Granite City, Ill., April 1 –
William F. Kaiser, Granite City township assistant supervisor, is doing his bit to help finance the war. On the 7th of each month – the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack – he burns a $25 defense bond. He sends the government a notice relinquishing his claim on each bond. He intends to continue the plan for the duration.
U.S. Navy Department (April 3, 1942)
Southwest Pacific.
The United States aircraft tender Langley, the naval tanker Pecos and the destroyer Peary were sunk by the enemy in the vicinity of Northern Australia and in waters south of Java in late February and March.
A number of survivors from these ships were rescued and reached port safely. The next of kin of all personnel lost in the Pecos have notified. The next of kin of those lost in the Langley and Peary already have been notified or will be notified as soon as information available.
Official reports from Tokyo claimed the sinking of the Langley, least three times during the first month of the war, during which period the Langley was not damaged. She was sunk after a prolonged attack by the enemy south of Java in late February. Except for about a dozen men, all Langley personnel survived the attack and were transferred to the Pecos which was itself sunk a few days later.
The Pecos, a small tanker, employed in supplying fuel to units of our fleet in the Far East, was sunk in early March.
The Peary, a World War destroyer which received minor damage in the Japanese bombing attacks on Cavite immediately after the outbreak of the war, was sunk in the harbor at Darwin about February 19. The Peary had participated in many of the offensive actions of our destroyers in the Far East. Observers who witnessed the last engagement of the Peary described the conduct of her crew as beyond all praise. Gun crews remained at their battle stations continuing the fire until they were forced by rising water to leave their stations. No officer or man left the ship until it sank under him. A number of survivors were later rescued.
War conditions in the Southwest Pacific have greatly complicated and delayed reports of casualties, and the public is urged to refrain from initiating individual inquiries regarding casualties. The next of kin of all casualties are always notified by telegram as soon as possible.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
Reading Eagle (April 3, 1942)
Chinese generalissimo reported to have contacted Nehru
Allied commander and Cripps confer on problem for hour
By the Associated Press
…
They will follow, if justified, after full inquiry is conducted
…
West Greenwich, RI, April 3 (UP) –
Five men were reported killed today when an Army bomber crashed on Hopkins Hill.
Police immediately closed off the area, keeping observers away from the wreckage.
Scene of the crash was approximately 25 miles south of Providence.
Camp San Luis Obispo, Ca., April 3 (AP) –
In a page one box, The Camp News carried this advice:
Skip the blonde! Buy a bond!
Defenders are reported ready for another fierce assault
…
U.S. Navy Department (April 4, 1942)
Southwest Pacific area.
Recent reports indicate that the following damage has been inflicted on enemy ships by United States submarines operating in waters of the Java Sea and the Indian Ocean:
a) One light cruiser was sunk in the vicinity of Christmas Island, south of Java.
b) One light cruiser was damaged, in the vicinity of Christmas Island, by a direct torpedo hit and on the following day another direct hit was scored which is believed to have resulted in her sinking.
c) Two seaplane tenders were damaged near the island of Bali.
d) One supply ship was damaged in waters near Lombok Island.
e) In the vicinity of Bali, one barge transport and one unidentified ship were damaged by one torpedo hit each.
The above damage to the enemy has not been reported in any previous Navy Department communiqué.
There is nothing to report from other areas.
Reading Eagle (April 4, 1942)
Brighter picture for Allies as aerial strength increases
Hospital set afire as Nippon fliers strafe towns in Burma
By the Associated Press
…