Contre Torpilleurs" with four 5.1in guns with a relatively low rate of fire and six 550mm TT) and four old US destroyers (armed with 4in guns but with plenty of torpedoes, 12-21in TT). On the other hand three Japanese destroyers were belonging to the Shiratsuyu class (Yudachi, Harusame, Samidare 1685t and 5-5in/50 DP guns and 8-24in TT), three to the larger Asashio class (Asagumo, Minegumo, Natsugumo 1961t standard, 6-5in/50 DP, 8-24in TT) and the two seconded from the 2nd Fleet were brand new ships from the Kagero class (Nowaki, Hagikaze, 2033t standard, 6-5in/50 DP, 8-24in TT). Nishimura's flagship, Naka, was a Sendai class cruiser whose armament of seven 5.5in/50 was old fashioned (single gun mounts) but allowing for fast firing rates and was strengthened by eight 24in torpedo tubes. Atago and Takao were heavy cruisers which, after rebuilding during winter 1939-40 went up much heavier than the Washington Treaty limit at 13,400t standard and had received an armament of ten 8in/50 guns in five twin turrets and eight 5in/40 DP guns in four twin mounts. This already powerful gun armament was boosted by eight 24in torpedo tubes.
Because there has been no time to properly work up common procedures between French and US ships, Berenger has organized the LSF in two divisions with Primaguet leading the French three large destroyers and Marblehead, slightly abaft, leading the four US destroyers. Before leaving Cam Ranh however, Berenger has had the time to set up a short meeting with leading USN officers (Cdr Binford, commander of DesDiv 58 and Capt. A.G. Robinson, captain of the Marblehead) to discuss his plan. He was assuming that the Japanese admiral would put the strongest part of his screen on port side when steaming South-West toward Tourane, as air-reconnaissance would have told him that no significant surface unit was based in Haiphong. Berenger intended to have the US division to tackle the screen when, with his ships, he would outturn it to get at the convoy from the Northwest. Berenger assumed that, in a night actions, US destroyers with their large torpedo load would be better armed to face Japanese destroyers than the large French "Contre-Torpilleurs", more conspicuous because of their size, and armed with powerful but relatively slow firing 5.1in guns and only 6 torpedoes.
At 2234 the LSF was then steaming at 15kts, bearing 340, in two columns with the Primaguet one leading by 900yds. The Japanese formation was steaming at 11kts on bearing 240 and was led by a vanguard of 3 DDs (Asagumo, Minegumo and Natsagumo). The convoy was escorted on its port beam by CL Naka (Nishimura flagship) and CA Atago, leading DD Yudachi, Harusame and Samidare, and on its starboard beam by CA Takao, DD Nowaki and Hagikaze. Japanese ships were sighted near simultaneously at 2235 by lookouts on Primaguet and Marblehead. Actually it was the three Japanese destroyers leading the van which were seen first and confused with the "one cruiser, two destroyers" of Le Hero message. Through blinker, Cdr Berenger ordered full steam, bearing 320 to his ships and simultaneously ordered the American column to "attack the screen". At this time, the American column had been detected and tracked by Japanese ships for at least 5 minutes, but the French one was still not detected. Capt. A.G. Robinson ordered to illuminate enemy ships and to open fire by 2337. The leading 3 Japanese ships were already turning to starboard after having fired their torpedoes. At the same Nishimura who has ordered the convoy to turn back when allied ships had been first sighted, was racing forward to join his vanguard, turning to bearing 280 to unmask Naka and Atago guns. When Marblehead lighted her searchlights, Japanese gun layers had a perfect target. Marblehead's fire was concentrated on Asagumo, mistaking her for a light cruiser. Fast firing US 6in guns achieved three hits on the leading Japanese destroyer before the old light cruiser began to suffer the concentrated weight of seven 5.5in and ten 8in guns. By 2341, Marblehead has been hit more than fifteen times by shells from 8in down to 5in/40. Her bridge was destroyed, the starboard foremost 6in casemates was destroyed by a direct 8in hit followed probably by two of 5.5in or 5in and so has been the rear turret, and her machinery space pierced twice with the front boiler room out of action. The forward part of the ship was engulfed in fire when she was hit by a torpedo abreast the mainmast. This class was an unfortunate design, a scout scaled up from destroyer practise and nor really a cruisers. Their hulls were notoriously weak. The powerful shock broke the cruiser's back. The doomed cruiser jack-knifed, listed to starboard and began to sink by the stern. She broke in half at 2351, the stern sinking instantly. The remaining two-thirds of the ship capsized and sank quickly.
US destroyers had not watched their leader to receive a deathblow without reaction and had fired their starboard side torpedoes, trading shots with the 3 Japanese destroyers, which were following the two cruisers. Stewart and Bulmer were engaging Yudari but quickly got worse than they gave. The Stewart front 4in mount was disabled and Bulmer took two 5in shells (probably from Harusame) on her aft superstructure. By then (23h44), Nishimura has ordered his ships to come at bearing 350 and then 10 to avoid running into torpedo waters and cover the convoy. Cdr Binford ordered his destroyers to turn to bearing 45, expecting the convoy to be retreating and also to unmask his ship port torpedo tubes. By doing so however, USS Stewart and Bulmer were engaged by Samidare, who registered two more hits on Stewart.
At this time, Cdr Berenger has ordered too his ship to turn Northeast, bearing 45, hoping having turned the screen and ready to have a run on the convoy. However by 2343 Primaguet lookout sighted "a large ship followed by two smaller one" coming on port beam on reverse course. This was the Takao and her two destroyers. At 2344 another sighting was made on the starboard beam this time of "three large destroyers or light cruisers". It was the Japanese vanguard which had nearly completed her 180° turn after the torpedo launch which doomed the Marblehead. Berenger realised then that his ships were to be sandwiched and that the convoy escort was much stronger than expected. He directed Primaguet guns to concentrate on port targets and the 3 Contre-Torpilleurs to engage starboard ones. He then ordered "Feu à volonté, emmenons-les en Enfer" (Fire at will, taking them to hell!).
Primaguet illuminated Takao at 2345 and opened fire nearly simultaneously. Actually Takao look-outs had sighted the French column some minutes before but, believing that the Marblehead one has been the only enemy force present, has mistaken Berenger's ships with Nishimura's ones. When the French cruiser opened fire the range was under 4,000yds. At this range, French 155mm guns with their heavy shells (124.5lbs) and high velocity were as destructive for the Japanese cruiser than her 8in for the nearly unprotected French cruiser. With the advantage of surprise French gunners scored three immediate hits on front turrets, disabling Takao's A and B turrets and their crews. As other shells kept coming, disabling the third forward turret, the Japanese captain had no other option but to flood the forward magazine. In the following minutes other hits were gained on the Takao's vast bridge and funnel space starting serious fires and damaging the forward boiler room. The catapult space was hit too and one French shell penetrated the seaplane petrol tank, starting a huge fire aft on the Japanese cruiser. Primaguet was not hit back before 2348 but by then was copiously raked by Takao 5in/40 DP guns, which at such close range were also very effective. Berenger and the ship's Captain had to evacuate the bridge to conn the cruiser from the aft position. Nowaki and Hagigaze have meanwhile entered the show, firing guns and torpedoes. Primaguet too fired her port torpedoes, but missed. The cruiser was now in a very uncomfortable situation, being targeted by no less than 12 5in/50, 4 5in/40 and 4 8in guns. Her two front turrets have been silenced and the bridge was in shambles. Her aft guns were nevertheless able to score on Hagigaze which had to stop for a while when a 155mm shell penetrated the port turbine room. At 2353 a Takao 8in shell struck "Y" turret and the Primaguet's captain had to flood the aft magazine to prevent the fire, from reaching the magazines. With all her guns silenced, Primaguet was of no use in the battle and Berenger ordered her full speed Northwest toward Haïphong. Primaguet escaped then to North, steaming at 34kts.
In the same time, Lynx, Tigre and Leopard had engaged the three Japanese destroyers. French 5.1 shells were considerably more powerful than Japanese 5in/50 ones (70.5lbs against 52lbs). However the Japanese gun rate of fire was twice the one of French guns. Still, Lynx and Tigre scored on the lead Japanese ship, Asagumo which had already been seriously damaged by Marblehead's fire. At 2348 Asagumo began to turn widely to starboard, with multiple explosions in her aft turrets. The ship stopped soon after, brightly lighted by fires. Leopard had meanwhile been hit twice by Natsugumo and had to slow down when her aft condensers were destroyed. At 23h0 a loud explosion rocked the Contre-Torpilleur line. Actually a torpedo fired by Nowaki against Primaguet had torpedoed Tigre. The French Contre-Torpilleur broke in two and sank in less than 5 minutes with heavy losses of life. The slowed down Leopard was by then attracting fire of Natsugumo and Minegumo and was quickly stopped, with all but one of gun destroyed and in sinking conditions. Lynx had turned South to close the stopped Asagumo and, at 2352 fired a half torpedo salvo. One French 550mm fish hit by 2355 and Asagumo began to sink by the stern. Minegumo and Natsugumo, which had just disabled Leopard, now targeted Lynx. Without communication either with her leader Primaguet (whose radio-sets have been disabled when the bridge has been hit) or with the American column, the Lynx captain decided to extricate herself from the fight and raced South, her machinery still able to give a good 35kts.
It is time now to turn to the American column survivors fate. The four DDs were steaming northeast, bearing 45, hoping to find the convoy and to avenge Marblehead. Stewart had to slow down after her multiple hits forward and the column was led by USS Bulmer (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Manees). By 2349 ship silhouettes were sighted on the port beam, closing. It was Nishimura whose ships had turned by 180° and who was interposing between US destroyers and the retreating convoy. By 23h51 the two Japanese cruisers opened fire on the four "four-pipers", quickly followed by the 3 destroyers following their leaders. The DesDiv commander, Cdr. Binford was by then unable to communicate with the three other ships as his radio-set was breaking down. However the Stewart's skipper ordered the three other destroyers to launch their port side torpedoes and to turn south to disengage. Most torpedoes missed by a big margin, but Atago had to manoeuvre hard to comb two tracks coming unhealthily close. By this time the two last US destroyers, Parrot and Bulmer, were however hotly under fire. Stewart has been hit by one 8in shell and three 5in/40 ones and Parrot has suffered multiple 5.5in hits. The two ships slowed down, with Parrot trying to hide her division leader behind a smoke curtain. As the three Japanese destroyers were chasing down the last two "four-pipers", Naka closed for a kill firing her starboard torpedoes, quickly followed by Atago. At 2358, USS Parrott literally disintegrated when hit by a 24in torpedo. Bulmer was now stopped, and was repeatedly hit by 5.5in and 5in/40 shells. Fires, raging from the stern to the bridge, were out of control and the machinery gang has been forced up to the deck by burning vapours entering the machinery space. At 00h06 her skipper, Ltn.Cdr H.P. Smith ordered to open scuttles and to abandon ship. Bulmer sank by 0017 on December 10th . Survivors, as for few Parrott ones, were rescued by the Atago crew and were relatively well treated, at least till they arrive to PoW camps by early 1942. However, some French survivors rescued by the destroyers were very badly treated. Atthis time there was no Japanese policy on PoW treatment, and it varied wildly according to the character of individual CO's.
By 0022 Rear-Admiral Nishimura was rallying his forces and ordering the convoy to resume his run to Tourane.
Nishimura emerged clearly the victor of this battle called "the Battle of Tourane" by French crews, the "The Battle of Tonkin Gulf" by US crews and "the Battle off Hainan" by Japanese ones. He has lost one destroyer (Asagumo), with one cruiser (Takao) and one destroyer (Hagikaze) both so heavily damaged that they had to limp back to Hainan to be repaired before being able to sail back to Japan. But Allied navies have lost one cruiser (Marblehead), two large destroyers (Tigre and Leopard) and two smaller ones (Bulmer and Parrott). More importantly, the whole action had delayed the convoy by no more than two hours.
Of the four surviving ships, only Lynx and the two US destroyers (Stewart with serious damage) and Barker were sailing back to Cam Ranh. Primaguet was sailing to Haïphong with her main armament disabled. To any extent the Light Striking Force has ceased to exist.
Nishimura praised Allied ships persistence in their attempt to get at the convoy. He admitted to have been surprised by the French division move. As most Japanese officers present to this battle he found French guns firing extremely damaging shells (Japanese destroyer crews were talking about French 5.1 guns as "6in special type for flotilla ships") but at a much too slow rate of fire for a night engagement. Generally speaking, he found Allied crews not sufficiently prepared for night actions at close range.
IJN CA Takao serious damage
IJN DD Asagumo sunk
IJN DD Hagikaze serious damage
USN CL Marblehead sunk
USN DD Parrott sunk
USN SS Bulmer sunk
USN DD Stewart damaged
USN DD Barker damaged
MN DD Tigre sunk
MN DD Leopard sunk
Adelaide
December 8th, 1545 (02h45 on the 8th in Washington DC).
Japanese bombers are making a second raid, targeting this time Butterworth airfield and the Penang Fortress. However, the raid begins by a feint attack at 14h35 by 9 Ki-21 escorted by 18 Ki-27. This small raid turns north at mid way between the Thai border and Butterworth, attracting most of the 24 Hurricanes, which have been scrambled. 4 Bombers are destroyed as well as 3 fighters against 3 Hurricanes downed. However, Hurricanes are refuelling when the second raid made of 54 Ki-21 and 27 Ki-43 attacks Butterworth. 6 Hurricanes are able to take-off but 4 are destroyed in dogfights, which however claims 3 Japanese fighters. 13 other Hurricanes are destroyed on the ground with 5 Wellingtons and 4 Beauforts, and Butterworth installations are severely damaged. During this raid 27 Ki-21 escorted by 36 Ki-27 have their luck against the Penang fortress. The light cruiser HMAS Adelaide is damaged by two near-misses, and two minesweepers sunk.
Adelaide is a ship very vulnerable to air attack due to lack of an armoured deck. However, she is also a very valuable ship based at Penang. She is not only the flagship of the RAN force there, but her 6” armament guarantees that any effort by the IJA to use a small craft convoy to occupy the Langkawi island group off Perlis will be destroyed. She is also of reasonably shallow draft and is well capable of shore bombardment.
The ship was berthed alongside Swettenham Pier when the raid came in. She received damage from three bombs, when straddled by a stick of 250lb HE bombs fitted with contact fuses. These were aimed at the ship and wharf.
The first bomb detonated on the timber decking of the wharf, blowing a large hole in it and causing such severe damage to two small local timber coasters that they had to be beached. Fragments from the bomb and teak splinters from the wharf damaged the bridge of the ship, killing two sailors and injuring four others, one seriously. No operationally significant damage was done to the bridge.
The second bomb exploded on the surface of the water about 24’ from the side of the ship’s port side, abreast the forward engine room. Splinter damage was insignificant although two boats were destroyed. Shock damage was sustained to the port engine room, rupturing a steam line which forced the immediate abandonment of the space. Steam venting though the ER vents appeared in the IJA photographs of the attack, leading to claims of a severe fire aboard. Shock damage was also sustained in the aft boiler room. The ship temporarily lost half of her plant, but the damage was repaired within 12 hours. Minor flooding of the bilges occurred through loosened rivets in the condenser intake shroud. This was easily contained by pumps and the leakage controlled by packing.
The third bomb exploded on the water about 32’ from the stern of the ship. Damage from this hit was more serious. The shock caused the stern to whip, corrugating plates on the port side and causing severe leaking in to the tiller flat. The shock disabled the steering gear by fracturing hydraulic lines. The worst damage was from fragments of the bomb, which punched holes totalling about two square feet in the tiller flat. The space quickly flooded, causing 3’ of immersion at the stern. A crack in the bulkhead led to salt water contamination of the aft fresh water tank. Leakage through screw holes securing the cortisone deck covering on the deck above caused minor flooding to a maximum depth of about a foot. The tiller flat was quickly pumped out once the holes were blocked by a diver using stuffing boxes and plugs. The steering gear was repaired and the hull made watertight (except for minor leaks) within 24 hours.
Consideration was given to withdrawing the ship from Penang, but as the damage was well within the ability of local resources to deal with, and the ship was considered to be the major asset preventing any IJA operations along the coast (especially in Thai coastal shipping), this was rejected. Another major factor was the positive impact of the ship on local morale. Adelaide was fully operational by the following morning.
The most significant result of the attack was that most ships tended to remain mobile during the day, berthing only at night when they needed to. The IJA showed less ability to hit a moving ship.
Adelaide
On 9 Dec 41 at 2000 Adelaide was again attacked in Penang Roadstead. The ship was conducting trials on her repairs and was attacked by six Ki-21 bombers, which bombed from 6000 feet. The bombers were lucky and obtained one good ‘stick’ of 250lb contact fused HE bombs. The first exploded on the sea 32’ from the bow, shaking the ship and causing minor splinter damage to the port bow. The second burst 26’ from the ship after penetrating the sea surface somewhat. It drenched the forward part of the vessel. Fragments from this bomb caused minor holing of the ship above the waterline. The splinters started a small fire on the forward messdeck, but this was quickly extinguished. Splinters also killed three men manning the forward 6” gun. The ship was severely shaken, fracturing the steam lines to the Capstan and rendering it useless.
The third bomb was a direct hit on the quarterdeck 6” gun. The bomb was also contact fused, and it exploded on the top of the gunshield roof. The entire 6” gun crew was killed instantly and the gun wrecked. The 4” AA gun superfiring above (in X position) was damaged but not wrecked, but again the entire crew was killed and the position’s fixed shielding was blown away. The deck around the 6” gun was holed by blast and several fragments of the gun shield. A severe localised fire was started in the officers cabin flat below the quarterdeck. This took two hours to extinguish and destroyed the wardroom (which functioned as a casualty clearing space and surgery) and four cabins. The worst effect of this fire was severe buckling of the quarterdeck.
Surprisingly, the ship remained fully under command and even the repaired steering system passed this severe test.
Adelaide was very vulnerable to any bombs able to penetrate her unarmoured decks. IJAAF use of contact-fused thin walled HE bombs gave the ship the appearance of being able to withstand bombs quite well. Her extensive side armour, and the fragmentation of the thin-walled IJAAF bombs meant that near misses were fairly ineffective in causing splinter damage as the splinters were too small to do much structural damage, although they were lethal to exposed personnel.
Adelaide’s CO noted in his report to Singapore that even if the bomb had hit the upperdeck, it would have done little beyond blowing a large hole in the upperdeck, as it lacked any semblance of an ability to penetrate even weather decking. He though, in fact, that hitting where it did caused more damage then landing on the deck. He assessed the ability of his ship to withstand such light HE bombs as very good. As Adelaide remained quite battle-ready, he recommended to Singapore that his ship remain in local waters, but move out of the constricted confines of Penang Roadstead in to the wider reaches of the northern Malacca Strait, where she would be safer from IJAAF bombing but still able to conduct shore bombardments and interdiction of IJAAF seaward moves at will (especially at night).
The ship lost 24 men killed and 9 wounded in the attack.
DECEMBER 10th, 1941
Philippines:
As the weather have considerably improved over Formosa, the Japanese Army and Naval aviation deliver a very strong blow as the first landings begin. At dawn 18 twin-engined bombers (Ki-21) strikes the US Army headquarter at Ft. Stotemburg. Some minutes later 54 Naval twin-engined bombers (G4M1) escorted by no less than 60 A6M2 attack Clark Field, Nichols Field and the city of Manila. Even if now some US planes have been deployed from emergency airstrips, this bombing nearly closes the two most important US airfields as Zero fighters are strafing assiduously satellite Fields. Only 9 flyable B-17 are left. The bombing of Manila, coming after the two ones on Cavite raises a considerable panic in the civilian population. Some USAAF fighters try to intercept the raid but lose 5 of them for one bomber and 2 A6M2 destroyed. At the end of the day, there are now just 17 P-40s, 5 P-35s and 4 very old P-26As still operational in the Manila area. P-35s have been found wholly unsuited for fighter operations and are to be used as fast tactical reconnaissance planes. Peashooters (P-26A) had been operated by the 6th Pursuit Squadron of the Philippine Army Air Corps from Batangas Field until replaced by P-40. Some are now returned to service. A plane patrol has been scrambled to intercept the G4M1 raid but the old fighters found that they were unable to catch the fast Japanese bombers. When preparing to land back at Batangas they found their home airfield strafed by 5 A6M2s. In the unequal fight, which followed, two P-26A were quickly dispatched by Japanese fighters, the one flown by Lt. Cesar Basa crashing on the airfield edge as Lt. José Mondigo was able to bail out. One Peashooter, flown by Lt. José Gozar made an unsuccessful attempt to ram a Japanese fighter after his guns jammed, unfortunately a common enough occurrence with the P-26A. Mondigo survived the fight but has to crash-land his plane whose left wing has been abbreviated by nearly 3ft by a 20mm shell. He claimed a "probable" when a Zero was seen leaving the fight with a huge trail of smoke and succeeded in reaching the Zablan airstrip with Lt. Godofredo Juliano, both planes being conspicuously riddled with bullets and Juliano's P-26A guns having jammed too as the beginning of the fight. Only Lt. Manuel Conde was able to regain Batangas Field, with a badly damaged plane too. After this experience, the remaining P-26A are left in storage. To use them is to waste valuable pilots.
However the worst blow on US airpower was not given by bombers but by fighters. Some A6M2 having sighted a PBY restrained to fire till they have found the flying boat base at Olongapo. They then strike Capt. F.D. Wagner's Patrol Wing 10 Catalinas at their moorings, destroying no less than 11 PBYs, that is nearly half of all US reconnaissance flying boats in Philippines.
In the meantime, at daybreak, Japanese forces began to land at Aparri, on the north coast of Luzon. USAAF planes are unable to interfere but foul weather delay the whole operation. Transports are to be shifted to a roadstead off Gonzaga, eastward to Aparri, to benefit from a partial lee from Cape Engano. By 13h40 Japanese troops are in possession of the Aparri airstrip. But it proves unsuitable and Japanese forces have to move inland south toward Tuguegarao to find suitable airfields. Japanese troops push on the Cagayan Valley easily driving off an 11th division battalion.
Indochina.
During the night Japanese troops have pushed southwest from Cao Bang and have tried to by-pass Lang Son. This last attempt has been foiled by vigorous counter-attacks by Foreign Legion units. However, on the Cao Bang Thai-Nguyen road, as the DMT has still not reached Bac Can, the Tonkin Division commander asks the AVG to provide for close support in combination with II/52 close support and cooperation planes and II/62 light bombers. From dawn to noon, Potez 63/11, Wirraways and Martin-167s escorted by AVG P-40Cs from the 1st squadron ("Adam and Eve") are bombing and strafing advancing Japanese troops. Japanese fighters don't try to interfere before mid-day. By then, 9 Ki-27 bounce a 3 planes element from the II/62 damaging two light bombers before being bounced too by 4 P-40Cs and losing 3 of their owns to American flown fighters. The two other AVG squadrons ("Hell's Angels" and "Panda Bear") are busily employed to cover the Hanoi / Haïphong area against repeated raid by the IJAAF and to escort GB III/62 Marylands attacking Japanese artillery near Lang Son or on the coastal road.
In Cambodia and Cochinchina, Japanese planes raid in numbers Saigon. No less than 27 Ki-21 escorted by 36 Ki-27 and Ki-43 deliver an attack by 0900, which is co-ordinated with another raid by 12 Thai Ki-21 escorted by 24 Japanese and Thai Ki-27 on Phnom-Penh. French and British fighters from the GC II/40 and III/40 and RAF Sqn 243 provide a strong response. British pilots have accepted to follow rules of engagement worked out by the Armée de l'Air after training with the AVG during fall 1941 and use the Hurricane II superior ceiling to dive on Japanese formations. Curtiss Hawk-75A4s have some difficulties to reach out an altitude allowing such tactics because of the relatively short warning time. However no less than 11 Japanese bombers and 14 fighters are destroyed to the cost of 5 Hurricanes and 7 Hawk-75A4s. If the defence has struck a powerful blow on Japanese airpower, the bombardment has again badly hit the city where more than 300 civilians have been killed and more than one thousand wounded. Fires are burning on Saigon docks and in the Chinese town. Over Phnom-Penh, 3 bombers and 5 fighters have been downed to the cost of 5 Hawk 75-A4 destroyed. As French fighters defending Cambodia have to be used during the whole day to try to intercept Japanese and Thai light bombers constantly attacking troops at Siem Reap and on the Battambang road, the GC I/40 is down to 6 flyable planes at the end of the day. The ZOCOC (Zone Operationnelle de Cochinchine et Cambodge) commander decides then to transfer the GC II/40 from Tan Son Nhut to Phnom Penh.
Japanese air bombing and artillery pounding are setting Siem Reap ablaze and civilian casualties are estimated to over two thousands by dusk. French defence are however still unpierced when night comes even if Colonel Schlesser Sav-40 tanks have to be used as mobile fire base to check Japanese infantry infiltration attempts.
In Laos, the battle for Pakse and Savannakhet rages on, the former town being now partly encircled by Japanese and Thai troops. Planes of the GOCT I/52 are constantly strafing enemy troops but one Brewster B-339 and one old Morane MS-406 are destroyed protecting Wirraways used for the first time as "dive-bombers" (the plane carry just the pilot and a 250lbs bomb).
More worst news are coming from Tourane. By 08h30 Japanese ships began to land 5,500 soldiers and some heavy artillery (150mm howitzers). Rear-Adm. Nishimura covering force provides too a short but effective bombardment with Atago's 8in guns. French troops have to retreat toward Hué, the Vietnam historical capital, as Japanese troops began to move south by the end of the day.
South China Sea:
As the two US destroyers Stewart and Barker unite with the French Lynx, to go back to Cam Ranh, they are from dawn constantly shadowed By Japanese reconnaissance planes. By 08h15 twelve G3M2 try to bomb them from 6,000ft but these fast manoeuvring ships escape without harm. RN DD Express and Electra who have been sent with the cruiser-minelayer HMS Adventure to Miri (South of Brunei Bay) in Borneo to land some reinforcements to Commonwealth forces already there and which are defending the vital oil installations. Adventure also laid a 90 mine protective field. Although plans have been made to disable these installations, the arrival of the Fleet made them essential. Their location (it was thought) placed them well beyond Japanese bomber range, and the presence of the Eastern Fleet was a powerful guarantor of their security.
Malaya/Singapore:
This very Wednesday morning the Far East War Council is formed at Singapore. It composition is as follows:
Chairman: The Rt. Hon. A. Duff Cooper, Cabinet Representative in the Far East.
Members: Governor and High Commissioner Malaya, Commander-in-Chief Far East (General Sir Archibald Wavell), Commander-in-Chief Eastern Fleet (Adm. Sir James Somerville), General Officer Commanding Malaya, Air Officer Commanding Far East (Air Vice Marshal Goble), Mr. Bowden, representing Australia.
The Council meets at 9 a.m. at Sime Road to oversight operations and defence needs in the whole area.
The first meeting concentrates on the very night events. Admiral Somerville informs the council of the LSF failure to stop the Japanese convoy bound to Tourane. In Kedah, Japanese troops have resumed attack during the night under the cover of constant rains and multiple thunderstorms. The Krohcol is holding firm but situation seems to be a little confused in Jitra. Because of standard regulations, tanks have moved back to their squadron headquarters during the night. The British Army doesn't suppose tank to be able to fight by night and by the way Matidas and Valentines were badly in need of petrol and ammunitions. This move back has left some troops without support and seems to have been misinterpreted by others. When attacking by 0030 under cover of the worst of the rain, some Japanese units have been able to by-pass the main defence strongpoint without being noticed. At dawn the 7th Loyal Regt. (North Lancashire) has tried to mop-up infiltrators on the right of the main position, just to find they were worth a full regiment. The 2/6th Armoured Regiment of the 1st Australian Armoured Brigade has been engaged but Matilda II tanks have some difficulties to cross streams which are overflowing after the last hours torrential rains. A false paratroops alarm has been raised at 0400 at Gurun and the 2/7th Armoured Regiment has been deployed to cover the Butterworth airfield. As it is now clear that no Japanese paratroopers have been dropped in this area, tanks are to move by noon toward Jitra.
Japanese planes are raiding all airfields in north Malaysia from dawn on. The inclement weather seems unable to stop them as they keep going on Alor Setar, Butterworth and now Sungei Patani. A force of 18 Hurricanes can be gathered to contest Japanese raids and RAF/RAAF fighters to the cost of 5 Hurricanes destroyed claimed 5 Ki-21 and 9 Ki-27. At least one flight has begun to use to effect the dive-and-zoom tactics to counter nimbler Japanese planes. A commending officer remarked that younger Australian pilots, fresh from the OTU, were first to adapt. Older ones, who have fought German planes over Greece and Crete, had some difficulties to accept that their planes could be outmanoeuvred. However, the Japanese bombing has again been quite effective. Part of Butterworth fuel tanks have been hit and Sungei Patani has suffered too. Here 7 Fairey Battles of the 100 Sqn (RAAF) have been destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Early in the afternoon, a large formation including 27 Ki-21 escorted by 24 Ki-27 raids Penang. They mostly bomb the city of Georgetown where casualties are over one thousand. The old cruiser HMAS Adelaide watches the bombing from the Malacca Strait where, with HMS Dragon, she patrols against any Japanese infiltration attempt by the sea.
However the most astounding news was the arrest at gunpoint of Captain Patrick Heenan, who was Air Liaison Officer at Butterworth. Heenan is charged with high treason, having given Japanese Intelligence a considerable amount of info about Commonwealth forces in Malaya and having guided some Japanese air raids by radio. It has been said that Heenan's public arrest was an even worst blow to morale than Japanese bomber destructions. Whatever, the situation in Alor Setar, Butterworth and Sungei Patani is critical. The first two airfields have been repeatedly hit during the last three days and Sungei Patani is highly vulnerable. The situation is particularly critical as far the fighter force is concerned. After operational and non-operational attrition, only 27 Hurricanes are left of which, by December 10th late afternoon no more than 14 are immediately available (a number which is to raise to 19 by next day it is hoped). The FE War Council is highly reluctant to allow Spitfires and Defiants tasked with Singapore defence to be deployed to cover Kedah. In such a situation, no fighter escort can be provided in following days for light bombers and attack aircrafts operating against Japanese and Thai positions.
By early afternoon, analysis of photo got by PRU Spitfire is showing that the previous night raid has been largely ineffective. As Commonwealth Air assets are now stretched thin by three days of continuous Japanese Air offensive, counter-Air operations are given the highest priority. It is then decided to launch dawn raids by medium bombers on the 11th. The risk of engaging Hudson, Wellington and Manchester bombers by day is to be accepted if valuable results are to be obtained. It is though that attacking by dawn would reduce this risk, as the inward leg of the mission would be done by night. Taking off by 04h00 would also allow Manchesters to benefit of a lower temperature than by day.
Another Photo-Recco Spitfire brings pictures showing that more Japanese troops are going down the Kra Isthmus road, marching toward Hat Yai. They are supposed troops belonging to the Japanese 7th Army (Ltn-Gen Jûichi), which has been deployed on the border with Burma first.
NEI:
General van Oyen Chief of Staff ML-KNIL decides after communication with Adm. Helfrich and British authorities to send the 2e Afdeling (2-VLG-V) fighter squadron which was based at Semplak airfield, near Buitenzorg on Java with 10 Brewster B-339D to the RAF base at Penang via Mendan (north-east coast of Sumatra). This unit is to provide cover for Penang if the Alor Star airfield is to be abandoned. The 10 fighters reach Penang late in the afternoon but one is destroyed in a landing accident.
(VLG stands for Vliegtuiggroep or Wing, an unit divided into 2 to 4 squadrons numbered then 1 to 4 - VLG, then followed in roman numbers by the Wing number). In the same time, the 1-VLG-V is sent to Borneo, with two flights at Samarinda II airfield and one at Singkawang II.
Burma:
Japanese light bombers are attacking Moulmein and lose 5 of their own to local Hurricanes, which destroy too, 3 Ki-27 but suffer 3 planes downed and two others seriously damaged.
Aegean:
The air offensive against Axis positions in the Aegean goes on unabated by Far East events. Ground attack fighters (Yugoslav P-39Ds and French Hawk-87) are attacking the coastal traffic around Andros and Eubée coast, under protection of French Spitfires and RAF Hurricanes flying top cover in an attempt to draw to battle the Luftwaffe. However German fighters don't react to what they (rightly) perceive as minor attacks.
Things are different in the Balkans. The "Coronation" force resumes its operations and 30 Consolidated 32 of GB I/60 and II/60 launch a raid against Sofia marshalling yard. This raid is significant as, for the first time, day bombers are escorted by twin-engined "escort" fighters, 32 P-38D/Es from French GC I/2 and II/2 which have made a refuelling stop at Crete. Detected by German radars this raid is intercepted over the Rhodope Mountains by 24 Bf-110s hoping to have a "field day" against unescorted bombers. In the ensuing fight 11 Bf-110s are shot down and 9 seriously damaged, some having to crash land, without loss for the escort. As the French formation is on the return leg, 20 Bf-109F from Salonika try to intercept over the Greek coastal city of Kavalla. The fight is more equal but German fighters are at the limit of their range. 4 of the new P-38s are lost against 3 Bf-109 but bombers escape unharmed. Actually two other P-38s will be lost in landing accidents at Mytilene. This operation is seen as major success by the Aegean Air Force commander (Gen. Bouscat). The bombing has been successful and the newly delivered US long-range fighters have proved their worth. Introduction of the new long-range low-level fighter, the North American NA-73, by early January 1942 is expected with some trepidation too.
During the night, 24 RAF Short Stirling heavy-bombers attack the Salonika marshalling yard, losing 2 planes to German night-fighters.
Berlin:
Hitler, who has arrived late the day before from Bertchesgaden, summons Ribbentrop and calls for a Reichstag meeting on December 11th. From Bertchesgaden he has already ordered Adm. Reader to signal all Kriegsmarine units to close up to the vulnerable traffic on the US coast, something to which Ribbentrop has informed Japanese Ambassador in Berlin, Gen. Oshima, late on the 9th.
