Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 149

Today in World War II History—December 26, 1941

Manila, Philippines, declared an open city 26 Dec 1941 (US Army Center of Military History)

80 Years Ago—Dec. 26, 1941: Gen. Douglas MacArthur proclaims Manila an open city.

Winston Churchill becomes the first British Prime Minister to address a joint session of US Congress.

Blackout pointers are distributed in San Francisco.

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Today in World War II History—December 25, 1941

US Defense Bonds and Stamps poster, 1941

80 Years Ago—Dec. 25, 1941: British forces in Hong Kong surrender to the Japanese.

Japanese secure Jolo Island in Philippines.

World premiere of “White Christmas,” sung by Bing Crosby on The Kraft Music Hall.

Japanese victory parade in Hong Kong, Dec 1941 (public domain via Wikipedia)

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Today in World War II History—December 24, 1941

President Roosevelt addresses the crowd at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony from the White House South Portico on December 24, 1941. Churchill can be seen on the right. (FDR Presidential Library)

80 Years Ago—Dec. 24, 1941: British Eighth Army takes Benghazi, Libya.

As Japanese advance on Luzon, Gen. Douglas MacArthur begins withdrawal of US and Filipino forces to the Bataan Peninsula.

White House tree-lighting ceremony is moved to south end of grounds to be easily seen, the last tree-lighting until 1945.

Free French naval forces under Adm. Émile Muselier seize Vichy-controlled Saint Pierre and Miquelon islands off Newfoundland, despite opposition from UK, Canada & US.

Japanese General Homma at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, 24 Dec 1941 (US Army Center of Military History)

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Today in World War II History—December 23, 1941

Malayan rubber plantation burnt by the British as they retreat to Singapore, Dec 1941 (Imperial War Museum: 4700-45 KF 97)

80 Years Ago—Dec. 23, 1941: Japanese take Wake Island after determined defense by US Marines.

British evacuate Malaya above the Perak River as the Japanese advance.

Off Cambria, CA, Japanese sub I-21 sinks US tanker Montebello in sight of the coast; survivors machine-gunned in lifeboats but no one is injured.

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Today in World War II History—December 22, 1941

Canadian Prime Minister King, British Ambassador Halifax, and Chinese Ambassador Song with US President Roosevelt, Arcadia Conference, Washington DC, 1 Jan 1942 (US Government photo)

80 Years Ago—Dec. 22, 1941: Arcadia Conference begins in Washington, DC: Britain and US agree to “Germany First” plan.

Japanese make main landings at Lingayen Gulf on Luzon, and advance toward Manila.

First American troops arrive in Australia.

US expands draft: all men 18-65 must register, all men 20-44 are liable for conscription.

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Today in World War II History—December 21, 1941

British escort carrier HMS Audacity, 1941 (US Navy photo)

80 Years Ago—Dec. 21, 1941: In Atlantic convoy HG-76, U-751 sinks British escort carrier Audacity, which had kept away 12 U-boats for a loss of only 4 ships in the convoy, leading the Germans to change tactics when carriers are present.

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Today in World War II History—December 20, 1941

American Volunteer Group 3rd Pursuit Squadron in front of a P-40C Tomahawk, 1941 (US National Archives)

80 Years Ago—Dec. 20, 1941: Japanese land on Mindanao in the Philippines and in Dutch Borneo, Celebes, and the Moluccas in Netherlands East Indies.

American Volunteer Group (“Flying Tigers”) flies its first mission over China.

Adm. Ernest King is named Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet.

Off Mendocino, CA, Japanese sub I-17 sinks US tanker Emidio, the first loss off the US West Coast.

Goebbels appeals to German public for winter clothing for troops.

Certificate for participating in German winter clothing collection, December 1941

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Today in World War II History—December 19, 1941

Victory Garden poster, US, WWII

80 Years Ago—Dec. 19, 1941: Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch resigns as Commander in Chief of German army; Hitler takes his place.

US forms Office of Censorship.

US Department of Agriculture holds National Defense Garden Conference to encourage home and community gardens (Read more: “Victory Gardens in World War II”).

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Today in World War II History—December 18, 1941

British WWII posters for the Auxiliary Territorial Service, Women’s Royal Naval Service, and Women’s Auxiliary Air Force

80 Years Ago—Dec. 18, 1941: Japanese land on Hong Kong Island.

In Britain, all unmarried women ages 20-31 are called up and required to choose between ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service), WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service), WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force), Civil Defense, Land Army, or war industry work, the first military conscription of women in any country.

Congress passes First War Powers Act, giving president power to reorganize governmental agencies, and authorizing censorship of mail and communications.

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Today in World War II History—December 17, 1941

Admiral Nimitz addressing officers after assuming command of US Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, 31 Dec 1941; Admiral Kimmel at right (US Naval History and Heritage Command: NH 62021)

80 Years Ago—Dec. 17, 1941: Due to Pearl Harbor attack, Adm. Chester Nimitz is named to replace Rear Adm. Husband Kimmel as Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet.

Germans intern 340 American men in France; those Americans not interned have to report weekly to German military commanders.

North Platte Canteen opens at Union Pacific station in North Platte, Nebraska; will serve 6 million servicemen.

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