MR 203(11) Sec. 11 Joint Intelligence Committee Daily Summary - November 1942

JOINT U.S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY NOVEMBER 1942 Regraded Unclassified SECRET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 355 Copy 1 of 61 0800 November 30, 1942. Reproduc By td an & the contents of JCS DECL this Summary 18 prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff 03wd DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 688914 Regraded Unclassified U.S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from competent of- ficial sources, 1. INDIAN THEATER. No reported change in the situation. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER. Blockade Runner. On 28 November the German auxiliary RALESES (8000 tons), en route from KOBE to GERMANY, was intercepted by an Allied naval force, about eight hundred miles west of AUSTRALIA. The vessel was sunk by gunfire and scuttling. Seventy-eight Germans were captured and ten Norwegians released. Timor. On 27 November six R.A.A.F. medium bombers attacked build- ings at NOVA LUSA and BECO. New Guinea. On 28 November there was no significant change i- the BUNA-GONA front. Enemy targets in this area were attacked by medi. bombers, resulting in fires. The LAE AIRDROME was also attacked during the day by eleven medium bombers. Several enemy fighters and dive- bombers were destroyed. Later in the day, 20 additional enemy fighters arrived at LAE and eight were operating over the BUNA area that evening. Three separate groups of enemy submarines were sighted by aerial reconnaissance, 28 November, heading south in the HUON GULF. Bismarck Archipelago. During the night, 27/28 November, three Allied patrol bombers dropped bombs on the runway and blast bays at the KAVIENG airdrome. Solomons. On 28 November aerial reconnaissance of the FAISI-BUIN area revealed eighteen enemy vessels, including twelve destroyers, three merchant vessels, and two tankers. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER. Submarines. A 6000-ton cargo vessel in a convoy from NORTH RUSSIA has been sunk by submarine attack in NORTHERN WATERS; four other vessels from the convoy are at present unaccounted for, The Brazilian vessel mentioned in yesterday's Summary (No. 354), which was sunk east of BAR- BADOES on 22 November, is now believed not to have been in convoy at the time. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 MAR 11 1974 By RHP, NLR, Date are 493547 SECRET 4. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER. Toulon. Aerial reconnaissance, 28 November, revealed two old battleships, one heavy cruiser, two light cruisers, five destroyer leaders, and two destroyers still afloat and apparently undamaged. All other naval units seen were either sunk or damaged, except four submarines under construction. No submarines were afloat. The DUNKERQUE was flooded in drydock, the STRASBOURG aground on even keel, the PROVENCE down by the stern, the COMMANDANTE TESTE listing severely to port. Two heavy cruisers and one light were burning fiercely; the ALGERIE was aground and possibly afire. Scuttled and lying either awach or on their sides were thirteen destroyer leaders, ten destroyers, four smaller craft, one net layer, and one supply ship. J.I.C. Comment: This report accounts for all French naval units at TOULON except three destroyers. It is not conclusive as to the fate of the nineteen submarines, two of which have entered Spanish ports. Merchant shipping, including five tankers, was apparently un- damaged, except for one vessel partly sunk, There was no indication of any important damage to shore installations. The magazines at MILHAUD and the oil depot at MONDRIER were intact. Tunisia. In & tank battle, 25 November, between MATEUR and TE- BOURBA, fifteen Axis tanks were destroyed at a loss of half that num- ber of Allied tanks, all of which were recovered. TEBOURBA was occupied during the night of 26/27 November. On the following day Axis counterattacks there with tanks and dive bombers were repulsed and ten more Axis tanks were destroyed. Subsequently Allied forces occupied DJEDEIDA, 13 miles west of TUNIS. An Italian motorized concentration is reported at MSAKEN, near SOUSSE. The Axis air effort over FRENCH NORTH AFRICA has been on a reduced scale. Libya. On 28 November British forward units continued to make in- termittent contacts with the enemy south of MERSA BREGA. Bad weather is still restricting air operations. 5. EUROPEAN THEATER. Air Operations. During the night of 28/29 November, 228 aircraft were dispatched against TURIN. Preliminary reports indicate that weather over the target was good and that many large fires were started, including some in the Fiat Works and an exceptionally large one in the Royal Arsenal. -2- DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 are 493547 Regraded Unclassified SECRET Russian Front. The situation in CAUCASIA appears relatively un- changed. On the STALINGRAD front the Russians have apparently formed a defensive front facing west and are now actively engaged in mopping up the area within the DON bend. Other Soviet forces are attacking from several points against German units encircled east of the DON, but there is no official information concerning the progress of these at- tacks, which the Germans claim to have held. Late Russian dispatches speak of the occupation of several towns on the east bank of the DON, generally west of STALINGRAD, and claim to have expanded their salient southwest of STALINGRAD. They also report further slight gains within the city itself. Heavy fighting continues on the central front, where, according to the Russians, enemy resistance is strong. The Soviets report gains in the area of the RZHEV-VYAZMA railroad and claim to have pushed past VELIKIE LUKIE, southwest of TOROPETS. Ludwell L. Montague LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C. Secretary, J.I.C. -3- DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 495547 Regraded Unclassified JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 354 Copy 1 of 62. 0800 November 29, 1942. DECLARE Reproducti of the contents of this Summary is prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. 9190 74 DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 458014 Regraded Unclassified U.S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COM ITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from competent of- ficial sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER. Thailand. BANGKOK oil refineries were attacked by 9 B-24's on the 26th and numerous hits were scored in and around the target area, Antiaircraft fire was inaccurate. Only one enemy plane was observed. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER. China. On the 25th, 7 B-25's and 13 P-40's raided SIENNING (on the CHANGSHA-YOCHOW-HANKOW railway about 50 miles south of HANKOW). Direct hits were scored on the railway and on enemy barracks and a factory. The next day, 8 B-25's and 14 P-40's attacked YOCHOW (on the CHANGSHA-HANKOW railway about midway between the two places), scoring direct hits on waterfront buildings, a railroad station, and enemy in- stallations. On 27 November, 10 B-25's and 23 P-40's attacked CANTON, sinking two freighters (6000 and 8000 tons, respectively) and numerous lighters in the PEARL RIVER and setting docks afire. Two nearby airdromes were strafed and most of the exposed aircraft were destroyed. Twenty enemy aircraft were shot down with no losses to our planes. Heavy antiair- craft was encountered during the attack. Timor. On the 27th, R.A.A.F. planes raided enemy installations at MAOBISSE and in the BAUCAU area. Australia. During the early morning of 27 November twelve enemy bombers raided the DARWIN area without effect. Later in the morning six enemy pursuit planes appeared in this area. New Guinea. On 27 November Allied ground forces continued pressure against strongly defended enemy positions in the BUNA area and made slight advances on the SANANANDA and BUNA-CAPE ENDIADERE fronts. Enemy counterattacks were repulsed. Allied planes continued to carry out in- cessant attacks against enemy positions in support of ground operations. Our medium bombers carried out heavy attacks on enemy installations at BUNA with effective results. Dive bombers and fighters bombed and strafed the enemy airfield at LAE, scoring direct hits on parked air- craft and starting large fires. During the night of 26/27 November enemy aircraft carried out two raids on PORT MORESBY, but caused no damage. DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 I Regraded Unclassified SECRET Bismarck Archipelago. Allied patrol bombers attacked the enemy air- drome at KAVIENG, 27 November, dropping bombs on the runways, On the same day, three enemy submarines were sighted off the south- east coast of NEW BRITAIN. Solomons. On 25 November an enemy destroyer shelled four villages on the southeast coast of GANONGGA ISLAND. During the afternoon of 27 November our reconnaissance planes sighted an enemy convoy of three destroyers and two transports 265 miles WNW of GUADALCANAL. On the morning of 28 November a similar convoy was sighted 160 miles WNW of GUADALCANAL with one of the transports afire. Ground activity on GUADALCANAL on 28 November was confined to patrol activity. Our dive bombers carried out a night attack on enemy shipping at MUNDA, NEW GEORGIA ISLAND, with undetermined results. Aleutians. Further details of the attack on an enemy cargo vessel (3000 tons) in HOLTZ BAY, ATTU, (Summary No. 353) reveal that three 500- pound bomb hits were scored on the vessel. Subsequent air reconnaissance on the following day showed the vessel stranded on a reef or bar and still afire. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER. Submarines. A Brazilian cargo vessel of 3700 tons is reported to have been terpedoed while in convoy on 22 November, approximately 280 miles east of BARBADOS. 4. MEDITERRANEAM THEATER. Toulon. There is still no official information available concerning the occupation of TOULON and the fate of the French fleet. Tunisia. Allied forces continue to advance on MATEUR and TEBOURBA. One column moving along the coast road from TABARKA has reported fighting west of MATEUR. Another Allied force operating southeast of MATEUR has thus far reported the destruction of three German armored cars and three Italian tanks. A tank battle was reported in this sector, 27 November, but details are not available. During air fighting on the 25th, the enemy lost 12 planes destroyed, 13 probably destroyed, and 22 damaged. Libya. British advance elements made contact with the enemy, 27 November, near BIRES SUERA. Axis traffic on a considerable scale was observed in the MERSA BREGA area and to the south and two way movement was seen between EL AGHEILA and SIRTE. Axis air activity has shown a tendency to increase, -2- DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 are 493347 By RHP, NLR, Dat MAR 11 1974 Regraded Unclassified SECRET 5. EUROPEAN THEATER. Russian Front. The Russians claim to have recaptured the factory district of northern STALINGRAD and to have repulsed strong enemy at- tacks in this area. Elsewhere on the STALINGRAD front, according to Soviet dispatches, the Russian advance continues. Their forces are now established for some distance on both banks of the DON bend. In the KALININ-TOROPETS area, the Russians report substantial gains. German dispatches speak largely of defensive fighting in the sec- tors mentioned above but claim to have repulsed Russian attacks. Hidney A. SIDNEY BUFORD Buyord III III Major, F. A. Deputy Secretary, J.I.C. -3- DECLASSIFIED JCS momo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 are 491347 Regraded Unclassified SECRET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 353 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 28, 1942. Reproduction JOB of the contents of DECLARE this Summary 13 prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. 82. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 SPO 458914 Regraded Unclassified SECRETE U. S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from com- petent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER No reported change in the situation. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER China. The Chinese military spokesman reiterates previous re- ports of heavy Japanese reinforcements on the SALWEEN front and in INDOCHINA for offensive operations against YUNNAN. These reports remain unconfirmed. (Cf. Summaries No. 347 and 348.) Chinese sources also report a Japanese landing, 23 November, in southwestern KWANGTUNG, threatening NANNING, and interpret this operation as flank protection for an attack on YUNNAN from INDOCHINA. On 24 November, six B-25's and seventeen P-40's attacked shipping in the river between CANTON and HONGKONG. Aerial reconnaissance, 26 November, revealed the presence of one light cruiser, one destroyer, one tanker, and four freighters at the KOWLOON docks. On 25 November, five P-40's bombed and strafed docks at HANKOW. Timor-Darwin. On 23 November 200 Japanese and 200 natives attacked HATA BUILICE, but were repulsed. On the night of 25/26 November, ten Australian planes attacked NOVALUSA and seven attacked BECO, causing fires and other damage to buildings. On the same night twelve Japanese planes attacked DARWIN, causing slight damage. New Guinea. On 25 November the BUNA area was repeatedly bombed and strafed by strong forces of Allied fighters, heavy bombers and medium bombers. As many as 34 planes participated in one raid. Fourteen antiaircraft positions were silenced, a number of bombs hit the dispersal area at the irdrome, and a fuel dump was set on fire. SALAMAUA was bombed by (hedium bombers without known results. Reconnaissance at LAE revealed 42 fighters, of which 22 were damaged, five damaged bombers, and six possible dive bombers. Four P-40's screening Allied air transports near BUNA attacked eight Zeros, destroying five. One transport plane was lost. In the BUNA-GONA area Allied forces made slight but consistent ad- vances, 26 November, and repulsed two counterattacks at GONA. Solomons. Considerable Japanese exploration of the east coast of NEW GEORGIA is reported. DECLASSIFIED JCS nemo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 493547 Regraded Unclassified U.S. aircraft attacked KOKONGOLO MISSION, NEW GEORGIA, destroying all buildings, and attacked a convoy consisting of C.11 two freighters and a tanker, escorted by two destroyers, near PILO PILO, GANONGGA ISLAND (NEW GEORGIA GROUP), without observed result. During the night of 26/27 November U.S. heavy bombers attacked the BUIN airdrome, scoring sixteen hits on the runway and starting large fires in the dispersal areas. Theonly enemy air activity reported is an attack by two H.Z bombers near the mouth of the LUNGA RIVER (GUADALCANAL), 26/27 November, which caused no damage. On GUADALCANAL ground activity, 27 November, was limited to local operations west of POINT CRUZ in which fifty Japanese were killed. H.8 A reliable native report states that enemy forces at REKATA BAY (SANTA ISABEL) now number about three thousand. Submarines. A U.S. submarine returning from patrol in the EAST CHINA SFA reports the sinking of one loaded 10,000-ton tanker and two 7,000-ton cargo vessels. Aleutians. On 27 November medium bombers attacked an enemy N.4 cargo vessel in HOLTZ BAY, ATTU. This vessel was last reported as burning and sinking. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. Some reduction appears to have occurred during K.3 the past several days in the number of enemy submarines in the approaches to the STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR; about 10 are now in that area in longitudes west of MADEIRA. Otherwise not much change is apparent. The total number at sea in the ATLANTIC Theater appears now to be about 90, disposed principally as follows: in the area generally between the BRITISH ISLES and NEWFOUNDLAND-NOVA SCOTIA, about 20; to the southeast of that area, east of the longitude of the AZORES and north of the latitude of the CANARIES, about 30 (about 10 in the approaches to the STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR, and most of the rest in or near the BAY OF BISCAY largely homeward bound); in the area generally between FRENCH GUINEA-SIERRA LEONE and the GUIANAS, about 12; within 500 miles of TRINIDAD, about 3 (all to the eastward); off CAPE SABLE, probably 1; off CHARLESTON (s.c.), probably 1; off CAPETOWN, probably 1 (exclusive of any to the eastward in the INDIAN OCEAN); the remainder are scattered. Submarine attacks now reported are as follows: torpedoed and sunk in the northern NORTH ATLANTIC on 7 November a vessel in convoy, and in the southern NORTH ATLANTIC on 18 November, two unescorted vessels; attacked by gunfire in the southern NORTH ATLANTIC on 28 November another unescorted vessel. 3 multings DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 -2- are 495547 Regraded Unclassified SECRET 4. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Toulon. No information regarding the German occupation of TOULON and the fate of the French Fleet is as yet available, n other than that reported in the press. Tunisia. A general advance on BIZERTA and TUNIS was begun on the evening of 24 November from the line DJEBEL ABOID-ZAGHOUAN. Considerable progress has been made toward MATEUR and TEBOURA, and an Allied force has penetrated between those points. One. armored unit has destroyed 33 planes on the ground, as well as stores, at the EIDA airfield. Docks at TUNIS were bombed during the night of 25/26 November. K.19 Large fires resulted, including the burning of oil stores. Libya. Orderly withdrawal of Axis forces to defensive posi- B.3 tions about EL AGHEILA is continuing. Rommel apparently intends to hold the line MERSA BREGA-BIRES SUERA-MAATEN JIOFEROA-MARADA (respectively 28 miles east, 27 miles southeast, 18 miles south, and 75 miles south of EL AGHEILA). With present weak forces, however, he will have to confine his strength to the northern sector. Lack of fuel forced the enemy to abandon 85 vehicles and 28 tanks in the DERNA area. 5. EUROPEAN THEATER E.4 Russian Front. Soviet reports claim continued advances in all sectors in the STALINGRAD area. Repulse of a German counter- attack in the area southwest of STALINGRAD is mentioned. Fighting is also in progress in the KALININ-TOROPETS area west of MOSCOW and near TUAPSE in the CAUCASUS. In both cases the Russians appear to hold the initiative, E.G i.s Ludwell L. Montague LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE, Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C. Secretary,J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, DateMAR 11 1974 -3- SPO 493547 Regraded Unclassified ANNEX SUMMARY NO. 353 STALINGRAD FRONT Information to date is still too sketchy for an accurate appraisal of the situation on the STALINGRAD front. However, a recapitulation of the present Russian effort, partly from unofficial dispatches, would indicate the following: Simultaneous attacks were launched from the SERAFIMOVICH-KLYETSKAYA bridgehead, 80-100 miles to the northwest of STALINGRAD, and from the BEKETOVSKAYA-SAREPTA position, about 10 miles south so of STALINGRAD. Short- ly afterwards, Russian forces along the VOLGA drove south against the German corridor north of STALINGRAD. The thrust based on SERAFIMOVICH- KLYETSKAYA effected a major break-through and the advance was rapid, one column pushing southwest to chernishevskaya, and another driving almost due south to SUROVIKINO, on the STALINGRAD-LIKHAYA Railroad, whence it swung east to MAKSIMOV and RICHKOV, on the railroad just north of the CHIR-DON junction. At the same time somewhat lighter columns based on BEKETOVSKAYA-SAREPTA struck north, WNW and SSW. The northern arm cut the STALINGRAD-LIKHAYA Railway just west of STALINGRAD, and the westward column advanced across this same line further west at KRIVOMUZGINSKAYA and continued up the spur line to KALACH, occupying that town on the west bank of the DON. The column proceeding SSW cut the STALINGRAD-KRASNODAR Railway at TUNDUTEVO and ABGANEROVO and at last report was approaching KOTELNIKOVO. While these drives were in progress, Soviet troops along the VOLGA north of the German corridor moved southward through AKATOVKA and effected a junction with the defenders of Northern STALINGRAD. Other Russian forces meanwhile made some progress in the northeast DON elbow and succeeded in capturing several towns in that sector. It is too early either to estimate the size of the enemy force which seems to be virtually entrapped as a result of the Soviet moves or to speculate on the eventual fate of that force, but in any event, the threat to STALINGRAD has been removed and the Germans have suffered a definite defeat. E.4 Black DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 are 693547 Regraded Unclassified CECKET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 352 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 27, 1942. DECL Reproduction of the contents of this Summary 13 prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. Date DECLASSIFIED JOS momo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 458014 Regraded Unclassified U. S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from com- petent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER No reported change in the situation. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER Timor. A large merchant vessel with destroyer escort arrived at DILLI, 23 November. Six Australian planes strafed BAUCAU and VINILLILE, 25 November. New Guinea. On 25 November heavy ground fighting continued in the BUNA-GONA area without any substantial change in position. An Allied attack in the GONA area was repulsed. Native reports indicate C.6 that the enemy landed reinforcements with artillery and light machine- guns in the GONA area on the night of 21 November. Four enemy fighters machine-gunned Allied positions at DOBODURA (south of BUNA). Allied fighters and heavy bombers attacked the airdrome at LAE on the night of 23/24 November and again on the night of 24/25 November, damaging one fighter, hitting a building, and scoring ten hits on the runway with 1000 pound bombs. Bismarck Archipelago. On 24 November four destroyers headed ESE were sighted about 50 miles north of WILLAUMEZ PENINSULA, NEW BRITAIN. Photographic reconnaissance disclosed four medium bombers and one fighter at GASMATA. Solomons. On 25 November aerial reconnaissance of the FAISI- BUIN area revealed three cruisers, ten destroyers and two merchant vessels. A few miles to the southeast an additional destroyer and three merchant vessels were sighted. H.2 On 26 November our patrols on GUADALCANAL were engaged in cleaning out isolated Japanese detachments. Two enemy bombers attacked our positions, but caused no damage. Our dive bombers con- tinued their nightly patrol over enemy positions. