lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996 
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 9, 2019 14:06:01 GMT
Day 190 of World War II, March 9th 1940
Battle of the Atlantic
U-14 (Oberleutnant zur See Herbert Wohlfarth) has a big day.
First, at 05:42 U-14 torpedoes and sinks 1,097-ton British freighter SS Borthwick north of Zeebrugge. All 21 aboard survive. Next, U-14 torpedoes SS Abbotsford at 11:30. The freighter does not sink, and 643 ton SS Akeld turns around to assist. U-14 then puts a torpedo into the Akeld, which sinks. U-14 then turns back to the 1,585 ton Abbotsford and puts a second torpedo into it, sinking it. All crewmen are lost on both ships, 19 on the Abbotsford and 12 on the Akeld.
U-38 (Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Liebe) spots a fleet (6 ships) of neutral Irish trawlers in the Donegal Bay fishing grounds. It should not attack at all, because the trawlers have their lights on, indicating neutrality. However, U-38 surfaces and fires a warning shot anyway - which hits the trawler Leukos. The Leukos sinks and all 11 aboard perish.
U-28 (Kapitänleutnant Günter Kuhnke) sinks 4,979 ton Greek freighter P. Margaronis 125 miles west of Brest, France. All 30 crew perish.
British freighter Chevychase hits a mine and sinks.
Royal Navy destroyer HMS Kelly (Lord Mountbatten) collides with destroyer HMS Gurkha, damaging the Kelly.
The Kriegsmarine conducts minelaying operations.
The British commission two minesweeping trawlers, HMS Hazel (W. E. Coggin) and HMS Juniper (Lt. Commander G. S. Grenfell).
The British at Gibraltar detain US freighter Exmoor.
Convoy OB 105 departs from Liverpool, Convoy HG 22F departs from Gibraltar, and Convoy SL 23F departs from Freetown, and Convoy HX 26 departs from Halifax.
Anglo/Italian Relations
The British authorities release the 13 Italian coal ships that they have been holding near Kent. However, they warn the Italians that they must find an overland source of supply. The timing is interesting because it comes on the eve of a visit to Rome by Nazi Foreign Minister Ribbentrop. This resolves the "Coal Ships Affair."
German Military
Admiral Raeder, who is the de facto head of the proposed invasion of Denmark and Norway, cautions Hitler that the British and French may occupy Norway at the earliest opportunity. They will use assistance to the Finns, he cautions, to seize strategic positions throughout Scandinavia. Thus, Operation Weserubung should be executed at the earliest opportunity.
Canadian Military
In a pungent show of team spirit, Canadian soldiers who left their hockey team to serve their country with the BEF don their Toronto Maple Leafs team jerseys while training in England.
British Homefront
The UK press, which has a mind of its own, accuses US industry of war profiteering. Ambassador to the Court of St. James Joseph Kennedy replies, "We're not playing Shylock, getting rich off misery." He also rather pointedly adds, "America's desire to stay out of this war is getting stronger."
German occupied Poland
Polish Jews from Lodz who have been forced to move into the Jewish Ghetto find conditions there deplorable: "A refuse dump choked with rats. A stinking toilet full of melting snow. A leaking roof. 1 little room for 7 people," says Irena Liebman.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 10, 2019 19:04:28 GMT
Day 191 of World War II, March 10th 1940From World War II Realtime Instagram AccountGerman Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop meets Italian leader Benito Mussolini to discuss Italy’s participation in the war with France. In these talks, Italy promises to join Germany in its war with France, but only when military preparations are finished. German and Italian relations had suffered under the ‘war’ in Western Europe and the German-Soviet pact. Italy wanted to support the Finns against their fight against the Red Army, because in the eyes of the Fascists, Communism was the biggest enemy. However, the German pact made them hinder Italian efforts to fight the Soviets indirectly. Nevertheless, the Fascists were still aware that their main ally, in whatever war to come, would always be Germany. Mussolini is against neutrality and in favour of a pro-German, anti-allied economics program. These efforts are now crystallised in an outspoken promise of military help on the German side. A few days after these talks, the new Italian Chief of the Army Staff Graziani starts working on plans for a ‘parallel war’ in the Mediterranean with defensive preparations in the Alps and an offensive against Yugoslavia. Later would be decided: ‘if Germany would attack France, Italy could not avoid the war but should join ‘as late as possible’ in order to allow time for maximum military preparation.’ Photo: Ribbentrop meets with Mussolini.  Battle of the Atlantic
The British commission another minesweeping trawler, the HMS Elm (J. Hutchinson). The British at Gibraltar detain US freighters Explorer, Exchester, and West Cohas, but release them all the same day. Convoy OA 107 departs from Southend. Air War over EuropeThe RAF conducts reconnaissance over Vienna and Prague. US Government
Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles, having consulted with Mussolini, Hitler, and Daladier, arrives in London. Welles meets with Lord Halifax and contends that the UK must "disarm" Germany. The British see this as hopelessly naive and believe that Germany remains a threat regardless of whether it is "disarmed." British Homefront
Sir Oswald Mosley, founder of the British Union of Fascists, calls for the deportation of British Jews.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 11, 2019 18:55:44 GMT
Day 192 of World War II, March 11th 1940
Battle of the Atlantic
U-31 (Kapitänleutnant Johannes Habekost) is undergoing sea trials at Jadebusen (Jade Bay) near the Wilhelmshaven naval base when the RAF takes it by surprise. RAF Bristol Blenheim Bombers of No. 82 Squadron drop 4 anti-submarine bombs on it. Two of them hit and sink U-31 at Schilling Roads, northwest Germany, near Borkum. Not only are all 58 crew lost, but also 10 dock workers putting finishing touches on U-31. It is the first solo sinking of a U-boat by the RAF. U-31 sinks in shallow waters and the Germans immediately think about raising it.
