January 14, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

WEDNESDAY, 14 JANUARY 1942

USA: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt issues Presidential Proclamation No. 2537 requiring aliens from Axis nations: Japan, Italy and Germany to register with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Registered persons were then issued a Certificate of Identification for Aliens of Enemy Nationality and begins the internment of Japanese Americans.

The Anglo-American Arcadia Conference ends in Washington, D.C.. Among major decisions reached are: agreement to establish Combined Chiefs of Staff to direct British-American war effort; the main effort must be made first against Germany; occupation of French North Africa (Gymnast) is of strategic importance in Atlantic area.

Discussions are begun in Washington, D.C. to consider who shall go to China instead of Gen Drum. General Marshall proposes Major Geneneral Joseph W. Stilwell, who was being considered for command of Gymnast.

Malaya: Ind 3 Corps completes withdrawal into Johore and assumes responsibility for S part of Johore; assault elements (Aus 22d Brig of Aus 8th Div) are designated East Force and disposed astride Malacca-Segamat road. AIF Malaya (less Aus 22d Brig), responsible for NW Johore, is reinf by Ind 9th Div and Ind 45th Brig and is designated West Force. Aus 27th Brig and Ind 8th Brig Gps are astride main road and RR N of Segamat. Enemy is to be kept N of line Muar-Segamat-Mersing, if possible. Japanese overtake West and East Forces. Many cyclists are killed in ambush prepared near Gemas by elements of West Force. East Force patrols encounter enemy from Kuantan in Endau area. On this date and 15th, Dutch detachment of about 80 native troops with European officers flies from NEI to Singapore and concentrates in Labis area, N Johore, for guerrilla action against enemy communications.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (Far East Air Force): HQ Far East Air Force and HQ V Bomber Command transfer from Darwin to Java. Seven B-17D Flying Fortresses took off from Singosari Airfield on Java on a flight to Palembang Airfield on Sumatra where they are refueled and armed with bombs for an upcoming mission.

ALASKA: The Alaska Air Force is activated at Elmendorf Field under Commanding Officer (C. O.) Lieutenant Colonel Everett S. Davis.

USN: Four Carrier Aircraft Service Units (CASU) are formed from four small service units previously established in Hawaii.

IJN: Japanese warships and aircraft carriers assemble at Truk including Akagi ahead of Operation R against New Britain and New Irealnd.

U.S. Army: In II Corps area, strong Japanese pressure against the western flank of 41st Div (PA) forces outposts to retire across Balantay River. 51st Div (PA) withdraws to S bank of river to tie in with 41st. Japanese enveloping column continues slowly down center of Bataan but is still N of MLR. In I Corps area, Japanese start S on W coast toward Moron in 2 columns, one by sea and the other along trail from Olongapo. Waterborne elements land about midway between Olongapo and Moron and continue south on foot. Gen Wainwright sends containing force to Moron.

Rabual: MS Herstein arrives at Simpson Harbor off Rabaul and beings unloading military cargo over the next four days.