On the Eastern Front... In the Caucasus, the German advances are slowing, but they have almost reached Ordzhonikidze.

In the Solomon Islands... Admiral Tanaka takes command of the "Toyko Express," the destroyer flotilla supplying Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.

From Gibraltar... American General Eisenhower arrives to set up his headquarters for Operation Torch, the invasion of French North Africa. American General Doolittle and British Air Marshall Welsh will command the air forces. British General Anderson will lead the British 1st Army which comprises the main ground force.

On Madagascar... The Vichy French forces ask for an armistice.

In New Guinea... The Australians attack Oivi. The Japanese decided to fight a rear guard action here to enable the rest of their forces to retire across the Kumusi River.