http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1941/dec41/f28dec41.htm
Retreating Axis counterattack
Sunday, December 28, 1941 www.onwar.com
British Crusader tank in north AfricaIn North Africa... The British 22nd Armoured Brigade take heavy losses as Rommel’s retreating forces turn and counterattack. The Germans however, continue to withdraw.
On the Eastern Front... German attacks on Sevastopol led by the 22nd and 24th Division make gains in the Fort Stalin area. Germans announce they will soon take the city.
In the Philippines... American and allied troops continue to fall back. They are now at the Tarlac-Cabanatuan line. Japanese attacks continue.
In Malaya... British forces are retreating in the wake of the Japan advance to Ipoh.
In Burma... General Hutton is appointed to command the British forces in Burma.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andrew.etherington/month/thismonth/28.htm
December 28th, 1941
UNITED KINGDOM:
Corvette HMS Oxlip commissioned.
Submarine HMS Templar laid down. (Dave Shirlaw)
U.S.S.R.: The Germans make some gains in the Fort Stalin area during their attacks on Sevastopol with the 22nd and 24th Divisions.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA:
U-75 sunk in the Mediterranean near Mersa Matruh, in position 31.50N, 26.40E, by depth charges from destroyer HMS Kipling. 14 dead and 30 survivors. U-75 sank SS Volo earlier in this action.
U-83 attacked by an escort in the Mediterranean that damaged her so severely that she was forced to return to base. (Dave Shirlaw)
NORTH AFRICA: The British 22nd Armoured Brigade takes severe loses when the Germans stop their retreat to counterattack.
COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES: US forces on Luzon are under attack on the line Tarlac-Cabanatuan.
MALAYA: The Japanese are attacking British forces as they withdraw from Ipoh toward Kampar and the River Slim.
BURMA: General Hutton is now in command of British forces.
AUSTRALIA: Convoy ZK.5 consisting of the transports AQUITANIA, SARPEDON and HERSTEIN carrying 4,250 Australian troops and 10,000 tons of equipment departs Sydney for Port Moresby in Papua escorted by three cruisers HMAS CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, PERTH and HMNZS ACHILLES. This is the first substantial build up of Allied forces in New Guinea. (Peter Beeston)
CANADA:
Corvette HMCS Calgary arrived Halifax from builder Sorel, Province of Quebec.
Corvette HMCS Rosthern returned to Halifax from refit on the Clyde. (Dave Shirlaw)
U.S.A.:
159 Message of Support to the Philippines
December 28, 1941
The People of the COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES:
News of your gallant struggle against the Japanese aggressor has elicited the profound admiration of every American. As President of the United States, I know that I speak for all our people on this solemn occasion.
The resources of the United States, of the British Empire, of the Netherlands East Indies, and of the Chinese Republic have been dedicated by their people to the utter and complete defeat of the Japanese war lords. In this great struggle of the Pacific the loyal Americans of the Philippine Islands are called upon to play a crucial role.
They have played, and they are playing tonight, their part with the greatest gallantry.
As President I wish to express to them my feeling of sincere admiration for the fight they are now making.
The people of the United States will never forget what the people of the Philippine Islands are doing this day and will do in the days to come. I give to the people of the Philippines my solemn pledge that their freedom will be redeemed and their independence established and protected. The entire resources, in men and in material, of the United States stand behind that pledge.
It is not for me or for the people of this country to tell you where your duty lies. We are engaged in a great and common cause. I count on every Philippine man, woman, and child to do his duty. We will do ours.
(Tim Lanzendörfer and Marc James Small)
U.S.A.: Chief of Bureau of Yards and Docks requests that construction battalions be recruited. (Dave Shirlaw)