-2- SINGAPORE . The following reinforcements arrived during the week. 18th Division (less one Brigade already arrived). Reinforcements for 9th and llth Indian Divisions. One light tank squadron of 17 light tanks and one light anti-aircraft battery, Indian Army. FAR EAST . Events during the week have shown, (A) the gradual extension of enemy bases south and south-west in BORNEO and the CELEBES, making a definite threat against the MALAY barrier. (B) continued enemy air operations south and south-east from the BISMARK Archipelago. (C) definite indications that the Japanese plan to occupy an aerodrome in THERPALEMBANG district of SUMATRA. The main intentions of the Japanese appear to be the reduction of SINGAPORE, the ending of resistance in the PHILIPPINES, an attack on BURMA to capture RANGOON, and the occupation of bases in the NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES to close the SUNDA STRAITS. There are indications of imminent enemy action to secure further bases in the NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES. RUSSIA . Russian progress continues but German resistance is stiffening particularly on the central front before MOSC0W where German defensive positions are believed to be strong and disposed in great depth. Prom the German point of view the Russian threat to DNIEPROPETROVSK is probably the most serious aspect at present but there are no indications as to how the situation here is likely to develop in the near future. 3. AIR OPERATIONS WESTERN FRONT . All operations were severely curtailed by bad weather. Bomber command could operate on only two nights. Coastal command continued their attacks on enemy vessels. About 10,5OO tons of shipping is thought to have been hit. LIBYA . Heavy attacks on enemy motor transport were made throughout the period, by our fighters and bombers by daylight and by bombers at %night. 81 tons of bombs were dropped in three nights and on one of them every available aircraft was used. Enemy activity by day was negligible. It is estimated that 24,000 tons of enemy shipping in the MEDITERANEAN was sunk or seriously damaged during the week, chiefly by naval torpedo aircraft. MALTA . Enemy attacks by day and night were constant, the former being the more severe and destructive. Enemy bombers on daylight raids were strongly escorted by fighters and directed their attacks on our aerodromes, two of which remained water-logged and umserviceable. |