January 9, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

FRIDAY, 9 JANUARY 1942

China: In the afternoon, four P-40s from AVG led by Squadron Leader John Newkirk plus six RAF Buffaloes strafe of Tak (Raheng) Airfield. The Americans reported observing "seven Buffaloes that the Japanese had evidently taken over from the Siamese", which were about to take-off, whilst two others circled overhead; this latter pair were claimed shot down by Newkirk. During several strafing passes, Newkirk then claimed two ‘Buffaloes’ on the ground; Bright claimed another and Flight Leader Noel Bacon shared a fourth with Bob Layher. Meanwhile the 67 Squadron pilots reported destroying two ‘Type 97’ bombers by Flight Lieutenants Brandt in W8213 and Pinckney in W8239 and four damaged. Japanese records show that one aircraft was burned, one badly damaged, and one starter trolley destroyed.

As consideration of the U.S. role in China continues in Washington D.C., General Marshall decides to recommend against sending Gen Drum to China because of the small effort that is currently to be made there.

Malaya: Gen Percival issues instructions for withdrawal of Ind 3 Corps into Johore, where final stand before Singapore Naval Base is to be made. Corps begins withdrawal at once, executing demolition program as it goes. Ind 11th Div and line of communications troops are to delay enemy along two lines: one covering Seremban and Port Dickson, and the other covering Tampin and Malacca; Ind 9th Div is to clear Kuala Pilah and Tampin, respectively.

Borneo: RAF planes from Malaya terminate action over Borneo with a reconassiance flight over Kuching.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (Far East Air Force): B-17s took off from Kendari on a shipping strike against Davao Bay.

U.S. Army: On Luzon, Japanese open assault on Bataan in the afternoon from Dinalupihan-Hermosa area, 3 RCT's with arty support move forward, 2 against II Corps on E and 1 toward I Corps sector on W. None of the columns reaches the OPL. II Corps, defending Abucay line (from Mabatang on Manila Bay to Mt Natib) with 57th Inf (PS) on E, 41st Div (PA) in center, and 51st Div (PA) on W, opens fire on enemy combat team driving down East Road and makes patrol contact with it. To W, another Japanese column advances unmolested down trail from Dinalupihan to vicinity of Album. In I Corps area, enemy column from Dinalupihan is slowed only by demolitions while moving W along Route 7 toward Olongapo. Disposed along I Corps' Mauban line (Mt Silanganan on E to Mauban on Subic Bay) are Co K of 1st Inf (PA); 31st FA bn of 31st Div (PA) organized as infantry; and 3d Inf of 1st Div (PA). Additional troops are maintaining OPL to front.

USAAF: Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant is Richard I. Bong who later becomes America's highest scoring ace of World War II.

U.S. Nay: Submarine Pollack (SS-180) torpedoes and sinks Japanese merchant cargo ship Teian Maru (ex-Yugoslav Tomislav) 40 miles south-southwest of Inubozaki, Japan, 35°00'N, 140°36'E.