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. A 5,000-ton cargo vessel in an eastbound Trans- Atlantic convoy was torpedoed, 26 November, about three hundred miles east of NEWFOUNDLAND. The Dutch cargo vessel attacked by shell fire from a submarine, 25 November (cf. Summary No. 351) was later torpedoed and sunk. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 403547 Regraded Unclassified During October enemy submarines sank eighteen vessels in the ATLANTIC southward and westward of CAPETOWN and one to the east- ward, toward the MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL. So far during November, they have sunk eleven vessels in the latter area (actually in the INDIAN OCEAN) and only two to the westward of CAPETOWN. All these sinkings took place within three hundred miles of the African coast except one to the south of MADAGASCAR. 4. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Tunisia. British forces, overcoming stiff resistance, have driven the Germans from MEDJEZ EL BAB, 38 miles (60 kilometers) west of TUNIS. (Press reports that British forces are within 16 kilometers of TUNIS appear to be a misinterpretation of the dis- K.19 tance given above.) Air Operations. On the night of 23/24 November Axis airfields in CRETE were heavily bombed, and on the following night the docks at BIZERTA were bombed again. During the 25th three attacks were made on the GELA airdrome in SICILY. Early on 26 November U.S. planes attacked the airdrome near TUNIS, probably destroying ten planes on the ground. The field was K.19 littered with the debris of aircraft destroyed in previous raids. There was heavy antiaircraft machine-gun fire, but no fighter opposi- tion. Libya. Axis forces are digging in at EL AGHEILA and at MERSA BREGA (25 miles eastward). Aerial reconnaissance, 25 November, disclosed a considerable number of antiaircraft guns. British B.3 forward troops, delayed by mines on the previous day, made brief contacts with the enemy 5-10 miles east of MERSA BREGA. 5. EUROPEAN THEATER Russian Front. CAUCASUS fighting continues local in character. On the STALINGRAD front, the Russians announce continuing successes, including the capture of a number of additional towns in the DON bend. In this latter area they claim to have pushed the E.4 enemy onto the east bank of the river in some sectors. Within the city, the Soviets apparently continue to gain, and to the south- west Russian forces appear to be approaching KOTELNIKOVO (on the railroad southwest from STALINGRAD). Ludwell Montague LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE, DECLASSIFIED Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C. JCS memo, 1-4-74 Secretary, J.I.C. By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 are 493547 DECRET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 351 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 26, 1942. JOS DECT Reproduction of the contents of this Summary is prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff, Date DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 408014 Regraded Unclassified U. S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from com- petent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER Burna-Assam. On 22 November a large number of enemy planes approaching U.S. airfields in ASSAM were intercepted and turned back while 30 miles from their target. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER China. On 23 November six B-25's and one P-40 attacked the TINHO airdrome at CANTON, setting fire to oil storage, and hitting the runway, headquarters, barracks, and two hangars. In addition to any planes in the hangars, seven to ten planes on the ground and one taking off were destroyed. Antiaircraft fire was heavy, but inaccurate. Northwest Australia-Timor. On the night of 22/23 November DARWIN was raided for the 47th time (but the first time since 26/27 October). Eighteen medium bombers attacked, but caused no damage or casualties. Two were destroyed. On 24 November five Australian medium bombers attacked the airdrome at DILLI. New Guinea. On 22 November, 26 enemy fighters were observed at SALAMAUA airdrome. This is the first large concentration recently observed at that point. Increased enemy air forces are apparent in this area. PORT MORESBY was unsuccessfully raided on 24/25 November by two bombers. On the 24th Allied ground forces continued pressure against well organized enemy positions in the BUNA-GONA area. Allied air forces gave effective support. In the SANANANDA area enemy anti- aircraft positions were silenced, fires started and dumps exploded; large explosions were caused by bomb hits in the GONA area, destroying the greater part of the mission building; and antiair- craft and mortar positions in the BUNA area were silenced. Buildings and an ammunition dump in the area were left burning. On the same day, an enemy cruiser and four destroyers underway in the HUON GULF heading toward BUNA were attacked with bombs by a large concentration of Allied planes. Two of the destroyers were hit and sunk. One destroyer was damaged by two near misses and last observed proceeding at slow speed. A near miss was scored on the cruiser. The cruiser and remaining destroyer were last observed retiring at high speed. DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 are 493547 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 Regraded Unclassified Bismarck Archipelago. Aerial reconnaissance revealed no activity at LORENGAU, ADMIRALTY ISLANDS, 23 November. The land- ing strip there was serviceable. During the night one of our patrol bombers attacked the airdrome at KAVIENG, starting fires among the aircraft in the dispersal bays. Solomons. On 24 November reconnaissance of the BUIN-FAISI area revealed the presence of nine destroyers, three cargo vessels, one tanker, two submarines, and one sloop. On GUADALCANAL there was no significant ground activity on 25 November. Our fighters continued to harass enemy installations on the island. During the early morning of 25 November one enemy bomber attacked our positions south of the airfield. During the attack of 24 November at LAMBESI, NEW GEORGIA ISLAND (Summary No. 350) ten enemy fighters attempted to intercept our bombers, without success. Submarines. A U.S. submarine returning from patrol in Far Eastern waters reports having scored one torpedo hit on a Japanese freighter (7,000 tons) which was later seen stranded on an island, another on a loaded German freighter (8,000 tons) which was last observed stopped and settling, and two hits on a naval tanker (14,000 tons) which exploded and broke up. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. No significant change in number or disposition is apparent. No attacks on escorted vessels and only one attack on an unescorted vessel are reported to have occurred since 21 November. The latter developed into a gun action between the sub- marine and a Dutch armed cargo vessel, which began about 500 miles southeast of the CAPE VERDE ISLANDS at about 2300 on 25 November. The submarine was reported about eight hours later to be still in sight but to be dropping astern. A submarine is known to have been destroyed off the BAY OF BISCAY on 21 November as the result of an attack by aircraft. 4. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Shipping. Submarine activity in the western MEDITERRANEAN has declined; no ship has been torpedoed in that area since 14 November. Air attacks on shipping from ALGIERS eastward continue. Operations in NORTH AFRICA had resulted up to 18 November in 13 transports and supply ships being lost, 3 others being tor- pedoed and probably lost, and 5 others being damaged. During that period at least 10 submarines are believed to have been destroyed, 7 by surface vessels, 2 by submarines, and one by being bombed and subsequently torpedoed by aircraft. DECLASSIFIED JCS momo, 1-4-74 -2- By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 aro 493547 Regraded Unclassified Tunisia. No further engagements are reported, as both sides continue building up their forces. Present Axis strength is estimated as 10,000 Germans and 6,500 Italians, with forty German and an unknown number of Italian tanks. The rate of Axis rein- forcement is estimated as 1,000 men daily. Prisoners from the 7th German Airborne Division have been taken in TUNISIA. They departed from France on 10 November and arrived by transport plane on 17 November. Libya. There is no change to report. It is believed the Axis has sufficient vehicles to transport supplies from TRIPOLI to forces at EL AGHEILA at an operational level of 400-600 tons per day. A small tonnage is now landed at BUERAT by submarine and moved east- ward by lighters and small coastal vessels. Port capacity at TRIPOLI is more than adequate to accommodate action requirements for these forces and to permit accumulation of reserves. In addition to the depots at TRIPOLI, the enemy is forming supply dumps at WADI MATRATIN, SIRTE, and BUERAT (respectively 65, 175, and 225 miles west of EL AGHEILA). 5. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. About 76/2 tons of H.E. were dropped during the attack on ST. NAZAIRE, 23 November (Summary No. 350). In addition to the fifteen enemy aircraft previously reported destroyed during the attack, two others are reported as probably destroyed and four damaged. Russian bombers attacked HELSINKI on the nights of 22/23 and 23/24 November. Vichy France. It is now estimated that 10-12 German divisions, including three armored, are now in VICHY FRANCE (cf. Summary No 344). Three Italian divisions are there, including the Piave Division (the only available motorized division). Russian Front. Local fighting continues in CAUCASIA, with no appreciable change apparent. Soviet dispatches claim continuing successes along the STALIN- GRAD front, including gains in the northern part of the city itself. The STALINGRAD-LIKHAYA railroad appears to have been cut at least three times within the DON bend, at SUROVIKINO, MAKSIMOV, and RICHKOV, and a considerable Rumanian force is reported encircled. German dispatches speak of heavy Russian attacks southwest of STALIN- GRAD, between the DON and the VOLGA, and in the DON bend. Though they claim heavy Russian losses in those three sectors, only in the area between the DON and VOLGA do they claim to have repulsed the attack. Ludwell Montague DECLASSIFIED LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE, JCS memo, 1-4-74 Lieutenant, Colonel, G. S. C. By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 Secretary, J.I.C. -3- GPO 493547 Regraded Unclassified JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 350 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 25, 1942. Reproduction DECLAS of the contents of this Summary 1s prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. Date DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 458014 Regraded Unclassified CECRET U. S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from com- petent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER Burma. Following the devastating air attack on SHINGBWYANG, 11 November (Summaries No. 338 and 342), hostile Burmese withdrew from that place to MAINGKWAN. On 22 November six B-24's bombed the railway yards at MANDALAY, with good effect. Antiaircraft fire was slow to develop and in- accurate, although the presence of hostile planes had been known for some time. That night nineteen Blenheims successfully bombed airfields at AKYAB and MAGWE. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER China. Nine B-25's, escorted by seven P-40's, bombed and strafed shipping, docks, and warehouses at HAIPHONG and HON GAY, 22 November, causing many fires and severe damage. One vessel of 13,000 tons was sunk and another of 6500 tons badly damaged. Anti- aircraft fire from three- and five-inch guns was encountered, but no planes were lost. During the night of 22/23 November three Japanese bombers attacked the airfield at KWEILIN. Two were certainly destroyed. Timor. On 19 November, the Allied post three miles south of MAOBISSE was unsuccessfully attacked by lightly armed natives. The Japanese with the support of armed natives are harassing the Allied forces in the BOBONARO-MAOBISSE area. On the 23rd, Allied medium bombers bombed KOEPANG, starting large fires, and attack planes strafed enemy troop installations at LAUTEY. New Guinea. By the 23rd, Australian ground units were pressing the attack at GONA against an isolated pocket of Japanese defenders; U.S. ground units south of BUNA were making slow progress; other ground positions remain unchanged. Allied medium bombers continued their attacks on SANANANDA POINT and the airdrome at LAE. At LAE it was observed only four- teen of the thirty-eight enemy fighters are now serviceable, and that one dive bomber and five medium bombers have been damaged. Solomons. On 21 November the enemy landed supplies at LIU LIU, CHOISEUL ISLANDS, and at MUNDA, NEW GEORGIA ISLANDS. On 23 November our fighters and dive bombers attacked enemy installa- tions at LAMBESI, near MUNDA, scoring a direct hit on a warehouse. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 GPO 468714 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 Regraded Unclassified SECRET Unfavorable weather has hindered air operations in this area during the past few days. On GUADALCANAL, 24 November, a U.S. patrol of thirty men attacked an enemy encampment in the MAMBULO region, killing seventy and capturing five machine-guns. Our casualties were two wounded. Submarines. Two U.S. submarines returning from patrol in Far Eastern waters report having inflicted the following damage to enemy shipping: (a) two hits on a cargo vessel (7,000 tons); (b) a large sampan sunk; (c) two hits on a tanker (6,000 tons); (d) one hit on a cargo vessel (5,000 tons); (e) one hit on a tanker (5,000 tons); (f) one cargo vessel (5,000 tons) sunk. Most of the vessels attacked were in convoy, but enemy escorts succeeded in inflicting only minor damage on one of the submarines. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. No significant change in the disposition of enemy submarines in the ATLANTIC has taken place. To date, twenty-one masters of vessels, torpedoed in the ATLANTIC since the first of the year, have been taken prisoner by the enemy. 4. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Tunisia. Except active patrolling by both sides, there has been no notable ground action. All Axis-occupied inland localities in central TUNISIA are believed to be lightly held by small motorized units. A German troop train is reported to have been wrecked by bridge demolition between SOUSSE and SFAX. The docks at BIZERTA were heavily bombed on the night of 20/21 November and again on the night of the 22/23rd. On the 23rd one enemy ship was torpedoed off BIZERTA and two others were blown up, possibly by mines. Libya. To nightfall, 23 November, no contact with the enemy was reported, though British forward troops had advanced 16 miles beyond AGEDABIA. GIALO OASIS was occupied, 22 November. Total Axis strength at EL AGHEILA, according to a late but unsubstantiated estimate, is 30,000.men, 400 guns (including antitank), and up to 130 tanks. 5. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. During daylight of 23 November, U.S. heavy bombers attacked the ST. NAZAIRE submarine base in good weather. Many hits on the target are reported, and the attack is considered very successful. A part of the attacking force was engaged by DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 are 693547 Regraded Unclassified SECRET 20-25 enemy fighters before and after the actual attack. Pre- liminary reports indicate that 15 of the enemy aircraft were destroyed. There was a moderate amount of accurate heavy anti- aircraft fire over the target, The attack on STUTTGART, 22/23 November (Summary No. 349), was generally successful. Searchlights were few and heavy anti- aircraft was moderate only. The attacking planes dropped 120 tons of H.E. and 218 tons of incendiaries, and large fires took a good hold on the center of the city. Russian Front. There is no reported change in the fighting in CAUCASIA. The German communique mentions unfavorable weather in the area. On the STALINGRAD front, the Russians claim further substantial advances in all sectors, including the occupation of towns on the VOLGA just north of STALINGRAD and a consequent juncture with Soviet troops defending the northern part of the city. The Germans speak of local fighting only in STALINGRAD, but admit a Russian break-through on the DON front southwest of the city and in the great bend of the DON. Ludwell R. montague LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE, Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C. Secretary, J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 -3- GFO 498547 Regraded Unclassified JOINT U.S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY Krus No. 349 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 24, 1942. Reproduction Sex of the contents of DECIAR LOS this Summary 16 probibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff DECLASSIFIED 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 488014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET U. S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from com- petent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER Indian Ocean. A 5,000-ton cargo vessel was torpedoed and abandoned sinking, 22 November, just off the southern tip of INDIA. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER Timor. On 22 November BECO and RAIMEAN were bombed and strafed by ten Allied planes. Results were not observed. New Guinea. At noon on the 22nd, Australian ground units entered GONA and other Australian units reached a position one mile southwest of SANANANDA despite strong enemy resistance. By after- noon U.S. ground units had taken CAPE ENDIADERE, and other units had advanced to within 1500 yards of BUNA. On the same day Allied planes bombed and strafed SANANANDA, BUNA, and the LAE airdrome. At LAE four such attacks caused gasoline fires and a large explosion. Reports indicate that there were 27 to 50 enemy planes on the LAE airdrome, including 12 dive bombers. Of numerous enemy fighters and dive bombers encountered in the air, 19 were destroyed. At sea Allied planes destroyed three barges between LAE and SALAMAUA, and scored a hit and a near miss on one of two destroyers. A cruiser and destroyer 60 miles east of LAE were bombed unsuccess- fully. Four other naval vessels were seen off FINSCHAFEN, heading north, and two destroyers 75 miles WSW of GASMATA, heading west. Solomons. On 23 November our ground forces on GUADALCANAL made a slight local advance west of the MATANIKAU RIVER. Japanese forces are active in the MANBULO and upper MATANIKAU areas. Enemy raiders were also observed in the KIAROKOKI region proceeding southwest toward the upper LUNGA. Our planes carried out nuisance raids against enemy installations. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. Most of the enemy submarines at sea in this theater, now numbering somewhat less than 100, are believed to be in one of the two following areas: the extreme eastern ATLANTIC between the latitudes of BREST and the CANARY ISLANDS, with an especially heavy concentration in the approaches to the STRAITS OF GIBRALTAR; or the area lying roughly between the BRITISH ISLES and NEWFOUNDLAND-NOVA SCOTIA. Of the remainder, about six are in DECLASSIFIED JCS nomo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 APO 400114 Regraded Unclassified the area EASTERN CARIBBEAN-GUIANAS; one is off CAPETOWN; perhaps four are off the southeast coast of SOUTH AFRICA (actually in the INDIAN OCEAN); several are within 500 miles to the westward of the CAPE VERDE ISLANDS; and a few others are scattered thinly in other parts of the theater. None are in the GULF OF MEXICO. About ten of the submarines which had formerly operated in the ATLANTIC are believed now to be in the western MEDITERRANEAN. No new submarine attacks on shipping in the ATLANTIC have been reported. 4. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Tunisia. On 21 November Italians attacked a French force 8 miles northeast of BEJA, but were driven off. On the same day the Germans withdrew to the east bank of the MEDJERDA RIVER at MEDJEZ- EL-BAB. German mechanized patrols on roads in the KAIROUAN-SBEITLA- FERIANA-GAFSA-GABES area threatened GAFSA on the night of 20/21 November and caused Allied forces to withdraw thence to FERIANA early on the 21st. GAFSA was reoccupied, however, 22 November. On 22 November dive bombers from TUNIS attacked the Allied air- drome at SOUK-EL-ARBANO. It is reported that BIZERTA is congested with stores, including gasoline, and that the GOULETTE CHANNEL into TUNIS has been partially cleared. An Axis convoy of five merchant vessels, escorted by one cruiser, four destroyers, and four motor torpedo boats, has been sighted 120 miles south of CAGLIARI, headed south. Libya. By 1200, 22 November, all enemy forces appeared to have withdrawn to the west of the AGEDABIA-EL HASEIAT track. The latter place (30 miles southeast of AGEDABIA) was captured at 0230 the following morning. 5. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. B-17s attacked the LORIENT submarine base, 22 November, dropping 22 tons of H.E. Cloud conditions over the target were very bad. Enemy antiaircraft fire was inaccurate. Results of the raid have not yet been reported. On the night of 22/23 November, 221 bombers were dispatched against STUTTGART. Early reports indicate that the attack was successful, with fires well concentrated. Russian Front. Both sides report only local fighting in the CAUCASUS area. DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 -2- are 468014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET German dispatches speak only of heavy defensive fighting south of STALINGRAD and in the great loop of the DON; no mention is made of fighting within the city itself. Russian dispatches claim that Soviet forces northwest and south of STALINGRAD con- tinue to advance and have now occupied several additional towns, including CHERNISHEVSKAYA (45 miles southwest of KLYETSKAYA) and TUNDUTOVO and AKSAI (respectively north and south of ABGANEROVO). Ludwill Montague Ludwell LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE, Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C. Secretary, J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 -3- SPO 400014 Regraded Unclassified JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 348 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 23, 1942. DEC Reproduction of the contents of this Summary 13 prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 458914 Regraded Unclassified GEORET'S GIBRALTAR. This is the only submarine activity reported in the EASTERN ATLANTIC. 4. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Tunisia. The French force engaged at MEDJES EL BAB, 19 November, has retired on OUED ZARGA (10 miles to the west). Axis forces have been moved southward by train from TUNIS, leaving one company each at SOUSSE, SFAX, and DE GRAIBA. Two additional trains carrying 500 men are believed to have left TUNIS on the after- noon of 20 November. Germans reach KAIROUAN (35 miles southwest of SFAX), 20 November, and SHEITLA (95 miles southwest of SFAX), 21 November. Other Germans are reported at GAFSA (85 miles west of DE GRAIBA). On 19 November a column, including 35 tanks, 51 trucks, and 1500 men, entered TUNISIA from TRIPOLITANIA. Its advance party reached GABES 20 November. Libya. On 20 November British armored cars made occasional contacts with enemy armored car patrols between ANTELAT and AGEDABIA. No later change in the situation has been reported. Prisoners actually at base, 18 November, numbered 31,236 (7,972 Germans, including 195 officers; 23,264 Italians, including 1,272 officers). 5. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. A total of 351 tons of bombs were dropped during the attack on TURIN, 20/21 November (Summary No. 347). Ninety-eight H.E. and 113 incendiary bombs were dropped on the city, and 91 H.E. and 49 incendiary bombs were dropped on the Fiat Works. Fires were well concentrated in the center of the city and near the Fiat Works. Russian Front. The situation in CAUCASIA remains relatively unchanged. The Russians claim to have gone over to the offensive on the approaches to STALINGRAD and to have cut the railroad leading south from STALINGRAD to the CAUCASUS at ABGANEROVO (about 45 miles south- west of STALINGRAD) and the STALINGRAD-LIKHAYA railroad at KRIVOLUZGINSKAYA, about 35 miles west of STALINGRAD. KALACH (on the east bank of the DON northwest of KRIVOMUZGINSKAYA) is also reported in Russian hands. Substantial Soviet gains are also claimed north- west of STALINGRAD, but information concerning that fighting, apparently in the YELANSK-KLYETSKAYA area, is less specific. German dispatches mention heavy fighting in the areas described above, but make no clear statement regarding its progress. DECLASSIFIED Ludwell L. Montague JCS memo, 1-4-74 LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE, By RHP, NLR, Date Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C. MAR 11 1974 Secretary, J.I.C. are 608014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET - JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 347 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 22, 1942. Reproduction DECLAS of the contents of this Summary is prohibited, except by authorization of Date the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 CPO 468014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET U. S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from com- petent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER India. Public morale has been improved by good news from AFRICA. Congress surface activity is greatly reduced, but leaflets are still distributed and sporadic cases of arson and sabotage still occur. In eastern INDIA, however, the population, particularly labor, stood well recent Japanese air raids. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER China. Chinese sources report indications of an impending Japanese attack on YUNNAN. They estimate that Japanese strength in BURMA has been recently increased to six divisions and that 18,000 to 30,000 men are concentrated on the SALWEEN front, with rubber boats and pontoons. Aggressive preparations in INDOCHINA are also reported. The same source reports that on 25 October 30,000 to 40,000 Japanese began a determined effort to mop up the YISHAN area in SHANTUNG, from which Chinese forces have long harrassed the TIENTSIN- PUKOW, TSINAN-TSINGTAO, and LUNGHAI railways. Heavy fighting occurred, 9 November. All Japanese forces involved have now returned to their original stations. New Guinea. On 20 November Australian ground forces captured SOPUTA, and continued their advance eastward in the direction of GONA and SANANANDA (to the north of BUNA). U.S. ground forces ad- vancing northward were in contact with the enemy in the immediate vicinity of BUNA. Seven enemy fighters machine-gunned our positions. A U.S. heavy bomber on reconnaissance southeast of BUNA was attacked by fifteen fighters; one exploded in midair, and two others were probably shot down. J.I.C. Comment: In the last few days there has been a marked increase of enemy air activity in this area, probably based on LAE airdrome. Bismarck Archipelago. On 20 November a U.S. patrol bomber attacked the airdrome at KAVIENG, starting a fire on the runway and destroying one aircraft on the ground. About twelve enemy ships were sighted east of KAVIENG. Aerial reconnaissance of RABAUL harbor revealed forty-eight vessels, including one probable heavy cruiser, a destroyer, a sub- marine, five cargo ships and forty unidentified vessels. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 458014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET Near ARAWE two U.S. heavy bombers on reconnaissance shot down an intercepting enemy fighter. Solomons. On 20 November aerial reconnaissance of the FAISI- BUIN area revealed eight enemy vessels, including five destroyers, a mine layer and a tanker, In addition one destroyer was sighted partially sunk, and a transport beached and burning. Photographs of the BUIN airdrome revealed at least forty-five enemy aircraft, mostly fighters. The enemy were constructing additional dispersal areas. According to native reports the enemy has landed considerable quantities of fuel, ammunition, trucks, and building and railroad materials, at BUKA PASSAGE. On 21 November U.S. fighters carried out eleven attack missions against enemy installations on GUADALCANAL. Our ground forces con- tinued local operations in the vicinity of POINT CRUZ. Submarines. A U.S. submarine returning from patrol reports having sunk one enemy destroyer and one cargo vessel in the MANDATES. Aleutians. Two enemy float planes were sighted near BULDIR ISLAND (96 miles east of ATTU). 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. The convoy mentioned in yesterday's Summary (No. 346), which was attacked by submarines about 200 miles south of NEWFOUNDLAND during the night of 20/21 November, was a westbound Trans-Atlantic convoy. Three ships (instead of two as previously reported) were torpedoed, one a 6,000 ton dry cargo vessel, the other two not identified. Blockade Runner. A blockade runner was scuttled by her crew in the SOUTH ATLANTIC on 21 November when a United Nations naval vessel came up with her. This is the first time for about a year that a blockade runner has been eliminated by United Nations naval action in the SOUTH ATLANTIC. Including the vessel just sunk, as many as ten blockade runners may now be en route from EUROPE to the FAR EAST and as many as five in the opposite direction. 4. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Tunisia. Axis strength in the BIZERTA-TUNIS bridgehead, as of noon 21 November, was estimated to be 12,000 men, all arms, with build-up continuing. Axis detachments, strength unknown, are re- ported to be at SOUSSE, SFAX, and GABES. Air Operations. On 19 November escorted enemy bombers attacked BONE while Allied aircraft successfully attacked the AQUINA and DECLASSIFIED -2- JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 OPO 458314 Regraded Unclassified SECRET SIDI AHMED airfields. That night MALTA-based aircraft attacked air- dromes in SICILY, rendering that at CATANIA unserviceable and damaging runways at GERBINI and COMISO. Beaufighters also sank a westbound ship (2,000 tons) off TUNISIA. On the following night (20/21) thirty Axis bombers from SICILY attacked the BONE-BOUGIE area. Libya. On 20 November the Afrika Korps was at AGEDABIA, with the 90th Light Division still at MAGRUN (50 miles to the north) and the Spezia and Pistoia Divisions at EL AGHIELA (75 miles to the diffe southwest). Unconfirmed report of 100 Italian M-13 tanks at EL AGHIELA may indicate movement of the Centauro Division eastward from TRIPOLI. Strong resistance at EL AGHIELA is anticipated. It is now estimated that, exclusive of the Centauro Division, Rommel will have 25,000 troops and 25 German tanks available for that purpose, (This estimated is roughly half of that reported in Summary No, 345). 5. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. On the night of 20/21 November 232 bombers, including 158 heavies, were dispatched against TURIN. The defense was haphazard and ineffective, and results were excellent. Thirty large fires were reported, probably including two still burning since the attack on the night of 18/19 November. The Fiat Works were hit, but precise observation was prevented by smoke, Russian Front. The German communique indicates local Soviet attacks along the entire front from TUAPSE to the lower DON and at LENINGRAD. Ludwell L. Montague LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE, Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C. Secretary, J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED JCS nemo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 -3- GPO 458014 Regraded Unclassified JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 346 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 21, 1942. DECL Reproduction of the contents of this Summary 1s prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. Date DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 458914 Regraded Unclassified U.S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from competent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER Burma. Hostile forces at GANGAW and slightly to the north are es- timated at 670, with 250 others in the HAKA area. The most advanced enemy post along the MYITKYINA-SUMPRABUM road is 25 miles north of MYITKYINA. British bombers attacked MEIKTILA, 18/19 November. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER Timor. On the 19th, two Allied fighters attacked MANATUTO and two others attacked BAUCAU. Results have not yet been reported. New Guinea. By 19 November, Australian forward units were in con- tact with the enemy one mile south of GONA. Other Australian units were held up by the enemy near the SOPUTA crossing (about six miles west of BUNA). U.S. ground troops were attacking the BUNA airdrome. At least fifteen Japanese fighters were operating from the LAE airdrome. Biamarck Archipelago. Five Allied patrol bombers attacked the air- drome at KAVIENG, 19 November, dropping bombs on a runway and in the dis- persal areas. Results are unknown. Solomons. On 18 November, Japanese patrols on GUADALCANAL were active and aggressive, but our forces succeeded in crossing the MATANIKAU RIVER to positions west of POINT CRUZ. During the past few days ground action has been limited to patrol activity with numerous contacts on the Upper MATANIKAU. Our fighter planes carried out numerous attacks on enemy installations. On 19 November, a large enemy cargo ship which had previously been afire was observed to sink near CAPE ASTROLABE, MALAITA ISLAND. Submarines. A U.S. submarine returning from patrol in Far Eastern waters reports having sunk 15,000 tons of enemy shipping, including a loaded tanker. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. Two submarines are reported in U.S. coastal waters, one off CAPE HATTERAS and one off CHARLESTON, S.C. DECLASSIFIED JCS By RHP, memo, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 1-4-74 are 408014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET- During the night of 20/21 November two unidentified vessels in convoy were torpedoed approximately 200 miles south of NEWFOUNDLAND. Five or six submarines are reported to be still in contact with the westbound convoy mentioned in Summary 345 and preceding summaries, but no further attacks have been reported. One of these submarines was attacked by the convoy escort vessels on 20 November with inconclusive results. 4. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. About 90 tons of H.E. and over 30 tons of incen- diaries were dropped during the attack on TURIN, 18/19 November (Summary No. 345). Many fires, including three large ones, were started in the city, and the Fiat Works were left covered with smoke. Enemy defenses were ineffective. Fighters operating over FRANCE and BELGIUM on the 19th destroyed or damaged eight locomotives and shot down two enemy aircraft, Russian Front. No significant change is reported. 5. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Tunisia. On the 18th, the Germans were digging in east of MEDJES EL BAB. British troops were supporting French forces in this area. On the 19th, four assaults by enemy infantry and tanks, with artillery and dive-bombers, were repulsed in this sector. More to the north, about 45 miles southwest of BIZERTA, a German infantry column of 400, with 30 medium tanks, attacked a small British force on the 18th. The attack was repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy, including 11 tanks. There are indications that enemy air ground troops are moving south- ward to GABES, which is believed controlled by small numbers of enemy troops. Air Operations. On the 18th enemy aircraft continuously attacked the BONE and TABARKA areas. Four of the attacking planes were destroyed and two probably destroyed. Naval Operations. No change in the Italian ports, or at TOULON or DAKAR. Tripoli. Aerial reconnaissance over the port, 16 November, disclosed the following ships unloading: 6 médium merchant ships, 5 destroyers, 1 torpedo boat, and 12 coastal lighters. DECLASSIFIED - 2 - JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, HLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 458114 Regraded Unclassified SECRET Libya. The Italian Communique acknowledges Axis evacuation of BENGHAZI, and press reports indicate withdrawal from defense positions between SCELEIDIMA and ANTELAT. There has been no official confirmation of these reports. Low clouds and sandstorms over the forward area, 18 November, restricted operations on both sides. Only a small rearguard action, at MAGRUN, was reported. Hidney Buford III A. SIDNEY BUFORE III Major, F.A. Deputy Secretary, J.I.C. 9 DECLASSIFIED -3- - - JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 are 468014 Regraded Unclassified ANNEX Summary No. 346 THE BATTLE OF THE SEA LANES Below are the latest available figures covering the losses of United Nations and neutral cargo vessel tonnage to November 14. Exper- ience indicates that delayed reports of losses are likely to increase considerably the figure for the first fourteen days of the current month and to increase somewhat the figure for October. Considerable changes in the other figures are unlikely. NUMBERS OF VESSELS AND TONNAGE LOST Tonnage in 1,000's of Gross Register Tons Belligerent Action Other Causes All Causes No. Tonnage No. Tonnage No. Tonnage 9/3/39 to 12/31/41 2,433 9,160 365 846 2,798 10,006 January, 1942 107 445 29 74 136 519 February 128 646 9 33 137 679 March 201 799 12 37 213 836 April 123 664 12 33 135 697 May 154 727 9 28 163 755 June 172 835 3 6 175 841 July 138 653 10 30 148 683 August 117 640 5 16 122 656 September 111 549 5 16 116 565 October 90 501 4 18 94 519 First 10 mo. of '42 1,341 6,459 98 291 1,439 6,750 Grand Total 3,774 15,619 463 1,137 4,237 16,756 Monthly Averages 9/3/39 to 12/31/41 87 327 13 30 100 357 First 10 mo. of 142 134 646 10 29 144 675 Current Month First 14 days 55 320 1 5 56 325 Corresponding monthly rate of loss 118 686 2 11 120 697 DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 468914 Regraded Unclassified SECRET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 345 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 20, 1942. Reproduction DECLAS of the contents of this Summary is prohibited, except by authorization of Date the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 458914 Regraded Unclassified SECRET U.S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from competent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER No reported change in the situation. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER China. On 12 November U.S. forces in the KWEILIN area were attacked by a total of 57 Japanese Army 01's and Navy Zeros. One enemy plane was shot down and six others were probably destroyed. On 15 November, three P-40's destroyed one Zero and damaged eight trucks in an attack on the highway between TENGCHUNG and LUNGLING. Timor. Enemy strength is reported to be 600 at BOBONARO and 800 at BAUCAU. New Guinea. On 18 November Australian and United States troops con- tinued to close in on BUNA from the south and west. On the same day strong flights of Allied bombers and fighters made repeated attacks on LAE, successfully bombing and strafing the airdrome. Bombs were dropped on the SALAMAUA airdrome also, and the BUNA area was bombed and strafed. One cruiser and two destroyers were bombed and strafed about 25 miles north of BUNA. Seven Zeros attempted interception; two were destroyed and another damaged. In HOLNICOTE BAY (near GONA), six medium bombers attacked a cruiser, two destroyers and barges loaded with troops. One direct hit on the cruiser caused an explosion and fire, probably sinking it. One hit on a destroyer split it amidships, and bombs dropped among the barges caused heavy casualties. Solomons. As a result of the action off SAVO ISLAND during the night of 14/15 November, the following enemy vessels were sunk: one heavy cruiser (or battleship), three large cruisers (probably heavy cruisers), and one destroyer. In addition one battleship, one cruiser, and one de- stroyer were damaged. These enemy losses are in addition to those pre- viously reported. On 18 November a U.S. striking force of eleven heavy bombers, four medium bombers and seven fighters attacked enemy shipping in the FAISI- BUIN area. Two hits and & near miss were scored on a cargo vessel. About thirty enemy planes attempted interception; thirteen were shot down. Aerial reconnaissance of this area after this attack revealed only six destroyers, one sloop, four cargo vessels, and one tanker. DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 658914 Regraded Unclassified On 19 November it was reported from GUADALCANAL that of the estimated 1500 enemy troops landed near KOLI POINT (to the east of our positions) on 2 November, 800 have been killed and the remainder dispersed into small groups which have been driven back into the jungle. This force is con- sidered to be no longer effective due to disorganization and losses. Submarines. A U.S. submarine returning from patrol in Far Eastern waters reports that on 2 November it scored one hit on a Japanese de- stroyer and one hit on & heavy cruiser of the TONE class (8,500 tons). 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. Submarines have continued to attack the westbound Trans- Atlantic convoy mentioned in Summary No. 344 and preceding summaries, but so far have caused no further damage. As now reported, & total of six cargo vessels in this convoy have been torpedoed, all of which have sunk. They are one tanker of 5,300 gross tons (instead of two tankers, as pre- viously reported), four dry cargo vessels aggregating about 20,000 gross tons, and one unidentified vessel. 4. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. During the night of 18/19 November, 77 British air- craft were dispatched against TURIN. Preliminary reports indicate that the attack was successful and that the Fiat works were hit. All planes returned safely. Caucasia. It is reported that enemy attacks on the TUARSE front have failed, despite the employment of large numbers of aircraft, and that the Russians are counterattacking. TUAPSE was attacked, 16 November, by 70 hostile planes, but port installations and ships in the harbor were undam- aged. In the NOVOROSSISK area, the Russians are reported to be utilizing & lull in enemy air operations to make important local gains on both sides of the ABIN RIVER (northeast of NOVOROSSISK) including the occupation of a part of NEBERDJAISKAYA (about 10 miles northeast of NOVOROSSISK). An earlier report speaks of Russian attacks 20 miles southwest of KRASNODAR, but states that Axis resistance in that sector is strong. A special Russian announcement claims a substantial Soviet victory on the approaches to ORDZHONIKIDZE. The latest available German communique on fighting in this area claims that heavy new Soviet attacks have been repulsed. Stalingrad. Except for slight German gains in one sector, the situa- tion is substantially unchanged. 5. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Tunisia. On 18 November German patrols were in contact with French and British forces on the general line EL AOUANA (30 miles southwest of BIZERTA) - ST. NSIR-OUED ZARGA (45 miles west of TUNIS). A German ultima- tum to the French commander threatened attack on the morning of 19 Novem- ber. No attack materialized, however, during that day. DECLASSIFIED - 2 - JOS nemo, 1-4-74 OPO 458014 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 Regraded Unclassified SECRET Many light armored vehicles and ninety tanks, including some 12-ton Italian tanks, are reported thus far to have been landed at BIZERTA. Roads outside of TUNIS are being mined and vulnerable points in the city have been mined. German transport planes, which failed to land at GABES (Summary No. 344), landed at GEKHIRA BEACH (about 30 miles north of GABES), where cargo vessels are reported off shore. The press reports the landing of enemy tanks and air-borne infantry in this general area. Air Operations. Two enemy bombers were shot down by antiaircraft in an attack on BONE, 17 November. On the 18th, nine enemy planes were active over the PHILIPPEVILLE-BOUGIE area. Further details are not yet available, though the scale of enemy activity throughout the 17th is es- timated at 25 bomber. and 10 reconnaissance sorties. Libya. At 1400, 18 November, British mobile were in contact with an infantry screen, supported by thirty tanks, extending from SCELEIDINA (50 miles southeast of BENGHAZI) to ANTELAT (35 miles northeast of AGEDABIA). British patrols had also reached the vicinity of MAGRUN (on the coast road 47 miles south of BENGHAZI and 27 miles west of the screen). According to revised British estimates, maximum Axis forces available for a stand at EL AGHEILA number 50,000 men (10,000 Germans, 30,000 Ital- ians, 10,000 line of communication), 60 tanks, 150 artillery pieces, and 300 antitenk guns. In addition to these, the Centauro Division (100-150 tanks) is believed to be at TRIPOLI. Ludwell Montague LUDWELL L. MONTAGUE Lieutenant Colonel, G.S.C. Secretary, J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 - 3 - - 914 Regraded Unclassified SECRET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 344 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 19, 1942. Reproduction DECLASSIT memo, of the contents of DECLARD to this Summary is prehibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 OPO 458914 Regraded Unclassified U.S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from competent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER No reported change in the situation. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER Timor. On 17 November Allied medium bombers attacked MAOBISSE and BAUCAU (45 miles east of DILLI). New Guinea. On 17 November Allied land forces continued to advance rapidly in the direction of BUNA. To the west, Australian forward patrols reached SANGARA (about fifteen miles from BUNA). To the south, American forward patrols reached a point about three miles southeast of BUNA. Three U.S. trawlers and a landing barge were sunk by enemy air action near CAPE SUDEST (to the southeast of BUNA). On the same day five U.S. medium bombers attacked supply dumps at GONA (north of BUNA). Our planes were unsuccessfully attacked by five enemy fighters. Eight U.S. medium bombers, escorted by eight fighters, attacked the airdrome at LAE. Direct hits were scored on operations building. One antiaircraft position was silenced, and five enemy bombers and six fight- ers were destroyed. Later three light bombers again attacked the same objective, destroying one other bomber and one other fighter. Bismarck Archipelago. On 17 November eleven U.S. heavy bombers attacked enemy shipping in the RABAUL area. Two direct hits were scored on a large merchant vessel. Two of our planes are missing. On the same day three U.S. medium bombers attacked the GASMATA air- drome, causing a large explosion. Solomons. On the night of 16 November, five patrol bombers attacked the airdrome at BUIN, destroying at least three enemy aircraft and starting large fires followed by explosions. On 17 November aerial reconnaissance of the BUIN-FAISI area revealed two light cruisers, seven destroyers, one large probable repair ship, and eleven cargo vessels. On the same day two light cruisers and three de- stroyers were sighted off KIETA, headed north. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. At least three additional ships (bringing the total to at least six) and an escort vessel have been torpedoed in the westbound Trans-Atlantic convoy mentioned in Summaries. 342-343. Two were tankers DECLASSIFIED JCS momo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 SPO 488914 Regraded Unclassified SECRET* aggregating about 12,000 gross tons. At least six submarines are reported to have been carrying out an almost continuous attack on this convoy. A 9,000-ton tanker was torpedoed on 18 November in an eastbound con- voy, approximately three hundred miles northeast of ST. JOHNS. Reports indicate that German submarines may be using bases in Spanish Islands off the coast of WEST AFRICA, most probably ANNOBON ISLAND. 4. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. About midday of 18 November, unescorted B-17's at- tacked the LA PALLICE submarine base while unescorted B-24's attacked that at LORIENT. Antiaircraft fire at both places was heavy. Escorted B-17's and B-24's carried out two separate diversionary missions, but had no encounters. Results of the attacks have not yet been reported. About 93/2 tons of H.E. were dropped during the U.S. attack on ST. NAZAIRE, 17 November (Summary No. 343). Later reports indicate that, in addition to the six enemy planes already reported destroyed, three more were probably destroyed, and nine were damaged. Unoccupied France. German forces have occupied the MEDITERRANEAN coast from PERPIGNAN to a point just west of TOULON: Italian forces hold the RIVIERA coast eastwards from a point just east of TOULON. The Germans are estimated to have in "Unoccupied France" two armored divisions, one S.S. motorized division, and three to six infantry or training divisions. The Italians probably have three divisions there, including one motorized division. Russian Front. Winter has now set in in the MOSCOW area, and tem- peratures are well below freezing. There is no substantial change reported in the general situation. 5. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER Spain. Spanish mobilization orders are reported to be merely pre- cautionary, no new units to be organized but existing units to be increased. No abnormal troop movements will be undertaken and there is said to be no change in Spanish intentions to remain neutral. French North Africa. The enemy continues to reinforce the tip of TUNISIA. His attitude is defensive but he is patrolling to the westward. French forces are occupying defensive positions against the Germans in northern TUNISIA. There is still no reported contact with the enemy other than that stated in Summary No. 343. Air Operations, No enemy air activity is reported over Allied positions. A French patrol at GABES fired on, and drove off, two JU-52's attempting a landing there. DECLASSIFIED - 2 - JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 OPO 660914 Regraded Unclassified SECRET Submarines. At least eleven enemy submarines have been subjected to attacks which gave evidence of being successful. Libya. Unfavorable weather has greatly restricted all air and ground operations. On 17 November the main body of Axis armor was still north- east of BENGHAZI, with elements of the 90th Light Division covering the rear at SLONTA (50 miles ENE of BARCE). While continuing his retreat toward EL AGHEILA, the enemy is apparently striving to improve his supply position from BENGHAZI, where some supplies were reported landed on the 17th. By evening of that day British mobile columns advancing along the inland road had reached a point 30 miles east of MSUS (MSUS is 70 miles southeast of BENGHAZI and 75 miles northeast of AGEDABIA). Units follow- ing the coast road were detained near DERNA by mines, road blocks, and destroyed roads. The port of BARDIA is now operating. Heavy Buford III Major, F.A. Deputy Secretary, J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 - 3 - GPO 408014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 343 Copy 1 of 67. 0800 November 18, 1942. DECL Reproduction of the contents of this Summary in prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. Date DECLASSIFIED By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 468014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET U.S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from competent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER No reported change in the situation. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER Timor. On 16 November, three Allied medium bombers attacked MAOBISSE and three others attacked BOBONARO, without observed results. The Japa- nese continue ground patrol activity. New Guinea. By 16 November forward elements of the Australian forces had reached AWALA. American ground forces approaching BUNA from the South have forward patrols along the CAPE SUDEST-HORANDA line, about five miles south of BUNA. On the same day, strong forces of Allied medium bombers and fighters made coordinated attacks along the KUMUSI RIVER and at SANANANDA, GIRUWA, and BUNA, strafing barges, canoes, huts, supplies, and antiaircraft positions. Japanese planes bombed and strafed two Allied trawlers off CAPE SUDEST, sinking one of them. Bismarck Archipelago. Aerial reconnaissance of RABAUL on 16 November disclosed at least forty large ships, including three possible cruisers and four to five destroyers. At the LAKUNAI airdrome were 53 fighters, ten probable dive bombers, and one medium bomber. Observed nearby were a new wharf for unloading fighter planes, with fighters on it, and considerable supplies. In the harbor were seven seaplanes. The LORENGAU airfield (ADMIRALTY ISLAND) is unserviceable. Submarines. A U.S. submarine returning from patrol in waters near the BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO reports scoring hits on three enemy vessels. Solomons. No reported change. Aleutians. It is now estimated that there are four antiaircraft guns at ATTU ISLAND and that one infantry battalion is garrisoned there. On 15 November two enemy submarines were sighted near CAPE HINCHENBROOK. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. During the night of 16/17 November enemy submarines again attacked the westbound trans-Atlantic convoy which they had unsuccessfully DECLASSIFIED JOB memo, 1-4-74 GPO 460014 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 Regraded Unclassified attacked south of GREENLAND during the preceding night (cf. Summary No. 342). Three ships were torpedoed. Submarines are believed to be still shadowing the convoy. The areas in the ATLANTIC Theater in which enemy submarines have so far this month sunk the greatest numbers of ships are the western portion of the area ICELAND-BRITISH ISLES-NOVA SCOTIA-NENFOUNDLAND and an area within a radius of 500 miles of TRINIDAD, both eastward and westward. The majority of the ships sunk in these areas were in convoy. 4. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. U.S. bombers attacked the ST, NAZAIRE submarine base during the morning of 17 November. Preliminary reports indicate that many hits were scored. Antiaircraft fire over the target was heavy. Of forty enemy fighters which attacked a part of our force, six are reported to have been destroyed. All of our bombers returned. A diversionary raid by U.S. heavy bombers encountered no enemy opposition. Russian Front. No important changes are apparent on the CAUCASIAN front. At STALINGRAD, the enemy has improved his position slightly. To the north, in the VOLKHOV sector, Soviet dispatches indicate that German attacks have largely neutralized earlier Russian gains. 5. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER French North Africa. On the afternoon of 15 November an enemy patrol withdrew after meeting French troops at BEJA. The disposition of enemy forces in TUNISIA is reported unchanged. On the 16th, Allied units were at TABARKA (on the coast just east of the TUNISIA border) and at SOUK EL ARBA (30 miles south of TABARKA). On the 15th, Allied forces occupied the airfield at YOUK LES BAINS (100 miles south of BONE) without incident. At last report there had been no con- tact with the enemy. Air Operations. About 30-40 enemy fighters and fighter bombers (probably from TUNIS and BIZERTA) and about 15-20 bombers were active on the 16th. BONE was machine-gunned and bombed. Six of the hostile air- craft were destroyed. The same day, R.A.F. planes twice attacked TUNIS with unobserved re- sults, and U.S. heavy bombers carried out a daylight attack on BIZERTA. Naval Operations. No reported change. Libya. By the morning of 16 November, the main Axis columns were in the BARCE-EL ABIAR area, where they were reported detained by shortage of motor fuel. Rommel is estimated to have about 27,000 combatant troops (9,000 Germans, 18,000 Italians), including the Spezia Division from - 2 - DECLASSIFIED JCS nemo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 400014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET TRIPOLITANIA, and about 325 guns and 30 available tanks. While enemy columns are withdrawing in apparent order, they give evidences of demoral- ized command and transport difficulties. Allied ground forces, which have occupied DERNA and MECHILI, were apparently out of contact with the enemy, while air action was restricted by bad weather. In the afternoon of the 16th, units of the British Navy entered TOBRUK Harbor, where installations were found generally in good shape. Hidney Bufordta A. SIDNEY