Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Amble (1162t) is badly damage by a mine off the Tyne. This is a result of the minefield laid by German destroyers the night of the 12th. 17 survivors are rescued by the British escort vessel Wallace. The vessel drifts ashore later and is towed to Sunderland where it breaks up on the 25th.
• U-59 sinks the Swedish steamer Lister (1366t) and the Norwegian steamer Glitrefjell (1568t) in the North Sea. 6 survivors from the Lister are picked up by the British destroyer Eclipse on the 21st and 13 others arrive on the Dutch coast in a large lifeboat. 5 crewmen are lost on the Glitrefjell with 13 survivors being picked up by the British destroyer Icarus and more by the Greek steamer Icarion.

Finland - Winter War

Day 17

The main forces of 7th Army have now advanced to the Mannerheim Line and a major Soviet attack begins involving waves of Russian infantry and tanks with air support. Soviet shelling is pounding the entire length of the 5th Div and 1st Div's defensive sector between Summa and Muolaanjärvi. The first efforts are subsidiary moves against the northeast end of the Line in the Summa sector. During the night Finnish soldiers who have been given special training put about 70 Russian tanks out of action. The Russian attacks continue for 2 days without success. On the Ladoga Karelia, the Finnish defense at Wä is partly broken by the Soviet 168th Div. The Tolvajärvi offensive comes to a halt at Ristisalmi. In the eastern Isthmus the Finns repulse several enemy assaults on the Taipaleenjoki River.

General Headquarters confirms as official policy that the fallen are to be sent home for burial. Photo: SA-KUVA General Headquarters Policy

German Raiders

A launch from the Admiral Graf Spee heading to shore for materials to repair the ship. A Launch from the Admiral Graf Spee