http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1943/jan1943/f10jan43.htm
Americans Attacking on Guadalcanal
Sunday, January 10, 1943 www.onwar.com
Japanese troops commit suicide to avoid capture [photo at link]
In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, an new American offensive begins with heavy air and artillery bombardment. The Japanese-held Gifu strongpoint is attacked by the US 35th Infantry Regiment. The Americans have over 50,000 troops on the island; the Japanese have less than 15,000 ill-supplied troops defending. During the night eight Japanese destroyers attempt to deliver supplies. One of the destroyers is damaged by American PT boats.
On the Eastern Front... The Red Army launches an offensive aimed at reducing the Stalingrad pocket. The Soviet 62nd and 64th Armies to the east and southeast are notably under strength. The main forces engaged in the offensive are the Soviet 65th and 22nd Armies to the west. Forces of the German 6th Army are forced to retreat.
In New Guinea... American forces achieve limited gains toward Sanananda and near Tarakena.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andrew.etherington/frame.htm
January 10th, 1943
UNITED KINGDOM: Minesweeper HMS Gazelle launched. (Dave Shirlaw)
U.S.S.R.: Another Soviet offensive begins around Stalingrad. The main effort is by the 65th and 21st Army to the west of Stalingrad. After the initial heavy artillery barrage the attack begins and the Germans are soon in retreat.
SOLOMON ISLANDS: 2nd Btn 35th Infantry begins 5 days of patrolling the area of the Gifu on Mount Austen on Guadalcanal. Having relieved the 132nd Infantry yesterday, the plan by General Patch is that this one fresh battalion will be able to accomplish his goal of eliminating this Japanese position.
The 1st Btn 27th Regiment mission to to advance (up the forelegs) to the top of Hill 57 in the Galloping Horse feature on Guadalcanal. Beginning at 0550 92.5 tons of artillery rounds are shot at a “waterhole” between the 1/27 and Hill 57. Japanese troops have been reported here. Followed by 12 500 pound bombs and 36 325 pound depth charges, courtesy of the Cactus Airforce the attack steps off at 0730. Other army and marine units guard the flanks and the mission is accomplished by 1140 hours. Meanwhile 3/27 steps off to advance up the hindlegs to the body (Hill 52) of the horse. After a tough fight, with air support required, they reach the crest of this ridge about 1630.
PORTUGESE TIMOR: The destroyer HMAS Arunta crosses the Timor Sea to lift off the last 282 Australians of Sparrow Force, along with twenty Portugese and eleven women and children. (William L. Howard)(188, 189, 190, 191)
SOUTH PACIFIC: The US submarine Argonaut (SS-166), commanded by John R. Pierce, is sunk by destroyers HIJMS ISOKAZE and MAIKAZE while escorting a convoy south of St. George’s Channel, south east of New Britain All 105 officers and men are lost. (Joe Sauder and Dave Shirlaw)
CANADA: HMCS Surf paid off. Constructive total loss after grounding on Vancouver Island. Only Fisherman’s Reserve vessel lost in the war. Sold Sidney British Columbia. (Dave Shirlaw)
U.S.A.:
Destroyers USS Wadsworth, McCord, Killen and Howorth launched. (Dave Shirlaw)
Destroyer escort USS Pillsbury launched.
Destroyer escorts USS Seid, Smartt, Walter S Brown, William C Miller laid down.
Submarine USS Pogy commissioned.
(Dave Shirlaw)