As noted by Halder, who was in Bertchesgaden with Hitler when this last learnt news about the Pearl Harbor raid, the Nazi dictator was greatly elated by the Japanese surprise attack and the resulting favourable strategic situation. He was deeply convinced that the war between the USA and Japan would prevent the formers to increase their help to Great Britain and France before mid-43. By then Russia was supposed to be finished and most of its natural resources under German control. Hitler was also despising to the utmost USA, a country he described as "completely rotten and morally bankrupt, half-Jew and half-Negro, ridden by venereal diseases, racially unfit and unable to stand in the modern world".
General Halder, the Chief of General Staff wrote later in his diaries "...by then the Furher was responding no more to rational arguments. His strategic decisions were grounded on his own visions and passions."
Algiers:
The "Comité de la défense Nationale" or National Defence Committee meets to review the situation in Indochina. If the ground battle develops as expected, the LSF near-destruction and the new Japanese landing at Tourane are seen with considerable concern.
Appointment of a new High Commissioner, Mr. Jean Sainteny, is decided and endorsed in the afternoon at a government meeting. Admiral Decoux is to take charge of naval support of the Defence of Indochina and to co-ordinate naval operations with the British after the Light Strike Force near destruction. However, the real motive behind Sainteny nomination is much more than just a rationalization of the command structure. Sainteny is seen by de Gaulle and Mendès-France as able to effectively respond to a call to arm to "fight Japanese fascism" launched by a former schoolteacher named Nguyen Ai Quoc. A well known communist leader, he had been forced to flee Indochina by 1939. However, after a 18 months stay in Moscow he has come back to China by fall 1941 and from then on moved to the Haïphong area. His call is not mentioning, as it would have been usual, "French imperialism and colonial rule", something to which the French government has been warned in advance by the Soviet Ambassador in Washington (Mr. Maxim Litvinov). As Decoux was known to be reluctant to free communist militants jailed in Poulo-Condor, the French government has decided to send a civilian as the highest authority in Indochina with full authority to negotiate with local communist and nationalist movements a full mobilization of the Vietnamese population. By late afternoon (Algiers time), Jean Sainteny boards a French Lockheed 18 bound to Saigon via Karachi and Singapore.
By the end of the day, the French Prime Minister call his British counterpart to ask for as much naval support the RN could give, pointing to the fact that the longer French troops would be able to fight Japanese ones in Cochinchina and deny them the Saigon area the safer would be Malaya and Singapore.
London:
In a speech delivered to the Commons, Churchill pays another tribute to "the gallant defenders of the free world in the Far East". In a signal sent to Wavell he stresses "denying Japan access to oil resources is of the utmost importance. Starved of oil, the Japanese war machine could not go on for very long".
Later in the night, he send another message stating that "providing support to French forces in Indochina, and preventing the Japanese to gain any stronghold in Cochinchina is a key point for the defence of Singapore".
Indochina, December 9th 0530 (0630 in Malaya/Singapore, December 8th 1730 in Washington DC, 2330 in Algiers).
The battle for Cao-Bang and Lang-Son rages on. At Cao-Bang, Japanese troops have nearly encircled the 2nd battalion of the 5th Régiment Etranger d'Infanterie (5th Foreign Legion Infantry regiment or 5th REI). At Lang-Son however the two other 5th REI battalions, helped by local Vietnamese units, are counter-attacking fiercely to join encircled defenders of the outer-ring fortifications. Japanese artillery, firing from the other side of the border soon joins the show. However, by 0550 twelve French Maryland light bombers, escorted by 16 AVG P-40Cs are attacking Japanese artillery positions, inflicting heavy casualties.
At the same time, at Tourane (Da Nang), one battalion of the 10th RMIC (Regiment de Marche de l'Infanterie Coloniale) and two battalions of the 2nd Régiment de Tirailleurs Annamites (RTA or Annam Riflemen Regiment), supported by the Détachement Motorisé d'Annam (Annam motorized detachment) with one light tank Cy (12 x M2A4 light tanks), two Armoured car platoons ( 4 Marmont-Herrington and 3 white/Dodge and one P-28), one Scout car platoon with 4 Berliet VUDB armoured cars, one Motorcycle platoon, one carrier platoon (3 Renault UE31R), are attacking toward the airfield. The attack first makes progresses as Japanese troops are initially surprised by the presence of tanks among French-Vietnamese forces.
Japanese planes (Ki-38 and Ki-51) are however constantly straffing attacking troops and some Japanese units resorts to suicide squads (with demolition charges) to stop tanks. By 0800 local time, the attack is stalled not far of the airfield edge. No less than 7 tanks have been destroyed by suicide squads.
Malaya, December 9th 0700.
Two large Japanese raids attack the Penang fortress and the Alor Setar airfield, each with 27 Ki-21 bombers escorted bi Ki-27 and Ki-43 fighters. During dogfights following interception by a total od 24 Hurricanes, 7 bombers and 6 fighters are destroyed for the cost of 6 RAF fighters. Alor Setar is seriously hit but the bombardment on Penang is much less effective than the previous one. Still, it raises a beginning of panic among local workers.
Japanese Army Co-operation planes are appearing in significant numbers over points where Commonwealth troops are clashing with the Japanese Army. Men of the 7th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (M.G.) and 7th Loyal Regt. (North Lancashire) supported by two Valentine tanks platoon and one of Matilda II are launching a counter-attack at Jitra.
Indochina, December 9th 0630 (0730 in Malaya/Singapore, December 8th 1830 in Washington DC, December 9th 0030 in Algiers).
Japanese and Thai troops began to cross the new Thai/Cambodian border and attack toward Siem Reap. The main thrust is centered around the 6th Field Army (Ltn-Gen Tôji), which includes the 23rd Infantry Division (Ltn-Gen Kanji) and the 7th Infantry Division ((Ltn-Gen Nobory) composed of the 13th Inf. Brigade (25th and 26th rgmts) and the 14th Brigade (27th and 28th Rgmts), supported by the1st Tank Brigade (Ltn-Gen Yasuoka) with only 2 tank regiments (3rd and 4th) and the 4th Field Artillery Brigade. Most of these forces have fought at Khalkhin Ghol where the 23rd division has been nearly annihilated. French forces prepare for the defence of Siem Reap which now lies quite close to the border. Mimicking tactics used inChina, Japanese foces are led by tank units which are operately as semi-independent vanguard.
Manila, December 9th 0830 (0730 in Indochina, December 8th 1930 in Washington DC, December 9th 0130 in Algiers).
As weather in Formosa prevents again Japanes planes based here to take-off, IJN planes based in the Paracels are doubling on their traditional targets. 36 G3M2 are attacking Cavite and 18 G4M1 Clark and Nichols airfields, both formations being escorted by a total of 54 A6M2 fighters. The two bombardment are heavily destructive and the attacking force lose 3 bombers and 2 fighters to the cost of 4 USAAF P-40s destroyed but more than 11 seriously damaged. Even more serious is the fact that 3 B-17 have been destroyed and 4 other damaged on ground.
General Brereton signals to Washington that air assets in Philippines are suffering but still fighting hard and are still able to provide some support to the Army. B-17 attacks on distant Japanese targets continue, but with smaller numbers in the raids (most are not more then 5 machines)
Indochina, December 9th 0800 (0900 in Malaya/Singapore).
Saigon and Tanh-Son-Nut are attacked by 27 Ki-21 escorted by 36 Ki-27 and 43. French fighters (H-75A4) down 4 bombers and 5 fighters for the cost of 4 of their own. The bombardment on the airfield is quite off the mark, but bombs falling on the “Chinese city” in Saigon are killing more the 50 civilians and induce a panic in the whole city. The Saigon Governor implements the Martial Law by 0900.
Thailand, December 9th 0930 (0830 in Indochina).
RAF Blenheims are making what is called a "massive attack" (actually 36 planes in 3 separate formations) against Japanese held airfields in South Thailand. On one airfield, no less than 11 planes are caught on ground and destroyed (mostly Ki-27 fighters and Ki-51 Army planes). However, the 34 Sqn is intercepted by Japanese fighters and lose 5 of its 12 planes in the fight.
On the border with Malaya the engagement at Jitra is turning into a bitter fight. Japanese field artillery try to hammer the British counter-attack, but is the subject of powerful and devastating counter-battery fire. The IJA artillery corps is learning many lessons about modern warfare - and all of them the hard way. Because of their weight, Matilda tanks are restricted in wet padi but can support lighter Valentines. The Australian 8th Division commits one Brigade (the 22nd Australian Brigade) one independent tank Company of 16 M3 light tanks and, more significantly, its two field artillery regiments.
Indochina, December 9th 1130 (1230 in Malaya/Singapore, December 8th 2330 in Washington DC, December 9th 0530 in Algiers).
On the edge of Siem Reap Ltn. Gen Yasuoka's Tank Brigade clashes with elements of the Schlesser force (the GBMS or Armoured Mobile Group Schlesser). Japanese tanks of the 3rd tank regiment are fired first by a mixed forces including M3F (47mm) light tanks belonging to the GBMS reconnaissance group and half-track mounted 75mm guns. French gunners, well entrenched behind ridges and small walls, open fire out of range for Japanese 37mm or short 57mm guns and quickly inflict damage to more than 10 tanks. To avoid what he sees a difficult battle, Yasuoka orders his force to try to turn Siem Reap by the North as the Japanese infantry began to invest the town suburbs. Just before noon, the Japanese 1st tank brigade, which is now adopting an elongated formation is attacked by two GBMS armoured companies (24 SAV-40) supported by one mechanized company. In the ensuing battle, no less than 35 light and medium Japanese tanks are knocked out to no combat cost for French ones (three break down but two are recovered, one falls into IJA hands as it's engine has seized). As the GBMS engages Japanese tanks in a hot pursuit, the 4th Field artillery Regiment began to pound French tanks and Col. Schlesser orders a retreat to initial positions. The GBMS is bombed twice during the battle, the first time inaccurately by some Ki-48 twin-engined bombers, and the second time by some Ki-36, two of them falling victims of Half-Track mounted 0.5in Hmg.
Malaya/Singapore December 9th 1330 (0130 in Washington DC, 0730 in Algiers).
Fairey Battle bombers of RAAF Sqn 7 and 100 begins to make "sustained raids" against the logistic tail of the Japanese force attacking Jitra. This implies successive attacks by 6 planes elements every 15 minutes. RAAF 21 and 30 Sqn were supposed to provide cover by flying roving patrols in the area between Jitra and the border. The first two attacks are uneventful and some Japanese trucks are destroyed and at least two marching columns dispersed with heavy losses. However after the last air-battles over Butterworth, Alor Setar and Penang only 12 Hurricanes can be so deployed. At 1411 a 7 Sqn 6 planes element, call sign Banjo is bounced by 9 Ki-27. Quickly two single-engined bombers are downed and two others are severely damaged. 6 Hurricane try to interpose and are able to destroy 2 of the agile Japanese fighters before losing an equal number of their own.
At 1440, as surviving Battle and Hurricane are landing at Butterworth, the airfield is attacked by 9 Ki-21 flying at medium altitude. Japanese bombers have been obviously confused by radar operators with returning RAAF planes and only the local AA fire is able to oppose the raid. If AA gunners are able to destroy two Japanese bombers and damage another one, bombs destroy no less than 6 parked planes, damaging 5 others and setting the fuel pumping system in fire.
In the early afternoon, Indian forces are strongly attacked at Kroh. The special Kroh Column or Krohcol is immediately engaged against what is estimated as a push by nearly a full division - but one fatally strung out along a single road. The Krohcol is made of the 4th Armour “Hussars” Squadron (drawn from 7th Armoured Division) with 16 A10 Cruiser Tanks Mk II & an attached reconnaissance platoon of 12 Bren carriers supported by an Artillery Detachments –(8 x 4.5-inch howitzers, 4 x 18-pdr guns, 4 x 2-pdr A/T guns) and a strong infantry core made of the 7th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (M.G. Bn); 12th Royal Welsh Fusiliers; 7th South Wales Borderers. Relatively lightly armoured A10 cruiser tanks are quickly falling victims of special anti-tank squad, with usually 2 x 37mm ATG and some "tank attack squads" using petrol bottles or demolition charges. However, well supported by artillery, the British infantry repulse two Japanese regiments on their jumping lines by 1700. By this time, Japanese tactical co-operation planes are quite active, directing heavy field artillery (150mm howitzers and 100mm Field Guns). The British counter-attack is stalled by the end of the afternoon. Several dogfights have taken place over the battlefield, RAAF units losing 3 Hurricanes, 3 Fairey Battle and 2 Wirraways against 2 Ki-27, on Ki-36 and one Ki-51 for the IJAF.
South of Hainan, December 9th 1300 - Indochina time - (1400 in Singapore, 0200 in Washington DC, 0800 in Algiers).
French submarine Le Hero signals a convoy sailing south, toward the Indochina coast. At reception of this message in Cam Ranh, Cdr Berenger commander of the Light Striking Force orders his ship to sortie, anticipating an attempt to reinforce Japanese troops at Tourane. The LSF includes now USN light cruiser Marblehead and DesDiv 58 (DD Stewart, Bulmer, Barker and Parrott) in addition to MN light cruiser Primaguet, and large DDs or "contre-torpilleurs", Lynx, Tigre, Leopard. However, Berenger expects to fight the convoy at night to avoid running into Paracels based Japanese naval bombers and hopes to surprise the enemy.
The signal sent by Le Hero was the last ever received from this submarine. It has been suspected at first that she could have been sunk by one of Nishimura's force subchasers. It seems however that the submarine was caught at shallow immersion when preparing to send another message by one of Mizuho's E13A2 floatplanes and sunk by a bomb three hours after her last message.
Haïphong December 9th 1400 (1500 in Singapore, 0300 in Washington DC, 0900 in Algiers).
As French submarine Protée enters Haïphong harbour after having travelled surfaced for the last 14 hours because of toxic gases from a battery fire, 21 Ki-48 attack the city and naval installations. The raid is intercepted by AVG fighters, which destroy 3 bombers and 1 escorting fighters for the loss of 2 P-40s. The bombardment is however quite accurate. The old sloop Tahure receives two 400lbs bombs and capsizes. Protée is near-missed twice, and suffers more shock damage on her batteries.
Moulmein (Burma) December 9th 1500 (1600 in Singapore, 0400 in Washington DC, 1000 in Algiers).
The city is raided for the first time by the IJAF. 21 Ki-21 of the 7th Hikohidan, escorted by 36 Ki-27 of the 12th Hikohidan are attacking the airfield. 24 Hurricanes belonging to RAF 146 Sqn and 155 Sqn scramble to counter the strike. 4 Bombers and 7 escorting fighters are destroyed for the cost of 6 Hurricanes downed and 3 other damaged. 5 Wellington bombers are destroyed on the ground.
Haïphong December 9th 1700 (1800 in Singapore, 0600 in Washington DC, 1200 in Algiers).
Mixed news of the battle of the border are received at the "Division du Tonkin" HQ. Lang Son defenders are holding strongly and Japanese forces are stopped by the outer fortification ring. Some encircled bunkers have been relieved by Foreign Legion counter-attack and the Japanese infantry has learnt that bayonet attacks are not a monopoly of Japanese troops. Losses have been heavy, but morale is high. However, all radio and field phone communications with Cao Bang have been lost since mid-day. Fighting is continuing on the ground as it had been seen from a Martin 167 Maryland escorted by 4 AVG P-40. Still Japanese forces have penetrated inside the little town and are clearly surrounding it. There is then a possibility that Japanese forces could march on Thay-Nguyen from North, cutting communications with Lang Son and directly threatening Hanoi and the railway to Kunming.
After communication with Saigon, the Hanoi commander decides to send the Détachement motorisé du Tonkin or DMT (Tonkin Motorized Detachment) with One light tank Coy (12 x M2A4 light tanks) one Armoured car platoon (3 White/Dodge and one Citroën-Kegresse P-28) one Motorcycle platoon (11 motorcycle combinations, with 1 NCO and 29 men), one Scout car platoon with 4 Berliet VUDB armoured cars, one carrier platoon with 4 Renault UE31R (light tracked carrier or "chenillettes") and the 9th "Regiment d'Infanterie Coloniale" or Colonial Infantry Regiment (9th RIC) with 3 battalions at Bac Can to stop any possible Japanese advance from Cao Bang. This is clearly a calculated risk as the Japanese Army could clearly engage more troops at Lang Son and could attack on the coastal road too. However the threat of an enveloping move from North is a too serious one to be ignored.
Malaya, December 9th 1830 (1730 in Indochina, 0630 in Washington DC, 1130 in London).
RAF Blenheims belonging to 34 and 60 Sqn raid Japanese ground forces around Jitra. Escort Hurricanes are attacked by a mixed Ki-27/Ki-43 formation, and 2 bombers and 4 British fighters are destroyed to the cost of 3 Japanese fighters. Because of damage caused by continuous Japanese raids on Butterworth, units are redeployed as:
21 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricanes IIB/IIC to Alor Setar
30 SQN RAAF 16 Hurricanes IIB/IIC to Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang)
454 SQN RAAF 16 Wellington to Kluang (where RAF Wellington equipped squadrons are based).
458 SQN RAAF 16 Beaufort to Kuantan
Miscellaneous units are redeployed to Ipoh.
Saigon, December 9th 18h30 (1930 in Singapore, 0730 in Washington DC, 1330 in Algiers).
French HQ is assessing the situation in Cochinchina and Cambodia. Japanese and Thai troops have attacked on both sides of the Tonle Sab Lake, toward Phnom Penh and Saigon. This clearly is the main drive. The most dangerous attack has been against Siem Reap where French and Japanese armoured formations have clashed violently. No less than 29 Type-97 medium and 14 Type-95 light tanks have been knocked out. The attempt to by-pass Siem Reap has been foiled and the front looks stabilized. On the right bank of the Tonle Sap, Japanese and Thai troops have been stopped on the Battambang - Phnom Penh road by the 3rd Régiment de Tirailleurs Annamites (3rd RTA or Annam Riflemen Regiment) with 4 battalions. The situation looks however more critical here than in Siem Reap, and the Cochinchine Division commander orders the GBMS tank company so far held in reserve to move forward toward Phum Prey and to join the Détachement Motorisé de Cochinchine (DMC or Cochinchine motorized detachment) with one light tank Cy (12 x M2A4 light tanks), two Armoured car platoons ( 8 Marmont-Herringtons), two Scout car platoons each with 4 Berliet VUDB armoured cars, one Motorcycle platoon, one carrier platoon (3 Renault UE31R) so to block any enemy attempt to break out toward Phnom Penh.
Japanese and Thai bombers have raided Phnom Penh. AdA Hawk-75A4 intercepted the second raid. During the fight 4 RTAF Ki-21 and 3 RTAF Ki-27 have been destroyed. However 3 Hawk fighters have been destroyed too and 3 other damaged beyond repair. Damages to military installations have been limited, however losses in the civilian population have been high and there is a panic move spreading now, despite the Martial Law.
Other attacks have been taking place during the whole at the Thailand/Laos border toward Pakse and Savannakhet, in a clear attempt to cut the North-South road going along Laos toward Luang-Prabang. Potez 63/11s and Wirraways co-operation planes belonging to "Groupes d'Observation et de Coopération Tactique" I/52 and II/52 have been busily engaged, bombing and strafing enemy troops. One Wirraway has been destroyed by a marauding RTAF Ki-27 and two Potez 63/11 have been bounced over Pakse by a trio of RTAF Hawk 75N, one twin-engined light bombardment and co-operation plane having to make a crash landing not far from the town, and the other having been able to return to Salawang on one engine. The fight has not been completely one-sided as one II/52 Wirraway has downed an old RTAF Vough V-93 Corsair observation biplane and two Brewster B-339s belonging to the Savannakhet Patrouille de Protection PP3 (Protection Flight) have destroyed a Tachikawa Ki-36 over the Mekong River. The 4th and 5th Bataillons Annamites d'Infanterie de Montagne (Mountain troops battalion formed from central-Annam local tribesmen) based in Pleiku and Kontum are ordered to march toward Saravane (Laos) so to be able to deploy either toward Pakse or Savannakhet.
In the report sent to Algiers, the Area commander based in Saigon can state that the military situation is under control, be it in Cochinchina or Tonkin. Enemy losses have been heavy, be it at Lang Son or Siem Reap. The fall of Cao Bang is confirmed by air visual reconnaissance but the Division du Tonkin has good faith in the DMT ability to check any enemy advance from this direction toward Haiphong. The most serious development however is taking place in Annam, where the Japanese landing in Tourane is seriously threatening Hué and is now attracting nearly all reserve forces available. The inability of the morning counter-attack to recapture the Tourane airfield is a bad omen. Any further Japanese strengthening in Tourane could allow the enemy to move either north toward Hué or South, toward Cam Ranh and Saigon.
Malaya, December 9th 2000 (19h00 in Indochina, 08h00 in Washington DC, 13h00 in London).
A large Japanese bomber formations (27 Ki-21 escorted by 21 Ki-27 fighters) deliver a near surprise attack on the Penang Fortress after approaching from the sea. Hurricanes based at Alor Setar (RAAF 453 Sqn) take off too late to prevent the bombing, which is just opposed by AA fire. Japanese bombers are ready to bomb from only 6,000ft to achieve good results. The Penang airfield is badly hit and the beached old cruiser HMAS Adelaide hit by one 250lbs bomb on the stern and near-missed by two others near the bow. British AA guns claim 2 bombers and 4 others are lost when the raid is intercepted by Alor Setar based fighters as well as 3 escorting Ki-27. Only 2 Hurricanes are lost.
However, as RAAF fighters are landing after the fight at 21h10, 18 Ki-30 single engined bombers deliver a "dusk raid" which destroys or damages no less than 11 Hurricanes. 2 RAAF fighters which had not still landed when the raid began were able to catch the attackers and destroy 4 Ki-30.
Algiers, December 9th 1500 (2000 in Indochina, 2100 in Malaya, 0900 in Washington DC, 1400 in London).
At Algiers-Maison Blanche airfield, the GB IV/62 (4th Bombing Squadron of the 62nd Bombing wing) is set up with 20 operational Martin 167 Marylands and 4 reserve planes from the Algiers and Oran Armée de l'Air depots.
This unit is to reach Tan-Son-Nhut as fast as possible via teh standard RAF aviation route with stops at Cairo, Baghdad, Karachi, Calcutta, Rangoon and Singapore, while mechanics and ground crews are to be flown to Indochina by two Dewoitine 338 and two DC-3s. If French crews have been told they are to strengthen their hard fighting comrades in Tonkin, the AdA Chief of Staff has acknowledged to the RAF one that this unit could be based in Malaya if the situation in Indochina would have too much deteriorated by the time of its arrival. Departure date has been given as December11th.
Malaya/Burma December 9th 2230 (Singapore time) (21300 in Indochina, 1030 in Washington DC, 1530 in London).
The RAF/RAAF command launches a major night bombing operation targeting airfields and strategic points in Thailand. 24 Wellingtons belonging to RAF 40 & 104 Sqn based at Moulmein take off to attack Nakhon Sawan and the Dong Muang airfield near Bangkok. 9 RAAF 454 Sqn Wellingtons which have redeployed from Butterworth to Kluang take-off at 22h45 in company of 9 RAF 223 Sqn and 6 RAF 14 Sqn Wellingtons to attack the Singora airfield and the Ban Don one. At 2300, 6 RAF 97sqn Manchesters take off to attack Bangkok harbour.
These combined raids have been designed to cause the greatest possible perturbation on IJAF and IJA logistic chains.
Off Tourane December 9th 2230 (2330 in Singapore, 1130 in Washington DC, 1730 in Algiers).
As the Light Striking Force sails north, hoping to intercept the convoy she runs into more than what Cdr Berenger expected. Since the sighting by the submarine Le Hero, nothing has been heard of the convoy whose composition was even at best sketchy from the detection signal, which was mentioning "one cruiser, 2 destroyers, at least 6 freighters". Two Hudsons of the E29 Aeronavale flotilla (a general reconnaissance unit mixing eight Lockheed planes with three old Breguet 521 Bizerte flying boats) have been sent to investigate, but none returned. The CinC in Saigon had assumed that both planes have come too close to Hainan and have been intercepted by Japanese fighters based here. Berenger, on the other hand had received the report coming from the submarine Protée stating that he had torpedoed one large ship and one cruiser (actually the IJN destroyer Murasame). As the strong Japanese naval group detected earlier by Le Glorieux was though to be still between Formosa and Hainan, Cdr Berenger deductions were not ungrounded and could be seen as perfectly rational.
Actually, for his resupply mission, Rear-Adm. Nishimura had received some reinforcements from Adm. Kondo 2nd Fleet, as the two heavy cruisers Atago and Takao, and two destroyers, the Nowaki and Hagikaze. These ships added to the light cruiser Naka and the six surviving destroyers of Nishimura command and he has organized this force in a two column formation protecting the convoy itself made of 6 freighters, the two surviving seaplane tenders (it actually was F1M2 seaplanes from the Mizuho who have downed the two French Hudsons), 6 minesweepers and 9 subchasers. This was a quite considerable force to which Berenger could oppose two old light cruisers (Primaguet and Marblehead respectively with eight 155mm and twelve 6in), three French large destroyers ("Contre Torpilleurs" with four 5.1in guns with a relatively low rate of fire and six 550mm TT) and four old US destroyers (armed with 4in guns but with plenty of torpedoes, 12-21in TT). On the other hand three Japanese destroyers were belonging to the Shiratsuyu class (Yudachi, Harusame, Samidare 1685t and 5-5in/50 DP guns and 8-24in TT), three to the larger Asashio class (Asagumo, Minegumo, Natsugumo 1961t standard, 6-5in/50 DP, 8-24in TT) and the two seconded from the 2nd Fleet were brand new ships from the Kagero class (Nowaki, Hagikaze, 2033t standard, 6-5in/50 DP, 8-24in TT). Nishimura's flagship, Naka, was a Sendai class cruiser whose armament of seven 5.5in/50 was old fashioned (single gun mounts) but allowing for fast firing rates and was strengthened by eight 24in torpedo tubes. Atago and Takao were heavy cruisers which, after rebuilding during winter 1939-40 went up much heavier than the Washington Treaty limit at 13,400t standard and had received an armament of ten 8in/50 guns in five twin turrets and eight 5in/40 DP guns in four twin mounts. This already powerful gun armament was boosted by eight 24in torpedo tubes.
Because there has been no time to properly work up common procedures between French and US ships, Berenger has organized the LSF in two divisions with Primaguet leading the French three large destroyers and Marblehead, slightly abaft, leading the four US destroyers. Before leaving Cam Ranh however, Berenger has had the time to set up a short meeting with leading USN officers (Cdr Binford, commander of DesDiv 58 and Capt. A.G. Robinson, captain of the Marblehead) to discuss his plan. He was assuming that the Japanese admiral would put the strongest part of his screen on port side when steaming South-West toward Tourane, as air-reconnaissance would have told him that no significant surface unit was based in Haiphong. Berenger intended to have the US division to tackle the screen when, with his ships, he would outturn it to get at the convoy from the Northwest. Berenger assumed that, in a night actions, US destroyers with their large torpedo load would be better armed to face Japanese destroyers than the large French "Contre-Torpilleurs", more conspicuous because of their size, and armed with powerful but relatively slow firing 5.1in guns and only 6 torpedoes.
At 2234 the LSF was then steaming at 15kts, bearing 340, in two columns with the Primaguet one leading by 900yds. The Japanese formation was steaming at 11kts on bearing 240 and was led by a vanguard of 3 DDs (Asagumo, Minegumo and Natsagumo). The convoy was escorted on its port beam by CL Naka (Nishimura flagship) and CA Atago, leading DD Yudachi, Harusame and Samidare, and on its starboard beam by CA Takao, DD Nowaki and Hagikaze. Japanese ships were sighted near simultaneously at 2235 by lookouts on Primaguet and Marblehead. Actually it was the three Japanese destroyers leading the van which were seen first and confused with the "one cruiser, two destroyers" of Le Hero message. Through blinker, Cdr Berenger ordered full steam, bearing 320 to his ships and simultaneously ordered the American column to "attack the screen". At this time, the American column had been detected and tracked by Japanese ships for at least 5 minutes, but the French one was still not detected. Capt. A.G. Robinson ordered to illuminate enemy ships and to open fire by 2337. The leading 3 Japanese ships were already turning to starboard after having fired their torpedoes. At the same Nishimura who has ordered the convoy to turn back when allied ships had been first sighted, was racing forward to join his vanguard, turning to bearing 280 to unmask Naka and Atago guns. When Marblehead lighted her searchlights, Japanese gun layers had a perfect target. Marblehead's fire was concentrated on Asagumo, mistaking her for a light cruiser. Fast firing US 6in guns achieved three hits on the leading Japanese destroyer before the old light cruiser began to suffer the concentrated weight of seven 5.5in and ten 8in guns. By 2341, Marblehead has been hit more than fifteen times by shells from 8in down to 5in/40. Her bridge was destroyed, the starboard foremost 6in casemates was destroyed by a direct 8in hit followed probably by two of 5.5in or 5in and so has been the rear turret, and her machinery space pierced twice with the front boiler room out of action. The forward part of the ship was engulfed in fire when she was hit by a torpedo abreast the mainmast. This class was an unfortunate design, a scout scaled up from destroyer practise and nor really a cruisers. Their hulls were notoriously weak. The powerful shock broke the cruiser's back. The doomed cruiser jack-knifed, listed to starboard and began to sink by the stern. She broke in half at 2351, the stern sinking instantly. The remaining two-thirds of the ship capsized and sank quickly.
US destroyers had not watched their leader to receive a deathblow without reaction and had fired their starboard side torpedoes, trading shots with the 3 Japanese destroyers, which were following the two cruisers. Stewart and Bulmer were engaging Yudari but quickly got worse than they gave. The Stewart front 4in mount was disabled and Bulmer took two 5in shells (probably from Harusame) on her aft superstructure. By then (23h44), Nishimura has ordered his ships to come at bearing 350 and then 10 to avoid running into torpedo waters and cover the convoy. Cdr Binford ordered his destroyers to turn to bearing 45, expecting the convoy to be retreating and also to unmask his ship port torpedo tubes. By doing so however, USS Stewart and Bulmer were engaged by Samidare, who registered two more hits on Stewart.
At this time, Cdr Berenger has ordered too his ship to turn Northeast, bearing 45, hoping having turned the screen and ready to have a run on the convoy. However by 2343 Primaguet lookout sighted "a large ship followed by two smaller one" coming on port beam on reverse course. This was the Takao and her two destroyers. At 2344 another sighting was made on the starboard beam this time of "three large destroyers or light cruisers". It was the Japanese vanguard which had nearly completed her 180° turn after the torpedo launch which doomed the Marblehead. Berenger realised then that his ships were to be sandwiched and that the convoy escort was much stronger than expected. He directed Primaguet guns to concentrate on port targets and the 3 Contre-Torpilleurs to engage starboard ones. He then ordered "Feu à volonté, emmenons-les en Enfer" (Fire at will, taking them to hell!).
Primaguet illuminated Takao at 2345 and opened fire nearly simultaneously. Actually Takao look-outs had sighted the French column some minutes before but, believing that the Marblehead one has been the only enemy force present, has mistaken Berenger's ships with Nishimura's ones. When the French cruiser opened fire the range was under 4,000yds. At this range, French 155mm guns with their heavy shells (124.5lbs) and high velocity were as destructive for the Japanese cruiser than her 8in for the nearly unprotected French cruiser. With the advantage of surprise French gunners scored three immediate hits on front turrets, disabling Takao's A and B turrets and their crews. As other shells kept coming, disabling the third forward turret, the Japanese captain had no other option but to flood the forward magazine. In the following minutes other hits were gained on the Takao's vast bridge and funnel space starting serious fires and damaging the forward boiler room. The catapult space was hit too and one French shell penetrated the seaplane petrol tank, starting a huge fire aft on the Japanese cruiser. Primaguet was not hit back before 2348 but by then was copiously raked by Takao 5in/40 DP guns, which at such close range were also very effective. Berenger and the ship's Captain had to evacuate the bridge to conn the cruiser from the aft position. Nowaki and Hagigaze have meanwhile entered the show, firing guns and torpedoes. Primaguet too fired her port torpedoes, but missed. The cruiser was now in a very uncomfortable situation, being targeted by no less than 12 5in/50, 4 5in/40 and 4 8in guns. Her two front turrets have been silenced and the bridge was in shambles. Her aft guns were nevertheless able to score on Hagigaze which had to stop for a while when a 155mm shell penetrated the port turbine room. At 2353 a Takao 8in shell struck "Y" turret and the Primaguet's captain had to flood the aft magazine to prevent the fire, from reaching the magazines. With all her guns silenced, Primaguet was of no use in the battle and Berenger ordered her full speed Northwest toward Haïphong. Primaguet escaped then to North, steaming at 34kts.
In the same time, Lynx, Tigre and Leopard had engaged the three Japanese destroyers. French 5.1 shells were considerably more powerful than Japanese 5in/50 ones (70.5lbs against 52lbs). However the Japanese gun rate of fire was twice the one of French guns. Still, Lynx and Tigre scored on the lead Japanese ship, Asagumo which had already been seriously damaged by Marblehead's fire. At 2348 Asagumo began to turn widely to starboard, with multiple explosions in her aft turrets. The ship stopped soon after, brightly lighted by fires. Leopard had meanwhile been hit twice by Natsugumo and had to slow down when her aft condensers were destroyed. At 23h0 a loud explosion rocked the Contre-Torpilleur line. Actually a torpedo fired by Nowaki against Primaguet had torpedoed Tigre. The French Contre-Torpilleur broke in two and sank in less than 5 minutes with heavy losses of life. The slowed down Leopard was by then attracting fire of Natsugumo and Minegumo and was quickly stopped, with all but one of gun destroyed and in sinking conditions. Lynx had turned South to close the stopped Asagumo and, at 2352 fired a half torpedo salvo. One French 550mm fish hit by 2355 and Asagumo began to sink by the stern. Minegumo and Natsugumo, which had just disabled Leopard, now targeted Lynx. Without communication either with her leader Primaguet (whose radio-sets have been disabled when the bridge has been hit) or with the American column, the Lynx captain decided to extricate herself from the fight and raced South, her machinery still able to give a good 35kts.
