March 1-7
Sea War, Far East
Two Japanese task forces, including four aircraft carriers, inflict serious losses on Allied shipping while sailing to Java in the Dutch East Indies. The Japanese surround the Allies and sink nine warships and 10 merchant vessels with close-range fire.

March 2
Politics, Australia
All Australian adult civilians become liable for war service.

March 3
Air War, Germany
The British Lancaster bomber undertakes its first operation by dropping mines in the Heligoland Bight in the North Sea.

March 5
Politics, Britain
General Sir Alan Brooke replaces Admiral Sir Dudley Pound as chairman of the Chiefs-of-Staff Committee responsible for the daily running of the war and future planning. Britain also extends conscription to men aged 41-45.

March 5-7
Far East, Burma
Lieutenant General Sir Harold Alexander replaces Lieutenant General Thomas Hutton as British commander in Burma. Two British divisions have been trying to resist Japanese advances toward Rangoon. Its port is the main point of entry for British supplies and troops. Alexander, however, evacuates Rangoon after realizing his dispersed forces cannot hold it. He himself narrowly escapes before the Japanese seize it on the 7th.

Japanese troops pass a destroyed railroad bridge as they enter Burma from neighboring Thailand

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