"A Knife Fight in the Dark" - Prince v. Grunt

[6971grunt]

January 20, 1942:

Command headquarters in Australia reported today that Rabual has fallen to a vastly superior Japanese force. The Aussies indicated that they are reforming and may counter attack.

Little was reported from the Philippines today. As usual, Manila and Clark Field were air bombarded.

Nigel Hughes, of BBC-Malaya, reported hearing heavy fighting just to the north of Singapore. After further investigation, Hughes returned from the front to report that the Japanese Army's 5th, 18th and Imperial Guard Infantry Divisions supported by the 4th Mixed Infantry Regiment had made a forced crossing of the river to the north. Japanese losses were reported to be "heavy" with over 2,500 men, 85 guns and 2 tanks lost to British Imperial Forces. The disturbing matter, according to Hughes, was that the Japanese were able to remain on the south side of the river despite these losses.

Although attacked by Japanese ground forces at Singapore, the Royal Air Force managed a strike on Japanes naval units depositing landing forces at Mersing. The troop carrier Eihuko Maru and destroyer Umikaze were attacked by several Wirrways. There were no immediate reports concerning any damage.

The Dutch evidently received the most "attention" from the Japanese today. Pontianak was invaded after another air and sea bombardment from the IJN. The Dutch air force from Batavia launched only a small air strike, due to weather conditions. The troop carrier Yamato Maru was attacked with several bombs landing near their target. Air units from Ambonia attacked a Japanese convoy steaming east out of Menado striking the troop carrier Hokumyo Maru with a 250# bomb. Pilots reported the ship on fire as they returned to base.

Martin 139s from Batavia attacked an apparent carrier force near Belitung Island, however the battleship Kirishima drew the aircraft's attention. No hits were reported.

The Dutch had greater fortune in and around Tarakan. Coastwatchers near Tarakan reported that there was a delayed sinking of the minesweeper Kyo Maru #1. The troop carrier Shinko Maru and MSW Choun Maru #8 were attacked with the Shinko Maru receiving 3 direct hits and bursting into flames.

[6971grunt]

January 21, 1942:

Associated Press (c) reports of rumors that the Admiralty Islands, Kavient and Buka have been invaded by Japanes troops since the fall of Rabual. These rumors are trying to be confirmed by this agency.

General MacArthur's headquarters stated that Manila was bombed again today. His headquarters also reported another small banzai attack by about 600 fanatics. Over 300 of them were stopped cold and 15 guns destroyed as the others withdrew to the shadows.

Nigel Hughes reported that Singapore was bombed again by air, but that no ground attack occurred today. The Army of Malaya got a well-deserved rest - the jungle weather was especially hot for the troops.

The headquarter's staff of Southeast Asia reported that they believe that the city of Taung Gyri was overrun today, however they are trying to confirm this report.

Dutch Headquarters had mixed news this day. The city of Pontianak was overrun by the 35th Japanes Infantry Brigade and Dutch forces were sent retreating to another safe haven. Batavia was also bombed today with little damage.

However, Dutch air units from Java again attacked IJN forces supporting the Pontianak landings. Recent reports indicated that the troop carrier Taibun Maru and the battleship Fuso were bombed and that the Taibun Maru sustained 2 bomb hits and was burning.

[6971grunt]

January 22, 1942:

The news wires were cold today. Not much action to report, just the slow trug of war - convoys, plans, pre-invasion movements.....

Pacific Command brief on a B-17 report out of Pearl Harbor that they spotted the Japanese sub I-175 some 60 miles to the southeast of Hilo. The plane's commander reported that they were on a westerly heading at about 4,000 feet when they spotted the I-175 on the surface apparently attempting to recharge batteries. With the sun at their back, the B-17 made an attack run on the sub and reported scoring a hit near the stern of the boat. The sub appeared to be unaware of the plane's presence in the area. The sub was last seen going below the surface, either diving or sinking - the plane's skipper could not tell.

