Map Description

History Map of WWII: Southeast Asia 1941/42

Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia) December 1941 - January 1942


Illustrating:

:: Map A ::

Malaya, 1941: Communications Net

British land and air dispositions 7 December 1941

British communications between units were often delayed by hours, rendering many warnings obsolete by the time they reached decision-makers.

The Japanese, by contrast, had developed an extensive intelligence network prior to the invasion, using local agents and sympathizers to gather detailed information about British dispositions, strengths, and movements.

:: Map B ::

Malaya, 1941: Topography

Japanese Centrifugal Offensive, December 1941 - January 1942

Twenty Fifth Army Operations in Malaya

The Twenty-Fifth Army (Japanese: 第25軍, Dai-Nijūgo Gun) of the Imperial Japanese Army was responsible for operations in Malaya and Singapore during the early stages of the Pacific War in 1941–1942.

Commanded by General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the 25th Army launched its invasion of Malaya on 8 December 1941, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor (due to the International Date Line, the attacks occurred almost simultaneously).

This campaign included the rapid advance down the Malay Peninsula, using bicycles and light infantry tactics through jungle terrain, which surprised and overwhelmed British and Commonwealth forces.

The campaign culminated in the Battle of Singapore, ending on February 15, 1942 with one of the greatest defeats in British military history. About 80,000 British, Indian, and Australian troops became prisoners of war.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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