Course of the Pacific War Japanese Advance 1941-1942; fall of the Philippines, Singapore, Burma and the Dutch East Indies

The Japanese Advance British-controlled Hong Kong was bombed on Dec 8, 1941 and fell to the Japanese on Dec 25. Malaya (also in British hands) was invaded on Dec 8 and was in Japanese hands by Jan 31, 1942. Neutral Thailand invaded on Dec 8, 1941 and decided to become a Japanese ally. US-controlled Philippines were attacked on Dec 10, 1941 & fell 6th May, 1942. Guam and Wake Island quickly succumbed during Dec 1941. British-controlled Burma was invaded on Jan 12, 1942 and fell in May. British-controlled Singapore invaded on Feb 1, 1942 and fell Feb 14. Dutch-controlled Java invaded on March 1 and fell March 9.

DATE OF ATTACK / INVASION The Japanese Advance 1941-1942 COUNTRY OWNED BY DATE OF ATTACK / INVASION DATE OF FALL

Fall of the Philippines November 1941 – under the growing threat of war, a large convoy of ships carrying US troops, equipment and bomber planes left the US for the Philippines. They arrived too late. Japanese bombers hit Clark Airfield on Dec 8. It destroyed most of the US’ fighter planes stationed there.

Fall of the Philippines The Japanese invaded the northern island of Luzon between 10-22 Dec; the US withdrew to the south to Bataan. The Japanese captured Manila quickly. US and Filipino forces were initially successful in their defence of Bataan. However, they were cut off from supply lines and knew they wouldn’t last long. General Douglas MacArthur was evacuated to Australia. Bataan surrended on March 9.

Fall of the Philippines US and Filipino troops left behind in Bataan were captured. They were taken as POWs and marched to prison camps in Manila. Hundreds died on this march, known as the Bataan Death March.

Fall of the Philippines EFFECT? This gave the Japanese control over the Philippines Straits, which provided the main sea access to Java (now Indonesia)

Fall of the Philippines MacArthur set up his HQs in Melbourne, then Brisbane 4 months later. At the end of May Japanese submarines entered Sydney Harbour and shelled nearby suburbs, doing the same at Newcastle a few days later. Australia’s PM John Curtin and MacArthur ordered Australian troops to follow a ‘scorched earth policy’ in the event of a Japanese landing. Scorched earth policy – destroying anything which might be useful to the enemy; food, transportation, communication, industrial resources.

Fall of Singapore British airfields attacked on Dec 8. British battleships moved north but were sunk by Japanese bombers. Yamashita and his army landed in southern Thailand and began to advance southwards down the Malay peninsula. Yamashita’s troops were well trained for jungle fighting & had experience fighting in China. Scorched earth policy – destroying anything which might be useful to the enemy; food, transportation, communication, industrial resources.

Fall of Singapore Three British divisions were stationed in Malaya and Singapore, however they were poorly equipped and not trained for jungle warfare. They underestimated Japanese military ability. Singapore’s defensive naval guns pointed out to sea – east, west and south. There were no land defences to the north on the Malay peninsula, along which the Japanese were advancing. As a result, Singapore fell in 10 days. The Allies surrendered unconditionally to Yamashita. Scorched earth policy – destroying anything which might be useful to the enemy; food, transportation, communication, industrial resources.

Fall of Singapore EFFECT? Malaya produced half the world’s rubber & one-third of the world’s tin, giving the Japanese control over vital war supplies. It ended the threat of heavy naval guns, which could have interfered with Japanese military activities in the region. Tremendous boost for Japanese confidence. Scorched earth policy – destroying anything which might be useful to the enemy; food, transportation, communication, industrial resources.

Fall of Singapore EFFECT? 53,000 British 60,000 Indian 16,700 Australian Became POWs – they were imprisoned at Changi, Singapore for the next 3.5 years and forced to work on the construction of the Burma-Thailand Railway. Scorched earth policy – destroying anything which might be useful to the enemy; food, transportation, communication, industrial resources.

Fall of Singapore EFFECT? It was devastating for Australia. It had relied on Singapore for its defence. The British had assured Australia that Singapore was invulnerable to attack & that they would protect us. After Singapore, Australia was the only Allied presence left in the Asia-Pacific region. The Japanese bombed Darwin on Feb 19, 1942. Scorched earth policy – destroying anything which might be useful to the enemy; food, transportation, communication, industrial resources.

Fall of Burma & Dutch East Indies Read the handout on the Fall of Burma and the fall of the Dutch East Indies. Add information to your organiser. Scorched earth policy – destroying anything which might be useful to the enemy; food, transportation, communication, industrial resources.

PLACES KEY EVENTS EFFECT?

Turning Points in the War Battle of Midway Battle of the Coral Sea