Chronology of World War II

October 1939

Sunday, October 8th


Air Operations, Europe

A Dornier flying-boat becomes the first German aircraft to be shot down by a British aircraft when it encounters a patrolling Hudson over the North Sea. Near Landau, air combat sees 5 French Hawks battle with 4 Me-109s. 2 of the German planes are shot down.
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Baltic States

In accordance with the Soviet-German agreement, 'Reich Germans' are evacuated from the Baltic States to what the Nazis believe is their racial home in Germany.
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Battle of the Atlantic

  • U-37 sinks the Swedish steamer Vistula (1018t) 45 miles north of Muckle Flugga with the loss of 9 of her crew.
  • U-12 is mined and sinks off Dover with the loss of her crew of 27.
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