Australian Command reported that the Admiralty Islands, Kavieng and Buka (on the Solomon Islands) were all occupied today by the Japanese. Aussie spokesman LtCol. Gerald Forshman stated, "This was not unexpected".

The Dutch reported that the city of Sandakan was invaded by Japanese land forces. Dutch air units interdicted the Sandakan landing by attacking the covering force. The battleships Nagato and Yamashiro were subject to two waves of Martin 139s but no direct hits were reported.

General Stillwell's spokesman wired that the Japanese-held, Chinese city of Nanning had its outer fortifications breached by the Chinese 10th Group Army in a surprise, pre-dawn attack. The 10th Group Army reported that their losses were "acceptable".

[6971grunt]

January 23, 1942:

The prior description of the Japanese offensive in the Pacific by Admiral Nimitz as being "deliberate" has certainly proven itself out over the past weeks. The Japanese are taking based, planting aircraft on them to oversee the next invasion(s), making the Dutch Air Force in the Indies work for every hit on a Japanese ship.

The Borneo southern city of Samarinda was bombed and invaded brushing aside Dutch air interdiction. However, Buffalo Is from Singapore apparently made an appearance over the city of Singkawang to attack the battleships Yamashiro and Nagato. No hits were reported, but the anti-aircraft fire was tremendous accoring to returning pilots.

Nigel Hughes of BBC-Malaya filed a report indicating a breakout attack by British Imperial Forces were "soundly rebuffed" by the Japanese. Hughes only indicated that losses to the British Imperial forces were "heavy". Hughes was of the opinion, based on interviews with battalion level commanders, that "the cork of the bottle is there to stay".

The Chinese 10th Group Army around Nanning, wanting to exploit yesterdays breach of the outer fortifications, conducted a reconn-in-force of the inner ring of Japanese fortifications. It was clear from the effort that more preparation will have to be done before the inner ring of fortifications can be breached and the city entered by Chinese troops. Chinese sources would not state the exact result of the reconn but junior officers hinted that the force was "handled roughly" by the Japanese.

Aussie Command today received a report from Port Morsby indicating that a B-17 flight found and attacked a Japanese troop carrier, Dianiunyo Maru, and dropped a 500# bomb amidships causing an explosion and fire.

[6971grunt]

January 24, 1942:

It was a terribly hard day today for the Dutch in Indonesia. More on that later.

Port Mosby intercepted transmissions from coastwatchers that Green Island was occupied and Gasmata invaded by Japanese forces. B-17s were sent out to interdict the Gasmata landings. The troop carrier Amakasu Maru was spotted off-loading troops and attacked. The B-17's 500# bombs fell all around the troop carrier but none of them found their mark.

Air units around Pearl Harbor have reported a submarine venturing too close to the harbor mouth. PBYs from Pearl attacked a submarine some twenty miles from the harbor defensive zone. No hits were reported on the lurking submarine. Sources indicated that all convoys in the area have been alerted.

The Japanese Army today conducted a counter attack on British Imperial forces defending Singapore. Nigel Hughes filed a report with the Associated Press indicating that the Japanese wanted to follow-up on the failed British breakout attempt of yesterday hoping to catch the British forces in a sorry state of readiness. However, such was not the case according to Hughes. The Japanese Army suffered another rebuffing from British Imperial forces to the accounting of over 1,100 men, 27 guns and a tank.

As was previously reported, it was a very hard day for Dutch forces in Borneo. Singkawang fell today and gave over 1,800 prisoners to the Japanese. Balikpapan was bombarded and invaded. The unoccupied town of Sandahan was taken and Samarinda fell to a determined banzai attacke of the Japanese 56th Infantry Brigade. Dutch air power again attacked the battleship Yamashiro with no noticable results. All-in-all, not a good day for the boys from Holland.