U-28 (Kapitänleutnant Günter Kuhnke) torpedoes and sinks 6,236-ton Dutch tanker Eulota about 120 miles west of Quessant. All 42 on board survive. The Eulota breaks in two but, incredibly, does not sink. The crew reboards until spotted by British destroyers HMS Broke and Wild Swan, who rescue the crew (42 survive) and then sink the flaming remnants of the tanker.
French battleship Bretagne sails from Toulon for Canada carrying 2,379 gold bars, accompanied by cruiser Algérie.
Kriegsmarine commerce raiders Schiff 16-Atlantis, Schiff 21-Widder, and Schiff 36-Orion set sail through the Kaiser-Wilhelm canal into the North Sea.
U-101 (Kapitänleutnant Fritz Frauenheim) is commissioned.
US freighter Exmoor is released from detention at Gibraltar.
Convoy OA 108GF departs Southend, Convoy OB 107 departs Liverpool, Convoy OG 21 forms at Gibraltar.
Air War over Europe
During the attack on U-31 at Schilling Roads, the Bristol Blenheim bombers press their attack so low that they are damaged by the bomb explosions. Squadron Leader Miles Villiers 'Paddy' Delap is (subsequently) awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions.
A dogfight between French and Luftwaffe fighters results in one French fighter lost.
US Government
Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles meets with the King, PM Chamberlain, and Lord Halifax. King George VI has tea with the American and emphasizes that he desires no peace without the complete destruction of the Nazi regime. Chamberlain merely restates his position from his 24 February 1940 speech. Welles continues to push his vague idea of mutual disarmament.
The US government lifts its arms embargo sufficiently to permit the British to purchase Curtiss P40 Warhawk fighter planes, which is the beginning of the tilt of the US government in favor of the British.
British/Norwegian Relations
The British and Norwegians sign a trade deal. Trade deals are an almost infallible sign of how a neutral country is leaning.
German/Italian Relations
German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop continues his visit to Rome with visits to the King of Italy and the Pope. He concludes his visit with a meeting with Count Ciano, promoting the "shared destiny of fascist nations," and then with Mussolini interpreter Dr. Schmidt (who describes Ribbentrop's speaking style as "flatulent"), and then returns to Berlin after an open car ride - Hitler-style - through cheering Roman crowds with Ciano.
British Homefront
Meat rationing begins. The rule is 1s 10d (9 pence) per meat per person per week. Poultry, game, offal, sausage, and pies are not rationed. The ration amount works out to 1 pound of joint of lamb or beef. Restaurants are not rationed. The public is encouraged to grow its own food, but it is difficult to grow a cow in your garden.
The highlands of Scotland after today are officially off-limits to non-authorized personnel due to the presence of British naval bases.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 12, 2019 17:15:05 GMT
Day 193 of World War II, March 12th 1940
Battle of the Atlantic
Having been forced to abandon the key naval base at Scapa Flow due to the sinking of the Royal Oak, the British Home Fleet finally returns from temporary quarters at Rosyth and Loch Ewe. The harbor anti-aircraft defenses have been improved, the netting at the harbor entrances extended, and access to the entire region restricted to authorized personnel only.
British freighter Gardenia hits a mine and sinks.
The Kriegsmarine commissions U-99.
Convoy OB 108 departs from Liverpool, Convoy HG 22 departs from Gibraltar.
Air War over Europe
Luftwaffe Heinkel He-111s make attacks along the English east coast, without result.
US Government
Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles, having met Mussolini, Hitler, Chamberlain and Daladier, now meets with First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill. Churchill is in fine form, sitting by the fire smoking a 24-inch cigar, downing whiskey and soda. As Welles recounts later, "It was quite obvious that he had consumed a good many whiskeys before I arrived," and he exhibited "a cascade of oratory, brilliant and always effective, interlarded with considerable wit."
Republican primaries begin in New Hampshire. President Roosevelt still has not made a firm statement about whether he will pursue a third term.
China
At the Battle of South Kwangsi, the Chinese 46th Army attacks the key Japanese base from the east.
