January 25, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 25 JANUARY 1942

CENTRAL PACIFIC (Hawaiian Air Force): B-17's of Task Group 8.9 (TG 8.9) fly from Canton to Nandi on Fiji.

China: Chinese SBs from the 2nd BG bomb Anqing Airfield escorted by the American Volunteer Group (AVG) "Flying Tigers".

Shortly before midday on 24 January six Ki-21s of the 14th Sentai led by Captain Ryosuke Motomura, escorted by 20 Ki-27s of the 50th Sentai led by the 1st chutai commander, Captain Fujio Sakaguchi, attacked Rangoon. On the way to the target the fast Ki-21s had left their escorts behind, reaching Rangoon alone. All available Allied fighters were scrambled including P-40s from the AVG’s 1st and 2nd Squadrons and Buffaloes (67 Squadron) and two Hurricanes (the only serviceable) from RAF flown by Squadron Leaders Stone and Elsdon. The Hurricanes attacked the bombers claiming damage to several of them. At this stage a single P-40 joined in, followed by a flight of 67 Squadron's Buffaloes and more P-40s from both the 1st and 2nd AVG Squadrons. The Japanese bombes were shot from the sky and the 67 Squadron pilots claimed four victories. Amongst the AVG pilots, Neale was credited with two bombers, while in the 2nd Squadron Squadron Leader Hill, Flight Leader Rector and Ray Hastey each claimed one. Whilst between them the RAF and AVG pilots had claimed nine bombers, they had indeed done great execution, virtually destroying the 14th Sentai formation, which lost five of its six Ki-21s, including that flown by Captain Motomura. The Americans had then encountered the 50th Sentai Ki-27s as these arrived, and claimed six shot down - Flight Leader Bartelt was credited with two, and Hill, Rector, Howard and Frank Schiel (1st AVG Squadron) with one apiece. The 50th Sentai actually lost three for no claims including that flown by the Formation Commander Captain Fujio Sakaguchi.

At the same time a second Japanese formation, comprising three Ki-30s of the 31st Sentai escorted by 25 Ki-27s of the 77th Sentai, slipped in to strafe Mingaladon. The Ki-30 crews claimed three small aircraft destroyed on the ground and a fuel dump in flames, whilst the fighters reported engaging P-40s, Captain Toyoki Eto claiming one shot down and Warrant Officer Fujinaga a probable. Lieutenant Shinjirou Nagoshi claimed one large aircraft destroyed on the airfield and other pilots three more damaged. Toyoki Eto and Fujinaga may well have been engaged with two Hurricanes flown by Squadron Leader Stone and Pilot Officer Fuge, which was scrambled an hour or so after the raid by 14th Sentai. Stone reported being attacked by a fighter as he was coming into land, although his aircraft was not hit.

Thailand declares war on the United States.

Malaya: Since Batu Pahat must be abandoned at once, Gen Percival orders entire line in central Johore withdrawn. Ind 3 Corps is responsible for withdrawal operation, which begins after nightfall. Meanwhile, Batu Pahat defense force fights losing battle for that town throughout day. Ind 11th Div commander sends Br 53d Brig Gp to relief of Batu Pahat defense force, but most of the column is unable to get through. To E, enemy attacks in Ayer Hitam-Kluang area are beaten off.

Burma: General Wavell, visiting Rangoon, orders Moulmein held. 16th Brig, Ind 17th Div, is disposed W of Salween R, opposite Moulmein. Ind 46th Brig is ordered to Bilin area. Lull ensues as Japanese bring up reinforcements to vicinity of Paan and Moulmein, on Salween River.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (Far East Air Force): The first USAAF pursuit squadron in Java, the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Provisional) under Major Charles A. Sprague, arrives with thirteen P-40 Warhawks flown from Australia and becomes the first USAAF pursuit squadron in Java. Meanwhile, eight B-17s including six from the 19th BG plus two from the 7th BG took off from Java on a bombing mission against a Japanese convoy off Balikpapan on Borneo. After bombing the landing force, the B-17s were intercepted and experienced bad weather low on fuel force landed is B-17E 41-2468 on Madera Island.

IJA: After a two-day wait for reinforcements to arrive, Japanese Army commander Nara attacks U.S. Army positions on the Bataan Peninsula.

IJN: At night, Japanese submarine I-24 and Japanese submarine I-18 surface off Midway Atoll to bombard U.S. Marine positions. I-24 fires six shells, but the Marines return the fire and force I-24 to cease shelling and submerge. I-18 is taken under fire before she can open fire and is forced to submerge.

Japanese destroyer Hatsuharu is damaged suffered minor damage from a collision with Nagara, credited to U.S. aircraft east of Kendari, Celebes.

U.S. Army: On Luzon, responsibility for defense of beach area of S Bataan passes from Gen McBride of Service Command Area to commanders of I and II Corps. II Corps continues withdrawal under air attack and with Japanese in full pursuit. I Corps abandons Mauban MLR. Withdrawal of 1st Div southward begins during morning and continues through night 25-26. Diverting enemy attention, other elements of I Corps press in on roadblock on West Road from the W. In South Sector, operations against Japanese at Quinauan and Longoskawayan Pts remain indecisive.

New Guinea: The Australian administration broadcasts a radio message for missionaries to evacuate from the Territory of Papua and Teritory of New Guinea to the safety of Australia. At the Anglican Church (Church of England) All Saints Mission at Gona three missionaries including Reverend James Benson, nurse May Hayman and teacher Mavis Parkins voluntarily stayed behind and will suffer captivity and terrible fates when the Japanese occupy.