Atlantic

The American freighter SS Mormacsun is intercepted by British warships and diverted to Scotland.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-58 sinks the Swedish steamer Svarton (2574t) from convoy HN-6 northeast of the Firth of Forth with the loss of 20 of her crew. 11 survivors are picked up by the British minesweeping trawler Oak.

Finland - Winter War

Day 35

On the Ladoga Karelia the Finnish 13th Div breaks off its assault at Ruhtinaanmäki. In northern Finland the Soviets, with tank and artillery support, launch another offensive in the Kuhmo sector. The Russians entrenched at Sanginlampi are surrounded by the Finns. In the Salla sector, with temperatures approaching -40 degrees Celsius, 4 Finnish battalions begin a counterattack at Joutsijärvi in order to dislodge the Russian division dug in there.

In the Aland Sea, the Soviet submarine S2 is sunk when it hits a mine in the Märket narrows.

Salla sector: in temperatures approaching -40° Celsius, four Finnish battalions begin a counterattack at Joutsijärvi designed to break the defences of the enemy division. Photo: SA-KUVA Finnish Counterattack

Western Front

In the Vosges area, French patrols ambush 2 German detachments and take several prisoners.

Men of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers in a trench in front of the Maginot Line.

British Troops in the Maginot Line