Gaining Time at Baliuag PTO (id:#66818)

(Franc-Tireur #16 ID: FT329)   [next]   [previous]

Baliug, North of Manila, Philipinnes 1941-12-31 (7 others)

Overview:

General Stevens' efforts to halt the withdrawal of the 71 st Infantry Division's elements proved futile. By 1500 the main body of General Sonoda's mechanized force was standing in front of Baliuag and it was perfectly evident that the Japanese were massing for an attack. Deeply concerned over the effect of an attack on the untried 71 st Infantry, Captain Jones ordered two platoons of Company C, 192nd Tank Battalion, to cross the river and attack the enemy concentration at the east end of Baliuag. The tanks were to be supported by about a half dozen of Colonel Babcock's 75mm SPMs which were to fire on Baliuag and its northern approaches when the tanks broke off the attack. After a hasty reconnaissance, Babcock placed his guns on the dry, baked fields a few thousand yards west of Baliuag and sent a forward observer to a position 500 yards west of the town. For communications with the tanks, Babcock utilized a radio-equipped scout car from Company C.

Defender: Japanese (48th Infantry Division with 7th Tank Regiment)  

Errata (source)