German occupied Poland
The Germans ship Jews from Stettin in boxcars to Lublin. The victims are forced to march for 18 hours through a blizzard carrying all of their possessions. There are 72 deaths out of the thousand people.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 13, 2019 15:31:22 GMT
Day 194 of World War II, March 13th 1940With the Winter War having ended all matters related to Finland will be posted in the World War II in real time. From World War II Realtime Instagram Accountnewspapers, politicians, and generals from all sides are reacting to the peace treaty which ended the Winter War. The official German and Soviet newspapers are both jubilant. Pravda, the official newspaper of the USSR’s Communist Party, tells readers that the safety of Leningrad is now secure and that the plans of “Anglo-French imperialists”, who had encouraged Finland to fight in order to ignite a European war, had failed. Likewise, an official Nazi newspaper has jeered at British and French leaders and their attempt to extend the war into Northern Europe. In Britain, The Times newspaper declares that while the Finns have lost the battle, “they have won imperishable fame” for their bravery. Politicians in the House of Commons and House of Lords are also paying their respects. In France, a major newspaper is declaring that Finland’s surrender is a defeat for all the Allies because Germany and the USSR now have access to valuable natural resources. Back in Finland, the government praises the heroism of its nation and implies that blame for their defeat lies partly in the inaction of Norway and Sweden. This spirit of national pride is best summed up by Field-Marshall Mannerheim. In his last order of the day, he says to his men: “I have fought on many battlefields, but never have I seen your like as warriors. I am proud of you as though you were my own children.” Battle of the Atlantic
U-44 (Korvettenkapitän Ludwig Mathes), a successful boat with 8 merchant sinkings of 30,885 tons, hits a mine in Minefield No. 7 in the North Sea and sinks. All 47 crew perish. Date and cause are guesses, this may have occurred later from other causes. German freighter La Coruna is scuttled by its crew when spotted by Royal Navy armed merchant cruiser Maloja south of Iceland. Convoy OA 109 departs from Southend, Convoy OB 109 departs from Liverpool, Convoy OG 22F departs from Gibraltar, and Convoy HX 27 departs from Halifax. German/Italian Relations
The two countries arrange for overland delivery of coal supplies to Italy, as supplies by sea have been disrupted by the Coal Ships Affair of previous days. US Government
Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles leaves London for Rome. The New York Herald Tribune publishes a scathing editorial castigating the United States Congress for not supporting the Finns when it mattered. US Navy
The Fleet Marine Force concludes its Fleet Landing Exercise (FLEX) No. 6 at Culebra, Puerto Rico. The exercise is useful in developing techniques for rubber-boat landings and ship-to-shore communications. Terrorism
An Indian nationalist assassinates Sir Michael O'Dwyer, the former governor of Punjab.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 14, 2019 19:54:09 GMT
Day 195 of World War II, March 14th 1940Winter War, the AftermathThe terms must be implemented beginning on 14 March 1940. The Finnish government begins evacuating 410,000 citizens from areas being ceded to the Soviet Union in Karelia. Many evacuees burn their homes, villages and other property. The Finns also evacuate Viipuri. Photo of Viipuri Castle on fire just after the cease fire which ended the Winter War is declared at 11.00. The tower still flies the Finnish flag, which was lowered at 14.00 that day.  The Finnish negotiators return to Helsinki with the signed Moscow Peace Treaty. The Finnish Parliament begins debating ratification. Lord Halifax requests return of British war matériel from the Finns. Finnish ambassador to the Court of St. James G.A. Gripenberg refuses, stating that Finland properly bought it. UK General Pownall notes the cynical nature of the "aid" being offered to the Finns: "Of 4 or 5 division that were to be sent, not 1 was meant for Finland- maybe a brigade or 2. A most dishonest business" Finnish sniper Simo Hayha awakens from a coma after being shot and learns that the war is over. The Soviet rank and file are frustrated and angry at the war and its outcome. They are in no mood to celebrate. One Soviet soldier, Lt. Viktor Iskrov: "Finns walked out of their trenches with vodka bottles, shouting: 'Russkies, come drink with us!' But we just sat in our trench." The New York Times contributes to the vitriol being launched at the Allied powers for the Finnish capitulation: "Once again a small nation relied on the help of the Western powers and paid dearly for her trust." Battle of the Atlantic
Convoy SL 24 departs from Freetown. Air War over Europe
Three Heinkel 111s attack three fishing trawlers in the North Sea but fail to sink them. Polish Government-in-exile
The Poles publish a white paper that appears designed to cause dissension within the Axis. Among other tidbits, it reveals a 1935 discussion by Hermann Goering with Polish leader (at the time) Marshal Pilsudski in which Goering suggested a joint invasion of Ukraine. The Poles further claim they emphatically rejected the idea. AustraliaPrime Minister Menzies forms a new coalition cabinet. CanadaThe government establishes an "Inventions Board" to process "secret weapons" suggestions from the public. Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers to contribute £100,000 to London for the construction of two minesweepers and four harbor defense boats. ChinaIn the continuing Battle of South Kwangsi, the Japanese 22nd Army counterattacks against the Chinese advancing on Nanning from the Yangshuo area. German Homefront
No economy is too petty to be considered. The government urges the country's tea drinkers to save their used tea for recycling into artificial coffee. Economic Czar Hermann Goering decrees that all items made of copper, bronze, nickel and other useful metals be surrendered to the war effort. The pretext is to donate them as a gift to Hitler for his 51st birthday.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 15, 2019 17:23:21 GMT
Day 196 of World War II, March 15th 1940
Winter War, the Aftermath
The Finnish Diet ratifies the Moscow Peace Treaty 145-3 (52 abstentions) after Prime Minister Risto Ryti states:
Finland, as well as the whole of Western civilization, is still in the greatest danger, and no one can say what tomorrow may bring. We believe that by choosing peace we have acted in the best way for the moment.
