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December 18th, 1942

UNITED KINGDOM: Destroyer HMS Brecon commissioned. (Dave Shirlaw)

GERMANY:
U-361 commissioned.

U-1000 laid down.

U-540 launched. (Dave Shirlaw)

LIBYA: The German rearguard stops to fight at Nogilia then moves on.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA: Whilst screening Force H, destroyer HMS Partridge is attacked and sunk by U-565 (Kapitanleutnant Wilhelm Franken) 50 miles West of Oran at 35 50N 01 35E. HMS Penn rescues 173 survivors. (Alex Gordon)(108)

NEW GUINEA: The Allies capture Cape Endiadere, east of Buna. The Australians use tanks with good effect in the advance. They also attack Japanese positions at Napapo and Sanananda.

AUSTRALIA: Minesweeper HMAS Wagga commissioned. (Dave Shirlaw)

GUADALCANAL: US infantry meet stiff Japanese resistance at Mount Austen.

CANADA: Minesweepers HMS MMS 1050, 1051, 1052, 1053, 1054, 1055, 1056, 1057, 1058, 1059, 1060, 1061 ordered in Canada. (Dave Shirlaw)

U.S.A.: [Msg, WD to Eisenhower OPD Msg files, CM-OUT 6349] Following message under date of December 15 furnished you from the President:
“I am today appointing Mr. Murphy to be my personal representative in North Africa with the rank of Minister. He will continue on General Eisenhower’s staff in his present capacity as Civil Affairs Officer until such a time as consultation with the War Department suggests a change.”

Destroyer escort USS Harold C Thomas launched. (Dave Shirlaw)

ATLANTIC OCEAN:
U-563 sank SS Bretwalda in Convoy MKS-3Y.

U-621 sank SS Oropos in Convoy ONS-152. (Dave Shirlaw)