[6971grunt]

January 25, 1942:

Submarine Command for the Pacific Fleet announced today that the USS Gudgeon was overdue from its first wartime cruise. Command spokesman refused to provide further details.

Port Morsby informed Austrial Command that the town of Gasmata had been occupied by the Japanese Army. This was confirmed by air reccon from Port Morsby.

Headquarters in the Philippines revealed today that the island of Jolo had been invaded yesterday and overrun today. MacArthur's spokesman believed that around 800 men may have been captured.

The Chinese commander of the city of Changsha reported that the Chinese 40th Infantry Corps, on "picket duty" 60 miles to the northeast was assaulted by Japanese Army units. Out numbered by 3:1, the Chinese unit retreated to the city. Witnesses in the city are stating that the know a counter attack is being organized. This information has yet to be confirmed.

Balikpapan was assaulted and overrun today by the Japanese Army. Dutch army units are reported to be in full retreat. In an attempt to interdict the landings at Balikpapan, Dutch air units attacked the minesweeper Choun Maru #8 and struck her 3 times with 250# bombs. The troop carriers Nanrei Maru and Aiyo Maru were also attacked as they continued to off-loand troops. However, no direct hits were witnessed. At Singkawang, Dutch air units again attacked a IJN battleship. The Nagato was attacked by an unreported number of planes. The planes have yet to return to base, so there is no indication of any direct hits on the battleship.

[6971grunt]

January 26, 1942:

The coastwatchers in or around Davao have supplied invaluable information concerning Japanese shipping in the area. Once again today, MacArthur's staff reports the latent sinking of the troop carrier Kishiwa Maru. Japanese crew were trying to stop the ship from listing to port, but she rolled over like a stuffed pig in the harbor.

Philippine headquarters also reported the invasion of the unoccupied island of Tawi Tawi. Its fall appears to be automatic.

Nigel Hughes of BBC-Malaya reports combat between the ISF 3rd Engineers 60 miles south of Kuatan. Although attacked by the 4th Mixed Brigade of the Japanese Army, the action seems to have been a draw. The trapped 3rd ISF continues its heroic defense of itself.

The Japanese Army in China appears to be trying to open supply lines to the beseiged city of Wuhan. In three separate attacks by independent Japanes Army Brigades, they have appeared to have opened the rail line from Shanghai to Nanchang. However, efforts of the Japanese 12th Infantry Brigade against the 2nd and 4th Chinese New Corps, sitting between Nanchang and Wuhan, appears to have completely failed with the loss of over 400 men and 20 guns.

The Japanes navy struck by air this morning at the port of Palembang. Dutch forces in Palembang reported that large carrier air units struk the port this morning sinking three abandon Dutch minesweepers that were drydocked. Dutch forces have been ordered to conduct a "scorched earth" campaign wherever and whenever possible. Batavia's airbase was bombed. However, air units from Soerabaja launched an airstrike against Japanes shipping, specifically the troop carrier Nojima Maru, in the area of Singkawang.

[NormS3]

Great job.  I really look forward to finding updates in your AAR.  It appears that you are doing a good job at keeping the Japanese from running wild.  Maybe post a screenie of your overall totals at the end of each month.  But thanks for your work and keep up the good fight.  (Am glad to see that you are not using the "Sir Robin" technique).
 
I look forward to future dispatches.

[6971grunt]

Thanks Norm.........will take your suggestion and try to do that at the end of January[8D]

[6971grunt]

January 27, 1942:

It appears, at least news-wise, that the Pacific was a rather quite palce this day.

Philippine headquarters reported, for the first time in days, that Manila was again attacked by the Japanese Army. After a preliminary bombardment, the Japanese came out of their positions to get themselves chewed up by Philippino and American forces. After the dust settled, over 700 men, 21 guns and 2 tanks lay in front of the Allied lines.
MacArthur's headquarters, as anticipated, announced the occupation of the undefended island of Tawi Tawi.

