January 2, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

FRIDAY, 2 JANUARY 1942

Washington DC: Pentagon receives a radio message from the Philippines: "Manila, Cavite lost; MacArthur fights on, holding Corregidor.

China: Lt Gen Hugh A. Drum, tentatively selected for field command in China, arrives in Washington, D.C., where he confers with various military leaders and finds opinions as to role of U.S. in China widely divergent.

Malaya: Japanese force reaches Telok Anson via Perak River and goes ashore, greatly increasing threat to Ind 3 Corps. 1st Independent Co and Ind 3d Cav Sq defending this area are forced back through Ind 12th Brig Gp, which in turn comes under severe pressure. Although enemy attacks on Kampar position are still being contained, it is decided to withdraw to Slim R after nightfall because of precarious situation along coast. Japanese landing attempt at Kuala Selangor is frustrated by arty fire late in day.

IJA: Japanese Army enters Manila and Cavite.

U.S. Army: On Luzon, defenders complete successful withdrawal through San Fernando, final elements clearing the town at 2:00am and organize delaying positions along 10-mile front from Porac to Guagua. Holding this line are 21st Div (PA) on the west, its left flank covered by 26th Cav (PS) at San Jose, south of Porac, and 11th Div (PA) on the east. Japanese attack the western flank in vicinity of Porac in afternoon and force 21st Div to fall back. Meanwhile, Japanese east of the Pampanga River succeed in crossing the river and move to San Fernando, where they join with Japanese from Angeles. Japanese Army soldiers enter Manila. Japanese planes begin daily attacks on Corregidor.

USN: The first organized lighter-than-air units of World War II, Airship Patrol Group 1, Commander George H. Mills commanding, and Airship Squadron 12, Lieutenant Commander Raymond F. Tyler commanding was established at NAS Lakehurst.

USAAF: Assigned to Project "X" delivery of aircraft to the Philippines but will be deverted to Australia including A-24 Dive Bomber (U.S. Army version of the SBD Dauntless) are A-24 41-15783, A-24 41-15797, A-24 41-15798, A-24 41-15819, A-24 41-15820, A-24 41-15822, A-24 A-24 41-15???, A-24 41-15???, A-24 41-15??.

USMC: The Marine Corps Supply Center, Barstow, California, was organized as Marine Barracks, Marine Corps Depot of Supplies.

RAAF: Four Hudsons from No. 24 Squadron conduct a reconaissance and bombing mission against Kapingamarangi Atoll.