April 19, 1942
Today in World War II Pacific History
Day by day chronology

SUNDAY, 19 APRIL 1942

Burma: 113th Regt, Ch 38th Div, drives into Yenangyaung and finds Japanese firmly established there; clears 3 of 5 enemy strongpoints. Burma 1st Div continues efforts to advance in Twingon area until ordered to withdraw northward, then escapes with heavy losses in men and equipment. Threat to Burma Road is increased as Japanese columns converge a few miles S of Loikaw.

U.S. Army: General Douglas MacArthur appoints staff of GHQ SWPA. Among members are Maj Gen Richard K. Sutherland, Chief of Staff; Gen Richard Marshall, Deputy Chief of Staff; Col Charles P. Stivers, G- 1; Col Charles A. Willoghby, G-2; Brig Gen Stephen J. Chamberlain, G-3; and Col Lester G-4. Japanese claim all of Cebu.

5th Air Force: Seven B-26s from 22nd BG bomb Rabaul. Meanwhile, the crew of B-26 40-1418 reach Tufi aboard three outrigger canoes.

U.S. Nay: Japanese guardboat No. 26 Nanshin Maru, damaged by USS Enterprise (CV-6) planes on April 18, 1942 is scuttled with gunfire from light cruiser Kiso, 37°12'N, 151°15'E; guardboat No.1 Iwate Maru sinks as the result of damage inflicted by USS Enterprise (CV-6) planes on April 18, 1942. Afterwards, submarine I-74 rescues the crew of No. 1 Iwate Maru and later transfers them to Kiso on April 22, 1942.