Nigel Hughes, our man in Singapore, spoke up for the first time in some time by reporting another clash between the trapped 3rd ISF Engineers and the Japanese 4th Mixed Brigade some 60 miles north of Mersing.

60 miles northwest of Nanchang, the Chinese 2nd and 4th New Corps counterattacked the Japanese 12th Brigade and drove it from the battlefield causing over 400 men in losses.

The Hollanders reported that their air units from Batavia attacked Japanese shipping near Singkawang. The troop carriers Yoshinogawa Maru and Tamatsu Maru were attacked with the Tamastu Maru sustaining a strike from a 250# bomb with the resulting fire so intense Japs were seen jumping from the beleagured ship.

[6971grunt]

January 28, 1942:

Matters appear to be taking a rather predictable course in most of Southeast Asia.

Forces in Manila report the obligatory bombing they have been subjected to over the past several weeks. They expect an attack within the next couple of days if the Japanese hold true to their pattern.

Coastwatchers in the Solomon Islands sent a radio message to Port Morsby that the town of Torokina on the big island has been occupied by Japanese forces including a coastal defense unit. Sources indicate they believe that Shortland may be the Japanese's next target on the big island.

Fierce fighting was again reported by the trapped 3rd ISF Engineer Regiment north of Mersing in Malaya. Headquarter staff wonder out loud about the ability of these tough engineers to hold out with dwindling ammunition stores. Nigel Hughes, BBC-Malaya, has been attempting to reach the unit for a first-hand accounting, but because of the Japanese presence at Singapore he has been unable to find proper and safe transportation.

The Dutch force at Ambonia has spotted and attacked a light carrier task force prowling within its air strike range. They have also noted seveal other task force groups appraoching their general area. They suspect an invasion within the next day or two.

Ambonia air units spotted the light carrier Zuiho and its escorts about 120 miles to the northwest. Fighting off cover of the carrier's Claudes and Zeros, 3 Hudson Is went on the attack, although they did not score a direct hit several of the bombs struck the water immediately around the little carrier.

[F6frc]

Nice style, looks like this is gonna be a good read! Keep those Japs on their toes!

[&o] [&o] [&o] [&o]

[6971grunt]

ORIGINAL: F6frc

Nice style, looks like this is gonna be a good read! Keep those Japs on their toes!

[&o] [&o] [&o] [&o]

Yup, those Japs are tricky.................

[6971grunt]

January 29, 1942:

Sad news from Nigel Hughes, our BBC reporter now confined to Singapore. Nigel reports that the 3rd ISF Regiment disappeared today under the weight of another Japanese assault from a now reinforced 4th Mixed Brigade. Hughes reports that the last raido transmission he was witness to was the following, "Japs coming over the trenches,.....bayonets men!....." then silence. After several attempts over the past several hours, there remains no word from this unit. One can only imagine the final moments.

As anticipated by the Dutch Command, Ambonia was invaded by the Japanese today after naval bombardment. Although the Jpas appear to have a foothold, they have decided to wait to conduct a formal attack. Dutch units are reported to be fully ready and await the next Japanese move.

Elsewhere in the Dutch East Indies, a Martin 139 reported attacking and striking a Japanese submarine some 60 miles to the southeast of Kragen. Kragen was struck today by carrier air units - it it obvious that Japanese carrier task force has not left the Dutch East Indies.

There was much better news out of China over the past 48 hours. The Chinese report that the 10th Group Army drove the reinforced 19th Japanese Infantry Brigade from the city of Nanning to Pakhoi. The Japanese struck back wildly at the Chinese with their 1st Parachute Regiment but this attack was easily brushed aside by the Chinese. The batterd remains of the 1st Parachute Regiment limped back to Pakhoi.

