December 8–10, 1941
Landings begin in Malaya
Japanese forces land at Kota Bharu and in southern Thailand, then turn onto parallel routes down the peninsula. Japanese air superiority develops quickly; on December 10 land-based aircraft sink Prince of Wales and Repulse, removing the intended naval deterrent.
WHAT TO NOTICESingapore's battle begins hundreds of miles north of the island, with air and sea losses shaping the retreat.