http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1942/sep42/f23sep42.htm
Australians attacking in New Guinea
Wednesday, September 23, 1942 www.onwar.com
Australian Stuart tanks in New Guinea [photo at link]
In New Guinea... The Australians go on the offensive as more American reinforcements arrive at Port Moresby. The Australian Commander in Chief, General Blamey, takes personal charge. His orders from General Douglas MacArthur are to intensify and invigorate the campaign.
On Madagascar... The British advance and capture the capital city, Tamatave.
In North Africa... German General Rommel flies home to Germany for medical treatment. In his absence, General Stumme takes command, with General Von Thoma leading the armor. As a result of the deaths of many officers in the recent months of fighting, replacement officers, some from the Eastern Front have been brought in. The new officers do not fit in well with the established camaraderie in the Afrika Korps.
On the Eastern Front... In Stalingrad, the besieged Soviets, under General Chuikov mount a minor offensive campaign near Orlovka. The attack makes some progress with very heavy fighting.