It is time now to turn to the American column survivors fate. The four DDs were steaming northeast, bearing 45, hoping to find the convoy and to avenge Marblehead. Stewart had to slow down after her multiple hits forward and the column was led by USS Bulmer (Lt.Cdr. L.J. Manees). By 2349 ship silhouettes were sighted on the port beam, closing. It was Nishimura whose ships had turned by 180° and who was interposing between US destroyers and the retreating convoy. By 23h51 the two Japanese cruisers opened fire on the four "four-pipers", quickly followed by the 3 destroyers following their leaders. The DesDiv commander, Cdr. Binford was by then unable to communicate with the three other ships as his radio-set was breaking down. However the Stewart's skipper ordered the three other destroyers to launch their port side torpedoes and to turn south to disengage. Most torpedoes missed by a big margin, but Atago had to manoeuvre hard to comb two tracks coming unhealthily close. By this time the two last US destroyers, Parrot and Bulmer, were however hotly under fire. Stewart has been hit by one 8in shell and three 5in/40 ones and Parrot has suffered multiple 5.5in hits. The two ships slowed down, with Parrot trying to hide her division leader behind a smoke curtain. As the three Japanese destroyers were chasing down the last two "four-pipers", Naka closed for a kill firing her starboard torpedoes, quickly followed by Atago. At 2358, USS Parrott literally disintegrated when hit by a 24in torpedo. Bulmer was now stopped, and was repeatedly hit by 5.5in and 5in/40 shells. Fires, raging from the stern to the bridge, were out of control and the machinery gang has been forced up to the deck by burning vapours entering the machinery space. At 00h06 her skipper, Ltn.Cdr H.P. Smith ordered to open scuttles and to abandon ship. Bulmer sank by 0017 on December 10th . Survivors, as for few Parrott ones, were rescued by the Atago crew and were relatively well treated, at least till they arrive to PoW camps by early 1942. However, some French survivors rescued by the destroyers were very badly treated. Atthis time there was no Japanese policy on PoW treatment, and it varied wildly according to the character of individual CO's.
By 0022 Rear-Admiral Nishimura was rallying his forces and ordering the convoy to resume his run to Tourane.
Nishimura emerged clearly the victor of this battle called "the Battle of Tourane" by French crews, the "The Battle of Tonkin Gulf" by US crews and "the Battle off Hainan" by Japanese ones. He has lost one destroyer (Asagumo), with one cruiser (Takao) and one destroyer (Hagikaze) both so heavily damaged that they had to limp back to Hainan to be repaired before being able to sail back to Japan. But Allied navies have lost one cruiser (Marblehead), two large destroyers (Tigre and Leopard) and two smaller ones (Bulmer and Parrott). More importantly, the whole action had delayed the convoy by no more than two hours.
Of the four surviving ships, only Lynx and the two US destroyers (Stewart with serious damage) and Barker were sailing back to Cam Ranh. Primaguet was sailing to Haïphong with her main armament disabled. To any extent the Light Striking Force has ceased to exist.
Nishimura praised Allied ships persistence in their attempt to get at the convoy. He admitted to have been surprised by the French division move. As most Japanese officers present to this battle he found French guns firing extremely damaging shells (Japanese destroyer crews were talking about French 5.1 guns as "6in special type for flotilla ships") but at a much too slow rate of fire for a night engagement. Generally speaking, he found Allied crews not sufficiently prepared for night actions at close range.
IJN CA Takao serious damage
IJN DD Asagumo sunk
IJN DD Hagikaze serious damage
USN CL Marblehead sunk
USN DD Parrott sunk
USN SS Bulmer sunk
USN DD Stewart damaged
USN DD Barker damaged
MN DD Tigre sunk
MN DD Leopard sunk
Adelaide
December 8th, 1545 (02h45 on the 8th in Washington DC).
Japanese bombers are making a second raid, targeting this time Butterworth airfield and the Penang Fortress. However, the raid begins by a feint attack at 14h35 by 9 Ki-21 escorted by 18 Ki-27. This small raid turns north at mid way between the Thai border and Butterworth, attracting most of the 24 Hurricanes, which have been scrambled. 4 Bombers are destroyed as well as 3 fighters against 3 Hurricanes downed. However, Hurricanes are refuelling when the second raid made of 54 Ki-21 and 27 Ki-43 attacks Butterworth. 6 Hurricanes are able to take-off but 4 are destroyed in dogfights, which however claims 3 Japanese fighters. 13 other Hurricanes are destroyed on the ground with 5 Wellingtons and 4 Beauforts, and Butterworth installations are severely damaged. During this raid 27 Ki-21 escorted by 36 Ki-27 have their luck against the Penang fortress. The light cruiser HMAS Adelaide is damaged by two near-misses, and two minesweepers sunk.
Adelaide is a ship very vulnerable to air attack due to lack of an armoured deck. However, she is also a very valuable ship based at Penang. She is not only the flagship of the RAN force there, but her 6” armament guarantees that any effort by the IJA to use a small craft convoy to occupy the Langkawi island group off Perlis will be destroyed. She is also of reasonably shallow draft and is well capable of shore bombardment.
The ship was berthed alongside Swettenham Pier when the raid came in. She received damage from three bombs, when straddled by a stick of 250lb HE bombs fitted with contact fuses. These were aimed at the ship and wharf.
The first bomb detonated on the timber decking of the wharf, blowing a large hole in it and causing such severe damage to two small local timber coasters that they had to be beached. Fragments from the bomb and teak splinters from the wharf damaged the bridge of the ship, killing two sailors and injuring four others, one seriously. No operationally significant damage was done to the bridge.
The second bomb exploded on the surface of the water about 24’ from the side of the ship’s port side, abreast the forward engine room. Splinter damage was insignificant although two boats were destroyed. Shock damage was sustained to the port engine room, rupturing a steam line which forced the immediate abandonment of the space. Steam venting though the ER vents appeared in the IJA photographs of the attack, leading to claims of a severe fire aboard. Shock damage was also sustained in the aft boiler room. The ship temporarily lost half of her plant, but the damage was repaired within 12 hours. Minor flooding of the bilges occurred through loosened rivets in the condenser intake shroud. This was easily contained by pumps and the leakage controlled by packing.
The third bomb exploded on the water about 32’ from the stern of the ship. Damage from this hit was more serious. The shock caused the stern to whip, corrugating plates on the port side and causing severe leaking in to the tiller flat. The shock disabled the steering gear by fracturing hydraulic lines. The worst damage was from fragments of the bomb, which punched holes totalling about two square feet in the tiller flat. The space quickly flooded, causing 3’ of immersion at the stern. A crack in the bulkhead led to salt water contamination of the aft fresh water tank. Leakage through screw holes securing the cortisone deck covering on the deck above caused minor flooding to a maximum depth of about a foot. The tiller flat was quickly pumped out once the holes were blocked by a diver using stuffing boxes and plugs. The steering gear was repaired and the hull made watertight (except for minor leaks) within 24 hours.
Consideration was given to withdrawing the ship from Penang, but as the damage was well within the ability of local resources to deal with, and the ship was considered to be the major asset preventing any IJA operations along the coast (especially in Thai coastal shipping), this was rejected. Another major factor was the positive impact of the ship on local morale. Adelaide was fully operational by the following morning.
The most significant result of the attack was that most ships tended to remain mobile during the day, berthing only at night when they needed to. The IJA showed less ability to hit a moving ship.
Adelaide
On 9 Dec 41 at 2000 Adelaide was again attacked in Penang Roadstead. The ship was conducting trials on her repairs and was attacked by six Ki-21 bombers, which bombed from 6000 feet. The bombers were lucky and obtained one good ‘stick’ of 250lb contact fused HE bombs. The first exploded on the sea 32’ from the bow, shaking the ship and causing minor splinter damage to the port bow. The second burst 26’ from the ship after penetrating the sea surface somewhat. It drenched the forward part of the vessel. Fragments from this bomb caused minor holing of the ship above the waterline. The splinters started a small fire on the forward messdeck, but this was quickly extinguished. Splinters also killed three men manning the forward 6” gun. The ship was severely shaken, fracturing the steam lines to the Capstan and rendering it useless.
The third bomb was a direct hit on the quarterdeck 6” gun. The bomb was also contact fused, and it exploded on the top of the gunshield roof. The entire 6” gun crew was killed instantly and the gun wrecked. The 4” AA gun superfiring above (in X position) was damaged but not wrecked, but again the entire crew was killed and the position’s fixed shielding was blown away. The deck around the 6” gun was holed by blast and several fragments of the gun shield. A severe localised fire was started in the officers cabin flat below the quarterdeck. This took two hours to extinguish and destroyed the wardroom (which functioned as a casualty clearing space and surgery) and four cabins. The worst effect of this fire was severe buckling of the quarterdeck.
Surprisingly, the ship remained fully under command and even the repaired steering system passed this severe test.
Adelaide was very vulnerable to any bombs able to penetrate her unarmoured decks. IJAAF use of contact-fused thin walled HE bombs gave the ship the appearance of being able to withstand bombs quite well. Her extensive side armour, and the fragmentation of the thin-walled IJAAF bombs meant that near misses were fairly ineffective in causing splinter damage as the splinters were too small to do much structural damage, although they were lethal to exposed personnel.
Adelaide’s CO noted in his report to Singapore that even if the bomb had hit the upperdeck, it would have done little beyond blowing a large hole in the upperdeck, as it lacked any semblance of an ability to penetrate even weather decking. He though, in fact, that hitting where it did caused more damage then landing on the deck. He assessed the ability of his ship to withstand such light HE bombs as very good. As Adelaide remained quite battle-ready, he recommended to Singapore that his ship remain in local waters, but move out of the constricted confines of Penang Roadstead in to the wider reaches of the northern Malacca Strait, where she would be safer from IJAAF bombing but still able to conduct shore bombardments and interdiction of IJAAF seaward moves at will (especially at night).
The ship lost 24 men killed and 9 wounded in the attack.
DECEMBER 10th, 1941
Philippines:
As the weather have considerably improved over Formosa, the Japanese Army and Naval aviation deliver a very strong blow as the first landings begin. At dawn 18 twin-engined bombers (Ki-21) strikes the US Army headquarter at Ft. Stotemburg. Some minutes later 54 Naval twin-engined bombers (G4M1) escorted by no less than 60 A6M2 attack Clark Field, Nichols Field and the city of Manila. Even if now some US planes have been deployed from emergency airstrips, this bombing nearly closes the two most important US airfields as Zero fighters are strafing assiduously satellite Fields. Only 9 flyable B-17 are left. The bombing of Manila, coming after the two ones on Cavite raises a considerable panic in the civilian population. Some USAAF fighters try to intercept the raid but lose 5 of them for one bomber and 2 A6M2 destroyed. At the end of the day, there are now just 17 P-40s, 5 P-35s and 4 very old P-26As still operational in the Manila area. P-35s have been found wholly unsuited for fighter operations and are to be used as fast tactical reconnaissance planes. Peashooters (P-26A) had been operated by the 6th Pursuit Squadron of the Philippine Army Air Corps from Batangas Field until replaced by P-40. Some are now returned to service. A plane patrol has been scrambled to intercept the G4M1 raid but the old fighters found that they were unable to catch the fast Japanese bombers. When preparing to land back at Batangas they found their home airfield strafed by 5 A6M2s. In the unequal fight, which followed, two P-26A were quickly dispatched by Japanese fighters, the one flown by Lt. Cesar Basa crashing on the airfield edge as Lt. José Mondigo was able to bail out. One Peashooter, flown by Lt. José Gozar made an unsuccessful attempt to ram a Japanese fighter after his guns jammed, unfortunately a common enough occurrence with the P-26A. Mondigo survived the fight but has to crash-land his plane whose left wing has been abbreviated by nearly 3ft by a 20mm shell. He claimed a "probable" when a Zero was seen leaving the fight with a huge trail of smoke and succeeded in reaching the Zablan airstrip with Lt. Godofredo Juliano, both planes being conspicuously riddled with bullets and Juliano's P-26A guns having jammed too as the beginning of the fight. Only Lt. Manuel Conde was able to regain Batangas Field, with a badly damaged plane too. After this experience, the remaining P-26A are left in storage. To use them is to waste valuable pilots.
However the worst blow on US airpower was not given by bombers but by fighters. Some A6M2 having sighted a PBY restrained to fire till they have found the flying boat base at Olongapo. They then strike Capt. F.D. Wagner's Patrol Wing 10 Catalinas at their moorings, destroying no less than 11 PBYs, that is nearly half of all US reconnaissance flying boats in Philippines.
In the meantime, at daybreak, Japanese forces began to land at Aparri, on the north coast of Luzon. USAAF planes are unable to interfere but foul weather delay the whole operation. Transports are to be shifted to a roadstead off Gonzaga, eastward to Aparri, to benefit from a partial lee from Cape Engano. By 13h40 Japanese troops are in possession of the Aparri airstrip. But it proves unsuitable and Japanese forces have to move inland south toward Tuguegarao to find suitable airfields. Japanese troops push on the Cagayan Valley easily driving off an 11th division battalion.
Indochina.
During the night Japanese troops have pushed southwest from Cao Bang and have tried to by-pass Lang Son. This last attempt has been foiled by vigorous counter-attacks by Foreign Legion units. However, on the Cao Bang Thai-Nguyen road, as the DMT has still not reached Bac Can, the Tonkin Division commander asks the AVG to provide for close support in combination with II/52 close support and cooperation planes and II/62 light bombers. From dawn to noon, Potez 63/11, Wirraways and Martin-167s escorted by AVG P-40Cs from the 1st squadron ("Adam and Eve") are bombing and strafing advancing Japanese troops. Japanese fighters don't try to interfere before mid-day. By then, 9 Ki-27 bounce a 3 planes element from the II/62 damaging two light bombers before being bounced too by 4 P-40Cs and losing 3 of their owns to American flown fighters. The two other AVG squadrons ("Hell's Angels" and "Panda Bear") are busily employed to cover the Hanoi / Haïphong area against repeated raid by the IJAAF and to escort GB III/62 Marylands attacking Japanese artillery near Lang Son or on the coastal road.
In Cambodia and Cochinchina, Japanese planes raid in numbers Saigon. No less than 27 Ki-21 escorted by 36 Ki-27 and Ki-43 deliver an attack by 0900, which is co-ordinated with another raid by 12 Thai Ki-21 escorted by 24 Japanese and Thai Ki-27 on Phnom-Penh. French and British fighters from the GC II/40 and III/40 and RAF Sqn 243 provide a strong response. British pilots have accepted to follow rules of engagement worked out by the Armée de l'Air after training with the AVG during fall 1941 and use the Hurricane II superior ceiling to dive on Japanese formations. Curtiss Hawk-75A4s have some difficulties to reach out an altitude allowing such tactics because of the relatively short warning time. However no less than 11 Japanese bombers and 14 fighters are destroyed to the cost of 5 Hurricanes and 7 Hawk-75A4s. If the defence has struck a powerful blow on Japanese airpower, the bombardment has again badly hit the city where more than 300 civilians have been killed and more than one thousand wounded. Fires are burning on Saigon docks and in the Chinese town. Over Phnom-Penh, 3 bombers and 5 fighters have been downed to the cost of 5 Hawk 75-A4 destroyed. As French fighters defending Cambodia have to be used during the whole day to try to intercept Japanese and Thai light bombers constantly attacking troops at Siem Reap and on the Battambang road, the GC I/40 is down to 6 flyable planes at the end of the day. The ZOCOC (Zone Operationnelle de Cochinchine et Cambodge) commander decides then to transfer the GC II/40 from Tan Son Nhut to Phnom Penh.
Japanese air bombing and artillery pounding are setting Siem Reap ablaze and civilian casualties are estimated to over two thousands by dusk. French defence are however still unpierced when night comes even if Colonel Schlesser Sav-40 tanks have to be used as mobile fire base to check Japanese infantry infiltration attempts.
In Laos, the battle for Pakse and Savannakhet rages on, the former town being now partly encircled by Japanese and Thai troops. Planes of the GOCT I/52 are constantly strafing enemy troops but one Brewster B-339 and one old Morane MS-406 are destroyed protecting Wirraways used for the first time as "dive-bombers" (the plane carry just the pilot and a 250lbs bomb).
More worst news are coming from Tourane. By 08h30 Japanese ships began to land 5,500 soldiers and some heavy artillery (150mm howitzers). Rear-Adm. Nishimura covering force provides too a short but effective bombardment with Atago's 8in guns. French troops have to retreat toward Hué, the Vietnam historical capital, as Japanese troops began to move south by the end of the day.
South China Sea:
As the two US destroyers Stewart and Barker unite with the French Lynx, to go back to Cam Ranh, they are from dawn constantly shadowed By Japanese reconnaissance planes. By 08h15 twelve G3M2 try to bomb them from 6,000ft but these fast manoeuvring ships escape without harm. RN DD Express and Electra who have been sent with the cruiser-minelayer HMS Adventure to Miri (South of Brunei Bay) in Borneo to land some reinforcements to Commonwealth forces already there and which are defending the vital oil installations. Adventure also laid a 90 mine protective field. Although plans have been made to disable these installations, the arrival of the Fleet made them essential. Their location (it was thought) placed them well beyond Japanese bomber range, and the presence of the Eastern Fleet was a powerful guarantor of their security.
Malaya/Singapore:
This very Wednesday morning the Far East War Council is formed at Singapore. It composition is as follows:
Chairman: The Rt. Hon. A. Duff Cooper, Cabinet Representative in the Far East.
Members: Governor and High Commissioner Malaya, Commander-in-Chief Far East (General Sir Archibald Wavell), Commander-in-Chief Eastern Fleet (Adm. Sir James Somerville), General Officer Commanding Malaya, Air Officer Commanding Far East (Air Vice Marshal Goble), Mr. Bowden, representing Australia.
The Council meets at 9 a.m. at Sime Road to oversight operations and defence needs in the whole area.
The first meeting concentrates on the very night events. Admiral Somerville informs the council of the LSF failure to stop the Japanese convoy bound to Tourane. In Kedah, Japanese troops have resumed attack during the night under the cover of constant rains and multiple thunderstorms. The Krohcol is holding firm but situation seems to be a little confused in Jitra. Because of standard regulations, tanks have moved back to their squadron headquarters during the night. The British Army doesn't suppose tank to be able to fight by night and by the way Matidas and Valentines were badly in need of petrol and ammunitions. This move back has left some troops without support and seems to have been misinterpreted by others. When attacking by 0030 under cover of the worst of the rain, some Japanese units have been able to by-pass the main defence strongpoint without being noticed. At dawn the 7th Loyal Regt. (North Lancashire) has tried to mop-up infiltrators on the right of the main position, just to find they were worth a full regiment. The 2/6th Armoured Regiment of the 1st Australian Armoured Brigade has been engaged but Matilda II tanks have some difficulties to cross streams which are overflowing after the last hours torrential rains. A false paratroops alarm has been raised at 0400 at Gurun and the 2/7th Armoured Regiment has been deployed to cover the Butterworth airfield. As it is now clear that no Japanese paratroopers have been dropped in this area, tanks are to move by noon toward Jitra.
Japanese planes are raiding all airfields in north Malaysia from dawn on. The inclement weather seems unable to stop them as they keep going on Alor Setar, Butterworth and now Sungei Patani. A force of 18 Hurricanes can be gathered to contest Japanese raids and RAF/RAAF fighters to the cost of 5 Hurricanes destroyed claimed 5 Ki-21 and 9 Ki-27. At least one flight has begun to use to effect the dive-and-zoom tactics to counter nimbler Japanese planes. A commending officer remarked that younger Australian pilots, fresh from the OTU, were first to adapt. Older ones, who have fought German planes over Greece and Crete, had some difficulties to accept that their planes could be outmanoeuvred. However, the Japanese bombing has again been quite effective. Part of Butterworth fuel tanks have been hit and Sungei Patani has suffered too. Here 7 Fairey Battles of the 100 Sqn (RAAF) have been destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Early in the afternoon, a large formation including 27 Ki-21 escorted by 24 Ki-27 raids Penang. They mostly bomb the city of Georgetown where casualties are over one thousand. The old cruiser HMAS Adelaide watches the bombing from the Malacca Strait where, with HMS Dragon, she patrols against any Japanese infiltration attempt by the sea.
However the most astounding news was the arrest at gunpoint of Captain Patrick Heenan, who was Air Liaison Officer at Butterworth. Heenan is charged with high treason, having given Japanese Intelligence a considerable amount of info about Commonwealth forces in Malaya and having guided some Japanese air raids by radio. It has been said that Heenan's public arrest was an even worst blow to morale than Japanese bomber destructions. Whatever, the situation in Alor Setar, Butterworth and Sungei Patani is critical. The first two airfields have been repeatedly hit during the last three days and Sungei Patani is highly vulnerable. The situation is particularly critical as far the fighter force is concerned. After operational and non-operational attrition, only 27 Hurricanes are left of which, by December 10th late afternoon no more than 14 are immediately available (a number which is to raise to 19 by next day it is hoped). The FE War Council is highly reluctant to allow Spitfires and Defiants tasked with Singapore defence to be deployed to cover Kedah. In such a situation, no fighter escort can be provided in following days for light bombers and attack aircrafts operating against Japanese and Thai positions.
By early afternoon, analysis of photo got by PRU Spitfire is showing that the previous night raid has been largely ineffective. As Commonwealth Air assets are now stretched thin by three days of continuous Japanese Air offensive, counter-Air operations are given the highest priority. It is then decided to launch dawn raids by medium bombers on the 11th. The risk of engaging Hudson, Wellington and Manchester bombers by day is to be accepted if valuable results are to be obtained. It is though that attacking by dawn would reduce this risk, as the inward leg of the mission would be done by night. Taking off by 04h00 would also allow Manchesters to benefit of a lower temperature than by day.
Another Photo-Recco Spitfire brings pictures showing that more Japanese troops are going down the Kra Isthmus road, marching toward Hat Yai. They are supposed troops belonging to the Japanese 7th Army (Ltn-Gen Jûichi), which has been deployed on the border with Burma first.
NEI:
General van Oyen Chief of Staff ML-KNIL decides after communication with Adm. Helfrich and British authorities to send the 2e Afdeling (2-VLG-V) fighter squadron which was based at Semplak airfield, near Buitenzorg on Java with 10 Brewster B-339D to the RAF base at Penang via Mendan (north-east coast of Sumatra). This unit is to provide cover for Penang if the Alor Star airfield is to be abandoned. The 10 fighters reach Penang late in the afternoon but one is destroyed in a landing accident.
(VLG stands for Vliegtuiggroep or Wing, an unit divided into 2 to 4 squadrons numbered then 1 to 4 - VLG, then followed in roman numbers by the Wing number). In the same time, the 1-VLG-V is sent to Borneo, with two flights at Samarinda II airfield and one at Singkawang II.
Burma:
Japanese light bombers are attacking Moulmein and lose 5 of their own to local Hurricanes, which destroy too, 3 Ki-27 but suffer 3 planes downed and two others seriously damaged.
Aegean:
The air offensive against Axis positions in the Aegean goes on unabated by Far East events. Ground attack fighters (Yugoslav P-39Ds and French Hawk-87) are attacking the coastal traffic around Andros and Eubée coast, under protection of French Spitfires and RAF Hurricanes flying top cover in an attempt to draw to battle the Luftwaffe. However German fighters don't react to what they (rightly) perceive as minor attacks.
Things are different in the Balkans. The "Coronation" force resumes its operations and 30 Consolidated 32 of GB I/60 and II/60 launch a raid against Sofia marshalling yard. This raid is significant as, for the first time, day bombers are escorted by twin-engined "escort" fighters, 32 P-38D/Es from French GC I/2 and II/2 which have made a refuelling stop at Crete. Detected by German radars this raid is intercepted over the Rhodope Mountains by 24 Bf-110s hoping to have a "field day" against unescorted bombers. In the ensuing fight 11 Bf-110s are shot down and 9 seriously damaged, some having to crash land, without loss for the escort. As the French formation is on the return leg, 20 Bf-109F from Salonika try to intercept over the Greek coastal city of Kavalla. The fight is more equal but German fighters are at the limit of their range. 4 of the new P-38s are lost against 3 Bf-109 but bombers escape unharmed. Actually two other P-38s will be lost in landing accidents at Mytilene. This operation is seen as major success by the Aegean Air Force commander (Gen. Bouscat). The bombing has been successful and the newly delivered US long-range fighters have proved their worth. Introduction of the new long-range low-level fighter, the North American NA-73, by early January 1942 is expected with some trepidation too.
During the night, 24 RAF Short Stirling heavy-bombers attack the Salonika marshalling yard, losing 2 planes to German night-fighters.
Berlin:
Hitler, who has arrived late the day before from Bertchesgaden, summons Ribbentrop and calls for a Reichstag meeting on December 11th. From Bertchesgaden he has already ordered Adm. Reader to signal all Kriegsmarine units to close up to the vulnerable traffic on the US coast, something to which Ribbentrop has informed Japanese Ambassador in Berlin, Gen. Oshima, late on the 9th.
As noted by Halder, who was in Bertchesgaden with Hitler when this last learnt news about the Pearl Harbor raid, the Nazi dictator was greatly elated by the Japanese surprise attack and the resulting favourable strategic situation. He was deeply convinced that the war between the USA and Japan would prevent the formers to increase their help to Great Britain and France before mid-43. By then Russia was supposed to be finished and most of its natural resources under German control. Hitler was also despising to the utmost USA, a country he described as "completely rotten and morally bankrupt, half-Jew and half-Negro, ridden by venereal diseases, racially unfit and unable to stand in the modern world".
General Halder, the Chief of General Staff wrote later in his diaries "...by then the Furher was responding no more to rational arguments. His strategic decisions were grounded on his own visions and passions."
Algiers:
The "Comité de la défense Nationale" or National Defence Committee meets to review the situation in Indochina. If the ground battle develops as expected, the LSF near-destruction and the new Japanese landing at Tourane are seen with considerable concern.
Appointment of a new High Commissioner, Mr. Jean Sainteny, is decided and endorsed in the afternoon at a government meeting. Admiral Decoux is to take charge of naval support of the Defence of Indochina and to co-ordinate naval operations with the British after the Light Strike Force near destruction. However, the real motive behind Sainteny nomination is much more than just a rationalization of the command structure. Sainteny is seen by de Gaulle and Mendès-France as able to effectively respond to a call to arm to "fight Japanese fascism" launched by a former schoolteacher named Nguyen Ai Quoc. A well known communist leader, he had been forced to flee Indochina by 1939. However, after a 18 months stay in Moscow he has come back to China by fall 1941 and from then on moved to the Haïphong area. His call is not mentioning, as it would have been usual, "French imperialism and colonial rule", something to which the French government has been warned in advance by the Soviet Ambassador in Washington (Mr. Maxim Litvinov). As Decoux was known to be reluctant to free communist militants jailed in Poulo-Condor, the French government has decided to send a civilian as the highest authority in Indochina with full authority to negotiate with local communist and nationalist movements a full mobilization of the Vietnamese population. By late afternoon (Algiers time), Jean Sainteny boards a French Lockheed 18 bound to Saigon via Karachi and Singapore.
By the end of the day, the French Prime Minister call his British counterpart to ask for as much naval support the RN could give, pointing to the fact that the longer French troops would be able to fight Japanese ones in Cochinchina and deny them the Saigon area the safer would be Malaya and Singapore.
London:
In a speech delivered to the Commons, Churchill pays another tribute to "the gallant defenders of the free world in the Far East". In a signal sent to Wavell he stresses "denying Japan access to oil resources is of the utmost importance. Starved of oil, the Japanese war machine could not go on for very long".
Later in the night, he send another message stating that "providing support to French forces in Indochina, and preventing the Japanese to gain any stronghold in Cochinchina is a key point for the defence of Singapore".
DECEMBER 11th.
At 1030 the French cruiser Primauguet enters Miri (Sarawak, British Borneo) where she hastily refuels before leaving by 1330 for Singapore. Near-miss bomb damage to the outer starboard shaft is limiting the ship speed at 25kts.
Philippines:
Japanese forces landed at Aparri and Vigan consolidate their position and move south. The small airstrip in Aparri began to receive Japanese Army Co-Operation planes (Ki-51) and Japanese forces reach the Baguio airfield near Vigan at the end of the day.
Considering the USAAF weakness in Philippines, Adm. Hart orders the China station gunboats to move to the Visayas. Constant attacks have filled manila bay with wrecks, and many ships have been captured by Japanese offshore sweeps, but many have been able to escape to the south.
Indochina:
If the land battle is stalemated in Tonkin, and French forces slowly giving ground on both Tonlé Sap Lake sides, the situation is much worse in Annam.
Naval planes operating from Tourane are joining forces with the already present IJAAF unit to attack French forces. By 0730 18D3A1s escorted by the same number of A6M2 fighters attack Tan-Son-Nhut in the same time that 12 B5N1 and 9 D3A1 attack Cam Ranh. The attack on Saigon airport is the most damaging as French and British fighters are meeting for the first time the A6M2 which is not only more agile but faster than both the Hawk-75A3 and the Hurricane. Dive-bombing is also much more precise than level bombing. In the end Allied fighters are able to destroy 3 D3A1 and 2 A6M2 to the cost of 5 Curtiss fighters and 4 Hurricanes. More planes are destroyed on the ground, including 5 GB I/62 Maryland bombers. In Cam Ranh more building are destroyed and submarine Pegase just coming back from a patrol is so damaged by two bombs that the boat has to be beached. The Lockheed 18 carrying the new High Commissioner, Mr. Jean Sainteny, lands by 10h00 at Tan-Son-Nhut where fires are still burning.
Before noon, Ki-51 and Ki-36 based in Tourane have repeatedly attacked the coastal road supporting the advancing Japanese column marching south. Considering the threat of Tourane based Japanese planes, Col. Pijeaud, after a talk with the French AOC in Indochina, col. Tavera, decides to allocate Martin-167 based in the Hanoi area to the task of interdicting Tourane. A first unescorted strike is launched by 1300 (9 planes belonging to the GB II/62). At that time all available AVG P40s are needed to defend Hanoi or for ground attack missions against Japanese troops at Bac Can and Lang Son. This raid is moderately successful. Tourane airfield has been hit and French pilots claim 5 planes destroyed on the ground, a 6th being destroyed in flight by two Maryland using their wing mounted mg (actually one Ki-36 coming back from a close-support mission) but the airfield was much less busy than expected due to the heavy damage inflicted on teh runway by Force Z's battlecruisers. Only two planes have been lightly damaged by the AA fire. Actually the 12th and 3rd Kokutai had launched another raid, this time against the city of Bin Dinh, which is severely bombed. Civilian refugee columns on the coastal road are bombed and strafed too. Pijeaud decides then against Tavera advise to launch a second strike in the afternoon. As Tavera objects him that Japanese forces alerted by the first attack will probably maintain a fighter cover over Tourane, Pijeaud answers that the Hanoi based bomber force is the only one able effectively to strike Tourane and that only bombing can now reduce enemy air activity. Tavera reluctantly agrees and can't stop Pijeaud to board the leading bomber. For this raid 15 Martin 167 have been gathered, 6 from the GB II/62 and 9 from the III/62. However, when French light bombers arrive over Tourane by 17h00 they are greeted by 12 A6M2 and 6 Ki-27 on standing patrol to protect the 14th Kokutai (36 D3A1 and 12 B5N1) transiting from China to Bangkok Dong Muang via Hainan and Tourane. Actually, 20 A6M2 belonging to the 3rd Kokutai are to come with them. Some of these fighters, which are refuelling at Tourane take-off and join the standing patrol to hunt French bombers.
If lightly armed Ki-27s are not very effective against fast Martin bombers, cannon-armed A6M2s wreak havoc in the French formation. 9 bombers are destroyed and 5 others so damaged that they have to crash-land around Hue, among them Pijeaud's plane. All other planes able to fly back to Hanoi have been damaged to some extent. Two A6M2 and 2 Ki-27 have been downed either by defensive fire or by the M-167 offensive armament. Only 3 D3A1 and one B5N1 have been destroyed on the ground. Very badly burned, Col. Pijeaud is first taken to the Hue hospital and will be flown on the 14th to Hanoi in a CASEVAC Potez-29, where he will die on the 21st. By 1830, 14th and 3rd Kokutai airplanes take-off for Dong Muang where they arrive by 2130.
By the end of the day Allied air power in Indochina is now mostly in AVG pilots hands. Only 19 Hawk-75A4 (of which 11 in Phnom-Penh) and 7 Hurricanes are in flying order in Cochinchina. 6 old Morane Ms-406 and 5 Brewster B-339 are operational in the Laos based "Escadrilles de Protection" (Protecting Flight). The bomber force is now down to 21 flyable Maryland, of which 10 are with the GB I/62 in Cochinchina and the 11 others in the Hanoi area. The Army Co-Operation and Close Support squadrons still have 11 operational Potez-63/11 and 7 Wirraways (but much of them are based in Laos), and 21 very old Potez 25 biplanes are still on the Order of battle. The AVG is much better off with 54 planes of which 41 are in flying order.
By dusk, Japanese troops enter Bin Dinh and began immediately to move toward Qui Nhon. At 22h30 Rear-Adm. Nishimura force, which was intended first, to go to Tourane enters Bin Dinh harbour and seaplane tenders Misuho and Kamikawa Maru began to land equipment to transform the local civilian airfield (with a good 5,000ft grassed runway which was used in peace time by D-338 and DC3) into a provisional naval air base. Both ships also land fuel and ammunitions for a provisional seaplane base with 9 E13A1 and 12 F1M2 float planes. In view of the recent bombardment, Nishimura has requested the minelayer Yaeyama's services, and she is despatched.
An important meeting takes place in the night at Saigon between Sainteny, Decoux and the local military authorities to review the situation.
Malaya/Singapore:
In Kedah, the ground battle looks stabilized so far. Japanese forces are regrouping and try to make good for logistic losses suffered during the Singora naval bombardment. Japanese air activity is limited to small harassing bombardment around Jitra, and the two usual raids, but done by only 9 Ki-21 each with a mixed Ki-27/Ki-43 escort, on Kuala-Lumpur and Penang. RAAF fighters avoid the raid on Kuala-Lumpur, as it is not heavy enough to cause significant damages. ML-KNIL fighters try to oppose the one on Penang and lose 3 B-339 for one bomber and 2 Ki-21 destroyed. Small Ki-30 formations are bombing Sungei Patani and Butterworth, but these low-scale raids look more like armed reconnaissance than true offensive actions. One Ki-30 is downed by the Butterworth AA defence and another damaged.