There appears to be movement out of French IndoChina given the success of the Chinese 10th Group Army. General Stillwell's staff has indicated they have noted the movement of the 21st Japanese Infantry Division out of Hanoi to the Chinese border. Although they would not say if they anticipate the division to cross the border, they are preparing plans for that possibility. The Chinese 32nd, 7th and 25th Group Armys are moving to render assistance if the need arises. Staff report that the Japanese 6th Armored Regiment appears to be trapped between the 32nd and 7th Group Armys after venturing to far into China. One can only hope that the 6th Amrored will share the same fate as the 3rd ISF Engineers.

The Japanese also appears to have raised a Vietnamese Infantry Division - the 1st Vietnamese Division has positioned itself on the border just 60 miles to the northwest of Hanoi. This was noted in a reccon report of the 32nd Group Army presently moving along the IndoChina border.

[6971grunt]

January 30, 1942:

Some interesting news out of Southeast Asian headquarters. A commando raid was undertaken last night at the occupied city of Rangoon. The news release is short on specifics, but we can tell you that the Japanese wsere surpised and a factory that manufactures ammunition was destroyed. There was no report of any losses to the commandos. "Golly good show boys!" was the reaction of LtCol Wesly Park-Danik spokesman for Souteast Asian headquarters.

Port Morsby reported that it was bombed today by Bettys out of Rabual. There were was not report of damage. Port Morsby also indicated that B-17s from the base bombed Rabual's airstrip inflicting damage and downing one Zero in the process. All B-17s returned to base safely.

General MacArthur held a very short news conference today indicating that Manila was bombed and attacked today by Japanese land forces. The last ring of fortifications was penetrated by the Japanese, but at a cost of over 800 men, 21 guns and 2 tanks. MacArthur was asked if he had considered declaring Manila an "open city" to spare further destruction. The General had "no comment".

Our man in Singapore, Nigel Hughes, dsiclosed that a vicious fight had occurred at the edge of the outer most fortifications of the city. Japanese land forces attempted a large, night-time assault but were caught in the "tangle-foot", barbed-wire and mines of the outer works. When the sun rose, the Japanese had been absolutely repelled to the note of over 2,100 men and 63 guns lost.

The Dutch had a mixed-bag of news for us to consider. The town of Morotai was invaded and will soon be occupied. Ambonia witnessed further landings on its shores. Dutch air units were busy again today with one noted attack on the battlecruiser Kongo 60 miles to the southeast of Sinlep Island. The Dutch also reported that air units from Soerabaja struk a loading Jap task off of Pontianak. Dutch Martin 139 attack and delieverd 3 250# bombs to the troop carrier Ryugi Maru. Pilots report numerous Japanese dead in the water.

[6971grunt]

January 31, 1942:

Matters in the Eastern Pacific have been rather quite of late, but do not worry the Southeast Asian theaters between the Dutch and Brits have supplied more than enough information and news for all our readers.

Manilia was attacked again today by japanese land forces. MacArthur's headquarters assure us that the attack was rebuffed with over 700 men, 5 guns and 1 tank losses handed out to the Japanese interlopers.

Nigel Hughes, our man in Singapore, filed a report today that a rather small but determined reccon in force was conducted today on the outer defenses of Singapore. The Japanese reccon effort was thrown back along with the loss of over 200 men and 19 guns.

Southeast Asia headquarters report tha the Japanese have forced the river to the north of Pagan. British spokesman LtCol Ian Hunter-Finch told reporters that although a small bridgehead was established, the cost to the Japanese was over 800 men, 19 guns and 4 tanks.

Japanese forces in China, with the fall of Nanning, are now taking a much more aggressive posture, according to General Stillwell's headquarters. The 89th Chinese Corps was forced to retreat to Changsha by the attack to the Japanese 3rd, 13th and 30th Infantry Divisions supported by the 2nd Mountain Gun Battalion just 60 miles to the southwest of Wuhan. This move has, apparantely, relieved some pressure on Wuhan's supplies.

