Japanese renew offensive in Malaya and Burma!

ACTION SUMMARY: Japanese landings continued today at Rabaul where the two battalions of Australian infantry offered ineffectual resistance. The Japanese also began marching up Ambon Island toward the Dutch base at the north end of the island. Transports were also sighted approaching Ambon from the north. No carrier activity today, though the SS Perch on patrol off Truk Island was attacked by carrier aircraft. The Kido Butai could be heading back to port at Truk.

The Japanese also renewed their advance against Georgetown by attacking Alor Starr just east of the port. There, the Japanese 5th Division crumpled the flanks of the two Commonwealth brigades dug into the jungle. British forces were forced to fall back to their final lines of defense, though it is expected that the Japanese will make their breakthrough tomorrow in a follow-up attack. After that, they will march on Georgetown, the last Allied stronghold in Malaya before Singapore/Jahore.

The Japanese also began to beat against the last remnants of the 1st Burma Brigade holding tenuously to their pocket of resistance in Tavoy, south of Rangoon. They are not expected to last another day or two before surrendering hopelessly. With all Fullback operations cancelled (save for a transport run to Akyab), there is no hope of rescue for any cut-off British forces in Burma or Malaya.

Jap Betty bombers attempted to attack Cagayan today. They were unescorted and were jumped by the mish-mash collection of American fighters gathered there. Meanwhile, B-17's made their daily run against Jolo. And I've ordered various British bomber units to begin striking strategic targets throughout Indochina, including a raid scheduled for tomorrow over lately captured Rangoon.

No warroom today.