At noon, RAF units based in Moulmein launch a day raid against Bangkok to try to ease the pressure on forces in Malaya. The raid includes 18 Wellington bombers (from RAF 40 and 104 Sqn) escorted by 24 Hurricane fighters (from 146 and 155 Sqn). A mixed Japanese/Thai force of 21 Ki-21 intercepts the raid and in the ensuing air battle 1 Wellington and 4 Hurricanes are lost against 8 Ki-21 (of which 3 have been destroyed by Wellington rear mounted turrets). The bombing is moderately effective but the population morale is severely shaken.
During the night 21 Japanese bombers attack Singapore, and 3 are destroyed by Defiants Night-Fighters. Few damages are done to military installations but the city is awakened from 2300 to 0320 by the actual raid but also AA guns firing in the night.
Cairo-West:
At 13h40 (local time) Hurricanes of the GC IV/40 and Marylands of the GB IV/62 are taking off to Habbaniyah and Bassorah.
Aegean:
Aegean Air Force ground-attack fighters raid airfields near Athens simultaneously with a high altitude attack on Salonika by 30 French Consolidated 32 escorted by 32 GC I/2 and II/2 P-38s. This time the Luftwaffe reacts in force. Around Athens, 3 P-39, 5 Hawk-81, 4 Hurricanes and 2 Spitfire V (the last two types flying top covers) are destroyed for 7 Bf-109 in return. The Salonika raid is intercepted too and 2 bombers are downed as well as 5 P-38 against 6 Bf-109.
Washington:
Meeting at the State department between Cordell Hull, Gen. Marshall, the French Ambassador and the Chinese Ambassador. This meeting revolves around the scale of the unfolding disaster in the Pacific. Also discussed is the French demand for some Chinese help to consolidate the situation in Tonkin. The Chinese Ambassador wants to trade the sending of two Infantry Divisions against 1,000 "US modern combat planes" to be delivered to China by March 1st. The Chinese are promised as much help as can be shipped.
DECEMBER 14th
Singapore
Early in the day the Fleet returns to Singapore . At noon it is the turn of the battered French cruiser Primauguet to enter Johore Stait.
Indochina:
In Tonkin, Japanese troops are still stopped at Bac Can by the DMT. The road going from Cao Bang to Bac Can is regularly strafed and bombed (with French pattern 50kg bombs) by AVG P-40Cs. In Lang Son, Japanese troops are launching new attacks supported by artillery. Without air support the local French commander asks for the possibility to extricate his forces in the next two days.
In Cambodia, French and local forces are slowly retreating east on both sides of the Tonlé Sap Lake. In the afternoon, one GBMS tank Cy. Deliver a counter attack to relieve the pressure, smashing one of the 23rd Infantry Division regiment. 4 SAV-40 are however lost to "anti-tank squads". The small gunboat Mytho is bombed thrice but escape undamaged.
12th Kokutai D3A1 escorted by A6M2s again attacks airfields around Saigon. At noon it is the Saigon harbour, which is left ablaze by dive-bombers. However, riverine barges are able to unload GBMS elements at Bien Hoa by dusk. On the coast, Japanese forces are still moving south on the main road (RC-1). The three "provisional" battalions (two of Annam Riflemen and one of French volunteers) are marching North through a relentless refugees flow to try to establish a first defence line at Son Cau, south of Qui-Nhon.
Malaysia/Singapore:
Japanese aircraft are coming back in the air. The Penang fortress is attacked twice in the day by 14th Kokutai D3A1s, causing heavy losses to the RAN maritime garrison's trade protection forces based there. They sink the repair ship HMAS Platypus, and the tug HMAS St Giles and in the evening by an 18 strong Ki-21 raid. Naval planes have been escorted for the first time by A6M2 fighters and 3 ML-KNIL B-339 have been destroyed, others being left unserviceable. The situation in Georgetown is critical, as the city has been left without drinkable water by the destruction of the water plant, and multiple fires are raging. In the early afternoon, the small squadron patrolling Malacca straits is attacked too and HMAS Adelaide is hit by two 550lbs bombs, one amidship and the other after the aft funnel. HMS Dragon his hit by one on the forecastle. The old Dragon has to be beached, and the older Adelaide is left fiercely burning.
In the morning, two 18 strong Ki-21 raids hit Ipoh and Subang, clearly trying to eradicate what is left of the Hurricane force. Even if British fighters are now limiting themselves to "Dive and Zoom" attacks, they lost 3 of their own for the destruction of 3 Ki-21 and 1 escorting Ki-43. By dusk, 12 A6M2s make a surprise low-level attack on Ipoh destroying 3 Hurricanes and 2 Blenheim. The fighter force covering North and Central Malaysia is now down to 15 Hurricanes of which 11 are flyable.
After a direct call from The Hon. Duff Cooper and Gen. Wavell to Vice-Admiral Helfrich (NEI), the ML-KNIL agrees to commit all its 2-VLG-V and 3-VLG-V B-339 to Mendan (21 planes), with 9 Martin 139 WH-3/3A bombers of the 1e Afdeling (1-VLG-III) to protect Malaya west flank.
At Jitra and Kroh, Japanese forces are surprisingly quiet, but for harassing mortar fire.
Indochina:
Japanese Army and Naval aviation units are stepping up the pressure against French forces in Cochinchina and Cambodia. Tan-Son-Nhut is raided twice by D3A1 Val dive-bombers, which are escorted by A6M2 fighters. Two Hurricanes and three H-75A4s are lost in the ensuing battle. Army co-operation and light strike planes are operating in support of the Japanese column marching toward Cam Ranh. They are supplemented by 12 more Ki-30 light-bombers, which land at Tourane in the morning. They are not alone. From Hainan another shore-based naval units arrive to Tourane in the afternoon with 27 B5M1 (the Mitsubishi contender for the Torpedo-Bomber requirement Nakajima won with its B5N1), 27 D3A1 and another fighter Kokutai with 21 A6M2 and 15 A5M4.
On the coastal road, the 3 provisional battalions are trying to stop the Japanese column at Tuy Hoa. They are reinforced by another battalion set up from instructors of the mountain warfare units (Mountain Annam Riflemen) based in Pleiku. The battle rages on all the day in the little town overflowed by refugees. despite heavy losses to the advancing column, Tuy Hoa has to be evacuated in the night.
Ltn-Gen Mordant urges Col. Schlesser to move north as fast as possible so to stop the Japanese advance before Ninh Hoa which is, on the coastal road, the point where the road from Ban Me Thuot makes its junction with the coastal one.
In Cambodia French and local forces are reeling under the Japanese attack, which is now constantly supported by light bombers, as French fighters - or more precisely what is left of them - are used to protect Phnom Penh and Saigon. The Japanese 7th Infantry Division began to attack Pouthisat on the Tonle Sap south (right) bank but has to redeploy to face local counter-attacks from the DMC (Detachement Motorisé du Tonkin). On the north bank, French armoured units are retreating too, preparing a new line of defence at Kompang Thum. However, following previous fighting the 23rd Japanese Infantry Division is more cautious in its advance.
However, Japanese and Thai troops are opening a new front, attacking from North from Rovieng Tbong. What is left of French Army Co-Operation and light strike planes try to interdict this new attack, which is threatening Kampong Thum and the front on the north Tonle Sap shore.
This attack is probably the result of the enemy failure to move out of Pakse. French gunboats, and mostly the large Francis Garnier are ordered to the Tonle Sap Lake to support ground troops and prevent Japanese infiltrations along Tonle Sap shores.
Malaya:
The Japanese naval aviation maintains its pressure against Penang and Malacca strait northern part. Land based D3A1 dive-bombers are attracted by the damaged HMAS Adelaide, which is hit by 3 more 550lbs bombs at the cost of 2 Japanese planes downed by the AA defence. Adelaide is beached just north of Fort Cornwallis. However, as no fighter defence can be afforded, accommodation ship HMAS Whang Pu, patrol craft V2, and armed freighters HMAS Bingera and HMAS Wilcannia are sunk. The small V2 is however able to claim one more D3A1 (downed by the two Oerlikon 20mm guns) before being destroyed. Japanese air superiority is now so obvious that Adm. Somerville forbids any daylight naval presence north of a Kelang-Tanjungbalai line. However sea-interdiction by night is to be exercised by a naval group, called the “Malacca Strait Squadron” formed by old light cruisers Delhi and Danae and Hunt-class DD Atherstone, Cattistock, Garth and Holderness.
The front is still quiet both at Kroh or Jitra, with Japanese tactical aviation active but not very effective. The Ki-21 daily raid over Ipoh and Kuala-Lumpur are however highly disruptive and begins to affect population morale. The refugees flow toward Singapore is now steadily increasing, to the point it hinders Commonwealth troops movement.
CL HMAS Adelaide bombed and beached
Battle of Midway - Dealt with Separately. Major USN defeat. 4 BB sunk, 1 BB missing, 2 BB damaged, 1 CV damaged, US airgroups roughly handled. 1 IJN CV damaged, Kido Butai out of ammunition and fuel, both sides retire. Nagumo heads to Truk, USN to Fiji.
Wake island:
From this day onwards the island is subject to night harassment raids and daily reconnaissance.
Philippines:
Rear-Admiral Nishimura lands 4400 men and their equipment some miles south of Vigan, halfway between Luzon north part and le Lingayen Gulf. Simultaneously, coming from Palau a force led by Rear Admirals Kubo and Kobayashi lands one infantry regiment at Legaspi, at the very south end of Luzon. This force is defeated by the Philippines Army. The San Bernardino Strait and Surigao Strait are mined. The US submarine S-39 who tries to interfere is driven off a vigorous depth-charge attack by two destroyers.
French submarine Le Centaure is attacked when surfaced by 3 US B-17s sent to attack the Vigan landing. The boat escapes unscathed by diving fast, and the 3 bombers return to their field claiming "a Kongo class Battle cruiser sunk in 30 seconds". In the late evening Le Centaure intercepts the Vigan landing force which is retiring and sinks the freighter Oikawa Maru with a four torpedo salvo of which one hit.
By the end of the day, Japanese forces are controlling the small Vigan airstrip where Ki-51 and Ki-36 close support airplanes escorted by Ki-27 fighters of the 10th Dokuritsu Hikotai and the 24th independent Sentai land before dusk.
Japanese Ki-21 IJAAF bombers began to strike US defences near Lingayen.
Manila and Cavite are again bombed by noon by a 27 G4M1 and 19 G3M2 force escorted by 54 A6M2s. This raid is only lightly opposed and now most of Philippine cities are stricken by "air-raid panic". Late in the day, the 21st Koku Sentai with one half of the Kanoya Kokutai (27 G4M1s bombers), the 1st Kokutai (36 G3M2s "Nell" bombers) and the Toko Kokutai (24 H6Ks "Mavis" large flying-boats) escorted by the 3rd Kokutai (one half with 48 A6M2s, 15 A5M4s fighters and 6 C5M2s reconnaissance planes) began to transfer from Formosa to bases in Paracels to strengthen forces already deployed there.
Indochina:
In Tonkin, the Japanese Army has launched another night attack to break up French defence at Lang Son, trying to by-pass the city. This attack has been repulsed by Foreign Legion troops, but losses have been heavy and the possibility to hold Lang Son for long is now in doubt. From Cao Bang Japanese troops have reached Bac Can where they have been met by the DMT. As Japanese columns have been pounded without mercy by the French aviation, their attempt to break at Bac Can is easily foiled. Japanese aviation has been much less active over Tonkin than previously, probably because of losses suffered. However, in the afternoon 6 new radial engined Japanese fighters bounce an AVG 8 planes element covering 9 French Martin 167 attacking Japanese artillery positions near Lang Son, which displays a considerable horizontal, and diving speed advantage over P-40Cs. The "Hell's Angels" formation lose two planes to this attack with another one so damaged she has to make a belly landing. As the attacking planes look very different to the usual Ki-27 or Ki-43 they are assumed to be new German fighters sold to Japan. (Actually the Hell's Angels have been bounced by 6 pre-production Ki-44 belonging to the Kawasemi Butai an experimental squadron acting as an operational trial unit).
In Cambodia and Cochinchina the battle for Siem Reap enters a new stage. As the city, repeatedly hit by bombers and 150mm howitzers is burning with very high civilian casualties, Col. Schlesser decides to evacuate to a new defensive position at Phumi Robos. To allow infantry units to extricate from Siem Reap, as civilians cover trails along the big Tonle Sap Lake, French tanks operate as mobile firebase to check the advancing Japanese infantry. As the 6th Army commander (Ltn-Gen Tôji) has called officers and men of the 23rd division to "redeem their honour" two strong attacks, supported by what is left of the Yasuoka tank brigade try to encircle troops defending Siem Reap. In the afternoon, French and Japanese tanks clash again southeast of Siem Reap. Firing from reverse slope, French SAV-40s hit hard advancing Japanese tanks, stopping the attack. However, 3 French tanks are destroyed by 100mm Japanese field guns used in direct fire. After dusk, Japanese troops enter Siem Reap setting in fire what has been left standing by bombers and the artillery and killing numerous civilians. On the other side of the Tonle Sap the DMC (Detachement Motorisé de Cochinchine) is slowly retreating to avoid being by-passed by the Japanese 7th division.
In southern Laos, Pakse falls to Japanese and Thai troops. Attempts to move down on the Mekong River are foiled by the French "Dinazo" and the gunboat force led by Francis Garnier, (639t, 2 x 3,9in, 1 x 75mm, 2 x 37mm, 4mg) and comprising the Argus and Vigilante (218t, with 2 x 75mm, 2 x 37mm, 4mg, 1 x 81mm mortar). Local and French forces prepare defensive positions around Saravane in the Boloven Plateau. The two smaller gunboats (Mytho and Tourane, each with 95t, 1 x 75mm, 1 x 47mm, 2mg, 1 x 81mm mortar) enter the Tonle Sap from the Mekong to support forces defending the road to Phnom Penh.
Cam Ranh and Saigon are bombed by IJN G4M1s based in the Paracels. The raid against Cam Ranh is virtually unopposed. If the French "contre-torpilleur" Lynx and the two surviving US "four-pipers" escape the bombing without damage, installations are badly hit. 12 RAF Hurricanes and 16 Hawk 75A4s oppose the raid against Saigon. Unfortunately, this raid is escorted by 36 A6M2s. In the following fight 4 G4M1s and 4 "Zeroes" are destroyed but to the cost of 4 Hurricanes and 6 Hawks.
In Annam, the Japanese column coming from Tourane goes on South. Tourane is bombed at noon by 11 Martin 167 from the GB III/62 escorted by 12 P-40Cs of the "Panda Bears". 3 Ki-51 are destroyed on the ground and AVG fighters down a Ki-27 trying to intercept.
Considering the worsening of the situation and the fact that Japanese forces could gain air superiority in Cochinchina, Adm. Decoux orders Lynx, USS Bulmer and Barker to leave Cam Ranh to Singapore. French submarines are to operate from Can Ranh as long as possible but are to prepare to move too to Singapore (where a stock of French torpedoes has been prepared) if needed. In Haïphong, the light cruiser Primaguet is hastily undocked (she had been in defect maintenance) for a break out attempt. Only the "Y" turret is still workable but 12 spare torpedoes have been found at the Haïphong dockyard. The ship leaves Haïphong by 19h00 under the protection of AVG fighters till dusk, and races toward Miri (Sarawak, Borneo) at 33kts. It is hoped that by daybreak the ship will be south of Tourane and will sail at a slightly reduced speed (30kts) to reach Miri from where, after refuelling, she could reach Singapore for her defect rectification to be completed.
Malaya/Singapore
By dawn, British bombers are hitting Don Muang and Singora airfields as well as the railway going down the Kra isthmus. 6 Avro Mancheters have been tasked with the attack on Dong Muang, which took Thai and Japanese forces completely by surprise. Only 7 Ki-48 light bombers are destroyed, but there is a strong psychological effect. All Manchesters were able to avoid interception, but one had to land at Sungei Patani following an engine problem and was wrecked when it struck a bomb crater on landing. The bombing of the Singora airfield is a mixed success. 18 Wellingtons from 14 and 223 Sqn have left Tengah/Singapore from where the late night take-off has probably been noticed by a pro-Japanese wireless set operating from Singapore or Johore. The same wireless set, which was actively searched but defied vigorous and repeated efforts to locate it, has probably signalled too the Manchester raid but the possibility that Dong Muang could have been the target has been obviously discarded. Planes arriving over Singora were waited by 15 Ki-27 and 9 Ki-43. Despite the opposition, and low level clouds partly obscuring their targets, British bombers have pressed on, laying a neat pattern on the Singora airfield where 7 Ki-27, 12 Ki-30 and 5 Ki-51 have been destroyed. Tail gunners were to account for 3 Ki-27 and 1 Ki-43 for the loss of 2 Wellingtons only. However, 7 other planes were damaged, of which two had to crash land at Butterworth. RAAF Hudsons (1 Sqn) had in the meantime attacked the Kra Isthmus railway, severing it in at least two points but losing 4 planes to Japanese fighters in the process.
The dawn raid has then given much better results than the previous night ones. However, attrition of the FE Bomber force has been significant too. This is made well clear when Blenheims attacking Japanese positions around Jitra and toward the Ledge are attacked with heavy losses. In different operations, no less than 7 Blenheims are destroyed and 5 more go back seriously damaged. All these raids have been unescorted as surviving Hurricanes are husbanded for Air Defence.
Wake island:
From this day onwards the island is subject to night harassment raids and daily reconnaissance.
Philippines:
Rear-Admiral Nishimura lands 4400 men and their equipment some miles south of Vigan, halfway between Luzon north part and le Lingayen Gulf. Simultaneously, coming from Palau a force led by Rear Admirals Kubo and Kobayashi lands one infantry regiment at Legaspi, at the very south end of Luzon. This force is defeated by the Philippines Army. The San Bernardino Strait and Surigao Strait are mined. The US submarine S-39 who tries to interfere is driven off a vigorous depth-charge attack by two destroyers.
French submarine Le Centaure is attacked when surfaced by 3 US B-17s sent to attack the Vigan landing. The boat escapes unscathed by diving fast, and the 3 bombers return to their field claiming "a Kongo class Battle cruiser sunk in 30 seconds". In the late evening Le Centaure intercepts the Vigan landing force which is retiring and sinks the freighter Oikawa Maru with a four torpedo salvo of which one hit.
By the end of the day, Japanese forces are controlling the small Vigan airstrip where Ki-51 and Ki-36 close support airplanes escorted by Ki-27 fighters of the 10th Dokuritsu Hikotai and the 24th independent Sentai land before dusk.
Japanese Ki-21 IJAAF bombers began to strike US defences near Lingayen.
Manila and Cavite are again bombed by noon by a 27 G4M1 and 19 G3M2 force escorted by 54 A6M2s. This raid is only lightly opposed and now most of Philippine cities are stricken by "air-raid panic". Late in the day, the 21st Koku Sentai with one half of the Kanoya Kokutai (27 G4M1s bombers), the 1st Kokutai (36 G3M2s "Nell" bombers) and the Toko Kokutai (24 H6Ks "Mavis" large flying-boats) escorted by the 3rd Kokutai (one half with 48 A6M2s, 15 A5M4s fighters and 6 C5M2s reconnaissance planes) began to transfer from Formosa to bases in Paracels to strengthen forces already deployed there.
Indochina:
In Tonkin, the Japanese Army has launched another night attack to break up French defence at Lang Son, trying to by-pass the city. This attack has been repulsed by Foreign Legion troops, but losses have been heavy and the possibility to hold Lang Son for long is now in doubt. From Cao Bang Japanese troops have reached Bac Can where they have been met by the DMT. As Japanese columns have been pounded without mercy by the French aviation, their attempt to break at Bac Can is easily foiled. Japanese aviation has been much less active over Tonkin than previously, probably because of losses suffered. However, in the afternoon 6 new radial engined Japanese fighters bounce an AVG 8 planes element covering 9 French Martin 167 attacking Japanese artillery positions near Lang Son, which displays a considerable horizontal, and diving speed advantage over P-40Cs. The "Hell's Angels" formation lose two planes to this attack with another one so damaged she has to make a belly landing. As the attacking planes look very different to the usual Ki-27 or Ki-43 they are assumed to be new German fighters sold to Japan. (Actually the Hell's Angels have been bounced by 6 pre-production Ki-44 belonging to the Kawasemi Butai an experimental squadron acting as an operational trial unit).
In Cambodia and Cochinchina the battle for Siem Reap enters a new stage. As the city, repeatedly hit by bombers and 150mm howitzers is burning with very high civilian casualties, Col. Schlesser decides to evacuate to a new defensive position at Phumi Robos. To allow infantry units to extricate from Siem Reap, as civilians cover trails along the big Tonle Sap Lake, French tanks operate as mobile firebase to check the advancing Japanese infantry. As the 6th Army commander (Ltn-Gen Tôji) has called officers and men of the 23rd division to "redeem their honour" two strong attacks, supported by what is left of the Yasuoka tank brigade try to encircle troops defending Siem Reap. In the afternoon, French and Japanese tanks clash again southeast of Siem Reap. Firing from reverse slope, French SAV-40s hit hard advancing Japanese tanks, stopping the attack. However, 3 French tanks are destroyed by 100mm Japanese field guns used in direct fire. After dusk, Japanese troops enter Siem Reap setting in fire what has been left standing by bombers and the artillery and killing numerous civilians. On the other side of the Tonle Sap the DMC (Detachement Motorisé de Cochinchine) is slowly retreating to avoid being by-passed by the Japanese 7th division.
In southern Laos, Pakse falls to Japanese and Thai troops. Attempts to move down on the Mekong River are foiled by the French "Dinazo" and the gunboat force led by Francis Garnier, (639t, 2 x 3,9in, 1 x 75mm, 2 x 37mm, 4mg) and comprising the Argus and Vigilante (218t, with 2 x 75mm, 2 x 37mm, 4mg, 1 x 81mm mortar). Local and French forces prepare defensive positions around Saravane in the Boloven Plateau. The two smaller gunboats (Mytho and Tourane, each with 95t, 1 x 75mm, 1 x 47mm, 2mg, 1 x 81mm mortar) enter the Tonle Sap from the Mekong to support forces defending the road to Phnom Penh.
Cam Ranh and Saigon are bombed by IJN G4M1s based in the Paracels. The raid against Cam Ranh is virtually unopposed. If the French "contre-torpilleur" Lynx and the two surviving US "four-pipers" escape the bombing without damage, installations are badly hit. 12 RAF Hurricanes and 16 Hawk 75A4s oppose the raid against Saigon. Unfortunately, this raid is escorted by 36 A6M2s. In the following fight 4 G4M1s and 4 "Zeroes" are destroyed but to the cost of 4 Hurricanes and 6 Hawks.
In Annam, the Japanese column coming from Tourane goes on South. Tourane is bombed at noon by 11 Martin 167 from the GB III/62 escorted by 12 P-40Cs of the "Panda Bears". 3 Ki-51 are destroyed on the ground and AVG fighters down a Ki-27 trying to intercept.
Considering the worsening of the situation and the fact that Japanese forces could gain air superiority in Cochinchina, Adm. Decoux orders Lynx, USS Bulmer and Barker to leave Cam Ranh to Singapore. French submarines are to operate from Can Ranh as long as possible but are to prepare to move too to Singapore (where a stock of French torpedoes has been prepared) if needed. In Haïphong, the light cruiser Primaguet is hastily undocked (she had been in defect maintenance) for a break out attempt. Only the "Y" turret is still workable but 12 spare torpedoes have been found at the Haïphong dockyard. The ship leaves Haïphong by 19h00 under the protection of AVG fighters till dusk, and races toward Miri (Sarawak, Borneo) at 33kts. It is hoped that by daybreak the ship will be south of Tourane and will sail at a slightly reduced speed (30kts) to reach Miri from where, after refuelling, she could reach Singapore for her defect rectification to be completed.
Malaya/Singapore
By dawn, British bombers are hitting Don Muang and Singora airfields as well as the railway going down the Kra isthmus. 6 Avro Mancheters have been tasked with the attack on Dong Muang, which took Thai and Japanese forces completely by surprise. Only 7 Ki-48 light bombers are destroyed, but there is a strong psychological effect. All Manchesters were able to avoid interception, but one had to land at Sungei Patani following an engine problem and was wrecked when it struck a bomb crater on landing. The bombing of the Singora airfield is a mixed success. 18 Wellingtons from 14 and 223 Sqn have left Tengah/Singapore from where the late night take-off has probably been noticed by a pro-Japanese wireless set operating from Singapore or Johore. The same wireless set, which was actively searched but defied vigorous and repeated efforts to locate it, has probably signalled too the Manchester raid but the possibility that Dong Muang could have been the target has been obviously discarded. Planes arriving over Singora were waited by 15 Ki-27 and 9 Ki-43. Despite the opposition, and low level clouds partly obscuring their targets, British bombers have pressed on, laying a neat pattern on the Singora airfield where 7 Ki-27, 12 Ki-30 and 5 Ki-51 have been destroyed. Tail gunners were to account for 3 Ki-27 and 1 Ki-43 for the loss of 2 Wellingtons only. However, 7 other planes were damaged, of which two had to crash land at Butterworth. RAAF Hudsons (1 Sqn) had in the meantime attacked the Kra Isthmus railway, severing it in at least two points but losing 4 planes to Japanese fighters in the process.
The dawn raid has then given much better results than the previous night ones. However, attrition of the FE Bomber force has been significant too. This is made well clear when Blenheims attacking Japanese positions around Jitra and toward the Ledge are attacked with heavy losses. In different operations, no less than 7 Blenheims are destroyed and 5 more go back seriously damaged. All these raids have been unescorted as surviving Hurricanes are husbanded for Air Defence.
This is realised to be a serious error.
The IJAAF, despite dawn attacks on its airfield is able to launch three major raids this day. The first one hits Kuala Lumpur by noon. A large formation of 36 Ki-21 escorted by 15 Ki-43 and 21 Ki-27 attacks the city and the Subang airfield. Hurricanes intercept and destroys 7 bombers and 5 escorting fighters for the cost of 5 of their owns, 4 more being seriously damaged. If the victory to losses ratio shows some improvement, this still means that only 22 Hurricanes are left of which 14 flyable. By 1530 18 Ki-21 escorted by 18 Ki-27 strike Penang, concentrating again on the city of Georgetown. Of the 9 ML-KNIL Buffaloes who rose to this attack 5 are downed and 2 damaged for a return of 3 bombers and 2 fighters. One result of the bombing run is to leave the water supply plant inoperative. The last raid, and this is a notorious first, happens at night when 36 Ki-21 attack Singapore for the first time at 2230. RAF Sqn 27 night-fighter Defiant IIs account for 5 of the attackers, but the city is hit and the population morale is shaken.
The situation in the air looks then serious. If the IJAAF has suffered serious losses, to the point to that its bomber potential has been reduced by 50%, Commonwealth fighter defence in Kedah is now non-existent. Capacity to protect Central Malaysia strategic targets is marginal at best and capability to interfere with the ground battle seriously reduced.
The ground battle is going better. Commonwealth forces are still holding strongly at Kroh where Japanese attacks have been repulsed time and again. The Krohcol is blocking a considerable Japanese force. Around Jitra however the situation is still confused. A Japanese night attack has infiltrated up to the 2/5th Armoured Regiment back area by 0230 in the morning and 9 A12 Infantry Tanks Mk II (Matilda II) have been disabled (some are destroyed) by infantry squads using satchel charges. These take extreme losses. In the ensuing confusion, POL trucks and repair shops have been destroyed. Major General H.C.H. Robertson, Commander 1st Australian Armoured Division asks permission to retire his tanks south of the Kedah river after dusk so to avoid a repetition of such incidents. Infantry troops holding ground around Jitra are finding that Japanese units are very experienced at infiltration, able to penetrate spaces between units or even sub-units, threatening to destroy them in succession. If enemy artillery fire is far less present than on December 8th and 9th, mortar fire is frequently accurate and a constant nuisance. Lacking air-cooperation, Commonwealth artillery is now having difficulties pinpoint targets. The 11th Indian Infantry division, which is covering the right wing, is also reporting Japanese infiltration and contact have been lost with some units of the 8th Indian Infantry Brigade. The 2nd Loyal Regt and 2/10th Baluch have repulsed a Japanese attempt to cross the Kedah River, but losses have been heavy and some groups are isolated. By late evening, Brigadier B.W. Key is conferring with Major General D.M. Murray-Lyon (11th Indian Infantry Division) and Major General H.G. Bennett (8th Australian Infantry division) when news of a new Japanese attack reaches them. Japanese forces are trying to outflank Jitra and resume a push toward the Kedah River. As Brigadier Key reaches the 8th Indian Infantry brigade HQ he is slightly wounded by a surprise attack, which raises considerable confusion and alarm. Japanese infantry units, under the cover of a violent thunderstorm and of heavy rains have penetrated inside the defensive perimeter. Attackers are destroyed by midnight, but communications with some units are broken.
Somerville has the main fleet exercising in the South China Sea. During the night, destroyers conduct a sweep off Singora and Patani, but sight nothing except local fishing craft.
Algiers:
24 French fighter pilots among them 7 OTU instructors, board at Algier-Maison Blanche an Air France DC3 bound to Cairo where they are to form, on RAF Hurricanes, the GC IV/40 which is to join as soon as possible FE Air Force units in Indo-China. Considering the situation in Indochina French AdA Chief of Staff, Gen. M. Vallin doesn't see much possibility for this unit to reach Saigon and issues orders for it to remain in Singapore or Malaya.
DECEMBER 12th
Malaya/Singapore: Battle Of Jitra continues
During the whole night Japanese forces have tried to infiltrate Commonwealth positions around Jitra but have been repulsed with heavy losses. By early morning Brigadier Key has sorted out part of the confusion of the night and, by 0645 Matilda II and Valentine tanks have been reorganised and are leading local tank-infantry counterattacks. The 2/1st Ghurkha holding Asun has been relieved by a Matilda led column. At Kroh, Japanese attacks have been stopped too, but the Krohcol is seriously depleted. By noon however the 28th Ghurkha arrived to strengthen and relieve the Krohcol supported by tanks of the 2/7th Armoured Regiment (1st Australian Armoured Division). The 11th Indian Infantry Division (Major General D.M. Murray-Lyon) is providing support to forces deployed at Jitra and Kroh. By early afternoon its 4.5-inch howitzers have joined Australian 25-pdr batteries to lay a barrage forward Jitra. This is the first major experience the IJA has had against a modern enemy artillery force and they do not like it at all. Their losses are very heavy.
If the situation on the ground looks for now stabilized, Japanese airplanes enjoying a near complete supremacy over the battle area. If attacks delivered by Ki-36 and Ki-51 are not particularly effective and often lack precision, they are a constant annoyance for troops in the field.
The IJAAF, despite dawn attacks on its airfield is able to launch three major raids this day. The first one hits Kuala Lumpur by noon. A large formation of 36 Ki-21 escorted by 15 Ki-43 and 21 Ki-27 attacks the city and the Subang airfield. Hurricanes intercept and destroys 7 bombers and 5 escorting fighters for the cost of 5 of their owns, 4 more being seriously damaged. If the victory to losses ratio shows some improvement, this still means that only 22 Hurricanes are left of which 14 flyable. By 1530 18 Ki-21 escorted by 18 Ki-27 strike Penang, concentrating again on the city of Georgetown. Of the 9 ML-KNIL Buffaloes who rose to this attack 5 are downed and 2 damaged for a return of 3 bombers and 2 fighters. One result of the bombing run is to leave the water supply plant inoperative. The last raid, and this is a notorious first, happens at night when 36 Ki-21 attack Singapore for the first time at 2230. RAF Sqn 27 night-fighter Defiant IIs account for 5 of the attackers, but the city is hit and the population morale is shaken.
The situation in the air looks then serious. If the IJAAF has suffered serious losses, to the point to that its bomber potential has been reduced by 50%, Commonwealth fighter defence in Kedah is now non-existent. Capacity to protect Central Malaysia strategic targets is marginal at best and capability to interfere with the ground battle seriously reduced.
The ground battle is going better. Commonwealth forces are still holding strongly at Kroh where Japanese attacks have been repulsed time and again. The Krohcol is blocking a considerable Japanese force. Around Jitra however the situation is still confused. A Japanese night attack has infiltrated up to the 2/5th Armoured Regiment back area by 0230 in the morning and 9 A12 Infantry Tanks Mk II (Matilda II) have been disabled (some are destroyed) by infantry squads using satchel charges. These take extreme losses. In the ensuing confusion, POL trucks and repair shops have been destroyed. Major General H.C.H. Robertson, Commander 1st Australian Armoured Division asks permission to retire his tanks south of the Kedah river after dusk so to avoid a repetition of such incidents. Infantry troops holding ground around Jitra are finding that Japanese units are very experienced at infiltration, able to penetrate spaces between units or even sub-units, threatening to destroy them in succession. If enemy artillery fire is far less present than on December 8th and 9th, mortar fire is frequently accurate and a constant nuisance. Lacking air-cooperation, Commonwealth artillery is now having difficulties pinpoint targets. The 11th Indian Infantry division, which is covering the right wing, is also reporting Japanese infiltration and contact have been lost with some units of the 8th Indian Infantry Brigade. The 2nd Loyal Regt and 2/10th Baluch have repulsed a Japanese attempt to cross the Kedah River, but losses have been heavy and some groups are isolated. By late evening, Brigadier B.W. Key is conferring with Major General D.M. Murray-Lyon (11th Indian Infantry Division) and Major General H.G. Bennett (8th Australian Infantry division) when news of a new Japanese attack reaches them. Japanese forces are trying to outflank Jitra and resume a push toward the Kedah River. As Brigadier Key reaches the 8th Indian Infantry brigade HQ he is slightly wounded by a surprise attack, which raises considerable confusion and alarm. Japanese infantry units, under the cover of a violent thunderstorm and of heavy rains have penetrated inside the defensive perimeter. Attackers are destroyed by midnight, but communications with some units are broken.
Somerville has the main fleet exercising in the South China Sea. During the night, destroyers conduct a sweep off Singora and Patani, but sight nothing except local fishing craft.
