Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 277

Today in World War II History—Dec. 27, 1941

75 Years Ago—Dec. 27, 1941: Japanese bomb Manila despite “open city” declaration.

Australian Prime Minister John Curtin proclaims, “Australia looks to America.”

Japanese sub I-25 shells US tanker Connecticut off the mouth of the Columbia River.

US announces rationing of tires and all rubber goods, effective January 5. (Read more–“Make It Do: Tire Rationing in World War II”)

Today in World War II History—Dec. 26, 1941

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

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

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

Blackout pointers are distributed in San Francisco.

Today in World War II History—Dec. 25, 1941

Takashi Sakai leading Japanese troops on a march on Queen’s Road, Hong Kong, 26 Dec 1941 (public domain via WW2 Database)

75 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.

Today in World War II History—Dec. 24, 1941

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

75 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 moved to south end of grounds to be easily seen, the last tree-lighting until 1945.

Today in World War II History—Dec. 23, 1941

Malayan rubber plantation burnt by the British as they retreat to Singapore, Dec 1941 (Imperial War Museum)

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

British evacuate Malaya above Perak River as 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.

Today in World War II History—Dec. 22, 1941

Japanese tanks and troops moving toward Manila, Philippine Islands, 22 Dec 1941 (US Army Center of Military History)

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

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

First American troops arrive in Australia.

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

Today in World War II History—Dec. 21, 1941

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

75 Years Ago—Dec. 21, 1941: In 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 were present.

German Luftwaffe starts new bombing offensive against Malta in the Mediterranean.

Today in World War II History—Dec. 20, 1941

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

75 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 first mission over China.

Adm. Ernest King 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.

Japanese 2nd Yokosuka Naval Landing Force en route to Borneo, Netherlands East Indies, Dec 1941 (public domain via WW2 Database)

Today in World War II History—Dec. 19, 1941

Poster promoting Victory Gardens, WWII

75 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.

Department of Agriculture holds National Defense Garden Conference to encourage home and community gardens.

Today in World War II History—Dec. 18, 1941

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

75 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, WRNS, WAAF, 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.