The Soviet troops receive a different message:
The mighty force of the Red Army has again secured safety and a lasting peace!
Battle of the Atlantic
British aircraft carrier HMS Eagle suffers damage near the Nicobar Islands when a stowed 250 lb. aircraft bomb accidentally explodes. There are 14 deaths, 3 injured. The aircraft carrier needs minor repairs.
British freighter Melrose hits a mine and sinks off Dunkirk.
British freighter Peridot hits a mine and sinks off Dover.
Royal Navy armed merchant cruiser Kanimbla, a converted Australian passenger ships, is operating in the Sea of Japan. It captures two Soviet freighters, the Selenga and the Vladimir Mayakovsky (US copper), carrying ore to Germany. The captured ships are taken to Saigon in French Indochina via Hong Kong.
Convoy OA 110G departs from Southend.
Air War over europe
The RAF drops leaflets over Warsaw after dark. In an odd interlude during the Phony War, one of the Whitleys lands by mistake in a field behind the Siegfried Line. The startled inhabitants not only do not call the authorities, they chat with the British airmen and refuel their plane. They take off again before the authorities arrive amidst some small-arms fire.
Military Intelligence
Alan Turing's Government Code and Cypher School group at Bletchley Park makes a giant stride in reading German codes. Its first working Bombe, the "Victory," is completed at the British Tabulating Machine Company at Letchworth, Hertfordshire. The Bombe goes operational and begins reading some German codes in virtually real time.
Terrorism
Indian nationalist Udham Singh is charged with the assassination of Sir Michael O'Dwyer, colonial ex-governor of Punjab.
US Government
Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles returns to Rome.
Middle East
Turkish and French commands hold a conference at Aleppo.
German occupied Czechoslovakia
There is unrest on the first anniversary of the German takeover. The SS imposes harsh discipline with numerous arrests.
Romania
The government grants an amnesty for the fascist Iron Guard ("Greenshirts"), outlawed since the 21 September 1939 assassination of Prime Minister Calinescu. The 800 released from prison must swear an oath of allegiance to King Carol II. This is a key moment in the gradual shift of the country's allegiance away from the Western Allies due to their ineffectiveness on the Continent.
Australia
The new Chief of the General Staff is Sir Cyril Brudenell White. He had held the same position from 1920-1923 and is recalled to service and promoted to General to take this position, which became available when his predecessor Lieutenant-General Ernest Squires unexpected passed away.
China
At the Battle of South Kwangsi, the Japanese 22nd Army captures Yung-shun east of Nanning.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 16, 2019 15:24:39 GMT
Day 197 of World War II, March 16th 1940
Battle of the Atlantic
British trawler HMS Maide strikes a mine and sinks. Six, including the commanding officer, lost.
The 4,512-ton Yugoslavian freighter Slava hits a mine in the Bristol Channel and sinks. There is one fatality, 33 survive. The mine was laid by U-29 on 2 March 1940.
Convoy OA 111 departs Southend, Convoy OB 110 departs Liverpool, Convoy OB 111 also departs Liverpool.
Air War over Europe
The Royal having recently returned to Scapa Flow, on 16 March 1940 the Luftwaffe decides to give it a welcoming home party. The heavy cruiser Norfolk is damaged during the attack by 32 Junkers Ju 88 bombers of KG 30. The bomb penetrated three decks before exploding, piercing the water line and killing 6 crew. The Norfolk will have to go to the Clyde for repairs but is still seaworthy.
There are 7 RN and 8 civilian casualties in a nearby village, the Bridge of Waithe, hit apparently by accident when a bomber fleeing the vicinity releases its bombs there to aid its escape. The raid is historic because it includes the first British civilian fatality of the war. The Luftwaffe loses either one or two aircraft (sources vary). The unlucky civilian is James Isbister, aged 27.
Luftwaffe Major Fritz Doensch, who was on the mission, comments: "It was a long flight, but we're used to that. 1 radio operator had a harmonica to keep us cheerful."
During the night, British reconnaissance planes operated over Poland and over the Heligoland Bight. RAF planes also stage a raid on Borkum in the Frisian Islands.
German Military
Hitler holds a conference involving senior Wehrmacht leaders.
