February 21, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SATURDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 1942

China: Five P-40s from AVG, 1st Squadron escorted four 45 Squadron Blenheims to bomb Kawbein, 16 miles east of Martaban, where a column of over 300 vehicles was attacked. As they headed for the target, 23 Ki-27s from the 77th Sentai were seen escorting a dozen 31st Sentai Ki-21s in the other direction. Estimating the Japanese fighters to be about 40 strong, the Americans attacked, claiming four and three probables without loss, although several P-40s were damaged. Claims for the AVG were submitted by Flight Leader George Burgard (two), Robert H. Smith and John W. Farrell (one and one probable apiece) and Flight Leader Bond (one probable). Lieutenant Kawabara claimed one of the US fighters shot down, while probables were claimed by Lieutenant Ogata and Warrant Officer Masao Hideshima. Only one Ki-27 sustained minor damage. During the raid two Blenheims were hit by ground fire and both were obliged to crash-land during the return flight; one crew survived unscathed but the pilot of Z7770, Second Lieutenant F. A. L. de Marillac, SAAF, and his observer were both wounded.

Burma: Burma is removed from jurisdiction of ABDA Command and placed under command of CinC India. 7th Armd Brig arrives at Rangoon from Middle East; is soon committed on Pegu front. Indian 17th Div continues toward Sittang bridge near Mokpalin with Japanese in close pursuit.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): Major General George H Brett, Deputy Commanding General American-British-Dutch-Australian Forces Command (ABDACOM) informs the War Department of his decision to evacuate the 5th Air Force and other US troops from Java. 5th Air Force bombers at Java bases fly about 20 strikes, usually in 2 and 3 aircraft elements, against shipping in the Java Sea and against targets on Bali from this date through 1 March. Eleven strikes are complete failures; the remainder, although causing some damage to vessels and airfield facilities, fail to deter the Japanese invasion.

U.S. Army: On Luzon, lull settles over entire front as both sides dig in and prepare for further action. Japanese have completed withdrawal from I Corps area; diversionary forces employed against II Corps are ordered back to the Balanga area.

U.S. Navy: Seaplane tender USS Curtiss (AV-4) and Patrol Squadron 14 arrive Nouméa on New Caledonia to begin operations in the South Pacific.