There was an additional effort of the Japanese 60 miles to the northwest of Kaifeng. The Japanese 42nd Division established a small bridgehead across the river from the 20th Group Army. Losses to the Japanese infantry division were placed at over 2,600 men and 51 guns.

Ambonai fell today according to Dutch headquarters in Kendari. Dutch forces are reported to be moving onto the twon of Bulla. The Japanese battlecrusier Kong was again attack by Dutch air with no reports of success. Air units out of Soerabaja reported attacking and striking the battleship Fuso some 240 miles northwest of the Dutch port. The assessment of damage was not available.

The War Department released some statical information concerning the war to date [1-31-42]. One must be cautioned that the following was heavily censored by the War Department in accordance with their regulations and cannot be verified.

[6971grunt]

February 1, 1942:

Although it is a new month, that has not stopped the Japanese "slowkrieg" from its deliberate path.

Australian Command reported that Shortland was occupied without incident today and Buin was invaded by Japanese forces. Port Morsby also reported that it underwent a bombing raid, but whatever damage was sustain was quickly repaired.

Dutch heaquarters in Batavia filed a status report that indicated the Japanese Navy sent a task force to bombard the city. Harbor defenses reported what appeared to be a Japanese destroyer wandering into a defensive mine field and stricking a mine. Alerted by the mine strike, each side exchanged fire, but little damage was reported. A later reccon flight noted that the Japanese destroyer Harukaze was burning and appeared to be heavily damaged - probably from the mine strike some hours previous.

In the big news of the day, Headquarters in the Philippines reported today that Major General C.F. Thompson was named the new commander of the USAFF. Public Relations for the Philippine-based Headquarters would not say what was the fate of General MacArthur nor his whereabouts.

The Chinese 10th Group Army at Nanning reported that they were "cleaning up" the remants of the Japanese 1st Parachute Regiment that still linger outside the city limits.

Southeast Asia Headquarters indicated that they had received radio traffic from Mandalay that the Japanese 33rd and 55th Infantry Divisions, along with the 1st Armored Regiment, had crossed the river north of Pagan and established a bridgehead inspite of the resistence of the 1st Burma Brigade and 1st Burma Rifles Brigade. Mandalay indicated that Jpanese losses in the attack were twice that of the Burmese Brigades.

[6971grunt]

February 2, 1942:

Ground Hog Day will probably not bring any kind of free spring to the Dutch East Indies. The Japanese continue to press their advantage in this theater area. Palembang was not only subjected to a naval bombardment, but also an landing of the Japanese 35th Infantry Brigade.

However, the invasion did not go smoothly. The Dutch forces at Palembang report that the invasion force ran straight into their minefield. The troop carrier Hakozaki Maru struck a mine causing an explosion that could been seen for miles. They also reported that counter battery fire from the Dutch coastal defense unit struck the patrol craft Ch 1 8 times.

The resource center at Toboali was visited by a Japanese landing, as was the town of Sampit on the island Borneo. Both are expected to fall in the near future.

The Japanese Army in Burma expanded its bridgehead across the river from Pagan. Resistence from the 1st Burma Brigade and 1st Burma Rifle Brigade was stiff and it was reported that both sides lost over 300 men in the fighting. Apparently, the two brigades continue to hold their ground in spite of overwhelming odds.

[6971grunt]

February 3, 1942:

A press conference was held by Rear Admiral English, Commander of the Pacific Submarine Fleet. He indicated that the USS Seadragon reported that while returning to Pearl Harbor from a war cruise, they picked from the water three Japanese submariners. According to Rear Admiral English they were the survivors of the ill-fated I-172 which had been reported heavily damaged in a depth charge attack near Kona several days ago. The Admiral indicated that the survivors were found near the Wotje Atoll.

There was sad news from the Philippines today. Manila has fallen to the Japanese. The staff of Major General Thompson estimated that there were over 10,000 prisoner with many of the members of the Philippine Army evading capture and blending into the local population.