A new decree establishes brothels for the troops - under medical supervision. The ostensible purpose is "to protect Wehrmacht members against health dangers." Jewish prostitutes are banned, but other working girls can avoid any police hassles by helping out the boys in uniform.
Argentina
The government transfers the Admiral Graf Spee crew to the interior and forbids them from wearing their uniforms.
Panama
The President of Panama, Augusto S. Boyd, lodges an official protest with the Court of St. James for aggressive British actions within the Latin American neutrality zone off the coast of Brazil. The incident involved the Wakama on 12 February 1940.
US Government
Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles is back in Rome, conferring again with the King, Mussolini, and Ciano after his visits to Berlin, Paris, and London. At this point, he appears to be acting as a mediator, which may make certain parties in other capitals uncomfortable. In any event, he is not accomplishing anything if that is his agenda.
British Home Front
The Admiralty offers cash prizes for information about enemy naval activities.
China
The Japanese attack the Chinese New 4th Division west of Linhe. While they are occupied there, the Chinese 35th Army of the 8th War Area moves east along the Wu-chia River toward Wuyuan. This is the opening of the Battle of Wuyuan.
In the continuing Battle of South Kwangsi, the 22nd Army captures Chiuchow and Luwu.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 17, 2019 19:08:56 GMT
Day 198 of World War II, March 17th 1940
Winter War, the Aftermath
The last Finnish civilians evacuate Viipuri. A Finnish officer comments, "All belongings being hastily taken away to deprive Russians, who occupy city tomorrow."
Battle of the Atlantic
Shipping losses during the week ended 17 March are:
-3 British ships.
- 1 French ship.
- 3 Neutral ships.
- 3 German ships.
U-38 (Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Liebe) torpedoes and s5,375-ton5 ton Danish freighter Argentina at 23:25 east of Unst, Shetlands in the North Sea. All 33 crew perish. The freighter is running with its lights on, indicating a neutral vessel, but U-38 fires two torpedoes at it anyway. Argentina takes only 10 minutes to sink after one hits.
The British Admiralty, reacting to the previous night's successful attack by Luftwaffe Ju-88 bombers on Scapa Flow, orders the Home Fleet to put to sea during the full-moon period of March 19-26. This, presumably, would be safer than waiting at anchor for an air attack.
Convoy HG 23F departs from Gibraltar.
Western Front
French soldier Jean-Paul Sartre, working as a meteorologist, comments: "The war machine is running in neutral; 1 man said to me, insane hope in his eyes: 'England will climb down.'"
German/Italian Relations
Hitler and Mussolini depart by trains from their respective capitals for a meeting at the Brenner Pass.
Italian/Romanian Relations
Italy announces that it will defend Romanian neutrality against attacks.
German Government
Hitler appoints Dr. Fritz Todt as the Reich Minister for Armaments and Munitions. Todt's workers are known as the Todt Organization (Organisation Todt). Todt means "death" in German, so this has a sinister ring to it, but it basically is nothing more than a national construction service. Todt has been the Inspector General of German Roadways since June 1933 and built his Organization Todt from the ground up to construct the Autobahns, one of Nazi Germany's great technical achievements. Todt's elevation in rank marks an acknowledgement that Organization Todt would be focusing henceforth on military and paramilitary projects of utmost national importance. It also illustrates the gradual re-orientation of the German economy from a peacetime to a wartime footing.
German Military
Admiral Raeder advises Hitler to invade Norway pursuant to Operation Weserubung no later than 15 April.
British Homefront
To aid the the war effort, ten thousand miners in Nottinghamshire agree to forego most of their holidays to increase coal production.
China
The battle of Wuyuan continues. The Japanese 22nd Army captures Lingshan.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 18, 2019 20:00:02 GMT
Day 199 of World War II, March 18th 1940
Battle of the Atlantic
Convoy OA 112 departs from Southend, Convoy OB 112 departs from Liverpool, Convoy OG 22 forms off Gibraltar, Convoy HX 28 departs from Halifax.
Air War over Europe
European KG 26 sends bombers over the North Sea on 18 March 1940, looking for targets. They find the Dutch trawler Protinus just off the Dutch coast, near Ijmuiden and bomb and strafe it. The Captain and first mate perish, and the remaining 10 crew abandon ship. They spend 6 days in the lifeboat, during which time two more crew perish, before being spotted by the British submarine HMS Unity.
A German plane crash-lands on the Danish Lolland Island. They are arrested after asking a farmer for food and interned.
German/Italian Relations
Adolf Hitler and Italian Premier Benito Mussolini meet for 2.5 hours at the Brenner Pass at the Austrian-Italian border to reaffirm their pact of Steel. In their first meeting since Munich, 1938, Mussolini makes vague promises to enter the war on the side of Germany "at an opportune moment", believing that Hitler is overoptimistic in his plans for dominance in Europe. Things will move faster than he thinks. From Rome came reports that Hitler had drawn up Eleven ‘Peace Points’ that Mr. Sumner Welles considered unacceptable, and that Mussolini arranged the Brenner meeting to get them modified.
