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The strength of the German forces is still estimated to be two armoured divisions and two infantry regiments of another division which is not armoured.

Far East.

30. Japanese military preparations during the past week have been chiefly in French Indo-China. When these preparations began about the middle of October, it appeared that they were directed against Kunming on the Burma Road, and that the Japanese intended to form a large concentration in Tongking (North Indo-China). Approximately 50,000 troops were landed at Haiphong, but the bulk of these have now left for Southern Indo-China. It is apparent that the main concentration is in the south directed against Thailand. In addition to these movements, there are also indications that the Japanese may intend reducing their northern concentration against Russia and move some of these troops south.

31. The estimated distribution of Japanese forces in the south is now as follows:-

Formosa 2 Divisions.

Hainan 1 Division.

Canton 3 Divisions.

:

Swatow: 1 Ind. Mxd. Bde.

French Indo-China-

North 1 Division.

South 3 Divisions.

1 Tank Regiment.

Total: 10 Divisions.

1 Ind. Mxd. Bde. 1 Tank Regiment.

General Review.

32.

AIR SITUATION.

Bad weather at Home and on the Continent caused a marked decline in our activity and also that of the enemy.

In Libya persistent day and night attacks have been made on enemy aerodromes and supplies; armoured fighting vehicles and motor transport have been attacked.

Germany and Occupied Territory.

Day.

33. No operations were carried out by aircraft of Bomber Command. Offensive sorties by fighters were restricted to 259 compared with 633 last week. Attacks on shipping are reported under "Coastal Operations."

On the 15th and 17th, a series of operations by Spitfires, Whirlwinds and Hurricane bombers were directed against oil refineries and alcohol distilleries in North-West France and the Cherbourg Peninsula. Buildings and oil con- tainers at Dieppe, Bricquebec, Cerences, La Meauffe, Bourbourg and St. Lo were successfully attacked and, in addition, our aircraft destroyed a railway locomotive and registered hits on a train, on several gun-posts and on a number of German troops. In these operations we lost five Spitfires.

34. On the 18th, similar operations in the Le Touquet area were hampered by thick cloud, but, without loss to themselves, our fighters destroyed in combat one enemy fighter, probably destroyed five more and damaged a further four.

Night.

35. Owing to the weather, all Bomber Command operations were cancelled on five nights. On the 15th/16th, 110 aircraft were despatched, principally against Emden and Kiel. On the 18th/19th, six Stirlings operated against Brest. Totals of 93 tons of H.E. bombs and 2,490 incendiaries were dropped.

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