Algiers:
24 French fighter pilots among them 7 OTU instructors, board at Algier-Maison Blanche an Air France DC3 bound to Cairo where they are to form, on RAF Hurricanes, the GC IV/40 which is to join as soon as possible FE Air Force units in Indo-China. Considering the situation in Indochina French AdA Chief of Staff, Gen. M. Vallin doesn't see much possibility for this unit to reach Saigon and issues orders for it to remain in Singapore or Malaya.
DECEMBER 12th
Malaya/Singapore: Battle Of Jitra continues
During the whole night Japanese forces have tried to infiltrate Commonwealth positions around Jitra but have been repulsed with heavy losses. By early morning Brigadier Key has sorted out part of the confusion of the night and, by 0645 Matilda II and Valentine tanks have been reorganised and are leading local tank-infantry counterattacks. The 2/1st Ghurkha holding Asun has been relieved by a Matilda led column. At Kroh, Japanese attacks have been stopped too, but the Krohcol is seriously depleted. By noon however the 28th Ghurkha arrived to strengthen and relieve the Krohcol supported by tanks of the 2/7th Armoured Regiment (1st Australian Armoured Division). The 11th Indian Infantry Division (Major General D.M. Murray-Lyon) is providing support to forces deployed at Jitra and Kroh. By early afternoon its 4.5-inch howitzers have joined Australian 25-pdr batteries to lay a barrage forward Jitra. This is the first major experience the IJA has had against a modern enemy artillery force and they do not like it at all. Their losses are very heavy.
If the situation on the ground looks for now stabilized, Japanese airplanes enjoying a near complete supremacy over the battle area. If attacks delivered by Ki-36 and Ki-51 are not particularly effective and often lack precision, they are a constant annoyance for troops in the field.
Kangar Action
In the very early hours of the day HMAS Adelaide and HMS Dragon have destroyed in Malacca strait, three small coasters which were trying to infiltrate Japanese troops not far from Kangar.
Air attacks are more serious behind the front line. Kuala-Lumpur and Penang are raided, each by 27 Ki-21 escorted by Ki-43 for the Kuala-Lumpur raid and Ki-27 for the one on Penang. Hurricanes based at Subang and Ipoh have downed 3 bombers and 4 fighters to the cost of 2 of there own. However, despite constant efforts of ground crews, only 16 planes are ready to fly by the end of the day. Some reinforcement is coming from the ML-KNIL which has flown early in the day 6 more B-339 to Penang and has delivered back 12 Buffaloes to Seletar from planes which have been transferred from the RAAF by October. The AOC hopes to maintain a mixed force of Hurricanes and Buffaloes from Subang and Ipoh, with temporary basing in Butterworth. Until the fuel supply system has been repaired and aircraft shelters built, this airfield is to be used on an emergency basis only. Alor Setar and Sungei Patani have to be abandoned as they lack revetments completely.
The RAF/RAAF situation has been discussed at the morning FE War Council meeting. AVM Goble has expressed his fears that Air defence could completely collapse if fighter units were not allowed to settle back in central Malaya. He pointed to the fact that so far the IJAAF has not demonstrated a close support capacity similar to the Luftwaffe and that its ability to significantly impact on the land battle is limited. The reinforcements promised have not arrived, so defending the most vital targets, that is Kuala-Lumpur and Singapore, is the best that can be done. Reinforcements are being assembled in Australia, the Mandate, Iraq, and even in Cairo-West where the provisional IV/40 French squadron which is now formed on Hurricanes earmarked for the Aegean Air Force is to leave by December 13th and could arrive at Medan by the 16th before flying either to Subang or to Butterworth (if the airfield has been put back in operational state). This would double at once the number of available fighters for the battle over Malaysia. Most is hoped from naval operations, but even if fully successful this would just bring a temporary relief.
Because of losses the ML-KNIL suffered the previous day, the raid on Penang was contested by AA fire only. Bombing on Georgetown has seriously raised the toll on the civilian population and local labour is becoming scarce. The bombing on Kuala-Lumpur has too been destructive to the city and has caused significant civilian losses.
By 2100 local time, Jean Sainteny's plane land to Singapore. Before flying to Saigon, the newly appointed French High Commissioner in Indochina meets the Hon. Duff Cooper and Gen. Wavell.
Philippines:
IJN bombers bomb Sangley point against modest aerial opposition, destroying most gasoline stores but also Cavite water mains and the high-power radio. The nearby hospital has been left unharmed by the bombardment. Adm.Hart (CinC Asiatic Fleet) and Adm. Rockwell warn General MacArthur that the usefulness of Cavite as an operational base is decreasing fast if no effective air defence can be assured. However USAAF fighter units assigned to Manila are down to 25 flyable P-40s and 13 P-35s. The USAAF is still in teh fight and it's B-17 force is active, but strength is dwindling.
In northern Luzon, Japanese troops are advancing and the Aparri landed force reaches the Tuguegarao airfield.
Indochina:
French and Japanese troops clash violently at Bac Can in north Tonkin. The motorized Japanese column coming from Cao Bang is stopped by the DMT. Japanese light type-95 tanks are engaged by French M2A4 light tanks supported by the 3/4th Colonial Artillery Battalion 47mm AT gun battery. By dusk 11 light Japanese tanks have been knocked out for the loss of 4 M2A4.
On both sides of the Tonlé Sap Lake, Japanese troops are still stopped by French mobile defence. The 23rd Japanese Infantry Division is unable to make progress south of Siem Reap. Situation in Laos is stabilized too and Thai forces are not very aggressive. However, because of the deterioration of the situation in Annam, Ltn-Gen Mordant asks col. Schlesser to retire 2 tank Coys and 2 Mechanized Infantry Coys from the Cambodia front to strengthen Brig. Turquin forces. The Japanese column marching south from Tourane has entered Quang Ngai. Turquin hopes to establish a strong defence line north of Nha Trang to cover Cam Ranh. However, even with the hasty creation of two Annam riflemen battalions from Saigon military training schools and one battalion from mobilized French citizens, Turquin is desperately short of troops. Col. Schlesser is to fight a delaying battle in Cambodia till Phnom-Penh and the Mekong, but defence of lower Annam has now the top priority. By late afternoon, SAV-40 tanks and M2/M3 halftracks vehicles are boarding riverine barges on the Tonlé Sap, bound to the Mekong Delta and there to Saigon from where they would take the coastal road north.
That the push south from Tourane is a priority for the Japanese can be guessed from the fact another replenishment convoy is preparing on Hainan southern coast and that A6M2 escorted G3M2 bombers have attacked Bin Dinh and Quy Nhon in the afternoon causing a large part of the population to panic.
Late in the afternoon the 12th Kokutai (a land based unit) deploys from Tourane airfield 36 D3A1 dive-bombers and 18 B5N1 torpedo-bombers. This force is supplemented by 24 A6M2s belonging to the 3rd Kokutai based in the Paracels.
South China Sea
Japanese reconnaissance planes detect French light cruiser Primauguet by 0930 in the morning, still steaming at 33kts toward Miri. By noon, as the ship is now east of Tourane and moving South East fast, she is attacked by 15 IJN horizontal bombers. Bombing is, as described by Primauguet captain as "uncomfortably precise for level bombers", even if the ship, manoeuvring violently, escapes all bombs. Shock damage caused by two near misses makes mandatory to reduce speed at 25kts, but the attack, to the captain surprise, is not repeated. Actually, but unknown from the French crew, Paracels based IJNAF units have been warned of the Eastern Fleet move during the night and are preparing for a coordinated attack if ships were to reach bomber range.
Somerville heads north (Eagle has rejoined the fleet) and moves his ships north towards Saigon, threatening Japanese forces at Tourane. By 1300 he was 200nm south of Saigon when his fleet met the MN Lynx and USS Barker and Bulmer who have sailed from Cam Ranh. Formidable’s Swordfish on ASW patrol has screened the fleet and two probable contacts have been prosecuted just before noon but without apparent results. When the three destroyers were in sight, he transmitted to Singapore on a frequency known to be monitored by the IJN. By 1400, he has turned the back and for most of sailors and officers it was obvious that Somerville has sortied to be sure to safely recover LSF survivors. The whole move looked a bit demonstrative but was not completely unwarranted. After all, the LSF has been the first Allied force to directly challenge the IJN at sea. However this is not the full story. Phillips, with his two battlecruisers, is sprinting north under the cover of rain. By 1600, Formidable's Sea Hurricanes (F4F3) have driven off three would be shadowers, downing two of them in the process. Then, at 1800 (dusk), Somerville reverses course. However, Prince of Wales is detached in company with Formidable and a screen, en route Singora at high speed.
Air attacks are more serious behind the front line. Kuala-Lumpur and Penang are raided, each by 27 Ki-21 escorted by Ki-43 for the Kuala-Lumpur raid and Ki-27 for the one on Penang. Hurricanes based at Subang and Ipoh have downed 3 bombers and 4 fighters to the cost of 2 of there own. However, despite constant efforts of ground crews, only 16 planes are ready to fly by the end of the day. Some reinforcement is coming from the ML-KNIL which has flown early in the day 6 more B-339 to Penang and has delivered back 12 Buffaloes to Seletar from planes which have been transferred from the RAAF by October. The AOC hopes to maintain a mixed force of Hurricanes and Buffaloes from Subang and Ipoh, with temporary basing in Butterworth. Until the fuel supply system has been repaired and aircraft shelters built, this airfield is to be used on an emergency basis only. Alor Setar and Sungei Patani have to be abandoned as they lack revetments completely.
The RAF/RAAF situation has been discussed at the morning FE War Council meeting. AVM Goble has expressed his fears that Air defence could completely collapse if fighter units were not allowed to settle back in central Malaya. He pointed to the fact that so far the IJAAF has not demonstrated a close support capacity similar to the Luftwaffe and that its ability to significantly impact on the land battle is limited. The reinforcements promised have not arrived, so defending the most vital targets, that is Kuala-Lumpur and Singapore, is the best that can be done. Reinforcements are being assembled in Australia, the Mandate, Iraq, and even in Cairo-West where the provisional IV/40 French squadron which is now formed on Hurricanes earmarked for the Aegean Air Force is to leave by December 13th and could arrive at Medan by the 16th before flying either to Subang or to Butterworth (if the airfield has been put back in operational state). This would double at once the number of available fighters for the battle over Malaysia. Most is hoped from naval operations, but even if fully successful this would just bring a temporary relief.
Because of losses the ML-KNIL suffered the previous day, the raid on Penang was contested by AA fire only. Bombing on Georgetown has seriously raised the toll on the civilian population and local labour is becoming scarce. The bombing on Kuala-Lumpur has too been destructive to the city and has caused significant civilian losses.
By 2100 local time, Jean Sainteny's plane land to Singapore. Before flying to Saigon, the newly appointed French High Commissioner in Indochina meets the Hon. Duff Cooper and Gen. Wavell.
Philippines:
IJN bombers bomb Sangley point against modest aerial opposition, destroying most gasoline stores but also Cavite water mains and the high-power radio. The nearby hospital has been left unharmed by the bombardment. Adm.Hart (CinC Asiatic Fleet) and Adm. Rockwell warn General MacArthur that the usefulness of Cavite as an operational base is decreasing fast if no effective air defence can be assured. However USAAF fighter units assigned to Manila are down to 25 flyable P-40s and 13 P-35s. The USAAF is still in teh fight and it's B-17 force is active, but strength is dwindling.
In northern Luzon, Japanese troops are advancing and the Aparri landed force reaches the Tuguegarao airfield.
Indochina:
French and Japanese troops clash violently at Bac Can in north Tonkin. The motorized Japanese column coming from Cao Bang is stopped by the DMT. Japanese light type-95 tanks are engaged by French M2A4 light tanks supported by the 3/4th Colonial Artillery Battalion 47mm AT gun battery. By dusk 11 light Japanese tanks have been knocked out for the loss of 4 M2A4.
On both sides of the Tonlé Sap Lake, Japanese troops are still stopped by French mobile defence. The 23rd Japanese Infantry Division is unable to make progress south of Siem Reap. Situation in Laos is stabilized too and Thai forces are not very aggressive. However, because of the deterioration of the situation in Annam, Ltn-Gen Mordant asks col. Schlesser to retire 2 tank Coys and 2 Mechanized Infantry Coys from the Cambodia front to strengthen Brig. Turquin forces. The Japanese column marching south from Tourane has entered Quang Ngai. Turquin hopes to establish a strong defence line north of Nha Trang to cover Cam Ranh. However, even with the hasty creation of two Annam riflemen battalions from Saigon military training schools and one battalion from mobilized French citizens, Turquin is desperately short of troops. Col. Schlesser is to fight a delaying battle in Cambodia till Phnom-Penh and the Mekong, but defence of lower Annam has now the top priority. By late afternoon, SAV-40 tanks and M2/M3 halftracks vehicles are boarding riverine barges on the Tonlé Sap, bound to the Mekong Delta and there to Saigon from where they would take the coastal road north.
That the push south from Tourane is a priority for the Japanese can be guessed from the fact another replenishment convoy is preparing on Hainan southern coast and that A6M2 escorted G3M2 bombers have attacked Bin Dinh and Quy Nhon in the afternoon causing a large part of the population to panic.
Late in the afternoon the 12th Kokutai (a land based unit) deploys from Tourane airfield 36 D3A1 dive-bombers and 18 B5N1 torpedo-bombers. This force is supplemented by 24 A6M2s belonging to the 3rd Kokutai based in the Paracels.
South China Sea
Japanese reconnaissance planes detect French light cruiser Primauguet by 0930 in the morning, still steaming at 33kts toward Miri. By noon, as the ship is now east of Tourane and moving South East fast, she is attacked by 15 IJN horizontal bombers. Bombing is, as described by Primauguet captain as "uncomfortably precise for level bombers", even if the ship, manoeuvring violently, escapes all bombs. Shock damage caused by two near misses makes mandatory to reduce speed at 25kts, but the attack, to the captain surprise, is not repeated. Actually, but unknown from the French crew, Paracels based IJNAF units have been warned of the Eastern Fleet move during the night and are preparing for a coordinated attack if ships were to reach bomber range.
Somerville heads north (Eagle has rejoined the fleet) and moves his ships north towards Saigon, threatening Japanese forces at Tourane. By 1300 he was 200nm south of Saigon when his fleet met the MN Lynx and USS Barker and Bulmer who have sailed from Cam Ranh. Formidable’s Swordfish on ASW patrol has screened the fleet and two probable contacts have been prosecuted just before noon but without apparent results. When the three destroyers were in sight, he transmitted to Singapore on a frequency known to be monitored by the IJN. By 1400, he has turned the back and for most of sailors and officers it was obvious that Somerville has sortied to be sure to safely recover LSF survivors. The whole move looked a bit demonstrative but was not completely unwarranted. After all, the LSF has been the first Allied force to directly challenge the IJN at sea. However this is not the full story. Phillips, with his two battlecruisers, is sprinting north under the cover of rain. By 1600, Formidable's Sea Hurricanes (F4F3) have driven off three would be shadowers, downing two of them in the process. Then, at 1800 (dusk), Somerville reverses course. However, Prince of Wales is detached in company with Formidable and a screen, en route Singora at high speed.
Phillips is tasked with a bombardment of Da Nang (Tourane). French intelligence indicates no mines, but he is disappointed at the lack of Japanese shipping in the bay (it has retired north). He conducts a 25 minute bombardment of the airfield, severely damaging it and destroying a number of aircraft. He then departs and heads south the rejoin the Fleet.
Moscow
A Mig-3 fighter from the 400IAP of the IA-PVO (the specialised air-defence command) intercepts a German Junkers Ju-86P-1 overflying Smolensk. The plane has to land in the countryside southwest of Smolensk where its crew is captured by Soviet security forces. This high altitude reconnaissance plane, belonging to the Aufklärungsgruppe Rowehl was engaged into regular high altitude reconnaissance missions over western USSR. Directed by one of the first "redoubt" air-interception radar, a specially cleaned-up Mig-3 has reached 37,500ft to intercept the German intruder. This incident creates some diplomatic noise between Germany and USSR.
Aegean:
HMS Naiad, bound for Alexandria for a well-needed refit and repair after weeks of continuous action with the Aegean squadron is torpedoed by a German submarine south of Cyprus. Hit by one torpedo in machinery spaces, the AA cruiser takes more than one hour to sink and HMS Sikh recovers most of her crew.
HM CLAA Naiad sunk
Algiers:
The 24 Martin 167 of the GB IV/62 leave the Maison-Blanche airfield bound to Cairo where 23 of them will land in the evening. The last plane had to stop in Benghazi to fix up an engine problem. The fast twin-engined light bombers are to leave Cairo with the 22 Hurricanes of the newly created GC IV/40 providing navigation assistance for the single crew fighters.
DECEMBER 13th:
South China Sea and Gulf of Siam. Bombardment of Singora
By 0020 Captain Leach in Prince of Wales arrives off Singora and begins a 40' bombardment done mostly by HMS Prince of Wales and heavy cruisers. Two of Formidable's Swordfish are launching flares and direct the shooting, before flying to the Khota Baru airstrip for a night landing by 0335. The naval bombardment hits the airfield, destroying 15 Ki-27 and 8 Ki-30, but also Japanese storehouses and equipment park. By 0054 one ammunition dump is hit and explodes brightly in the night. By 0110 Leach decides to retire at full speed toward the Fleet. The Japanese command in Thailand is so surprised by the naval bombardment that reconnaissance airplanes don't try to shadow the squadron before 0730. The first raid happens by 0945 and by then the ships are well off Khota Baru. 18 Ki-21s try to bomb the squadron but are torn to pieces off by Formidable's fighters, which destroy 7 of the attacking bombers.
Moscow
A Mig-3 fighter from the 400IAP of the IA-PVO (the specialised air-defence command) intercepts a German Junkers Ju-86P-1 overflying Smolensk. The plane has to land in the countryside southwest of Smolensk where its crew is captured by Soviet security forces. This high altitude reconnaissance plane, belonging to the Aufklärungsgruppe Rowehl was engaged into regular high altitude reconnaissance missions over western USSR. Directed by one of the first "redoubt" air-interception radar, a specially cleaned-up Mig-3 has reached 37,500ft to intercept the German intruder. This incident creates some diplomatic noise between Germany and USSR.
Aegean:
HMS Naiad, bound for Alexandria for a well-needed refit and repair after weeks of continuous action with the Aegean squadron is torpedoed by a German submarine south of Cyprus. Hit by one torpedo in machinery spaces, the AA cruiser takes more than one hour to sink and HMS Sikh recovers most of her crew.
HM CLAA Naiad sunk
Algiers:
The 24 Martin 167 of the GB IV/62 leave the Maison-Blanche airfield bound to Cairo where 23 of them will land in the evening. The last plane had to stop in Benghazi to fix up an engine problem. The fast twin-engined light bombers are to leave Cairo with the 22 Hurricanes of the newly created GC IV/40 providing navigation assistance for the single crew fighters.
DECEMBER 13th:
South China Sea and Gulf of Siam. Bombardment of Singora
By 0020 Captain Leach in Prince of Wales arrives off Singora and begins a 40' bombardment done mostly by HMS Prince of Wales and heavy cruisers. Two of Formidable's Swordfish are launching flares and direct the shooting, before flying to the Khota Baru airstrip for a night landing by 0335. The naval bombardment hits the airfield, destroying 15 Ki-27 and 8 Ki-30, but also Japanese storehouses and equipment park. By 0054 one ammunition dump is hit and explodes brightly in the night. By 0110 Leach decides to retire at full speed toward the Fleet. The Japanese command in Thailand is so surprised by the naval bombardment that reconnaissance airplanes don't try to shadow the squadron before 0730. The first raid happens by 0945 and by then the ships are well off Khota Baru. 18 Ki-21s try to bomb the squadron but are torn to pieces off by Formidable's fighters, which destroy 7 of the attacking bombers.
At 1030 the French cruiser Primauguet enters Miri (Sarawak, British Borneo) where she hastily refuels before leaving by 1330 for Singapore. Near-miss bomb damage to the outer starboard shaft is limiting the ship speed at 25kts.
Philippines:
Japanese forces landed at Aparri and Vigan consolidate their position and move south. The small airstrip in Aparri began to receive Japanese Army Co-Operation planes (Ki-51) and Japanese forces reach the Baguio airfield near Vigan at the end of the day.
Considering the USAAF weakness in Philippines, Adm. Hart orders the China station gunboats to move to the Visayas. Constant attacks have filled manila bay with wrecks, and many ships have been captured by Japanese offshore sweeps, but many have been able to escape to the south.
Indochina:
If the land battle is stalemated in Tonkin, and French forces slowly giving ground on both Tonlé Sap Lake sides, the situation is much worse in Annam.
Naval planes operating from Tourane are joining forces with the already present IJAAF unit to attack French forces. By 0730 18D3A1s escorted by the same number of A6M2 fighters attack Tan-Son-Nhut in the same time that 12 B5N1 and 9 D3A1 attack Cam Ranh. The attack on Saigon airport is the most damaging as French and British fighters are meeting for the first time the A6M2 which is not only more agile but faster than both the Hawk-75A3 and the Hurricane. Dive-bombing is also much more precise than level bombing. In the end Allied fighters are able to destroy 3 D3A1 and 2 A6M2 to the cost of 5 Curtiss fighters and 4 Hurricanes. More planes are destroyed on the ground, including 5 GB I/62 Maryland bombers. In Cam Ranh more building are destroyed and submarine Pegase just coming back from a patrol is so damaged by two bombs that the boat has to be beached. The Lockheed 18 carrying the new High Commissioner, Mr. Jean Sainteny, lands by 10h00 at Tan-Son-Nhut where fires are still burning.
Before noon, Ki-51 and Ki-36 based in Tourane have repeatedly attacked the coastal road supporting the advancing Japanese column marching south. Considering the threat of Tourane based Japanese planes, Col. Pijeaud, after a talk with the French AOC in Indochina, col. Tavera, decides to allocate Martin-167 based in the Hanoi area to the task of interdicting Tourane. A first unescorted strike is launched by 1300 (9 planes belonging to the GB II/62). At that time all available AVG P40s are needed to defend Hanoi or for ground attack missions against Japanese troops at Bac Can and Lang Son. This raid is moderately successful. Tourane airfield has been hit and French pilots claim 5 planes destroyed on the ground, a 6th being destroyed in flight by two Maryland using their wing mounted mg (actually one Ki-36 coming back from a close-support mission) but the airfield was much less busy than expected due to the heavy damage inflicted on teh runway by Force Z's battlecruisers. Only two planes have been lightly damaged by the AA fire. Actually the 12th and 3rd Kokutai had launched another raid, this time against the city of Bin Dinh, which is severely bombed. Civilian refugee columns on the coastal road are bombed and strafed too. Pijeaud decides then against Tavera advise to launch a second strike in the afternoon. As Tavera objects him that Japanese forces alerted by the first attack will probably maintain a fighter cover over Tourane, Pijeaud answers that the Hanoi based bomber force is the only one able effectively to strike Tourane and that only bombing can now reduce enemy air activity. Tavera reluctantly agrees and can't stop Pijeaud to board the leading bomber. For this raid 15 Martin 167 have been gathered, 6 from the GB II/62 and 9 from the III/62. However, when French light bombers arrive over Tourane by 17h00 they are greeted by 12 A6M2 and 6 Ki-27 on standing patrol to protect the 14th Kokutai (36 D3A1 and 12 B5N1) transiting from China to Bangkok Dong Muang via Hainan and Tourane. Actually, 20 A6M2 belonging to the 3rd Kokutai are to come with them. Some of these fighters, which are refuelling at Tourane take-off and join the standing patrol to hunt French bombers.
If lightly armed Ki-27s are not very effective against fast Martin bombers, cannon-armed A6M2s wreak havoc in the French formation. 9 bombers are destroyed and 5 others so damaged that they have to crash-land around Hue, among them Pijeaud's plane. All other planes able to fly back to Hanoi have been damaged to some extent. Two A6M2 and 2 Ki-27 have been downed either by defensive fire or by the M-167 offensive armament. Only 3 D3A1 and one B5N1 have been destroyed on the ground. Very badly burned, Col. Pijeaud is first taken to the Hue hospital and will be flown on the 14th to Hanoi in a CASEVAC Potez-29, where he will die on the 21st. By 1830, 14th and 3rd Kokutai airplanes take-off for Dong Muang where they arrive by 2130.
By the end of the day Allied air power in Indochina is now mostly in AVG pilots hands. Only 19 Hawk-75A4 (of which 11 in Phnom-Penh) and 7 Hurricanes are in flying order in Cochinchina. 6 old Morane Ms-406 and 5 Brewster B-339 are operational in the Laos based "Escadrilles de Protection" (Protecting Flight). The bomber force is now down to 21 flyable Maryland, of which 10 are with the GB I/62 in Cochinchina and the 11 others in the Hanoi area. The Army Co-Operation and Close Support squadrons still have 11 operational Potez-63/11 and 7 Wirraways (but much of them are based in Laos), and 21 very old Potez 25 biplanes are still on the Order of battle. The AVG is much better off with 54 planes of which 41 are in flying order.
By dusk, Japanese troops enter Bin Dinh and began immediately to move toward Qui Nhon. At 22h30 Rear-Adm. Nishimura force, which was intended first, to go to Tourane enters Bin Dinh harbour and seaplane tenders Misuho and Kamikawa Maru began to land equipment to transform the local civilian airfield (with a good 5,000ft grassed runway which was used in peace time by D-338 and DC3) into a provisional naval air base. Both ships also land fuel and ammunitions for a provisional seaplane base with 9 E13A1 and 12 F1M2 float planes. In view of the recent bombardment, Nishimura has requested the minelayer Yaeyama's services, and she is despatched.
An important meeting takes place in the night at Saigon between Sainteny, Decoux and the local military authorities to review the situation.
Malaya/Singapore:
In Kedah, the ground battle looks stabilized so far. Japanese forces are regrouping and try to make good for logistic losses suffered during the Singora naval bombardment. Japanese air activity is limited to small harassing bombardment around Jitra, and the two usual raids, but done by only 9 Ki-21 each with a mixed Ki-27/Ki-43 escort, on Kuala-Lumpur and Penang. RAAF fighters avoid the raid on Kuala-Lumpur, as it is not heavy enough to cause significant damages. ML-KNIL fighters try to oppose the one on Penang and lose 3 B-339 for one bomber and 2 Ki-21 destroyed. Small Ki-30 formations are bombing Sungei Patani and Butterworth, but these low-scale raids look more like armed reconnaissance than true offensive actions. One Ki-30 is downed by the Butterworth AA defence and another damaged.
At noon, RAF units based in Moulmein launch a day raid against Bangkok to try to ease the pressure on forces in Malaya. The raid includes 18 Wellington bombers (from RAF 40 and 104 Sqn) escorted by 24 Hurricane fighters (from 146 and 155 Sqn). A mixed Japanese/Thai force of 21 Ki-21 intercepts the raid and in the ensuing air battle 1 Wellington and 4 Hurricanes are lost against 8 Ki-21 (of which 3 have been destroyed by Wellington rear mounted turrets). The bombing is moderately effective but the population morale is severely shaken.
During the night 21 Japanese bombers attack Singapore, and 3 are destroyed by Defiants Night-Fighters. Few damages are done to military installations but the city is awakened from 2300 to 0320 by the actual raid but also AA guns firing in the night.
Cairo-West:
At 13h40 (local time) Hurricanes of the GC IV/40 and Marylands of the GB IV/62 are taking off to Habbaniyah and Bassorah.
Aegean:
Aegean Air Force ground-attack fighters raid airfields near Athens simultaneously with a high altitude attack on Salonika by 30 French Consolidated 32 escorted by 32 GC I/2 and II/2 P-38s. This time the Luftwaffe reacts in force. Around Athens, 3 P-39, 5 Hawk-81, 4 Hurricanes and 2 Spitfire V (the last two types flying top covers) are destroyed for 7 Bf-109 in return. The Salonika raid is intercepted too and 2 bombers are downed as well as 5 P-38 against 6 Bf-109.
Washington:
Meeting at the State department between Cordell Hull, Gen. Marshall, the French Ambassador and the Chinese Ambassador. This meeting revolves around the scale of the unfolding disaster in the Pacific. Also discussed is the French demand for some Chinese help to consolidate the situation in Tonkin. The Chinese Ambassador wants to trade the sending of two Infantry Divisions against 1,000 "US modern combat planes" to be delivered to China by March 1st. The Chinese are promised as much help as can be shipped.
DECEMBER 14th
Singapore
Early in the day the Fleet returns to Singapore . At noon it is the turn of the battered French cruiser Primauguet to enter Johore Stait.
Indochina:
In Tonkin, Japanese troops are still stopped at Bac Can by the DMT. The road going from Cao Bang to Bac Can is regularly strafed and bombed (with French pattern 50kg bombs) by AVG P-40Cs. In Lang Son, Japanese troops are launching new attacks supported by artillery. Without air support the local French commander asks for the possibility to extricate his forces in the next two days.
In Cambodia, French and local forces are slowly retreating east on both sides of the Tonlé Sap Lake. In the afternoon, one GBMS tank Cy. Deliver a counter attack to relieve the pressure, smashing one of the 23rd Infantry Division regiment. 4 SAV-40 are however lost to "anti-tank squads". The small gunboat Mytho is bombed thrice but escape undamaged.
12th Kokutai D3A1 escorted by A6M2s again attacks airfields around Saigon. At noon it is the Saigon harbour, which is left ablaze by dive-bombers. However, riverine barges are able to unload GBMS elements at Bien Hoa by dusk. On the coast, Japanese forces are still moving south on the main road (RC-1). The three "provisional" battalions (two of Annam Riflemen and one of French volunteers) are marching North through a relentless refugees flow to try to establish a first defence line at Son Cau, south of Qui-Nhon.
Malaysia/Singapore:
Japanese aircraft are coming back in the air. The Penang fortress is attacked twice in the day by 14th Kokutai D3A1s, causing heavy losses to the RAN maritime garrison's trade protection forces based there. They sink the repair ship HMAS Platypus, and the tug HMAS St Giles and in the evening by an 18 strong Ki-21 raid. Naval planes have been escorted for the first time by A6M2 fighters and 3 ML-KNIL B-339 have been destroyed, others being left unserviceable. The situation in Georgetown is critical, as the city has been left without drinkable water by the destruction of the water plant, and multiple fires are raging. In the early afternoon, the small squadron patrolling Malacca straits is attacked too and HMAS Adelaide is hit by two 550lbs bombs, one amidship and the other after the aft funnel. HMS Dragon his hit by one on the forecastle. The old Dragon has to be beached, and the older Adelaide is left fiercely burning.
In the morning, two 18 strong Ki-21 raids hit Ipoh and Subang, clearly trying to eradicate what is left of the Hurricane force. Even if British fighters are now limiting themselves to "Dive and Zoom" attacks, they lost 3 of their own for the destruction of 3 Ki-21 and 1 escorting Ki-43. By dusk, 12 A6M2s make a surprise low-level attack on Ipoh destroying 3 Hurricanes and 2 Blenheim. The fighter force covering North and Central Malaysia is now down to 15 Hurricanes of which 11 are flyable.
After a direct call from The Hon. Duff Cooper and Gen. Wavell to Vice-Admiral Helfrich (NEI), the ML-KNIL agrees to commit all its 2-VLG-V and 3-VLG-V B-339 to Mendan (21 planes), with 9 Martin 139 WH-3/3A bombers of the 1e Afdeling (1-VLG-III) to protect Malaya west flank.
At Jitra and Kroh, Japanese forces are surprisingly quiet, but for harassing mortar fire.
HMAS Platypus (sub tender) sunk by IJA bombs
HMA Tug St Giles sunk by IJA bombs
CL HMS Dragon damaged and beached
CL HMAS Adelaide damaged
Algiers:
Emergency meeting of the Conseil de la Défense Nationale to review the situation in Indochina. The CDN allows the new High Commissioner to implement “General Mobilization” of Europeans and Asians alike in Indochina.
The French government is also warned by the US one that the US navy request the two aircraft carriers built on Fleet Oiler hulls, but is ready to give 4 CVE currently building or near commission stage in return.
DECEMBER 15th
Pearl Harbor:
The seaplane tender Tangier, arriving from the east coast, becomes the first large USN warship to enter the port since the attack. The five submarines carrying midgets are ordered to remain in Hawaiian waters awaiting the return of damaged USN ships.
Philippines:
Following a long signal sent by Gen. MacArthur asking for another 200 fighter planes and 50 dive-bombers, US forces in Philippines receive notification from the War department that: "Your messages...have been studied by the President. The strategic importance of Philippines is fully recognized and there has been an will be no - repeat - no wavering in the determination to support you. The problem of supply is complicated by Naval losses in the Pacific but as recommended in yours of December 14th bomber and pursuit re-enforcements are to be rushed to you".
Actually Gen. Marshall, after discussing with Brig.Gnrl D. Eisenhower, was ordering two transports to be loaded to take pursuit planes and ammunition to Australia. Combined with planes and equipment of the Pensacola convoy and other convoy expected to leave the US West Coast by December 17th, 230 pursuit planes are to arrive in Australia by January 1942. Eisenhower had strongly advised for the creation of a strong air base in Darwin (Australia). From there it is hoped that planehen ns could be transfered either to Luzon or - if Philippines were to be already blockaded - to be added to Commonwealth forces in Malaysia. The Pensacola convoy is to be joined by USN Houston and Concord and DesDiv 60 (USS Hopewell, Thomas, Abbot and Bagley) and DesDiv 61 (USS Shubrick, Bailey, Swasey and Meade) rerouted to Suva. DesDic 57 (under Cdr E.M. Crouch) with DD Whipple, Alden, John D. Edwards, and Edsall, which has been sent to Balikpapan is also to join the Pensacola convoy when it will reach Darwin (Australia).
Algiers:
Emergency meeting of the Conseil de la Défense Nationale to review the situation in Indochina. The CDN allows the new High Commissioner to implement “General Mobilization” of Europeans and Asians alike in Indochina.
The French government is also warned by the US one that the US navy request the two aircraft carriers built on Fleet Oiler hulls, but is ready to give 4 CVE currently building or near commission stage in return.
