January 13, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

TUESDAY, 13 JANUARY 1942

USA: The Arnold-Portal agreement specifies the number of aircraft the United States will provide to Britain, while the U.S. Army Air Forces plans a massive expansion to 115 groups.

Malaya: Gen Wavell again visits front and confers with commanding officers. Withdrawal of Ind 3 Corps into Johore reaches final stage; all vehicles are being moved through Segamat. Convoy with badly needed reinforcements reaches Singapore and unloads first echelon of Br 18th Div (53d Brig Gp), AA units, and 50 Hurricane fighters with crews.

Burma: Joint Military Council recommends construction of Ledo and Imphal roads.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (Far East Air Force): The air echelons of the 9th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) and 11th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), arrive at Singosari from the US with B-17's; the air echelon of the 22d Bombardment Squadron arrives at Singosari from the Territory of Hawaii. The ground echelons are at Brisbane.

U.S. Army: On E flank of II Corps, 21st Inf (PA) counterattacks at 0600 after arty preparation and reduces part of salient on left flank of 57th Inf (PS). Japanese are thus prevented from launching planned offensive in that area, but make progress to W against 51st Div (PA), forcing it back to MLR along Balantay R. Enemy column driving S in central Bataan, with task of turning corps' left flank, is not yet in position for attack.

U.S. Navy: PT-68 is assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 4 (MTBS-4) at the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Training Center at Melville, Rhode Island.