Battle of the Atlantic

• A converted Wellington bomber, fitted with a metal hoop energized to explode magnetic mines, makes its first successful low-level sortie over the North Sea during the night.
• U-19 sinks the Norwegian steamer Manx (1343t) in the North Sea with the loss of 13 crewmen. 6 of her crew are rescued.

Britain, Home Front

Bacon, butter and sugar are all put on the ration list and will only be available in small quantities. The weekly allowance is 4oz of bacon or ham, 4oz butter and 12oz sugar. Ration books are issued.

China

The Japanese claim 25,000 Chinese have died in battle north of Canton.

Finland - Winter War

Day 40

In the area of Suomussalmi the Finns under Gen Hjalmar Siilasvuo destroy the Russian 44th Assault Div. They capture 35 tanks, 50 guns, 25 anti-tank guns and 250 trucks. On the Ladoga Karelia Detachment Pajari defeats a Soviet battalion at Viitavaara. In northern Finland the Finns mount numerous guerilla strikes. In Lapua Detachment Sisu is formed consisting of foreign volunteers.

Foreign Minister Tanner entrusts Hella Wuolijoki with the task of sounding out the possibility for peace with the Soviet Ambassador to Sweden, Madam Alexandra Kollontai.

Northern Finland: Finnish troops carry out guerrilla strikes in northern Finland. Photo: SA-KUVA Guerrilla Strikes

Battle of Suomussalmi The Battle of Suomussalmi (7 December, 1939 - 8 January, 1940) was the decisive battle of the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. Despite being heavily outnumbered in men and material, the Finns were able to stop the advance into their country by using their mobility and exploiting the Russians reliance on the few roads in the heavily forested terrain. The Finnish Army was also much better equipped to fight in the grueling winter conditions, while Russian equipment routinely froze in the cold, as did their under clothed soldiers. The Soviet failure to successfully invade Finland heavily influenced Hitler’s decision to go ahead with Operation BARBAROSSA.