DECEMBER 15th
Pearl Harbor:
The seaplane tender Tangier, arriving from the east coast, becomes the first large USN warship to enter the port since the attack. The five submarines carrying midgets are ordered to remain in Hawaiian waters awaiting the return of damaged USN ships.
Philippines:
Following a long signal sent by Gen. MacArthur asking for another 200 fighter planes and 50 dive-bombers, US forces in Philippines receive notification from the War department that: "Your messages...have been studied by the President. The strategic importance of Philippines is fully recognized and there has been an will be no - repeat - no wavering in the determination to support you. The problem of supply is complicated by Naval losses in the Pacific but as recommended in yours of December 14th bomber and pursuit re-enforcements are to be rushed to you".
Actually Gen. Marshall, after discussing with Brig.Gnrl D. Eisenhower, was ordering two transports to be loaded to take pursuit planes and ammunition to Australia. Combined with planes and equipment of the Pensacola convoy and other convoy expected to leave the US West Coast by December 17th, 230 pursuit planes are to arrive in Australia by January 1942. Eisenhower had strongly advised for the creation of a strong air base in Darwin (Australia). From there it is hoped that planehen ns could be transfered either to Luzon or - if Philippines were to be already blockaded - to be added to Commonwealth forces in Malaysia. The Pensacola convoy is to be joined by USN Houston and Concord and DesDiv 60 (USS Hopewell, Thomas, Abbot and Bagley) and DesDiv 61 (USS Shubrick, Bailey, Swasey and Meade) rerouted to Suva. DesDic 57 (under Cdr E.M. Crouch) with DD Whipple, Alden, John D. Edwards, and Edsall, which has been sent to Balikpapan is also to join the Pensacola convoy when it will reach Darwin (Australia).
Indochina:
Japanese Army and Naval aviation units are stepping up the pressure against French forces in Cochinchina and Cambodia. Tan-Son-Nhut is raided twice by D3A1 Val dive-bombers, which are escorted by A6M2 fighters. Two Hurricanes and three H-75A4s are lost in the ensuing battle. Army co-operation and light strike planes are operating in support of the Japanese column marching toward Cam Ranh. They are supplemented by 12 more Ki-30 light-bombers, which land at Tourane in the morning. They are not alone. From Hainan another shore-based naval units arrive to Tourane in the afternoon with 27 B5M1 (the Mitsubishi contender for the Torpedo-Bomber requirement Nakajima won with its B5N1), 27 D3A1 and another fighter Kokutai with 21 A6M2 and 15 A5M4.
On the coastal road, the 3 provisional battalions are trying to stop the Japanese column at Tuy Hoa. They are reinforced by another battalion set up from instructors of the mountain warfare units (Mountain Annam Riflemen) based in Pleiku. The battle rages on all the day in the little town overflowed by refugees. despite heavy losses to the advancing column, Tuy Hoa has to be evacuated in the night.
Ltn-Gen Mordant urges Col. Schlesser to move north as fast as possible so to stop the Japanese advance before Ninh Hoa which is, on the coastal road, the point where the road from Ban Me Thuot makes its junction with the coastal one.
In Cambodia French and local forces are reeling under the Japanese attack, which is now constantly supported by light bombers, as French fighters - or more precisely what is left of them - are used to protect Phnom Penh and Saigon. The Japanese 7th Infantry Division began to attack Pouthisat on the Tonle Sap south (right) bank but has to redeploy to face local counter-attacks from the DMC (Detachement Motorisé du Tonkin). On the north bank, French armoured units are retreating too, preparing a new line of defence at Kompang Thum. However, following previous fighting the 23rd Japanese Infantry Division is more cautious in its advance.
However, Japanese and Thai troops are opening a new front, attacking from North from Rovieng Tbong. What is left of French Army Co-Operation and light strike planes try to interdict this new attack, which is threatening Kampong Thum and the front on the north Tonle Sap shore.
This attack is probably the result of the enemy failure to move out of Pakse. French gunboats, and mostly the large Francis Garnier are ordered to the Tonle Sap Lake to support ground troops and prevent Japanese infiltrations along Tonle Sap shores.
Malaya:
The Japanese naval aviation maintains its pressure against Penang and Malacca strait northern part. Land based D3A1 dive-bombers are attracted by the damaged HMAS Adelaide, which is hit by 3 more 550lbs bombs at the cost of 2 Japanese planes downed by the AA defence. Adelaide is beached just north of Fort Cornwallis. However, as no fighter defence can be afforded, accommodation ship HMAS Whang Pu, patrol craft V2, and armed freighters HMAS Bingera and HMAS Wilcannia are sunk. The small V2 is however able to claim one more D3A1 (downed by the two Oerlikon 20mm guns) before being destroyed. Japanese air superiority is now so obvious that Adm. Somerville forbids any daylight naval presence north of a Kelang-Tanjungbalai line. However sea-interdiction by night is to be exercised by a naval group, called the “Malacca Strait Squadron” formed by old light cruisers Delhi and Danae and Hunt-class DD Atherstone, Cattistock, Garth and Holderness.
The front is still quiet both at Kroh or Jitra, with Japanese tactical aviation active but not very effective. The Ki-21 daily raid over Ipoh and Kuala-Lumpur are however highly disruptive and begins to affect population morale. The refugees flow toward Singapore is now steadily increasing, to the point it hinders Commonwealth troops movement.
CL HMAS Adelaide bombed and beached
Auxiliary HMAS Whang Pu
Patrol craft V2,
AMS HMAS Bingera sunk
AMS HMAS Wilcannia sunk
Calcutta:
In the evening French planes of the GC IV/40 and GB IV/62 arrives to Dum-Dum airport. After various accidents and mechanical incidents there are now 17 Hurricanes (2 others are still in Karachi and are expected to join up soon) and 21 Martin 167. RAF ferry pilots have already delivered another 22 Hurricanes from the Middle east, these are in maintenance.
Great Britain
A fast convoy made of 10 merchantmen able to steam 16kts, escorted by HMS Renown and Repulse, MN Strasbourg with HM carrier Furious (with 12 Fulmar IIs of the 809 SQN, 6 of 807 SQN 6 Swordfish for ASW patrol) for air support, cruisers HMS Kenya, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, AA cruisers Charybdis, Euralyus and Hermione, with a DD screen is made of Antelope, Bedouin, Escapade, Maori, Matabele, Nestor Ithuriel, Icarus, Onslow, Partridge, Somali, Westcott, Wishart, Wrestler and Zulu leaves British shores bound to Singapore. The convoy will first stop at Gibraltar to meet a French force made of cruisers Colbert, Dupleix, La Galissonnière, large DDs Vauquelin, Cassard, Kersaint and Tartu, and DDs Brestois, Bordelais, Forbin and Fougueux, before crossing the Mediterranean.
In the afternoon 27 Halifax heavy bombers with an heavy Spitfire escort attack Brest trying to hit the two German battlecruisers anchored here. Scharhnorst is near-missed by two 1000lbs bombs.
Loss of HMAS Adelaide
14 Dec 41
The Penang fortress is attacked twice in the day by 14th Kokutai D3A1s, which sinks the repair ship Platypus, and the tug St Giles and in the evening by an 18 strong Ki-21 raid. Naval planes have been escorted for the first time by A6M2 fighters and 3 ML-KNIL B-339 have been destroyed, others being left unserviceable. The situation in Georgetown is critical, as the city has been left without drinkable water by the destruction of the water plant, and multiple fires are raging. In the early afternoon, the small squadron patrolling Malacca straits is attacked too and HMAS Adelaide is hit by two 550lbs bombs, one amidship and the other after the aft funnel. HMS Dragon his hit by one on the forecastle. The old Dragon has to be beached, and the older Adelaide is left fiercely burning.
The two hits on Adelaide were near mortal, as the 550lb bombs were IJN issue with effective fuses and excellent anti-ship ability. Adelaide was extremely vulnerable to this form of attack, due to her near complete lack of deck armour.
The first bomb struck 3’ to port of the base of the midships funnel. It easily penetrated the decks, deflected off the top of the port aft boiler and detonated in the stokehold between the boilers. The effect was catastrophic. All four boilers in the space were wrecked and a violent fire started. Worse, this was fed from shattered double bottom tanks as the space filled, the bomb having blown a large hole in the bottom of the hull. The explosion had vented through the boiler room vents, wrecking them in the process and opening the decks above. The fire spread quickly over the top of the forward boiler room, forcing its abandonment. Meanwhile, the aft boiler room was leaking badly through the forward bulkhead, and temperatures soared due to the fierce fire forward. It had to be abandoned as temperatures passed 70 C and due to thick smoke being sucked in by the fans.
The second bomb struck aft of the aft funnel, about a third of the way across the beam of the ship from the starboard side, level with the aft 4” AA mount. Again, it easily penetrated deep in to the ship and exploded in the aft 6” magazine. Fortunately for the ship, this gun had earlier been wrecked, and the magazine had been emptied (it had been flooded and the ammunition ruined). Nevertheless, the damage was very severe. The ship’s stern had been shaken by near misses and stressed by bomb hits and subsequent fires. All of the patched leaks were re-opened, a large hole was blown in the hull, and the explosion blew out the weakened decks above it. The Commanding Officer was certain that he had been hit by a 1000lb bomb, so spectacular was the damage.
An hour after the hits, the ship was close to sinking condition. Her quarterdeck was just awash, a huge fire was raging amidships. She would certainly have capsized except for the Malacca Strait being its usual flat calm. What saved her was her old-fashioned heavy construction, the calm sea, and her diesel generator. This enabled the crew to quell the fires over the forward boiler room, and to get steam up. This gave some power and enabled the aft boiler room to be emptied of water, restoring some critical buoyancy. By midnight, the ship was underway at 6 knots on her port shaft, She crept in to Penang and was beached north of Fort Cornwallis on hard sand. The CO had stated that his ship was, to all intents and purposes, lost, but that he intended to place her ashore so her guns could be removed and added to the defences. His main concern was to save his experienced crew. With the loss of HMAS Platypus, no repairs could be carried out. The ship was firmly ashore by 0200 and the fire was extinguished by 0400, by which time evacuation of the crew was also underway. Removal of guns commenced immediately. Adelaide’s crew (along with that of Platypus) also started to play an important role in restoring drinking water supplies to Georgetown. Japanese bombs had destroyed the water treatment plant, but the reservoir was untouched, and they were able to repair the pipes quite quickly. Although the water could not be properly treated to peacetime standards, they were able to start work on chlorine injectors on the main supply pipes themselves.
Adelaide retained power from her diesel generator and boilers, but her engines could not be kept in service due to sand buildup around the hull, which clogged the condenser intakes.
Damage to HMS Dragon
14 Dec 41
The one bomb to hit Dragon was very damaging. It penetrated the upper deck on the port side just forward of the breakwater. The bomb travelled to starboard, deflected from a structural corner when passing though the messdeck, and detonated 3’ inboard of the shell plating right on the waterline. This blew a very large hole (about 20’ long and 10’ high) on and just below the waterline. Worse, the base of the bomb was blasted aft by some freak of explosive reflection. This large splinter passed far aft, coming to rest in the forward boiler room. It had punctured every bulkhead on the way.
The ship was travelling at 25 knots, and the Malacca Strait thundered in to the hole, causing massive forward flooding. By the time she stopped, she was listing 18 degrees and had immersed 12’ at the bow. The leak path caused by the splinter caused extensive flooding forward, which was extremely difficult to control. Her CO ordered the ship to make sternway and closed Penang at 9 knots.
He beached the ship (bow-first) temporarily on the west coast of the island while his crew fought to seal the penetrations caused by the bomb fragment. This was accomplished by midnight, and dewatering began. The ship was fully flooded from the chain locker to the B gun bulkhead, but this critical bulkhead was well shored and watertight by midnight.
By 0400 the ship was off the sand and underway for the Singapore floating dock at 13 knots.
Calcutta:
In the evening French planes of the GC IV/40 and GB IV/62 arrives to Dum-Dum airport. After various accidents and mechanical incidents there are now 17 Hurricanes (2 others are still in Karachi and are expected to join up soon) and 21 Martin 167. RAF ferry pilots have already delivered another 22 Hurricanes from the Middle east, these are in maintenance.
Great Britain
A fast convoy made of 10 merchantmen able to steam 16kts, escorted by HMS Renown and Repulse, MN Strasbourg with HM carrier Furious (with 12 Fulmar IIs of the 809 SQN, 6 of 807 SQN 6 Swordfish for ASW patrol) for air support, cruisers HMS Kenya, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, AA cruisers Charybdis, Euralyus and Hermione, with a DD screen is made of Antelope, Bedouin, Escapade, Maori, Matabele, Nestor Ithuriel, Icarus, Onslow, Partridge, Somali, Westcott, Wishart, Wrestler and Zulu leaves British shores bound to Singapore. The convoy will first stop at Gibraltar to meet a French force made of cruisers Colbert, Dupleix, La Galissonnière, large DDs Vauquelin, Cassard, Kersaint and Tartu, and DDs Brestois, Bordelais, Forbin and Fougueux, before crossing the Mediterranean.
In the afternoon 27 Halifax heavy bombers with an heavy Spitfire escort attack Brest trying to hit the two German battlecruisers anchored here. Scharhnorst is near-missed by two 1000lbs bombs.
Loss of HMAS Adelaide
14 Dec 41
The Penang fortress is attacked twice in the day by 14th Kokutai D3A1s, which sinks the repair ship Platypus, and the tug St Giles and in the evening by an 18 strong Ki-21 raid. Naval planes have been escorted for the first time by A6M2 fighters and 3 ML-KNIL B-339 have been destroyed, others being left unserviceable. The situation in Georgetown is critical, as the city has been left without drinkable water by the destruction of the water plant, and multiple fires are raging. In the early afternoon, the small squadron patrolling Malacca straits is attacked too and HMAS Adelaide is hit by two 550lbs bombs, one amidship and the other after the aft funnel. HMS Dragon his hit by one on the forecastle. The old Dragon has to be beached, and the older Adelaide is left fiercely burning.
The two hits on Adelaide were near mortal, as the 550lb bombs were IJN issue with effective fuses and excellent anti-ship ability. Adelaide was extremely vulnerable to this form of attack, due to her near complete lack of deck armour.
The first bomb struck 3’ to port of the base of the midships funnel. It easily penetrated the decks, deflected off the top of the port aft boiler and detonated in the stokehold between the boilers. The effect was catastrophic. All four boilers in the space were wrecked and a violent fire started. Worse, this was fed from shattered double bottom tanks as the space filled, the bomb having blown a large hole in the bottom of the hull. The explosion had vented through the boiler room vents, wrecking them in the process and opening the decks above. The fire spread quickly over the top of the forward boiler room, forcing its abandonment. Meanwhile, the aft boiler room was leaking badly through the forward bulkhead, and temperatures soared due to the fierce fire forward. It had to be abandoned as temperatures passed 70 C and due to thick smoke being sucked in by the fans.
The second bomb struck aft of the aft funnel, about a third of the way across the beam of the ship from the starboard side, level with the aft 4” AA mount. Again, it easily penetrated deep in to the ship and exploded in the aft 6” magazine. Fortunately for the ship, this gun had earlier been wrecked, and the magazine had been emptied (it had been flooded and the ammunition ruined). Nevertheless, the damage was very severe. The ship’s stern had been shaken by near misses and stressed by bomb hits and subsequent fires. All of the patched leaks were re-opened, a large hole was blown in the hull, and the explosion blew out the weakened decks above it. The Commanding Officer was certain that he had been hit by a 1000lb bomb, so spectacular was the damage.
An hour after the hits, the ship was close to sinking condition. Her quarterdeck was just awash, a huge fire was raging amidships. She would certainly have capsized except for the Malacca Strait being its usual flat calm. What saved her was her old-fashioned heavy construction, the calm sea, and her diesel generator. This enabled the crew to quell the fires over the forward boiler room, and to get steam up. This gave some power and enabled the aft boiler room to be emptied of water, restoring some critical buoyancy. By midnight, the ship was underway at 6 knots on her port shaft, She crept in to Penang and was beached north of Fort Cornwallis on hard sand. The CO had stated that his ship was, to all intents and purposes, lost, but that he intended to place her ashore so her guns could be removed and added to the defences. His main concern was to save his experienced crew. With the loss of HMAS Platypus, no repairs could be carried out. The ship was firmly ashore by 0200 and the fire was extinguished by 0400, by which time evacuation of the crew was also underway. Removal of guns commenced immediately. Adelaide’s crew (along with that of Platypus) also started to play an important role in restoring drinking water supplies to Georgetown. Japanese bombs had destroyed the water treatment plant, but the reservoir was untouched, and they were able to repair the pipes quite quickly. Although the water could not be properly treated to peacetime standards, they were able to start work on chlorine injectors on the main supply pipes themselves.
Adelaide retained power from her diesel generator and boilers, but her engines could not be kept in service due to sand buildup around the hull, which clogged the condenser intakes.
Damage to HMS Dragon
14 Dec 41
The one bomb to hit Dragon was very damaging. It penetrated the upper deck on the port side just forward of the breakwater. The bomb travelled to starboard, deflected from a structural corner when passing though the messdeck, and detonated 3’ inboard of the shell plating right on the waterline. This blew a very large hole (about 20’ long and 10’ high) on and just below the waterline. Worse, the base of the bomb was blasted aft by some freak of explosive reflection. This large splinter passed far aft, coming to rest in the forward boiler room. It had punctured every bulkhead on the way.
The ship was travelling at 25 knots, and the Malacca Strait thundered in to the hole, causing massive forward flooding. By the time she stopped, she was listing 18 degrees and had immersed 12’ at the bow. The leak path caused by the splinter caused extensive flooding forward, which was extremely difficult to control. Her CO ordered the ship to make sternway and closed Penang at 9 knots.
He beached the ship (bow-first) temporarily on the west coast of the island while his crew fought to seal the penetrations caused by the bomb fragment. This was accomplished by midnight, and dewatering began. The ship was fully flooded from the chain locker to the B gun bulkhead, but this critical bulkhead was well shored and watertight by midnight.
By 0400 the ship was off the sand and underway for the Singapore floating dock at 13 knots.
DECEMBER 16th
At dawn, Japanese forces have actually landed on the West Malayan coast in two places, one close to Alor Setar and the other on the coastal plain at Jitra level. As the British command began to move armoured reserves against both landings, Japanese planes attack repeatedly advancing Commonwealth units. If artillery and tank fire is able to stop Japanese troops landed on the Jitra coast, units landed close to Alor Setar surround the deserted airfield and reach the main road in the afternoon. A strong British counter-stroke is able to clear the road but soon after runs out of steam under dive-bomber attacks.
ML-KNIL fighter planes of the 2-VLG-V and 3-VLG-V (21 B-339) from Medan, with 9 Martin 139 WH-3/3A bombers of the 1e Afdeling (1-VLG-III) from Pakan Baru attack late in the day Japanese forces around Alor Setar. They are joined by surviving RAF Blenheim IVs.
At the same time, French GC IV/40 fighters and GB IV/62 bombers land at Kluang which is seen as safer than Subang (Kuala Lumpur).
Dutch submarine O-16 is lost on a British minefield off Singapore while returning from patrol.
Philippines:
Naval aviation (G3M2/G4M1) raids Manila and Cavite with determined but quickly fading opposition, and Japanese Army Air Force began to strengthen at Tuguegarao. General MacArthur asks for fighter planes which could be brought by US CV to flying distance of Luzon to reinforce the sorely depleted USAAF in Philippines. The War Department answers at once that such an option is ruled out in the current situation, there are insufficient fighters in Hawaii for defensive needs there and the battered carrier force has just arrived in Fiji to refuel before returning to the US west coast. In another message sent the same day to Washington, MacArthur asks the US Government to negotiate with Soviet Union the possibility for the last country to attack Japan now that most Japanese forces are committed South. The State Department is however highly sceptical about such a possibility. Nevertheless Mr. Cordell Hull agrees to meet the Soviet Ambassador in Washington (Maxim Litvinov) for informal consultations.
Indochina:
French forces are retreating on the Coastal Road toward Ninh Hoa, which is reached late in the afternoon by GBMS armoured units. Tourane based Ki-30 bombers raid twice the defenceless city of Hue. In Tonkin, French forces are preparing to evacuate Lang Son to avoid being encircled by Japanese units. A Japanese push on the coastal road is foiled by repeated attacks of AVG P-40s which have been modified by AdA workshops to carry French bombs (the 100kg one and the MAC Small Bomb Container Unit with either 42 1kg bombs or 98 MAC grenades).
In Cambodia, Japanese troops are stopped at Poutishat and French gunboats shell Japanese units trying to move on the Tonle Sap north shore.
By the end of the day the IJNAF transfers 24 G4M1 twin-engined bombers and 21 A6M2 fighters to the Bin Dinh airfield, 245 km south of Tourane as well as 26 D3A1s and 15 A6M2s to Thailand.
South China Sea
0900
ML-KNIL Martin WH-3 bombers of the 2-VLG-I based at Singkawang II have made a first attack by noon with 6 planes. However one flight had to return because of the bad weather between Singkawang and Miri and the other 3 planes were unable to assess their bombing result. Another raid launched at 1600 ran into Japanese top cover provided by carrier based A5M4s and A6M2s and by F1M2 seaplanes. Three Dutch bombers were destroyed and 2 other seriously damaged for the loss of one A5M4 and 1 F1M2. One freighter was seen burning.
Allied submarines present in the area have been ordered to attack Japanese naval forces but HMS Osiris is sunk by a seaplane when approaching the anchorage (the submarine position was probably given away by a fuel leakage). However the Dutch K-XVI sank Japanese destroyer Asakaze. A dusk Manchester raid causes some damage, but heavy haze (normal for the time of year) prevented accurate bombing from altitude. The F1M2 were not able to reach or keep up with the big bombers, four A5M4 were able to make a few passes. One was promptly shot down for its pains, the wounded pilot ditching it in a large pond he mistook for a meadow. (This machine was recovered in near-perfect condition in 1999 and is displayed in Tokyo).
Malaya/Singapore
The battle on the Kedah coast and at Jitra rages all the day. In northern Kedah, the situation looks more or less stabilized. The Japanese frontal attack against Jitra has been smashed with heavy losses by a combination of good tank-infantry work and superlative artillery work. The situation on the coast however is not as rosy. If the beach head near Jitra is now well contained and no more a threat the one near Alor Setar looks much more dangerous. Japanese troops, helped by D3A1 divebombers repulsed counter attacks and are threatening the main road. During the night, British cruisers have searched without results for Japanese boats and ships, and HMS Danae has shelled Japanese troops, which have landed near Alor Setar before retiring south. At dawn a new coaster convoy enters the Malacca strait to bring reinforcements. ML-KNIL planes based at Medan and Pakan Baru try to stop it in the morning but are intercepted by 15 A6M2s, the Dutch force losing 4 Martin WH-3 bombers and 7 Brewster B-339 for 3 Japanese fighters.
Lieutenant-General Percival, who has arrived in the night of the 16th to the 17th to assess the situation, advises General Wavell that troops holding strong at Jitra could be in a very serious situation would Japanese troops able to gain control of the main road. Percival advocates a major air effort in support to British and Commonwealth troops attack. However both the IJNAF and the IJAAF are maintaining a continuous fighter presence as well as attacking Kuala Lumpur and Subang airfield. By 1330 12 French Marylands (from GB IV/62) and 15 Blenheim IVs (what is left of 34, 60 and 62 SQNs although they have reinforcement aircraft arriving) escorted by 22 Hurricanes (6 of AdA GC IV/40 and 16 from RAF of which 10 are recent reinforcements) raid the Alor Setar beachhead. A vicious air battle develops where 4 Marylands, 7 Blenheim and 8 Hurricanes are lost to the cost of 6 Ki-27, 5 Ki-43 and 3 A6M2s for the Japanese. The bombing is only moderately effective and another British counter attack delivered at dusk fails to dislodge Japanese troops.
Meanwhile, during the night Adm. Somerville has ordered to strengthen sea-interdiction in the Malacca strait by adding HMS Frobisher and Hawkins to the Delhi-Danae group. Both elderly heavy cruisers join the “Malacca Strait Squadron” as it retires south after its night sweep. Learning the failure of KL-MNIL morning air attack to stop Japanese force to bring reinforcements to both beach heads, the “Malacca Strait Squadron” commanding officer (RADM Crace) orders his ships, which were south of Penang, to turn back north by 1120. A first attack by IJN planes at 1415 is easily foiled by AA fire and Hunt-class DDs claim one Japanese bomber. Attackers were 12 B5N1 making horizontal bombing attack. Those planes were probably intended to bomb Penang and have been diverted to attack the RN squadron when it was detected by a C5M2 reconnaissance plane. Despite a call from Portal himself to the ML-KNIL staff asking for a fighter cover from Mendan based B-339 Buffaloes, Japanese air superiority was total. By 1650, as the squadron was racing toward the Alor Setar beachhead it is attacked first by 17 D3A1. In spite of wild manoeuvring, and smoke made by escort destroyers, Japanese planes are able to hit five of the eight ships.
Frobisher is hit by 1 x 550lbs bomb at the fore funnel level and another one the quarterdeck at the “Y” 7.5in mounting. A third bomb near misses the ship, exploding near the port side at the after turbine room level. Slowed to 10 knots with a port list and with fires raging on the aft part of the ship, she turns south.
Delhi is hit by two 550lbs bombs one penetrating the front turbine room and the other detonating the after 6in magazine. This last dooms the ship, which is seen sinking by the stern by 1705. Danae is hit by one 130lb bomb just before the bridge, killing or wounding most of ship’s officers present. Both 6in bow gun crews are killed or wounded, but the gins themselves are quickly repairable. Some minutes later the ship is hit again another 130lbs bomb amidships and a 550lb bomb explodes in the water, causing leaks and some shock damage.
Cattistock, a Hunt-class DE, hit by 1 x 550lb bomb amidship, is stopped dead her machinery destroyed. After an attempt by HMS Garth to tow her she is scuttled by 1750. Holderness, another Hunt, is hit by 1 x 130lb bomb on the after 4in mounting, wrecking it.
By 1805, another Japanese formation is sighted, this time with 5 D3A1 and 9 B5N1. However, as Japanese planes are preparing to attack, they are jumped by 4 RAF Hurricane IIs which are able to down 3 torpedo-bombers and 2 D3A1 but lose one of theirs to very aggressive D3A1s. Five of the surviving B5N1s are able to deliver a coordinated torpedo attack against the damaged HMS Frobisher. The old cruiser is hit by one aerial torpedo abreast the bridge, another abreast the aft 7.5" gun, and at least three more bombs. With all power lost, the ship is obviously doomed. She is abandoned by 2050, sinking soon after.
As Spitfire PR planes have taken pictures of large Japanese troop concentrations south of Singora, 18 Moulmein based Wellingtons belonging to 40 and 104 SQNs attack the Hat Yai railway junction. This daylight raid was supposed to be coordinated with the light bomber one on the Alor Setar beachhead. However, bad weather having prevented Wellingtons to take-off in time, they arrive over their target by 1730 and are greeted by 12 A6M2 fighters. Five RAF bombers are destroyed and seven other very seriously damaged (3 are obliged to crashland before reaching back Moulmein). However Wellington tail gunners claim 4 Japanese fighters.
By the end of the day a special meeting is held in Singapore to review the situation with the presence of Lord Gort (Gort, whose plane has landed in the afternoon had come actually from India to participate to an American, British, Commonwealth, Dutch, French conference called for the 18th). General Sir Archibald Wavell asks Adm. Somerville to use at best naval assets to relieve the pressure on Commonwealth forces in Kedah. Somerville, who is ignoring Churchill's pressure to engage the Japanese squadron supporting the Miri landing, attack their base in the Pescadores, attack Bangkok and relieve Tourane acknowledges that naval actions are needed. He also notes that with the US Pacific Fleet all but destroyed, his primary strategic instructions remain and are inviolable: he is not to risk the destruction of his fleet under any circumstances, and this includes by frittering. He states to the meeting that he has told Churchill that he will not accept ant instructions from him which violate that primary directive (itself from Churchill, but only countersigned - it is a standing instruction from the Lords of the Admiralty and one ingrained at the cellular level since the Dutch Wars), as he is now in the position Jellicoe held at Jutland. He can lose the entire war in the east in one afternoon.
In Cambodia, the 7th Japanese infantry division try to storm the town of Poutishat as an attempt to by pass the place through the road running on the Tonle Sap shore has been foiled by French gunboats . The Argus is however damaged by 100mm shells from Japanese field artillery. On the Tonle Sap north shore, French and local forces, helped by one GBMS tank Coy are preparing the defence of Kompang Thum. The Japanese and Thai column which has penetrated Cambodia from north is stopped at Rovieng Tbong.
In Cochinchina, Saigon is raided twice and IJNAF D3A1 dive bombers are setting the harbour docks ablaze. Bien Hoa is also raided and the bridge on the Dong Nai River destroyed.
During the day, the new High Commissioner, Jean Sainteny meets first S.M. Bao Daï (formally "Emperror of Annam"), representatives of the CaoDaist cult and of the newly legalized local trade-unions. In the evening Sainteny delivers a speech on radio-Saigon (in French and in Vietnamese) calling for the union of all Vietnamese patriotic forces to create a national defence government acting in coordination with French authorities. He formally pledges French government will to grant Vietnam Home Rule once this government established.
Chungking (China):
A conference is held with Amrecian, British, Chinese, and French representatives. US representatives are Gen. George H. Brett and General John A. Magruder. The French delegation (actually the CinCof the Tonkin division) asks for rapid deployment of at least two Chinese division (each roughly equivalent to an infantry brigade in numbers) in the Thai Nguyen area through the Kunming-Hanoi railroad. This demand is strongly supported by the two US generals. Chinese officals are nevertheless reluctant to commit troops in Tonkin, fearing the Japanese forces could resume an offensive against Kunming and Chungking.
Washington:
The US Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull meets with the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Maxim Litvinov. The Soviet Ambassador makes clear that any negotiation between his country and the USA on a possible support given in the current war against Japan is conditional to the abrogation of trade restrictions implemented after the Soviet-Finnish war of winter 1939-1940 and formal recognition by United States of current Soviet borders in Europe. Cordell Hull hints that progress on the first point "could be made" (meaning it would be very difficult) but that the second one "would be more difficult to settle" (meaning that the demand was impossible). Still both men agree to propose an official visit to Moscow of a US delegation led by Harry Hopkins and Averell Harriman to take place "before the end of January 1942". A Soviet delegation is to come to Washington in February 1942.
In the same fast minelayers HMS Abdiel and MN Emile Bertin leave Rhodes for Benghazi where a major RAF depot is based. Both fast ships are to load some reserve P-40 and Hurricane fighters, parts and ammunition. Sailing at 30kts, with stops at Port-Said, Djibouti and Colombo, they are expected to reach Singapore by December 25th (if they can use the Malacca Strait) and from there to dash to Saigon.
Cairo-West
RAF ferry crews (including Greek AF pilots and crews which have completed their advanced training at Habbanyah base in Iraq) continue the movement of 100 Hurricanes and 40 Blenheim to the Far-East.
South China Sea/Borneo
Early in the morning, ML-KNIL bombers of the 2-VLG-I attack unescorted (Brewster Buffalo fighters were not ready after their damage of the previous day fight) Japanese ships at Miri from Samarinda, damaging one freighter but losing 3 of the 6 Martin WH-3s involved to Zuiho and Shoho A5M4 fighters which are cycling through the airstrip there (the damaged Junyo's CAG is being used as a reserve). Another raid is launched in the afternoon, the 3 surviving Martin WH-3 involved being escorted by 4 Brewster B-339. Again, the raid is intercepted by carrier-based fighters and by locally based F1M2 floatplanes. 2 Martin bombers and 3 B-339 are lost against one of intercepting A5M4s and one F1M2s. Another freighter is let burning and seaplane tender Sanuki Maru damaged by near misses. However, ML-KNIL forces in Borneo have practically been reduced to nil in 3 raids.
By mid-afternoon, V. Adm. I. Takahashi covering force and surviving freighters leave the Miri roadstead having landed all troops and equipment. Just before midnight, as the force is sailing toward Paracel Islands, French submarine Le Glorieux reaches a firing position and fires four torpedoes at CL Kuma Kuma sights them in time to avoid them.
Malaya/Singapore:
Early in the morning, one of Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang) based PR Spitfire, makes a complete cover of Japanese airfields in Southern Thailand despite what is described as “atrocious weather”. The pilot doesn’t hesitate to come as low as 1500ft to be able to gain good pictures and to have visual confirmation. He lands back at Subang with less than 10’ flying left in plane tanks. Pictures, which are available by noon, show, besides IJAAF planes, on 2 airfields 31 D3A1 dive-bombers, 22 naval single-engined bombers (B5N2) and 32 "new naval fighter" (A6M2). These pictures are a confirmation that the Japanese command has created a shore based special naval unit dedicated to anti-shipping strikes. The threat such unit, whose proficiency has been well demonstrated by its successes against the “Malacca strait Squadron”, raises to the control of the Malacca Strait is seen as extremely serious and the Admiralty in London is warned that the resupply convoy could well have to be rerouted through the Sunda Strait increasing the journey by at least 3 days). The possibility that Japanese forces could even land on Northern Sumatra can't be discounted.
This possibility is made clear by news reaching Singapore at the same time that Japanese twin-engined bombers (Ki-21) have raided Medan and Pakan Baru, damaging local infrastructures and destroying, in air combat or on the ground 5 B-339s and 2 WH3 bombers. This is however the only significant air operation mounted this day on the Japanese side, as foul weather is considerably restricting flying.
To try to interdict Japanese coastal traffic and reinforcements sent to beach heads near Jitra and Alor Setar, Cruiser HMAS Canberra, DD Electra and Ambuscade, MTBs n° 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 (52t, 30kt, 4 MG, 2 x 21” torps), MGB 315, 316, 317, 318 (Fairmile, 72t, 26kt, 2 x 2pdr, 8 MG), leaves Singapore by 06h00 am to bolster Crace's batteredd "Malacca Strait Squadron". To provide top cover, Beaufighter Ics of RAF 248 & 253 SQN are to move from Sembawang (Singapore) to Kluang.