British Government: Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir John Simon reports that the recent offering of 3% war bonds had been oversubscribed.
Former Prime Minister David Lloyd George, who knows all the major plays on both sides, takes a cynical attitude toward the current government: "Always too late. Too late for Czechoslovakia, for Poland, now for Finland. We never save them."
US Government
Sumner Welles meets the Pope. Pope Pius XII tells him that Italian public opinion is overwhelmingly against joining the war. However, he adds that if Italy were to join, there would be no rebellions for some time.
Norway
The Norwegian government lodges an official protest in Berlin regarding the recent German air attacks on Norwegian freighter Lysaker.
French Homefront
The French newspapers sharply question Prime Minister Daladier's failure to help Finland sufficiently before it capitulated.
British Homefront
Wartime austerity is wearing off, and women's fashions become elaborate and showy to match the improving mood. In London, a woman is fined £75 for "hoarding" after buying 140 weeks' ration of sugar. She drives away from court in a Rolls-Royce.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 19, 2019 16:02:29 GMT
Day 200 of World War II, March 19th 1940
Winter War, the Aftermath
The Finns release their most recent casualty figures for the war on 19 March 1940, stating that of 58,500 total casualties, 15,700 had been killed. These figure are subject to revision.
Battle of the Atlantic
The Admiralty calculates that up to March 13th 1940, the Royal Navy had escorted 12,816 ships in convoy, losing only 28 while under RN protection.
U-19 (Kapitänleutnant Joachim Schepke) is operating in the Moray Firth, Scotland. It torpedoes and sinks 1,229-ton Danish freighter Minsk at 22:21. There are 9 survivors, 11 perish.
U-19 quickly follows that success up at 22:37 by torpedoing and sinking the 1,026-ton Danish freighter Charkow. All 20 on board perish.
Destroyer HMS Jervis collides with Swedish freighter Tor northeast of Blyth at 03:00. The destroyer suffers heavy damage and 2 killed, 15 missing.
HMS Norfolk, seriously damaged in the 16 March raid on Scapa Flow, heads down to the Clyde under her own power for repairs.
Convoy OA 113GG departs from Southend, Convoy OB 113 departs from Liverpool.
Air War over Europe
The RAF mounts a major night raid composed of 50 bombers - 30 Whitleys and 20 Hampdens of 10 Squadron No.4 Group RAF Bomber Command - against the Germans' Sylt seaplane base. They attack the Hornum airbase at the island's southern end. This supposedly is in "retaliation" for the embarrassing 16 March 1940 raid on Scapa Flow. Little damage is caused to the German base, and the British lose a bomber. However, PM Chamberlain is able to make a dramatic announcement about it to the House of Commons while it is in progress, which goes a long way to saving his job.
It is the first (intentional) British air attack against an enemy land target. The lack of effectiveness forces some soul-searching about the RAF's conduct of operations and the accuracy of bombing. To the crews involved, however, the raid is a tonic: RAF Gunner Larry Donnelly states, "The atmosphere is charged with excitement that we're dropping bombs instead of bloody propaganda leaflets.”
As a footnote to the incident where a RAF bomber accidentally land in a German field and then took off again after the crew conversed with locals, one of them, German Albert Kartes, 17, is imprisoned for 2 years for "aiding the enemy."
Norway
The Norwegians file another official protest with Berlin regarding the air attack against Norwegian freighter Bott.
India
The All-India Nationalist Congress votes Mahatma Gandhi leader of its campaign to win independence from British rule. He threatens civil disobedience to achieve those aims.
British Government
Prime Minister Chamberlain makes a speech before the House of Commons explaining what went wrong in Finland. He explains that Great Britain and France were prepared to send a 100,000-man expeditionary force to Finland, but were unable to due to Norwegian and Swedish intransigence. The Allies had, he states, sent large quantities of arms, planes and munitions.
The MPs, especially Harold Macmillan, heavily criticize the conduct of operations. However, Chamberlain survives.
French Government
After Prime Minister Edouard Daladier calls for a vote of confidence, the French Chamber of Deputies casts a 239-1 vote in his favor. Because well over half of the 551 deputies abstain from voting, which Daladier recognizes as lack of confidence in him, Daladier resigns.
US Government
US Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles has one last meeting with Count Ciano before leaving Italy.
