March 17, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

TUESDAY, 17 MARCH 1942

CBI: Air Vice Marshal Stevenson, commanding Allied air forces, moves his headquarters from Burma to Calcutta.

U.S. Army: General Douglas MacArthur arrives in Australia to take command of Allied forces in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). He officially assumes command of Allied forces in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) on April 18, 1942. Col Beebe, deputy chief of staff of USAFFE, is promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (SWPA, 5th Air Force): 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group, transfers from Brisbane to Charters Towers their first mission is April 1, 1942. 9th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) transfers from Williamstown to Batchelor with P-40s, their first mission is March 18, 1942.

U.S. Navy: United States, in agreement with Allied governments, assumes responsibility for the strategic defense of entire Pacific Ocean.

Submarine Grayback (SS-208) sinks Japanese collier Ishikari Maru six miles west of Port Lloyd, Chichi Jima, Bonins, 27°05'N, 142°05'E.

USS Permit (SS-178) is damaged by depth charges off Tayabas Bay but remains on patrol.

IJN: Japanese merchant cargo ship Jumpo Maru is sunk, agent unknown, off Tsushima Island.