5 January 1942 Percival, Heath and Bennett meet with senior staff officers in Segamat. HMAS Vampire assists with escort duties of merchant ships through the Banka and Sunda Straits. 6 January 1942 General Sir Archibald Wavell decides to inspect the Malayan battlefront. After heavy fightingat the Slim River area, the Argyll and Southern Highlanders retreat. The Slim River bridge is taken by the Japanese.
Brigades suffer heavy casualties.
After heavy fighting about 32,000 troops surrender. 8 January 1942 Heath recieves orders to withdraw his forces from Buta Caves to Johore. Westforce is established under the command of Major General Bennett. The Gurkha position to the north of Kuala Lumpur is attacked by the Japanese. There are many casualties.