GERMANY: U-488 is laid down. (Dave Shirlaw)
MALAYA: General Wavell is appointed to command the ABDA command with orders to hold the Malay Barrier.
Lt-Col. Arthur Edward Cumming (1896-1971), 12th Frontier Force Regt., led, despite wounds, two daring actions to cover a British withdrawal. (Victoria Cross)
U.S.A.: Washington: Chiang Kai-shek is appointed C-in-C of Allied forces in China, and General Sir Archibald Wavell is made Supreme Commander of the disparate Allied Forces in South-east Asia. ABDACOM (American-British-Dutch-Australian Command).