United States Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Canada James H.R. Cromwell, condemns Hitler and Naziism for openly destroying the social and economic order vital for western civilization. It is the first open attack on the German Reich by a US official. Furthermore, he states that the US should join the Allies, which earns him criticism from Isolationist politicians.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 20, 2019 16:38:21 GMT
Day 201 of World War II, March 20th 1940
Winter War, the Aftermath
The Soviet Navy occupies its new base at Hango in Southern Finland. Battle of the Atlantic
U-19 (Kapitänleutnant Joachim Schepke) continues its successful patrol by torpedoing and sinking 1,153-ton Danish freighter Viking northeast of the Moray Firth at 05:00. Two crew survive, 15 perish. Next, U-19 torpedoes and sinks the 2,109-ton Danish freighter Bothal at 05:15. Five of the crew survive, 15 perish. The passenger liner Mauretania departs from New York with an unpublished destination. The British respond to the Brazilian government's protest of heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire's stopping of the German freighter Wakama on 12 February. They claim that they were only protecting Brazilian commerce. The Brazilians are not amused, as stated by the Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs Oswaldo Aranha: Indeed you are not, you are definitely not protecting our commerce by maintaining your warships off our coast. It is apparent to me that your blockade of Germany is plainly ineffective. If it were effective, you could stop the German boats [sic] on the other side before they entered German ports. U-44 (Kptlt. Ludwig Mathes), if not sunk on 13 March 1940 by mine, is sunk today by destroyer depth charges. Either way, U-44 does not return from its mission, and all hands are presumed lost. U-22 (Karl-Heinrich Jenisch) is lost either today or sometime thereafter from unknown causes after leaving Wilhelmshaven. All 27 crew are presumed lost. Convoy HG 23 departs from Gibraltar. Air War over Europe
Ten Luftwaffe bombers attack a coastal convoy of neutral ships. The RAF and Coastal Command defend the convoy. Three of the vessels are damaged: Norwegian Syinta and Topra Elise, and Swedish Utklippan. Several of the attacking planes are damaged. RAF Coastal command sinks a Kriegsmarine ship, the converted freighter Altenfels now called German Sperrbrecher 12, while it is clearing mines. The Luftwaffe attacks British freighter Barn Hill off the Isle of Wight. She has to be beached and later breaks in two. An RAF attack overnight scores damage on the Sylt Island Luftwaffe seaplane base. RAF reconnaissance on Sylt shows damage to the hangers, jetty, oil tanks and other infrastructure. One RAF plane fails to return. Photo: RAF reconnaissance picture of Hornum sea-plane base, Sylt, 1940. Western Front
The BEF claims that in an encounter with a German patrol, five Wehrmacht soldiers were killed. German Propaganda: German radio claims of Allied shipping losses become a running joke throughout the war due to incidents such as this one: Dr. Goebbels claims today that a Luftwaffe attack on a British convoy sank 9 British ships totaling 42,000 tons. The British quickly respond on the BBC, noting that in fact no ships were sunk and only four damaged. They describe the German claims as "42,000 tons in excess of the actual facts." French Government
The French cabinet resigns along with Daladier. US Government
Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles ends his fact-finding tour of Europe and boards a liner at Genoa to return to the United States. Soviet/Scandinavian Relations
Moscow expresses its displeasure at reports that the Scandinavian nations are going to form a mutual defense pact. China
In the Battle of Wuyuan, the Chinese 35th Corps and associated units enter Wuyuan by surprise after dark. The two sides engage in fierce combat for control of the city throughout the night. In the Battle of South Kwangsi, the Chinese East Route Force attacks the Japanese 22nd Army at the city the Japanese just captured, Lingshan.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 21, 2019 15:58:49 GMT
Day 202 of World War II, March 21st 1940
Battle of the Atlantic
British submarine HMS Ursula sinks German freighter Heddernheim off the Danish coast. It is the first victory by a British submarine over a German ship during the war.
At 01:00, U-38 (Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Liebe) torpedoes and sink1,654-ton Danish freighter Algier about 15 miles northwest of Foula, Shetlands. There are 18 survivors and 5 crew perish. The Algier was carrying 11 Studebakers along with 302 tons of copper, 228 tons of tin, and 130 bottles of mercury. It was bound for Copenhagen.
Then, at 03:26, U-38 torpedoes and sinks 3,270-ton Danish freighter Christianborg. There are 24 survivors and one crew perishes.
Norwegian freighter Svinta sinks from unknown causes.
The Queen Mary departs from New York to an unpublished destination which turns out to be Sydney, Australia. It will be re-fitted as a troopship there.
Convoy OA 114 departs from Southend, Convoy OB 114 departs from Liverpool, Convoy HX 29 departs from Halifax, Convoy OG 23F forms at Gibraltar.
Air War over Europe
A Sussex farmer, Gerald Winter, sees a RAF plane crash and risks his life to drag the pilot out of the burning plane.
German Military
German Labour battalions in the Todt Organization begin constructing bunkers along the "Ostwall," the border with the Soviet Union.
Applied Science: Sir Henry Tizard briefs the British Cabinet of research by two physicists at Birmingham University working on an atomic "super-bomb." He cautions that "It is quite conceivable that Germany is, in fact, developing this weapon." The government has appropriated funds to study this issue.
French Government
Paul Reynaud becomes the new Prime Minister, as 239 French Deputies vote in favor and 1 against. However, indicating once again the fractured sentiment, there are 300 abstentions.
Former PM Edouard Daladier becomes Minister of National Defense and War. Reynaud also will serve as his own Foreign Minister. There are three Socialists in the cabinet. There will be an inner war cabinet of nine members. Daladier still has widespread support, and Reynaud essentially is forced to have him in the cabinet. However, former Foreign Minister Georges Bonnet is excluded.
