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8 December 1941

CANOPUS at anchor 1000 yards east of Cavite entrance buoy. Loading ship with ammunition and stores after Navy Yard overhaul.

0335 Received notice by dispatch that Japan had commenced hostilities.

1231 Sighted 9 aircraft over Manila Bay and identified as P-40’s. Noted mine sweepers firing at these planes but no damage seen. Submarines achored nearby got underway and stood out into bay.

Stripped ship during the day. Heard reports Clark Field had been attacked at noon. General blackout of vicinity at night.