As Crace can't reach the operational zone this day, the RAF C.O. authorizes a raid from Coastal Command assets on enemy shipping close to the Alor Setar beachhead. 12 Beauforts of 415 SQN RCAF and 489 SQN RNZAF, escorted by 18 Beaufighters make an anti-shipping sweep by 1245. The raid is relatively unsuccessful because of the very poor weather (two light boats are destroyed by Beaufighters and Beauforts are unable to find their designated targets). However no enemy fighter planes are encountered and the whole force goes back without loss.
If the bad weather restricts air operation on both sides, it is a very good news for British and Commonwealth ground forces. Without any IJAAF and IJNAF intervention they can concentrates on reducing Japanese troops around Alor Setar. In a series of devastating counter-attacks, tank-infantry teams clear the airfield itself of Japanese troops by noon, and other troops landed are pushed toward the shore by a combined force including 120 infantry tanks and troops of the 8th division. The fact that British troops have found the Alor Setar garrison survivors of the initial fight (one Coy of Bahawalpur Rifles) attached to trees and bayonetted to death raises horrified rage in British, Australian and Indian troops alike. By the end of the day, the Alor Setar landing is no more considered as a threat. However, Gen. Percival orders that the defensive position at Gurun, south of Alor Setar and on Gunung Kedah slopes is to be fully prepared and manned against any new contingency.
The fighter situation in Northern Malaysia is however still critical. The RAF C.O. evaluates available assets as:
RAF/RAAF (all squadrons) 36 Hurricanes (21 in flight order)
AdA GC IV/40: 11 Hurricanes (7 in flight order).
However, AVM Portal rejects any suggestion of moving one of the Spitfire equipped Singapore defence squadrons to Kluang or Butterworth.
News of the Coastal Command raid reach Somerville as Admiral Phillips leaves Johore Strait, his flag on HMS Hood, with MN Dunkerque, CV Formidable, CA Exeter, Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Duquesne and Tourville, CL Perth, Hobart, Sydney, Mauritius, Enterprise, Emerald, Duguay-Trouin, Lamotte-Picquet escorted by DD Encounter, Express, Jupiter, Javelin, Jervis Nubian, Ashanti, Eskimo, Tempête, Mistral, Tornade and Trombe. As the squadron began to turn north one good news reach the Admiral. Through his ships HF/DF sets, a good fix on a pro-Japanese radio emitter is obtained, enabling the British counter-Intelligence force to raid two houses in Johore Baru. After a short fight five men are captured and two other killed, dismantling a Japanese spy-ring which has operated since the beginning of the war.
As the squadron sails North-East, by 17h30 a signal is received from a French GB IV/62 Martin 167 sent over Miri and telling that most Japanese ships have left the harbour. The plane is however unable to find Kondo’s support squadron which is supposed to be still hovering between the Indochina coast and north Borneo. The French bomber has been sent after a RAF Sunderland failed to return from Miri. Phillips then decides to cancel the cruiser night strike planned but to still go on for the planned strike against Singora.
Late in the afternoon a conference reunites Lord Gort, Gen. Wavell, Ltn-Gen Percival, Sir Shelton Thomas, AVM Portal, Ltn-Gen Mordat (CinC ground forces, Indochina), Ltn-Gen Hein ter Poorten (NEI Army), Adm. Helfrich (RNN), Ltn-Col Francis G. Brink US Army. This conference was mostly concerned with establishing guidelines for multi-national cooperation. As Ltn.-Col. Brink was able to cable to State Department, this conference "...showed an immediate need for one supreme head over a combined allied staff for detailed coordination between USA, British, Australia, France and Dutch measures. The logical location for the Allied headquarters would be at Bandung, in Java."
Indochina:
In Tonkin, there is a lull in the fighting. Japanese forces are regrouping before trying to attack the Thai Nguyen defence positions.
In Cambodia, the battle for the Poutishat goes on. The east part is under Japanese control by the end of the day. As Japanese troops are approaching Kompang Thum, north of the Tonle Sape Lake, a motley collection of French planes are attacking them, including some Potez-25 TOE, of which two are damaged beyond repair by ground fire. On the coast, Japanese troops, which have regrouped 5 km south of Tuy Hoa after the previous day counter-attack of GBMS elements try to resume their push toward Ninh Hoa, but are stopped by French tanks and mechanized infantry.
Saigon and Hue are again attacked by Japanese planes, the former by IJN planes and the latter by Ki-30 IJAAF bombers.
Wright Field (Ohio)
At the USAAF request NA-89 plane 003 (the third prototype, built using French funds after London agreed to transfer their project to French account) is tested against current USAAF fighters. Flown thrice in the day by three different test pilots, the Packard V-1650-1 engined fighter displays superiority over P-40E, P-39D and P-38F fighters. Only the XP-47B is able to show some speed superiority over the NA-89, and only above 28,000ft. At any altitude under 25,000ft, the Packard-engined North-American fighter is clearly the best.
Newport News (Virginia)
Escort Aircraft Carrier "Lafayette" (former freighter Mormacland) is handed over to the Marine Nationale. This ship is the first of a class of four "light and slow" aircraft carriers which are to replace two converted Fleet oiler procured first by the French government but retroceded to the USN in October because of the US pressing need for such ships. The second ship, to be called "Bois-Belleau" is to be ready by late February 1942 from the civilian Rio Hudson. Two other freighters, Rio Parana and Rio de Janeiro are to follow before the end of 1942 first semester. All ships can steam at 16,5kts and are to receive an air group of 10 F4F4 and 6 Swordfish. The old biplane is seen by the Aeronavale staff as better suited for these slow and short-decked carriers than its successor, the Albacore or the newer, but much heavier, Grumman TBM.
DECEMBER 19th:
Algiers:
At a "Comité de la Defence Nationale" (National Defence Committee) meeting, Adm. Muselier is appointed head of French Forces in the Pacific area (Commandant Général des Forces du Pacifique). His headquarters will be in Nouméa (French New-Caledonia). soon after the meeting, Gen. de Gaulle leaves Algiers for Washington. General Catroux is appointed head of air force units for Indian Ocean and Far-East, and official French representative to any joint allied command in the Far-East. Admiral Lemonnier orders the Commandant Teste seaplane tender then in Oran to unload US planes to embark the newly reconstituted AT-11 flotilla (18 Northrop N3M seaplane torpedo-bomber) and to join the British convoy bound to Singapore.
Gibraltar:
Late in the day, the Singapore resupply convoy enters Gibraltar harbour for refueling before crossing the Mediterranean. In the same time, 38 Vickers Wellington bombers and 14 Avro Manchester land to Gibraltar, on their way toward the Far-East. Each Manchester is carrying a Vulture engine in the bomb bay.
Aegean:
Aegean Air Force planes (A2F or 3rd Tactical Air Force under Gen. Bouscat command) maintain an offensive posture during the whole day, with FYF P-39Ds particularly active hunting for any ship or boat along Eubea coast. Their work pays off as MAS 503, 512, and 522 are sunk (the US 37mm gun being here particularly effective) as well as the German S-57. Italian minesweepers RD 24 and 37 are sunk by bomb-armed French Hawk-87s (P-40E). In the end of the day, the 3rd TAF has lost 3 H-81 (2 from the RAF and 1 from the AdA), 2 Hawk-87, 1 P-39D, 5 Hurricanes, and 1 P-38 against 5 Bf-109F, 2 Fiat G-50 and 1 Macchi MC-200.
Gen. Kesselring, particularly impressed by Allied air offensive (which he understands as the first stage of a "softening" move preparing an Aegean offensive) asks for a redeployment of occupation troops in Greece, with Werhmacht divisions settling in Eubea and on the east Aegean coast with Italian divisions taking responsibility of Peloponnese.
Indochina:
French and local troops have to retire from Poutishat which falls to the Japanese 7th infantry division by the end of the day. 2 Potez-25TOE are lost attacking Japanese and Thai troops and one Potez 63/11 is written-off after crash landing near Pnomh Penh. In Tonkin, the front is relatively quiet around Thai Nguyen. On the coast, Japanese troops are digging in and GBMS elements have just to suffer relatively ineffective attacks by Ki-51 and Ki-36, one of the latter being destroyed by 0.50 fire.
Philippines:
IJAAF planes, operating from Vigan and Aparri began to bomb US positions around Lingayen. Paracels based IJNAF bombers attack Clark Field and Fort Stotsenburg. In a message sent to Admiral Hart (CinC Pacific Fleet) gen. MacArthur acknowledges the fact that hopes the Pensacola convoy could bring reinforcements to Manila bay are to be abandoned.
Malaysia/Singapore:
During the night 12 Wellesley belonging to RAF 14 SQN attack Dong Muang airfield in company of 5 223 SQN Wellington. Results are limited but Bangkok is under air alert for a full 5h.
Another day of very bad weather over northern Malaya, considerably reducing air activity on both sides. Seven RAAF Hudson (1 & 8 RAAF SQN) try to bomb Japanese airfields under cover of the very bad weather. The read succeed in destroying 3 Ki-51 and 1 ki-27 but one Hudson is lost, hitting a mountain top after the crew got disoriented in a thunderstorm.
Under cover of the night one IJAF infantry regiment supported by tanks attack south from Kangar to try join now badly beleaguered landed forces on the coast. After some initial successes, this attack is strongly counter-attacked by a mix of 8th infantry division and Valentine tanks. Again, Japanese forces resort to suicidally dangerous tactics against tanks too heavily armoured to be defeated by the standard 37mm infantry gun. If the British forces are to lose 7 tanks, attacking Japanese forces are nearly wiped out.
Around Alor Setar, Commonwealth forces are reducing Japanese pockets.
At sea, Crace's Malacca Strait Force, strengthened by HMAS Canberra and other ships, patrols north of Penang, preventing any new Japanese reinforcements to be brought by sea.
Seaplane Tender HMS Albatross and cruiser-minelayer Adventure leave Singapore heading for the Sunda Strait and bound to Nicobar and Andaman islands. Both ships are to help establishing strong defence there.
Phillips Fast Wing (Force “Z”) reaches its extreme north position late in the after noon. Leaving cruisers Exeter, Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Perth, Hobart, Sydney, Mauritius to escort Formidable, a bombardment force with Hood, Dunkerque, Duquesne,Tourville, Duguay-Trouin, Lamotte-Picquet, Emerald and Enterprise, races toward the Thai coast. This force reaches Singora just before midnight and conduct a 45 minutes bombardment under a very violent thunderstorm which is preventing the use of Swordfish planes as night spotters. The bombardment is damaging but not greatly so.
DECEMBER 20th
Philippines:
At dawn, a strong Japanese squadron escorted by Rear Admiral R. Tanaka with CL Jintsu, DDs Kuroshio, Oyashio, Hatsukaze, Natsushio, Hayashio & Amatsukaze and supported by Admiral K. Kubo force with CAs Nachi, Haguro & Myoko, CV Ryujo (25 A5M4s and 18 B5N2s), Seaplane carrier Chitose (12 F1M2s, 8 E13A1s, 4 E8Ns), DD Shiokaze, lands one regiment at Davao. The landing is not opposed. By the end of the day a seaplane base has been established to protect the landing.
Gibraltar:
The Singapore resupply convoy enters the Mediterranean with the escort augmented by 8 Elan-class ASW vessels of the Marine Nationale.
Indochina:
In Cambodia, French forces are pushed east of Poutishat and began to retire toward Kampong Chnang. French Army-cooperation planes try to slow down the Japanese advance and 3 Potez-25 TOE, 2 Potez 63/11 and one Wirraway are lost. North of the Tonle Sap Lake, Japanese and Thai forces are launching a two-pronged attack against Kampong Thum. French gunboats are ordered out of the Tonle Sap and move at Kampong Chnang where they are attacked, without success, by a mixed Thai/Japanese Ki-21 bomber flight. Most bombs land on the civilian city raising fires and panic. Phnom Penh is also attacked by Japanese planes in the afternoon.
In Tonkin, AVG planes attack Japanese communication lines and convoys moving toward Thai Nguyen. The IJAAF reacts in force. The AVG loses 6 Hawk-81 (of which 1 to AA fire) against 4 Ki-27 and 2 Ki-43. On the Annam coast, the situation is quiet as French forces are too weak to attack and Japanese ones, lacking armour and AT weapons, reluctant to renew their offensive.
Malaya/Singapore:
The British 8th infantry division completes the clearing of landed Japanese forces around Alor Setar. At Jitra and Kroh the situation is again quiet.
As the strike squadron retreats toward the main Force, it is attacked by the Thai submarine HMTS Phlai-Chumphon. HMS Hood is near-missed by two torpedoes (her commanding officer handling her like a destroyer) but French MN Duquesne is hit by one torpedo running deep, which blows off her bow forward of “A” turret. The ship is slowed to 15kts. HMS Formidable Hurricanes provide a top cover from dawn as the crippled cruiser, escorted by the light cruiser Lamotte-Piquet sails directly toward Singapore. By noon, Coastal Command Beaufighters assure top-cover duty as the weather deteriorates.
Truk
The Kido Butai moors in Truk lagoon. The damaged Shokaku is anchored in shallow water close to shore so material can more easily reach her. Repair craft have been waiting for her, but work cannot start until her remaining aircraft ammunition and fuel is removed. Nagumo is is pleased to find that a Yusosen Butai has preceded him, there is ample fuel for all his needs, some replacement aircraft, and ammunition.
Malaya/Singapore
During the night, under cover of a thunderstorm, Japanese forces resume their offensive against Jitra. Commonwealth forces have to retreat to the central defence position. Some Japanese commandoes are able to penetrate British defences and attack local headquarters were some officers are killed and a lot of confusion is raised before attackers are wiped out. Dawn sees British and Japanese forces mixed on Jitra northern edge. Another attempt by the Japanese units to use tanks to force their way is foiled by a combination of 2pdr guns and AT-rifles. Japanese positions at Nangka and Asun are heavily shelled by British artillery. With the first light of the day, Commonwealth troops counter attack to restore brigade and battalion boundaries. However, by noon British officers came to the conclusion that the new Japanese attack was just a diversion
Malaya/Singapore
During the night, under cover of a thunderstorm, Japanese forces resume their offensive against Jitra. Commonwealth forces have to retreat to the central defence position. Some Japanese commandoes are able to penetrate British defences and attack local headquarters were some officers are killed and a lot of confusion is raised before attackers are wiped out. Dawn sees British and Japanese forces mixed on Jitra northern edge. Another attempt by the Japanese units to use tanks to force their way is foiled by a combination of 2pdr guns and AT-rifles. Japanese positions at Nangka and Asun are heavily shelled by British artillery. With the first light of the day, Commonwealth troops counter attack to restore brigade and battalion boundaries. However, by noon British officers came to the conclusion that the new Japanese attack was just a diversion
At dawn, Japanese forces have actually landed on the West Malayan coast in two places, one close to Alor Setar and the other on the coastal plain at Jitra level. As the British command began to move armoured reserves against both landings, Japanese planes attack repeatedly advancing Commonwealth units. If artillery and tank fire is able to stop Japanese troops landed on the Jitra coast, units landed close to Alor Setar surround the deserted airfield and reach the main road in the afternoon. A strong British counter-stroke is able to clear the road but soon after runs out of steam under dive-bomber attacks.
ML-KNIL fighter planes of the 2-VLG-V and 3-VLG-V (21 B-339) from Medan, with 9 Martin 139 WH-3/3A bombers of the 1e Afdeling (1-VLG-III) from Pakan Baru attack late in the day Japanese forces around Alor Setar. They are joined by surviving RAF Blenheim IVs.
At the same time, French GC IV/40 fighters and GB IV/62 bombers land at Kluang which is seen as safer than Subang (Kuala Lumpur).
Dutch submarine O-16 is lost on a British minefield off Singapore while returning from patrol.
Philippines:
Naval aviation (G3M2/G4M1) raids Manila and Cavite with determined but quickly fading opposition, and Japanese Army Air Force began to strengthen at Tuguegarao. General MacArthur asks for fighter planes which could be brought by US CV to flying distance of Luzon to reinforce the sorely depleted USAAF in Philippines. The War Department answers at once that such an option is ruled out in the current situation, there are insufficient fighters in Hawaii for defensive needs there and the battered carrier force has just arrived in Fiji to refuel before returning to the US west coast. In another message sent the same day to Washington, MacArthur asks the US Government to negotiate with Soviet Union the possibility for the last country to attack Japan now that most Japanese forces are committed South. The State Department is however highly sceptical about such a possibility. Nevertheless Mr. Cordell Hull agrees to meet the Soviet Ambassador in Washington (Maxim Litvinov) for informal consultations.
Indochina:
French forces are retreating on the Coastal Road toward Ninh Hoa, which is reached late in the afternoon by GBMS armoured units. Tourane based Ki-30 bombers raid twice the defenceless city of Hue. In Tonkin, French forces are preparing to evacuate Lang Son to avoid being encircled by Japanese units. A Japanese push on the coastal road is foiled by repeated attacks of AVG P-40s which have been modified by AdA workshops to carry French bombs (the 100kg one and the MAC Small Bomb Container Unit with either 42 1kg bombs or 98 MAC grenades).
In Cambodia, Japanese troops are stopped at Poutishat and French gunboats shell Japanese units trying to move on the Tonle Sap north shore.
By the end of the day the IJNAF transfers 24 G4M1 twin-engined bombers and 21 A6M2 fighters to the Bin Dinh airfield, 245 km south of Tourane as well as 26 D3A1s and 15 A6M2s to Thailand.
South China Sea
0900
French Submarine Le Glorieux detects a "strong Japanese squadron" including at least two Battleships and one aircraft carrier in the Palawan Islands and moving South East. The submarine is however too far from Japanese ships for a torpedo attack.
This actually was V.Adm. N. Kondo's 2nd Fleet with BB (fast) Haruna & Kongo, BB (slow) Fuso, Yamashiro, Ise & Hyuga, CA Atago, Ashigara and Maya, CV Zuiho (10 A6M2 and 6 A5M4s fighters and 12 B5N2s torpedo-bombers), Shoho (16 A5M4s and 12B5N2s) and 9 DDs. Kondo is supporting a major amphibious force led by V. Adm. I. Takahashi and comprising CL Kuma, Seaplane Carriers Chiyoda (12 F1M2s, 8 E13A1s, 4 E8Ns) and Nisshin (12 F1M2s, 6 E13A1s, 2 E8Ns), DDs Asakaze & Matsukaze, Converted Seaplane tenders Sanyo Maru & Sanuki Maru (each with 6 F1M2s "Pete" and 2 E8Ns "Dave") and 12 freighters.
This actually was V.Adm. N. Kondo's 2nd Fleet with BB (fast) Haruna & Kongo, BB (slow) Fuso, Yamashiro, Ise & Hyuga, CA Atago, Ashigara and Maya, CV Zuiho (10 A6M2 and 6 A5M4s fighters and 12 B5N2s torpedo-bombers), Shoho (16 A5M4s and 12B5N2s) and 9 DDs. Kondo is supporting a major amphibious force led by V. Adm. I. Takahashi and comprising CL Kuma, Seaplane Carriers Chiyoda (12 F1M2s, 8 E13A1s, 4 E8Ns) and Nisshin (12 F1M2s, 6 E13A1s, 2 E8Ns), DDs Asakaze & Matsukaze, Converted Seaplane tenders Sanyo Maru & Sanuki Maru (each with 6 F1M2s "Pete" and 2 E8Ns "Dave") and 12 freighters.
At dusk, this force is attacked by the USN submarine Stingray (LCDR Moore). He ignores standard tactics and boldly penetrates the screen, obtaining a clear shot at the battle line. He fires a full salvo at Ise from 1,200 yards just forward of her beam - the perfect position - and goes deep. He is mortified to hear no explosions. On the surface there is pandemonium as the spread is sighted - but too late to do anything about it. Four torpedoes smack into the battleship one after the other, and not one explodes. Stingray is subjected to a lengthy depthcharging, but escapes with minor damage.
Aegean:
Allied planes based in Crete resume anti-shipping strikes against Axis coasters sailing along Greece east coast and attack against German and Italian airfields after four days of very bad weather. The RAF loses 3 Blenheim, two Tomahawks (P-40C) and 2 Hurricanes II, and AdA two DB-73, 3 Hawk 81 (P-40C) and 2 Hawk 87 (P-40E). The Slobodno Jugoslovensko Kraljevsko Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo (Free Yugoslav Royal Air Force) has lost 2 P-39Ds. Five Bf-109 and two Macchi MC-200 have been destroyed by allied fighters as well as 4 coasters and 5 Siebel ferries.
In the afternoon 36 Consolidated 32 escorted by 32 P38E belonging to GC I/2 and II/2 attack Volos harbour and the nearby marshalling yard. This raid is not contested by the Luftwaffe, which is engaged countering anti-shipping strikes.
The same day the Floatplane Torpedo-bomber flotilla AT4 is resurrected at Suda with Northrop N3M (18 seaplanes). The N3M has been initially procured by the in exile Norwegian government has been selected by the Aeronavale as the Late-298 successor. Another flotilla, the AT-11 is to be formed later in December. Both flotillas are tasked with torpedo strike (by night), mining and general patrol in Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
Aegean:
Allied planes based in Crete resume anti-shipping strikes against Axis coasters sailing along Greece east coast and attack against German and Italian airfields after four days of very bad weather. The RAF loses 3 Blenheim, two Tomahawks (P-40C) and 2 Hurricanes II, and AdA two DB-73, 3 Hawk 81 (P-40C) and 2 Hawk 87 (P-40E). The Slobodno Jugoslovensko Kraljevsko Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo (Free Yugoslav Royal Air Force) has lost 2 P-39Ds. Five Bf-109 and two Macchi MC-200 have been destroyed by allied fighters as well as 4 coasters and 5 Siebel ferries.
In the afternoon 36 Consolidated 32 escorted by 32 P38E belonging to GC I/2 and II/2 attack Volos harbour and the nearby marshalling yard. This raid is not contested by the Luftwaffe, which is engaged countering anti-shipping strikes.
The same day the Floatplane Torpedo-bomber flotilla AT4 is resurrected at Suda with Northrop N3M (18 seaplanes). The N3M has been initially procured by the in exile Norwegian government has been selected by the Aeronavale as the Late-298 successor. Another flotilla, the AT-11 is to be formed later in December. Both flotillas are tasked with torpedo strike (by night), mining and general patrol in Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
French North Africa
In a raid timed to co-incide with the landing of the French B-24 and P-38 force, 6 P.108 and 9 He-177 hit their airfields 40 minutes after their estimated landing time (2000). They actually catch the aircraft as they are landing, their fuel states not permitting them any other course of action. 14 B-24 and 12 P-38 are destroyed or irreparably damaged (mostly the latter) as they are hit on the runways or collide with wreckage or bomb craters. The Axis bombers escape without loss.
DECEMBER 17th
Borneo:
At dawn 41 L2D2 transport planes (Douglas DC-3 built under licence by Showa and Nakajima) coming from Hainan after a refuelling stop at Bin Dinh drop 570 airborne troops at Miri. The airborne assault is coordinated with a bombing done by Bin Dinh based G4MI naval bombers and by aircraft from Zuiho and Shoho . By 0730 a full regiment of naval assault troops is landed by the Takahashi force. This is a complete surprise: the refinery and its oilfield have been partially prepared for demolition but this was stopped by the need for fuel for the Eastern Fleet. Commonwealth troops stationed at Miri (elements of the 2/15th Punjab Regt and of the Royal Engineers corps) are prevented from implementing the planned destruction of oil infrastructure, which is captured intact. By 1400 Japanese troops are in control of Miri and some troops are landed in Brunei Bay. Seaplanes carriers Chiyoda and Nisshin began to establish a seaplane base while light cruisers and minelayers lay herringbone fields offshore to prevent bombardment by Somerville's battlecruiser force.
DECEMBER 17th
Borneo:
At dawn 41 L2D2 transport planes (Douglas DC-3 built under licence by Showa and Nakajima) coming from Hainan after a refuelling stop at Bin Dinh drop 570 airborne troops at Miri. The airborne assault is coordinated with a bombing done by Bin Dinh based G4MI naval bombers and by aircraft from Zuiho and Shoho . By 0730 a full regiment of naval assault troops is landed by the Takahashi force. This is a complete surprise: the refinery and its oilfield have been partially prepared for demolition but this was stopped by the need for fuel for the Eastern Fleet. Commonwealth troops stationed at Miri (elements of the 2/15th Punjab Regt and of the Royal Engineers corps) are prevented from implementing the planned destruction of oil infrastructure, which is captured intact. By 1400 Japanese troops are in control of Miri and some troops are landed in Brunei Bay. Seaplanes carriers Chiyoda and Nisshin began to establish a seaplane base while light cruisers and minelayers lay herringbone fields offshore to prevent bombardment by Somerville's battlecruiser force.
The capture of Miri and its oilfields intact is a serious blow to the entire Allied position in the theatre, as the Japanese have suddenly leapfrogged hundreds of miles in advance of their existing positions.
ML-KNIL Martin WH-3 bombers of the 2-VLG-I based at Singkawang II have made a first attack by noon with 6 planes. However one flight had to return because of the bad weather between Singkawang and Miri and the other 3 planes were unable to assess their bombing result. Another raid launched at 1600 ran into Japanese top cover provided by carrier based A5M4s and A6M2s and by F1M2 seaplanes. Three Dutch bombers were destroyed and 2 other seriously damaged for the loss of one A5M4 and 1 F1M2. One freighter was seen burning.
Allied submarines present in the area have been ordered to attack Japanese naval forces but HMS Osiris is sunk by a seaplane when approaching the anchorage (the submarine position was probably given away by a fuel leakage). However the Dutch K-XVI sank Japanese destroyer Asakaze. A dusk Manchester raid causes some damage, but heavy haze (normal for the time of year) prevented accurate bombing from altitude. The F1M2 were not able to reach or keep up with the big bombers, four A5M4 were able to make a few passes. One was promptly shot down for its pains, the wounded pilot ditching it in a large pond he mistook for a meadow. (This machine was recovered in near-perfect condition in 1999 and is displayed in Tokyo).
Malaya/Singapore
The battle on the Kedah coast and at Jitra rages all the day. In northern Kedah, the situation looks more or less stabilized. The Japanese frontal attack against Jitra has been smashed with heavy losses by a combination of good tank-infantry work and superlative artillery work. The situation on the coast however is not as rosy. If the beach head near Jitra is now well contained and no more a threat the one near Alor Setar looks much more dangerous. Japanese troops, helped by D3A1 divebombers repulsed counter attacks and are threatening the main road. During the night, British cruisers have searched without results for Japanese boats and ships, and HMS Danae has shelled Japanese troops, which have landed near Alor Setar before retiring south. At dawn a new coaster convoy enters the Malacca strait to bring reinforcements. ML-KNIL planes based at Medan and Pakan Baru try to stop it in the morning but are intercepted by 15 A6M2s, the Dutch force losing 4 Martin WH-3 bombers and 7 Brewster B-339 for 3 Japanese fighters.
Lieutenant-General Percival, who has arrived in the night of the 16th to the 17th to assess the situation, advises General Wavell that troops holding strong at Jitra could be in a very serious situation would Japanese troops able to gain control of the main road. Percival advocates a major air effort in support to British and Commonwealth troops attack. However both the IJNAF and the IJAAF are maintaining a continuous fighter presence as well as attacking Kuala Lumpur and Subang airfield. By 1330 12 French Marylands (from GB IV/62) and 15 Blenheim IVs (what is left of 34, 60 and 62 SQNs although they have reinforcement aircraft arriving) escorted by 22 Hurricanes (6 of AdA GC IV/40 and 16 from RAF of which 10 are recent reinforcements) raid the Alor Setar beachhead. A vicious air battle develops where 4 Marylands, 7 Blenheim and 8 Hurricanes are lost to the cost of 6 Ki-27, 5 Ki-43 and 3 A6M2s for the Japanese. The bombing is only moderately effective and another British counter attack delivered at dusk fails to dislodge Japanese troops.
Meanwhile, during the night Adm. Somerville has ordered to strengthen sea-interdiction in the Malacca strait by adding HMS Frobisher and Hawkins to the Delhi-Danae group. Both elderly heavy cruisers join the “Malacca Strait Squadron” as it retires south after its night sweep. Learning the failure of KL-MNIL morning air attack to stop Japanese force to bring reinforcements to both beach heads, the “Malacca Strait Squadron” commanding officer (RADM Crace) orders his ships, which were south of Penang, to turn back north by 1120. A first attack by IJN planes at 1415 is easily foiled by AA fire and Hunt-class DDs claim one Japanese bomber. Attackers were 12 B5N1 making horizontal bombing attack. Those planes were probably intended to bomb Penang and have been diverted to attack the RN squadron when it was detected by a C5M2 reconnaissance plane. Despite a call from Portal himself to the ML-KNIL staff asking for a fighter cover from Mendan based B-339 Buffaloes, Japanese air superiority was total. By 1650, as the squadron was racing toward the Alor Setar beachhead it is attacked first by 17 D3A1. In spite of wild manoeuvring, and smoke made by escort destroyers, Japanese planes are able to hit five of the eight ships.
Frobisher is hit by 1 x 550lbs bomb at the fore funnel level and another one the quarterdeck at the “Y” 7.5in mounting. A third bomb near misses the ship, exploding near the port side at the after turbine room level. Slowed to 10 knots with a port list and with fires raging on the aft part of the ship, she turns south.
Delhi is hit by two 550lbs bombs one penetrating the front turbine room and the other detonating the after 6in magazine. This last dooms the ship, which is seen sinking by the stern by 1705. Danae is hit by one 130lb bomb just before the bridge, killing or wounding most of ship’s officers present. Both 6in bow gun crews are killed or wounded, but the gins themselves are quickly repairable. Some minutes later the ship is hit again another 130lbs bomb amidships and a 550lb bomb explodes in the water, causing leaks and some shock damage.
Cattistock, a Hunt-class DE, hit by 1 x 550lb bomb amidship, is stopped dead her machinery destroyed. After an attempt by HMS Garth to tow her she is scuttled by 1750. Holderness, another Hunt, is hit by 1 x 130lb bomb on the after 4in mounting, wrecking it.
By 1805, another Japanese formation is sighted, this time with 5 D3A1 and 9 B5N1. However, as Japanese planes are preparing to attack, they are jumped by 4 RAF Hurricane IIs which are able to down 3 torpedo-bombers and 2 D3A1 but lose one of theirs to very aggressive D3A1s. Five of the surviving B5N1s are able to deliver a coordinated torpedo attack against the damaged HMS Frobisher. The old cruiser is hit by one aerial torpedo abreast the bridge, another abreast the aft 7.5" gun, and at least three more bombs. With all power lost, the ship is obviously doomed. She is abandoned by 2050, sinking soon after.
CA HMS Frobisher sunk by IJNAF DB and TB
CL Delhi sunk by IJNAF DB
CL Danae slight damage from bomb
DE Cattistock scuttled after bomb damage
A fully enraged and coldly calculating RADM Crace reforms his force and heads north at full power. His flagship (Hawkins) reaches 29 knots. Between 2200 and 0100 he destroys a four-coaster Japanese convoy, and carries out a severe bombardment of the Japanese beaches, causing heavy IJA casualties and using three quarters of Hawkin's 7.5" ammunition (leaving his heavy gun crews in a state of collapse). He then disengages and moves south at speed to escape the inevitable Japanese dawn attacks by chasing the morning thunderstorms close to the coast. This tactic is successful and his force evades Japanese searches.
As Spitfire PR planes have taken pictures of large Japanese troop concentrations south of Singora, 18 Moulmein based Wellingtons belonging to 40 and 104 SQNs attack the Hat Yai railway junction. This daylight raid was supposed to be coordinated with the light bomber one on the Alor Setar beachhead. However, bad weather having prevented Wellingtons to take-off in time, they arrive over their target by 1730 and are greeted by 12 A6M2 fighters. Five RAF bombers are destroyed and seven other very seriously damaged (3 are obliged to crashland before reaching back Moulmein). However Wellington tail gunners claim 4 Japanese fighters.
By the end of the day a special meeting is held in Singapore to review the situation with the presence of Lord Gort (Gort, whose plane has landed in the afternoon had come actually from India to participate to an American, British, Commonwealth, Dutch, French conference called for the 18th). General Sir Archibald Wavell asks Adm. Somerville to use at best naval assets to relieve the pressure on Commonwealth forces in Kedah. Somerville, who is ignoring Churchill's pressure to engage the Japanese squadron supporting the Miri landing, attack their base in the Pescadores, attack Bangkok and relieve Tourane acknowledges that naval actions are needed. He also notes that with the US Pacific Fleet all but destroyed, his primary strategic instructions remain and are inviolable: he is not to risk the destruction of his fleet under any circumstances, and this includes by frittering. He states to the meeting that he has told Churchill that he will not accept ant instructions from him which violate that primary directive (itself from Churchill, but only countersigned - it is a standing instruction from the Lords of the Admiralty and one ingrained at the cellular level since the Dutch Wars), as he is now in the position Jellicoe held at Jutland. He can lose the entire war in the east in one afternoon.
As the previous Singora naval bombardment seemed to have given good results he proposes to repeat the operation and, in the same time, to try to interdict Japanese naval communications between Borneo and Hainan. He notes that reconnaissance has shown a mine-trap off Kuching Bay, and that Kondo is keeping a respectful distance, obviously waiting for the rest of the Combined Fleet.
He proposes to combine the fast French cruisers with HMS Enterprise and Emerald (the fastest RN cruisers) to form a strong raiding group, able to attack the Japanese amphibious force by night and to retire before daylight. Considering the “Malacca strait squadron” losses no new daylight action is possible without strong air cover. The RAF local commander agrees to send the Kuantan based Beaufighters Ics to protect another sea-interdiction attempt.
Indochina:
In northern Tonkin French and local forces are regrouping around Thai Nguyen. Evacuation of Lang Son had been successfully implemented with heavy air support from AVG fighters and what is left of the French Bomber force. However 4 P-40s have been lost, two to AA fire (or possibly their own bomb fragments), one in air combat and one in a landing accident. One of the new "German radial engined fighter" (actually a pre-production Ki-44) is claimed by the AVG top scorer, Robert H. Neale of the 1st squadron ("Adam and Eve").