Turkey
There is a secret meeting between British and Turkish representatives.
China
The Chinese battle it out with the Japanese defenders of Wuyuan all day long, then finally capture the city at 16:00. The Japanese move north.
At the Battle of South Kwangsi, the Chinese 93rd Infantry Division crosses the Yung River and heads toward Tatang. This is an attack along the lines of communication of the Japanese 22d Army spearhead at Yungshun.
British Homefront
George Orwell writes a review of Hitler's "Mein Kampf" in which he concludes, "I would kill Hitler if I could, but I cannot dislike him."
American Homefront
Howard Hughes increases his stake in Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc. (T.W.A.), which he has been building since May 1939, to 30%. This gives Hughes a controlling share of T.W.A.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 22, 2019 16:10:33 GMT
Day 203 of World War II, March 22nd 1940
Battle of the Atlantic
The Luftwaffe conducts another sweep over the British east coast and attacks the Cromer Knoll lightship without scoring any hits.
The British freighter Loch Assater hits a mine and sinks.
Convoy SL 25 departs from Freetown.
Air War over Europe
Handley Page Hampden bombers conduct a standard night reconnaissance and leaflet drop over the Ruhr industrial area and northwest Germany on 22 March 1940. For the first time, though, Luftwaffe Bf 110 Zerstorer (destroyer) night fighters come up to challenge the British. One bomber is damaged.
Along the Dutch border, a Hawker Hurricane tangles with Bf109s and crashes.
Western Front
Journalist William Shirer, based in Berlin, writes in his diary that "Germany can now try to force the issue on the western front, but this is improbable."
Soviet Military
General Konstantin Rokossovsky, arrested in 1937 during the purges that ended the lives of many of his colleagues, is released from prison and rehabilitated. The is part of Stalin's pattern of imprisoning his top generals, torturing them, executing some, and somewhat arbitrarily restoring others to their former, or even more prominent, positions.
French Government
French Prime Minister Paul Reynaud keeps his predecessor Édouard Daladier as Minister of War. Due to their opposite political views and personal animosity, Reynaud and Daladier cannot agree or cooperate on any plan, which hampers French war planning and especially complicates the alliance with the British.
Turkey
The government orders all Turkish freighters to return to Turkish waters ASAP.
Finland
Soviet Union begins the occupation the Finnish port of Hanko and the rest of the Hanko peninsula, under the lease agreed in the Moscow Peace Treaty of March 12/13. The area is renamed Hangö by the Soviets.
Romania
King Carol II vows to defend his country's borders.
India
The Muslim League advocates splitting India into Muslim and Hindu countries. This is an idea which is highly controversial among other revolutionaries.
China
The Chinese 101st Division, having bagged Wuyuan on the 21st, move on to capture the strongpoint at Hsin-an-chen in order to cut the road along the Yellow River that leads to Wuyuan. The Japanese send 80 trucks full of troops from Dashetai via Siyitang to make a forced crossing of the Wu-chia River at Ta-Tsai-chu 10 km (6.2 mi) north of Wuyuan. This is a Muslim region with Chinese troops that are full of fervor.
In the Battle of South Kwangsi, the Chinese 46th Army attacks the Japanese 22nd Army at Lingshan.
British Homefront
Gerald Winter, a farmer from Sussex, is awarded an Empire Gallantry Medal for dragging an RAF pilot from a burning plane.
|
|
lordroel
Administrator
Posts: 67,996
Likes: 49,391
|
Post by lordroel on Mar 23, 2019 15:34:17 GMT
Day 204 of World War II, March 23rd 1940
YouTube clip (Il Duce and der Führer Have a Date)
Battle of the Atlantic
At 11.30 PM, a British submarine (either HMS Truant or HMS Trident) intercepts German merchant Edmund Hugo Stinnes IV, en route to Copenhagen, and fires five warning shots 6 miles off the West coast of Denmark. As expected, the steamer heads for shore and is scuttled. The submarine applies a coup de grâce with two torpedoes to prevent salvage.
The British Malaya Force is formed to watch German merchant ships in Dutch East Indies, including destroyers HMS Stronghold and HMS Tenedos, cruisers HMS HMS Dauntless, HMS Danae and HMS Durban, sloop HMS Falmouth and submarines HMS Perseus and HMS Rainbow.
British trawlers ‘Salacon’ ‘Recordo’ and ‘Helios’ reported attacks by machine guns and bombs from German planes.
Air War over Europe
Planes, believed to be hostile, appeared off east coast of Scotland.
French Government
French Prime Minister Paul Reynau held a meeting of the Inner Cabinet at which General Gamelin and Admiral Darlan were present.
French war communique announed patrol activity to east of Saar.
Norway
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that a Note of protest to GErmany against the sinking of Norwegian ships had been delivered to the German government on March 8th. Nothing is known of any German reply.
|
|
