Battle of the Atlantic

U-58 sinks the Swedish steamer Lars Magnus Trozelli (1951t) about 50 miles northeast of Frazerburgh with the loss of 7 crewmen. Survivors are picked up by the Norwegian steamer Ask.

Britain, Home Front

In a Royal Proclamation 2,000,000 men aged 20-27 are made liable for military service.

Denmark

In New Year's addresses to the nation the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister express grave doubts about the prospect that Denmark would remain independent through 1940.

Finland - Winter War

Day 33

On the Ladoga Karelia 2 battalions of the Finnish 13th Div launch an attack to the north of Ruhtinaanmäki. The Russians take Viitavaara on the Aittojoki River. The Finns repulse Russian probing attacks in the Taipale sector of the Mannerheim Line. The Finns change the numbering scheme of some of their divisions in order to confuse the Soviet intelligence

The Russians bomb Oulu in the north and Turku in the southwest. In Oulu 4 people are killed and 16 buildings destroyed.

Soviet troops capture Viitavaara on the River Aittojoki for the first time. Photo: SA-KUVA Soviets Capture Viitavaara

Germany, Home Front

Hitler Inspecting the Kriegsmarine