In Annam, French and Japanese forces clashes mercilessly 5 km north of Ninh Hoa on the coastal road. GBMS tank Companies, helped by their organic mechanized infantry and remnants of the 3 "provisional" battalions are able to stop first and then to drive back the Japanese column toward Tuy Hoa. However, in the process, no less than 11 SAV-41 tanks are lost to Japanese tank attack squads. By the end of the day, GBMS elements are repeatedly bombed and strafed by IJNAF and IJAAF planes operating with complete local air superiority. However, one Ki-27 and 2 Ki-36 are downed by 0.50in mg fire. The old "imperial city" of Hue is again bombed by Tourane based Ki-30 with loss of civilian life.
Indochina:
In northern Tonkin French and local forces are regrouping around Thai Nguyen. Evacuation of Lang Son had been successfully implemented with heavy air support from AVG fighters and what is left of the French Bomber force. However 4 P-40s have been lost, two to AA fire (or possibly their own bomb fragments), one in air combat and one in a landing accident. One of the new "German radial engined fighter" (actually a pre-production Ki-44) is claimed by the AVG top scorer, Robert H. Neale of the 1st squadron ("Adam and Eve").
In Annam, French and Japanese forces clashes mercilessly 5 km north of Ninh Hoa on the coastal road. GBMS tank Companies, helped by their organic mechanized infantry and remnants of the 3 "provisional" battalions are able to stop first and then to drive back the Japanese column toward Tuy Hoa. However, in the process, no less than 11 SAV-41 tanks are lost to Japanese tank attack squads. By the end of the day, GBMS elements are repeatedly bombed and strafed by IJNAF and IJAAF planes operating with complete local air superiority. However, one Ki-27 and 2 Ki-36 are downed by 0.50in mg fire. The old "imperial city" of Hue is again bombed by Tourane based Ki-30 with loss of civilian life.
In Cambodia, the 7th Japanese infantry division try to storm the town of Poutishat as an attempt to by pass the place through the road running on the Tonle Sap shore has been foiled by French gunboats . The Argus is however damaged by 100mm shells from Japanese field artillery. On the Tonle Sap north shore, French and local forces, helped by one GBMS tank Coy are preparing the defence of Kompang Thum. The Japanese and Thai column which has penetrated Cambodia from north is stopped at Rovieng Tbong.
In Cochinchina, Saigon is raided twice and IJNAF D3A1 dive bombers are setting the harbour docks ablaze. Bien Hoa is also raided and the bridge on the Dong Nai River destroyed.
During the day, the new High Commissioner, Jean Sainteny meets first S.M. Bao Daï (formally "Emperror of Annam"), representatives of the CaoDaist cult and of the newly legalized local trade-unions. In the evening Sainteny delivers a speech on radio-Saigon (in French and in Vietnamese) calling for the union of all Vietnamese patriotic forces to create a national defence government acting in coordination with French authorities. He formally pledges French government will to grant Vietnam Home Rule once this government established.
Chungking (China):
A conference is held with Amrecian, British, Chinese, and French representatives. US representatives are Gen. George H. Brett and General John A. Magruder. The French delegation (actually the CinCof the Tonkin division) asks for rapid deployment of at least two Chinese division (each roughly equivalent to an infantry brigade in numbers) in the Thai Nguyen area through the Kunming-Hanoi railroad. This demand is strongly supported by the two US generals. Chinese officals are nevertheless reluctant to commit troops in Tonkin, fearing the Japanese forces could resume an offensive against Kunming and Chungking.
Washington:
The US Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull meets with the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Maxim Litvinov. The Soviet Ambassador makes clear that any negotiation between his country and the USA on a possible support given in the current war against Japan is conditional to the abrogation of trade restrictions implemented after the Soviet-Finnish war of winter 1939-1940 and formal recognition by United States of current Soviet borders in Europe. Cordell Hull hints that progress on the first point "could be made" (meaning it would be very difficult) but that the second one "would be more difficult to settle" (meaning that the demand was impossible). Still both men agree to propose an official visit to Moscow of a US delegation led by Harry Hopkins and Averell Harriman to take place "before the end of January 1942". A Soviet delegation is to come to Washington in February 1942.
Hull reports personally to Roosevelt that Russian behaviour is even worse than German behaviour in 1938-39. They insist on keeping their gains from their Alliance with Hitler, apparently want Finland as well, demand recognition of these gains while nakedly desiring even more, as well as massive economic bribes. Hull notes privately to Roosevelt that the discussion reveals that the USSR is a genuine Ally of Hitler, only differing in that their territorial covetousness is even worse.
DECEMBER 18th
Bay of Biscay:
The Singapore resupply fast convoy, delayed by machinery troubles on one of the freighter, is shadowed by I/KG 40 Fw 200C-3s from Bordeaux-Merignac. At 1105, Condor SG+KS is downed by two Sea-Hurricanes of 801SQN from HMS Argus. However, the I/KG 40 is nothing if not persistent. Early in the afternoon another Condor began to shadow the convoy, to be dispatched at 1550 by the Argus's Combat Air Patrol. However, this time, one Sea-Hurricane is downed by the Fw 200 return fire. By 1645 HMS Hermione type 279 radar detects an incoming raid. The German formation is composed of 12 Do-217 E1 belonging to the II/KG 40 and 19 He-111 H6 torpedo-bombers from I/KG 26 and III/KG 26. Both Argus and Furious launch 10 Sea-Hurricanes and 16 Fulmars. The formers climb to intercept faster Dornier bombers as slower Fulmars go for the low-flying He-111. As the air battle develops some FAA fighters go after their quarries even in the Fleet AA defence zone. One 807 SQN Fulmar is destroyed by "friendly" fire and another by He-111 defensive armament. Sea-Hurricanes claim 5 Dorniers downed and 4 more damaged and Fulmars 9 He-111 destroyed. One other torpedo-bomber is destroyed by AA fire. Only five Heinkels are able to reach a launching position but Strasbourg has to turn hard to dodge two torpedoes.
Algiers
French civilian pilots (seconded from Air-France and Air-Union companies) helped by young pilots (including Yugoslavs, Poles and Belgians) which have completed their OTU training began flying 50 Hawk-81 and 20 Martin Marylands to the Far-East, through intermediate stops at Benghazi, Cairo, Habbanyah a.s.o...The whole operation is under command of Ltn-Col. Lionel de Marmier (a former fighter pilot who fought in both WWI and II, downing 6 enemy planes in the first war and 3 in the second and who had joined the Aeropostale company between the wars), who commands "Lignes Aériennes Militaires" (Military Air Lines or the French equivalent of the Military Air Transportation Service). having seen RAF 'Hurribombers' in action, Hawk-81 fighters have been modified by the Algiers workshops to carry a 275lbs bomb load under a belly shackle and 4 light bombs or 2 MACs small bomb container units under wings. One lesson learned is that light bombers are relatively ineffective in a situation where the enemy can exert air-superiority. The lesson learned from the RAF is that fighter-bombers are nearly as effective in ground attack and can defend themselves. Marylands are expected to be used as fast reconnaissance planes and long-range fighters.
Aegean:
Afetr receiving and urgent Admiralty signal, the Aegean Squadron force "D" (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe) made of 6 DDs (Hunt class - Type 2) Avon Vale, Blankney, Eridge, Croome, Farndale and Grove leave Rhodes to go to Port Said to prepare joining Force "Z" in Singapore. This flotilla is intended to boost RN force in the Malacca Strait. Cdr Jellicoe's force is to be joined by AA sloops Egret, Black Swan and Ibis and AA auxiliary vessel Tynwald (a merchant ship converted to an AA cruiser), before transiting the Suez Canal. The current Aegean Squadron Commander, Rear-Adm. P. Vian has received meanwhile confirmation that 8 other Hunt-2 class ships are to leave GB to strengthen his force (HMS Beaufort, Calpe, Chiddingfold, Dalverton, Puckeridge, Silverton, Southwold and Wheatland).
DECEMBER 18th
Bay of Biscay:
The Singapore resupply fast convoy, delayed by machinery troubles on one of the freighter, is shadowed by I/KG 40 Fw 200C-3s from Bordeaux-Merignac. At 1105, Condor SG+KS is downed by two Sea-Hurricanes of 801SQN from HMS Argus. However, the I/KG 40 is nothing if not persistent. Early in the afternoon another Condor began to shadow the convoy, to be dispatched at 1550 by the Argus's Combat Air Patrol. However, this time, one Sea-Hurricane is downed by the Fw 200 return fire. By 1645 HMS Hermione type 279 radar detects an incoming raid. The German formation is composed of 12 Do-217 E1 belonging to the II/KG 40 and 19 He-111 H6 torpedo-bombers from I/KG 26 and III/KG 26. Both Argus and Furious launch 10 Sea-Hurricanes and 16 Fulmars. The formers climb to intercept faster Dornier bombers as slower Fulmars go for the low-flying He-111. As the air battle develops some FAA fighters go after their quarries even in the Fleet AA defence zone. One 807 SQN Fulmar is destroyed by "friendly" fire and another by He-111 defensive armament. Sea-Hurricanes claim 5 Dorniers downed and 4 more damaged and Fulmars 9 He-111 destroyed. One other torpedo-bomber is destroyed by AA fire. Only five Heinkels are able to reach a launching position but Strasbourg has to turn hard to dodge two torpedoes.
Algiers
French civilian pilots (seconded from Air-France and Air-Union companies) helped by young pilots (including Yugoslavs, Poles and Belgians) which have completed their OTU training began flying 50 Hawk-81 and 20 Martin Marylands to the Far-East, through intermediate stops at Benghazi, Cairo, Habbanyah a.s.o...The whole operation is under command of Ltn-Col. Lionel de Marmier (a former fighter pilot who fought in both WWI and II, downing 6 enemy planes in the first war and 3 in the second and who had joined the Aeropostale company between the wars), who commands "Lignes Aériennes Militaires" (Military Air Lines or the French equivalent of the Military Air Transportation Service). having seen RAF 'Hurribombers' in action, Hawk-81 fighters have been modified by the Algiers workshops to carry a 275lbs bomb load under a belly shackle and 4 light bombs or 2 MACs small bomb container units under wings. One lesson learned is that light bombers are relatively ineffective in a situation where the enemy can exert air-superiority. The lesson learned from the RAF is that fighter-bombers are nearly as effective in ground attack and can defend themselves. Marylands are expected to be used as fast reconnaissance planes and long-range fighters.
Aegean:
Afetr receiving and urgent Admiralty signal, the Aegean Squadron force "D" (Cdr. C.T. Jellicoe) made of 6 DDs (Hunt class - Type 2) Avon Vale, Blankney, Eridge, Croome, Farndale and Grove leave Rhodes to go to Port Said to prepare joining Force "Z" in Singapore. This flotilla is intended to boost RN force in the Malacca Strait. Cdr Jellicoe's force is to be joined by AA sloops Egret, Black Swan and Ibis and AA auxiliary vessel Tynwald (a merchant ship converted to an AA cruiser), before transiting the Suez Canal. The current Aegean Squadron Commander, Rear-Adm. P. Vian has received meanwhile confirmation that 8 other Hunt-2 class ships are to leave GB to strengthen his force (HMS Beaufort, Calpe, Chiddingfold, Dalverton, Puckeridge, Silverton, Southwold and Wheatland).
In the same fast minelayers HMS Abdiel and MN Emile Bertin leave Rhodes for Benghazi where a major RAF depot is based. Both fast ships are to load some reserve P-40 and Hurricane fighters, parts and ammunition. Sailing at 30kts, with stops at Port-Said, Djibouti and Colombo, they are expected to reach Singapore by December 25th (if they can use the Malacca Strait) and from there to dash to Saigon.
Cairo-West
RAF ferry crews (including Greek AF pilots and crews which have completed their advanced training at Habbanyah base in Iraq) continue the movement of 100 Hurricanes and 40 Blenheim to the Far-East.
South China Sea/Borneo
Early in the morning, ML-KNIL bombers of the 2-VLG-I attack unescorted (Brewster Buffalo fighters were not ready after their damage of the previous day fight) Japanese ships at Miri from Samarinda, damaging one freighter but losing 3 of the 6 Martin WH-3s involved to Zuiho and Shoho A5M4 fighters which are cycling through the airstrip there (the damaged Junyo's CAG is being used as a reserve). Another raid is launched in the afternoon, the 3 surviving Martin WH-3 involved being escorted by 4 Brewster B-339. Again, the raid is intercepted by carrier-based fighters and by locally based F1M2 floatplanes. 2 Martin bombers and 3 B-339 are lost against one of intercepting A5M4s and one F1M2s. Another freighter is let burning and seaplane tender Sanuki Maru damaged by near misses. However, ML-KNIL forces in Borneo have practically been reduced to nil in 3 raids.
By mid-afternoon, V. Adm. I. Takahashi covering force and surviving freighters leave the Miri roadstead having landed all troops and equipment. Just before midnight, as the force is sailing toward Paracel Islands, French submarine Le Glorieux reaches a firing position and fires four torpedoes at CL Kuma Kuma sights them in time to avoid them.
Malaya/Singapore:
Early in the morning, one of Kuala Lumpur (RAF Subang) based PR Spitfire, makes a complete cover of Japanese airfields in Southern Thailand despite what is described as “atrocious weather”. The pilot doesn’t hesitate to come as low as 1500ft to be able to gain good pictures and to have visual confirmation. He lands back at Subang with less than 10’ flying left in plane tanks. Pictures, which are available by noon, show, besides IJAAF planes, on 2 airfields 31 D3A1 dive-bombers, 22 naval single-engined bombers (B5N2) and 32 "new naval fighter" (A6M2). These pictures are a confirmation that the Japanese command has created a shore based special naval unit dedicated to anti-shipping strikes. The threat such unit, whose proficiency has been well demonstrated by its successes against the “Malacca strait Squadron”, raises to the control of the Malacca Strait is seen as extremely serious and the Admiralty in London is warned that the resupply convoy could well have to be rerouted through the Sunda Strait increasing the journey by at least 3 days). The possibility that Japanese forces could even land on Northern Sumatra can't be discounted.
This possibility is made clear by news reaching Singapore at the same time that Japanese twin-engined bombers (Ki-21) have raided Medan and Pakan Baru, damaging local infrastructures and destroying, in air combat or on the ground 5 B-339s and 2 WH3 bombers. This is however the only significant air operation mounted this day on the Japanese side, as foul weather is considerably restricting flying.
To try to interdict Japanese coastal traffic and reinforcements sent to beach heads near Jitra and Alor Setar, Cruiser HMAS Canberra, DD Electra and Ambuscade, MTBs n° 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 (52t, 30kt, 4 MG, 2 x 21” torps), MGB 315, 316, 317, 318 (Fairmile, 72t, 26kt, 2 x 2pdr, 8 MG), leaves Singapore by 06h00 am to bolster Crace's batteredd "Malacca Strait Squadron". To provide top cover, Beaufighter Ics of RAF 248 & 253 SQN are to move from Sembawang (Singapore) to Kluang.
As Crace can't reach the operational zone this day, the RAF C.O. authorizes a raid from Coastal Command assets on enemy shipping close to the Alor Setar beachhead. 12 Beauforts of 415 SQN RCAF and 489 SQN RNZAF, escorted by 18 Beaufighters make an anti-shipping sweep by 1245. The raid is relatively unsuccessful because of the very poor weather (two light boats are destroyed by Beaufighters and Beauforts are unable to find their designated targets). However no enemy fighter planes are encountered and the whole force goes back without loss.
If the bad weather restricts air operation on both sides, it is a very good news for British and Commonwealth ground forces. Without any IJAAF and IJNAF intervention they can concentrates on reducing Japanese troops around Alor Setar. In a series of devastating counter-attacks, tank-infantry teams clear the airfield itself of Japanese troops by noon, and other troops landed are pushed toward the shore by a combined force including 120 infantry tanks and troops of the 8th division. The fact that British troops have found the Alor Setar garrison survivors of the initial fight (one Coy of Bahawalpur Rifles) attached to trees and bayonetted to death raises horrified rage in British, Australian and Indian troops alike. By the end of the day, the Alor Setar landing is no more considered as a threat. However, Gen. Percival orders that the defensive position at Gurun, south of Alor Setar and on Gunung Kedah slopes is to be fully prepared and manned against any new contingency.
The fighter situation in Northern Malaysia is however still critical. The RAF C.O. evaluates available assets as:
RAF/RAAF (all squadrons) 36 Hurricanes (21 in flight order)
AdA GC IV/40: 11 Hurricanes (7 in flight order).
However, AVM Portal rejects any suggestion of moving one of the Spitfire equipped Singapore defence squadrons to Kluang or Butterworth.
News of the Coastal Command raid reach Somerville as Admiral Phillips leaves Johore Strait, his flag on HMS Hood, with MN Dunkerque, CV Formidable, CA Exeter, Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Duquesne and Tourville, CL Perth, Hobart, Sydney, Mauritius, Enterprise, Emerald, Duguay-Trouin, Lamotte-Picquet escorted by DD Encounter, Express, Jupiter, Javelin, Jervis Nubian, Ashanti, Eskimo, Tempête, Mistral, Tornade and Trombe. As the squadron began to turn north one good news reach the Admiral. Through his ships HF/DF sets, a good fix on a pro-Japanese radio emitter is obtained, enabling the British counter-Intelligence force to raid two houses in Johore Baru. After a short fight five men are captured and two other killed, dismantling a Japanese spy-ring which has operated since the beginning of the war.
As the squadron sails North-East, by 17h30 a signal is received from a French GB IV/62 Martin 167 sent over Miri and telling that most Japanese ships have left the harbour. The plane is however unable to find Kondo’s support squadron which is supposed to be still hovering between the Indochina coast and north Borneo. The French bomber has been sent after a RAF Sunderland failed to return from Miri. Phillips then decides to cancel the cruiser night strike planned but to still go on for the planned strike against Singora.
Late in the afternoon a conference reunites Lord Gort, Gen. Wavell, Ltn-Gen Percival, Sir Shelton Thomas, AVM Portal, Ltn-Gen Mordat (CinC ground forces, Indochina), Ltn-Gen Hein ter Poorten (NEI Army), Adm. Helfrich (RNN), Ltn-Col Francis G. Brink US Army. This conference was mostly concerned with establishing guidelines for multi-national cooperation. As Ltn.-Col. Brink was able to cable to State Department, this conference "...showed an immediate need for one supreme head over a combined allied staff for detailed coordination between USA, British, Australia, France and Dutch measures. The logical location for the Allied headquarters would be at Bandung, in Java."
Indochina:
In Tonkin, there is a lull in the fighting. Japanese forces are regrouping before trying to attack the Thai Nguyen defence positions.
In Cambodia, the battle for the Poutishat goes on. The east part is under Japanese control by the end of the day. As Japanese troops are approaching Kompang Thum, north of the Tonle Sape Lake, a motley collection of French planes are attacking them, including some Potez-25 TOE, of which two are damaged beyond repair by ground fire. On the coast, Japanese troops, which have regrouped 5 km south of Tuy Hoa after the previous day counter-attack of GBMS elements try to resume their push toward Ninh Hoa, but are stopped by French tanks and mechanized infantry.
Saigon and Hue are again attacked by Japanese planes, the former by IJN planes and the latter by Ki-30 IJAAF bombers.
Wright Field (Ohio)
At the USAAF request NA-89 plane 003 (the third prototype, built using French funds after London agreed to transfer their project to French account) is tested against current USAAF fighters. Flown thrice in the day by three different test pilots, the Packard V-1650-1 engined fighter displays superiority over P-40E, P-39D and P-38F fighters. Only the XP-47B is able to show some speed superiority over the NA-89, and only above 28,000ft. At any altitude under 25,000ft, the Packard-engined North-American fighter is clearly the best.
Newport News (Virginia)
Escort Aircraft Carrier "Lafayette" (former freighter Mormacland) is handed over to the Marine Nationale. This ship is the first of a class of four "light and slow" aircraft carriers which are to replace two converted Fleet oiler procured first by the French government but retroceded to the USN in October because of the US pressing need for such ships. The second ship, to be called "Bois-Belleau" is to be ready by late February 1942 from the civilian Rio Hudson. Two other freighters, Rio Parana and Rio de Janeiro are to follow before the end of 1942 first semester. All ships can steam at 16,5kts and are to receive an air group of 10 F4F4 and 6 Swordfish. The old biplane is seen by the Aeronavale staff as better suited for these slow and short-decked carriers than its successor, the Albacore or the newer, but much heavier, Grumman TBM.
DECEMBER 19th:
Algiers:
At a "Comité de la Defence Nationale" (National Defence Committee) meeting, Adm. Muselier is appointed head of French Forces in the Pacific area (Commandant Général des Forces du Pacifique). His headquarters will be in Nouméa (French New-Caledonia). soon after the meeting, Gen. de Gaulle leaves Algiers for Washington. General Catroux is appointed head of air force units for Indian Ocean and Far-East, and official French representative to any joint allied command in the Far-East. Admiral Lemonnier orders the Commandant Teste seaplane tender then in Oran to unload US planes to embark the newly reconstituted AT-11 flotilla (18 Northrop N3M seaplane torpedo-bomber) and to join the British convoy bound to Singapore.
Gibraltar:
Late in the day, the Singapore resupply convoy enters Gibraltar harbour for refueling before crossing the Mediterranean. In the same time, 38 Vickers Wellington bombers and 14 Avro Manchester land to Gibraltar, on their way toward the Far-East. Each Manchester is carrying a Vulture engine in the bomb bay.
Aegean:
Aegean Air Force planes (A2F or 3rd Tactical Air Force under Gen. Bouscat command) maintain an offensive posture during the whole day, with FYF P-39Ds particularly active hunting for any ship or boat along Eubea coast. Their work pays off as MAS 503, 512, and 522 are sunk (the US 37mm gun being here particularly effective) as well as the German S-57. Italian minesweepers RD 24 and 37 are sunk by bomb-armed French Hawk-87s (P-40E). In the end of the day, the 3rd TAF has lost 3 H-81 (2 from the RAF and 1 from the AdA), 2 Hawk-87, 1 P-39D, 5 Hurricanes, and 1 P-38 against 5 Bf-109F, 2 Fiat G-50 and 1 Macchi MC-200.
Gen. Kesselring, particularly impressed by Allied air offensive (which he understands as the first stage of a "softening" move preparing an Aegean offensive) asks for a redeployment of occupation troops in Greece, with Werhmacht divisions settling in Eubea and on the east Aegean coast with Italian divisions taking responsibility of Peloponnese.
Indochina:
French and local troops have to retire from Poutishat which falls to the Japanese 7th infantry division by the end of the day. 2 Potez-25TOE are lost attacking Japanese and Thai troops and one Potez 63/11 is written-off after crash landing near Pnomh Penh. In Tonkin, the front is relatively quiet around Thai Nguyen. On the coast, Japanese troops are digging in and GBMS elements have just to suffer relatively ineffective attacks by Ki-51 and Ki-36, one of the latter being destroyed by 0.50 fire.
Philippines:
IJAAF planes, operating from Vigan and Aparri began to bomb US positions around Lingayen. Paracels based IJNAF bombers attack Clark Field and Fort Stotsenburg. In a message sent to Admiral Hart (CinC Pacific Fleet) gen. MacArthur acknowledges the fact that hopes the Pensacola convoy could bring reinforcements to Manila bay are to be abandoned.
Malaysia/Singapore:
During the night 12 Wellesley belonging to RAF 14 SQN attack Dong Muang airfield in company of 5 223 SQN Wellington. Results are limited but Bangkok is under air alert for a full 5h.
Another day of very bad weather over northern Malaya, considerably reducing air activity on both sides. Seven RAAF Hudson (1 & 8 RAAF SQN) try to bomb Japanese airfields under cover of the very bad weather. The read succeed in destroying 3 Ki-51 and 1 ki-27 but one Hudson is lost, hitting a mountain top after the crew got disoriented in a thunderstorm.
Under cover of the night one IJAF infantry regiment supported by tanks attack south from Kangar to try join now badly beleaguered landed forces on the coast. After some initial successes, this attack is strongly counter-attacked by a mix of 8th infantry division and Valentine tanks. Again, Japanese forces resort to suicidally dangerous tactics against tanks too heavily armoured to be defeated by the standard 37mm infantry gun. If the British forces are to lose 7 tanks, attacking Japanese forces are nearly wiped out.
Around Alor Setar, Commonwealth forces are reducing Japanese pockets.
At sea, Crace's Malacca Strait Force, strengthened by HMAS Canberra and other ships, patrols north of Penang, preventing any new Japanese reinforcements to be brought by sea.
Seaplane Tender HMS Albatross and cruiser-minelayer Adventure leave Singapore heading for the Sunda Strait and bound to Nicobar and Andaman islands. Both ships are to help establishing strong defence there.
Phillips Fast Wing (Force “Z”) reaches its extreme north position late in the after noon. Leaving cruisers Exeter, Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Perth, Hobart, Sydney, Mauritius to escort Formidable, a bombardment force with Hood, Dunkerque, Duquesne,Tourville, Duguay-Trouin, Lamotte-Picquet, Emerald and Enterprise, races toward the Thai coast. This force reaches Singora just before midnight and conduct a 45 minutes bombardment under a very violent thunderstorm which is preventing the use of Swordfish planes as night spotters. The bombardment is damaging but not greatly so.
DECEMBER 20th
Philippines:
At dawn, a strong Japanese squadron escorted by Rear Admiral R. Tanaka with CL Jintsu, DDs Kuroshio, Oyashio, Hatsukaze, Natsushio, Hayashio & Amatsukaze and supported by Admiral K. Kubo force with CAs Nachi, Haguro & Myoko, CV Ryujo (25 A5M4s and 18 B5N2s), Seaplane carrier Chitose (12 F1M2s, 8 E13A1s, 4 E8Ns), DD Shiokaze, lands one regiment at Davao. The landing is not opposed. By the end of the day a seaplane base has been established to protect the landing.
Gibraltar:
The Singapore resupply convoy enters the Mediterranean with the escort augmented by 8 Elan-class ASW vessels of the Marine Nationale.
Indochina:
In Cambodia, French forces are pushed east of Poutishat and began to retire toward Kampong Chnang. French Army-cooperation planes try to slow down the Japanese advance and 3 Potez-25 TOE, 2 Potez 63/11 and one Wirraway are lost. North of the Tonle Sap Lake, Japanese and Thai forces are launching a two-pronged attack against Kampong Thum. French gunboats are ordered out of the Tonle Sap and move at Kampong Chnang where they are attacked, without success, by a mixed Thai/Japanese Ki-21 bomber flight. Most bombs land on the civilian city raising fires and panic. Phnom Penh is also attacked by Japanese planes in the afternoon.
In Tonkin, AVG planes attack Japanese communication lines and convoys moving toward Thai Nguyen. The IJAAF reacts in force. The AVG loses 6 Hawk-81 (of which 1 to AA fire) against 4 Ki-27 and 2 Ki-43. On the Annam coast, the situation is quiet as French forces are too weak to attack and Japanese ones, lacking armour and AT weapons, reluctant to renew their offensive.
Malaya/Singapore:
The British 8th infantry division completes the clearing of landed Japanese forces around Alor Setar. At Jitra and Kroh the situation is again quiet.
As the strike squadron retreats toward the main Force, it is attacked by the Thai submarine HMTS Phlai-Chumphon. HMS Hood is near-missed by two torpedoes (her commanding officer handling her like a destroyer) but French MN Duquesne is hit by one torpedo running deep, which blows off her bow forward of “A” turret. The ship is slowed to 15kts. HMS Formidable Hurricanes provide a top cover from dawn as the crippled cruiser, escorted by the light cruiser Lamotte-Piquet sails directly toward Singapore. By noon, Coastal Command Beaufighters assure top-cover duty as the weather deteriorates.
By the end of the day, the first RAF Hurricanes and AdA Hawk-81s began to land at Medan (North Sumatra). However, ferry pilots have some problems landing on a cratered air strip. Of the 21 Hurricanes and 14 Hawk which arrives by dusk, 6 of the former and 3 of the latter are destroyed in landing accidents.
The Alternate Japanese Oof B in Thailand:
IJA
Alternat deployment of IJA forces in Thailand, situation by December 8th, 1941.
Southern Area Army, under the command of Field-Marshal Count Hisaichi Terauchi.
I. 20th Army (Ltn-Gen Yamashita)
5th infantry division (Ltn-Gen Matsui), composed of the 9th Inf. Brigade (11th and 41st rgmts) and the 21st Brigade (21th and 42nd Rgmts).
18th Infantry Division (Ltn-Gen. Mutaguchi) composed of the 23rd Inf. Brigade (55th and 56th rgmts) and the 25th Brigade (114th and 124th Rgmts).
Imperial Guard Division (Ltn-Gen Nishimura) composed of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Rgmts.
3rd Tank Group (or Brigade).
3rd Heavy Field Artillery Brigade.
(The 20th Army is more complete than in OTL because no assault landing has been necessary and the build-up has been done in a more leisurely way. There are now 33 infantry battalions against 28 in OTL).
II. 6th Army (Ltn-Gen Tôji)
23rd Infantry Division (Ltn-Gen Kanji)
7th Infantry Division ((Ltn-Gen Nobory) composed of the 13th Inf. Brigade (25th and 26th rgmts) and the 14th Brigade (27th and 28th Rgmts).
1st Tank Brigade (Ltn-Gen Yasuoka) with only 2 tank regiments (3rd and 4th).
4th Field Artillery Brigade.
(This Army is coming from the Kwantung Army. The two infantry divisions and the tank brigade fought at Khalkhin-Ghôl).
III. 7th Army (Ltn-Gen Jûichi)
33rd Infantry Division
55th Infantry Division (Ltn-Gen Hanaya)
9th Tank Brigade (Col. Takehi) with only 2 tank regiments (5th and 7th).
5th Field Artillery Brigade.
IJAAF forces in Thailand
Units based in Thailand.
3rd Hikoshidan including
3rd Hikodan with 24 Ki-43 fighters, 40 Ki-48 twin engined light bombers, 15 Ki-30 single-engined light bombers, 23 Ki-51 close support planes.
7th Hikodan with 35 Ki-43 and 6 Ki-27 fighters, and 102 Ki-21 heavy twin-engined bombers.
10th Hikodan with 27 Ki-27 fighters, 22 Ki-21 twin-engined bombers, 24 Ki-30 light single engined bombers, 8 Ki-15 reconnaissance planes.
12th Hikodan with 81 Ki-27 fighters.
15th Dokuritsu Hikotai with 7 Ki-15 and 4 Ki-46 reconnaissance planes.
83rd Dokuritsu Hikotai with 19 Ki-51 close support planes and 12 Ki-36 close support and observation planes.
81st independent Sentai with 9 Ki-15 and 7 Ki-46 reconnaissance planes.
Total: 173 fighters (of which 59 Ki-43), 124 Ki-21 Heavy twin-engined bombers, 40 Ki-48 light twin-engined bombers, 39 Ki-30 light single-engined bombers, 50 Ki-51 close support planes, 12 Ki-36 close support and observation planes, 35 reconnaissance planes of which 11 Ki-46.
Royal Thai Air Force units:
27 Ki-27 fighters, 12 Ki-21 twin-engined heavy bombers, 21 Ki-30 single engined light bombers, 14 Ki-36 close-support and observation planes
The Alternate Japanese Oof B in Thailand:
IJA
Alternat deployment of IJA forces in Thailand, situation by December 8th, 1941.
Southern Area Army, under the command of Field-Marshal Count Hisaichi Terauchi.
I. 20th Army (Ltn-Gen Yamashita)
5th infantry division (Ltn-Gen Matsui), composed of the 9th Inf. Brigade (11th and 41st rgmts) and the 21st Brigade (21th and 42nd Rgmts).
18th Infantry Division (Ltn-Gen. Mutaguchi) composed of the 23rd Inf. Brigade (55th and 56th rgmts) and the 25th Brigade (114th and 124th Rgmts).
Imperial Guard Division (Ltn-Gen Nishimura) composed of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Rgmts.
3rd Tank Group (or Brigade).
3rd Heavy Field Artillery Brigade.
(The 20th Army is more complete than in OTL because no assault landing has been necessary and the build-up has been done in a more leisurely way. There are now 33 infantry battalions against 28 in OTL).
II. 6th Army (Ltn-Gen Tôji)
23rd Infantry Division (Ltn-Gen Kanji)
7th Infantry Division ((Ltn-Gen Nobory) composed of the 13th Inf. Brigade (25th and 26th rgmts) and the 14th Brigade (27th and 28th Rgmts).
1st Tank Brigade (Ltn-Gen Yasuoka) with only 2 tank regiments (3rd and 4th).
4th Field Artillery Brigade.
(This Army is coming from the Kwantung Army. The two infantry divisions and the tank brigade fought at Khalkhin-Ghôl).
III. 7th Army (Ltn-Gen Jûichi)
33rd Infantry Division
55th Infantry Division (Ltn-Gen Hanaya)
9th Tank Brigade (Col. Takehi) with only 2 tank regiments (5th and 7th).
5th Field Artillery Brigade.
IJAAF forces in Thailand
Units based in Thailand.
3rd Hikoshidan including
3rd Hikodan with 24 Ki-43 fighters, 40 Ki-48 twin engined light bombers, 15 Ki-30 single-engined light bombers, 23 Ki-51 close support planes.
7th Hikodan with 35 Ki-43 and 6 Ki-27 fighters, and 102 Ki-21 heavy twin-engined bombers.
10th Hikodan with 27 Ki-27 fighters, 22 Ki-21 twin-engined bombers, 24 Ki-30 light single engined bombers, 8 Ki-15 reconnaissance planes.
12th Hikodan with 81 Ki-27 fighters.
15th Dokuritsu Hikotai with 7 Ki-15 and 4 Ki-46 reconnaissance planes.
83rd Dokuritsu Hikotai with 19 Ki-51 close support planes and 12 Ki-36 close support and observation planes.
81st independent Sentai with 9 Ki-15 and 7 Ki-46 reconnaissance planes.
Total: 173 fighters (of which 59 Ki-43), 124 Ki-21 Heavy twin-engined bombers, 40 Ki-48 light twin-engined bombers, 39 Ki-30 light single-engined bombers, 50 Ki-51 close support planes, 12 Ki-36 close support and observation planes, 35 reconnaissance planes of which 11 Ki-46.
Royal Thai Air Force units:
27 Ki-27 fighters, 12 Ki-21 twin-engined heavy bombers, 21 Ki-30 single engined light bombers, 14 Ki-36 close-support and observation planes