Nigel Hughes, in Singapore, filed another report of a determined Japanes attack to overwhelm the defenses of the city. British Imperial forces once again turned back the Japanese effort causing the loss, according to several sources, of over 2,600 men, 69 guns of various calibers and 2 tanks.

Burmese forces holding back the bridgehead north of Pagan were forced to retreat to Mandalay when they finally gave way to superior Japanese numbers. Losses to the Japanese continued to mount with the loss of over 450 men, 10 guns and 2 tanks.

The Chinese 20th Group Army went over to the offensive today. Chinese staff members in the city of Homan briefed reporters today that the 20th attacked the 41st Japanese Infantry Division at the railhead 60 miles to the northwest of Kaifeng. The disorganized 41st Division was reported retreating to that city while being pursued by advance Chinese elements of the 20th.

The invasion of Palembang by the 35th Japanese Infantry Brigade continued today according to the Dutch in Batavia. Palembang defenses again recorded a Japanese merchant ship Nagara Maru being struck by a mine. The patrol craft Ch 7 was located by dutch coastal batteries and recieved three shell hits.

Elsewhere in the Dutch East Indies, Toboali fell as predicted. The towns of Sorong and Macassar were visited by the Japanese Army. Radio messages out of Mascassar noted that the 56th Japanese Infantry Brigade was involved and that their coastal defense guns struck the patrol gunboat Taiko Maru twice.

Australian Command, out of Darwin, stated that their air units, consisting of 17 Hudson Is, attacked an invasion convoy at the town of Bulla. Returning pilots reported that they attacked the patrol gunboat Kuri Maru #5 and the troop carriers Palao Maru and Yasukuri Maru striking the Yasukuri Maru twice with 250# bombs. The Yasukuri Maru was on fire and appeared to be taking on water from the stern.

[6971grunt]

February 4, 1942:

This reporter needs to make a correction from yesterday's report concering the fall of Manila. That report was incorrect. We were informed by the AP in Manila that initially indicated in a cryptic message "Manila fallen". However, news today is quite different. The AP message actually stated "Manila fighting" - our investigation indicated that an excited page sent the wrong message. The error was caught by USAAF Headquarters and corrected after this matter went to press.

One can report that the Japanese are fighting in the city of Manila, but that Philippine and American forces still control the city. Today's attack by the Japanese yielded some ground, but at a cost of over 700 men and 19 guns. Manila is still in Philippine and American control.

The Dutch report the fall of Sorong, Bulla and Macassar today. Forces at Macassar are reported retreating toward Makale. The Dutch civilian population in Muntok report the landings of Japanese troops. The Dutch forces have been "taking it on the chin" lately. One wonders how much longer their forces can withstand the Japanese war-machine.

Dutch headquarters in Batavia reported that they sustain an rather intense air bombardment today. However, they managed to get off several air strikes on Japanese ships near the city.
Reports indicate that several flights of Vildebeest IVs and Swordfish attacked the troop carrier Ayatosan Maru putting one 500# bomb amid-ships and the merchant ship Sagara Maru near Muntok was attacked by torpedos, but no report of damage.

Coastwatchers in the Solomon Islands radioed to Port Morsby that the town of Munda is being invaded by the Japanese. Its occupation is anticipated to be tomorrow.

Australian Command indicated that Port Morsby air units attacked a gathering convoy at the town of Finschafen. First reports indicated that A-20Bs, "Bostons", from Port Morsby spent the entire day attacking the convoy. The troop carriers Reiyo Maru, Jouban Maru, Hotsukawa Maru and Heian Maru were all attacked. The Reiyo Maru escaped damage, but the Juoban Maru was struck 4 times by 500# bombs and the Hotsukawa Maru and Heian Maru each absorbed one 500# bomb hit. Also gracing their presence at Finschafen were the merchant ships Oregon Maru and Nitian Maru - the Nitian Maru sustain one 500# bomb penetration.