BUFORD III Major, F.A. Deputy Secretary, J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 - 3 - GPO 680034 Regraded Unclassified SECRET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 342 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 17, 1942. Reproductive contents of JCS BE this Summary is prohibited, except by authorization of the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. DECLASSIFIED JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974, NPO 488914 Regraded Unclassified U.S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from competent offi- cial sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER Burma. On 13 November, 6 Japanese bombers, escorted by 20 fighters, unsuccessfully attacked two Burma Navy launches in the NAAF RIVER and then withdrew southward, machine gunning TEKNAAP (on the west bank of the NAAF northwest of MAUNGDAW). On the 15th, enemy reconnaissance planes were sighted over the SADIYA area. The raid on SHINGBWYANG, 11 November (Summary No. 338), is reported to have completely devastated the town. 2, FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER Timor. About 200 hostile natives were successfully attacked by Allied troops near MAOBISSE, 13 November. New Guinea. By 15 November advanced Allied patrols had advanced six miles northeast of WAIROFI without opposition. Flooded condition of the KUMUSI RIVER is delaying the advance. On the 15th, six fighters and five medium bombers made four separate bombing and strafing attacks against antiaircraft positions and other targets in the POPONDETTA-SOPUTA-BUNA area, and three other medium bombers conducted a similar mission in the GONA area. Bismarck Archipelago. Photographic reconnaissance of KAVIENG dis- closes new construction of dispersal bays, and five medium bombers and four fighters well dispersed. On 15 November, seven heavy bombers attacked enemy shipping at RABAUL scoring one hit which caused a violent explosion in a large un- identified vessel, possibly hitting other vessels, and causing fires and explosions in the harbor area. Solomons. On 15 November aerial reconnaissance revealed a total of about thirty vessels in the FAISI-BUIN area. On the night of 14/15 November four patrol bombers attacked the air- drome at BUIN, destroying at least eight aircraft and one fuel or ammunition dump and starting about ten fires. More than 20 aircraft were machine-gunned. Aerial reconnaissance on the day of 15 November revealed activity on the airdrome. On the same day a number of enemy bombers, escorted by eight fighters, attacked our positions at GUADALCANAL. Six of the fighters were certain- ly shot down (two others probable), and the bombers were turned back. Our intercepting aircraft suffered no losses. On our eastern flank at GUADALCANAL our raider patrols captured a large quantity of ammunition and supplies, including the personal effects of Maj. Gen. KAWAGUCHI. DECLASSIFIED JCS mezo, 1-4-74 are 658914 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 Regraded Unclassified SECRET As far as can be determined the four enemy transports which were beached and destroyed at TASSAFARONGA (to the west of our positions) were the only ships to have reached GUADALCANAL during the recent engagement, and it is not believed that they could have landed any substantial aid to Japanese forces on the island. Further details regarding the naval engagement off the Solomons 12 to 16 November have already been reported in Navy Communique No. 194. Hawaii. A low wing single engine monoplane was sighted 700 miles north of OAHU on 15 November. Aleutians. On 15 November a U.S. medium bomber on reconnaissance over ATTU ISLAND dropped bombs over CHICHAGOF and HOLTZ BAY with unobserved results. Antiaircraft fire was encountered from a new gun position near HOLTZ BAY. A newly erected shack was sighted near CHICHAGOF. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. No significant changes in disposition are apparent. No submarine is believed to be anywhere within 200 miles of the U.S. coast. During the night of 15/16 November a convoy was attacked unsuccess- fully by a submarine about 600 miles southeast of GREENLAND. A 7600-ton vessel was torpedoed and sunk in a north bound convoy west of GIBRALTAR on 16 November. Three or four submarines are reported to be operating between LAURENCO MARQUES and CAPETOWN (actually in the INDIAN OCEAN). A vessel was torpedoed and sunk about midway between these points on 13 November. 4. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. During the night of 15/16 November, 100 British air- craft were dispatched, 78 against GENOA and 22 sea mining in the BAY OF BISCAY. Weather at GENOA was excellent, and the attack is considered very successful. Russian Front. Both sides claim local successes in the more active sectors of the front, but no appreciable gains seem to have been registered by either Axis or Soviet forces. 5. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER French North Africa. As of midday of the 16th, the enemy situation in TUNISIA was apparently unchanged. Axis forces which had temporarily withdrawn from TUNIS had returned to that place, and the strength of the BIZERTA-TUNIS bridgehead was believed to be that earlier reported (Summary No. 340). The enemy was thought to have some tanks and to be strong in antitank guns. DECLASSIFIED JOS nomo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 -2- OPO 409014 Regraded Unclassified SECRET Air Operations. Hostile planes were active over BOUGIE and BONE during the 14th and 15th, but details have not yet been reported. BOUGIE was bombed, 13/14 November, and two French and one Allied vessel were damaged. Seven of the attacking planes are believed to have been destroyed. The same night, ineffective bombing raids were carried out against BONE, MAISON BLANCHE, and docks at ALGIERS. During the night of 14/15 November, British bombers dropped 25 tons of bombs on EL AOUINA airfield, damaging the buildings and work shops considerably. On the 15th, antisubmarine air patrols made sixteen sightings and two promising attacks. No enemy air operations have been reported in the CASABLANCA and ORAN areas. During the ORAN assault, Navy planes destroyed 47 French planes on the ground. Naval Operations. No reported change, Libya. During 14/15 November and the following day, Axis forces were subjected to widespread air attacks, Allied planes attacked several enemy columns in the TOKRA-BENGHAZI-EL ABIAR-BARCE quadrilateral, bombed the harbor and airport at BENGHAZI, and attacked the landing grounds at AGEDABIA and GIALO OASIS. The enemy carried out minor air attacks against British road columns in the DABA, HALFAYA, and SOLLUM areas. British forces occupied all landing grounds in the MARTUBA area by the 15th and were advancing toward DERNA. Pending the improvement of supply lines, the pace of the British pursuit has slackened. A. SIDNEY BUFORD Iff Major, F.A. Deputy Secretary, J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 -3- SPO sensie Regraded Unclassified SECRET JOINT U. S. INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE DAILY SUMMARY No. 341 Copy 1 of 61. 0800 November 16, 1942. DECLARE Reproduction of the contents of this Summary is prohibited, except by authorization of Date the Joint U.S. Chiefs of Staff. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 488014 Regraded Unclassified U.S. JOINT INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE NOTE: Unless there is definite indication to the contrary in the text, it may be assumed that information reported is from competent official sources. 1. INDIAN THEATER No reported changes in the situation. 2. FAR EAST AND PACIFIC THEATER Timor. On 14 November, four Allied medium bombers attacked MANATUTO. New Guinea. Small detachments of our forces had crossed the KUMUSI RIVER by 14 November. On the same day six Allied fighters carried out strafing missions in the BUNA-KUNUSI-MAMBARE area, setting fire to a probable radio station at MAIMBA in MAMBARE BAY. One medium bomber dropped bombs in the wooded area near SOROPUTA (on the WAIRORI-BUNA track). At LAE, considerable activity was observed, including the building of three blast bays, Solomons. Reports from our aircr ft scouts on 15 November indicate that Japanese surface units were then generally withdrawing on north- westerly courses from the GUADALCA AL area, after & series of almost con- tinuous engagements which started on 12 November. The total damages in- flicted on the Japanese forces is still uncertain, but it appears probable that they suffered more heavily than is apparent at present. The follow- ing losses are known to have been inflicted: a battleship (of the FUSO or KONGO Class) heavily damaged and possibly sunk; another battleship damaged; one cruiser blown up; three other cruisers heavily damaged and possibly sunk; two destroyers sunk. Of the twenty-five transports which headed for GUADALCANAL, at least six are known to have been seriously damaged en route. Only four trans- ports reached the island (Summary No. 340) and all of these were beached and left burning. Lany damaged ships are believed to have returned from the southeast to the FAISI-BUIN area on 14 and 15 November. There are indications that the enemy is consolidating his shore positions at BUIN. The enemy continues to maintain a number of submarines near the southeast SOLO: ONS. Aleutians. A radio antenna has been discovered on ALEUT FOINT, AMCHITKA. 3. ATLANTIC THEATER Submarines. The reduced level of submarine activity against shipping apparently continues. DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 MAR 11 1974 By RHP, NLR, Date are 465914 Regraded Unclassified 4. EUROPEAN THEATER Air Operations. About 57 tons of H.E. were dropped during the attack on ST. NAZAIRE, 14 November (Summary No. 340). Russian Front. No notable change is apparent. 5. MEDITERRANEAN THEATER French North Africa. To midday of 15 November no clashes in TUNISIA had been reported, though there was a report that German aircraft had been firedon by French antiaircraft. The harbor at SOUSSE is said to be blocked. Air Operations. Axis aircraft at BIZERTA and TUNIS, as of midnight 14 November, were estimated at 150, of which 130 were German. With the exception of a few JU-87 dive bombers, the planes were mostly fighters. In the early evening of the 14th, German long range bombers made sorties from SICILY, 5 to 10 bombers operating in the BONE-BOUGIE area and 15 to 20 against shipping north of BOUGIE. BONE was attacked by dive bombers probably based at TUNIS. Details are not available. There is evidence that a German unit last reported in northern NORWAY is operating from SICILY. Fifteen enemy aircraft were destroyed 13 and 14 November in attacks on BONE and BOUGIE. Naval Operations. The French fleet was at TOULON in the afternoon of the 14th. To midday of the 15th, there was no important change in the disposition of the Italian fleet. Libya. Substantial enemy motor transport was reported, 15 November, moving southward from AGEDABIA, while an estimated 25 tanks and about 100 motor transport were between BIR TEMRAD and MECHILI (MECHILI is on the inland route from TMIMI). British armored columns were advancing toward MARTUBA. The Italians are reported to have evacuated SIWA OASIS on 8 November. Hidney Bufora III A. SIDNEY-BUFORD III Major, F.A. Deputy Secretary, J.I.C. DECLASSIFIED -2- JOS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAR 11 1974 GPO 488014 Regraded Unclassified