Atlantic

The German steamer Albert Janus (1598t) is intercepted by the French armed merchant cruiser Victor Schoelscher 75 miles west of Vigo off Cape Finisterre. She scuttles herself to avoid capture.

Finland - Winter War

Day 46

On the Ladoga Karelia the Soviet 122nd Div is ordered to take Uomaa and push the Finns out of the terrain between Uomaa and Lavajärvi. The 122nd disengages from Vuosamonselkä and withdraws to Märkäjärvi. The Finnish Detachment Roininen and the 40th Inf Regt are ordered to prepare to pursue the retreating Russians. The Soviet 88th Div is concentrating its troops at Salla.

Soviet aircraft bomb Viipuri killing 10 people. Also hit this day are Rauma, Pori, Uusikaupunki, Sottunga, Hanko, Karjaa, Salo, Tammisaari, Helsinki and Kauniainen.

Helsinki: an ambulance donated by the French Red Cross arrives from Stockholm with four nurses. Photo: SA-KUVA Red Cross Help

Germany, Politics

Under the guise of security needs, Hitler issues a statement saying that no one will learn more of a secret matter than he has to know to fulfil his duty. This edict enables even more of the inner workings of the political hierarchy to be kept from the military commanders.

Japan, Politics

Prime Minister Nobuyuki Abe and all his Cabinet resign following severe parliamentary criticism of its China policy and Adm Mitsumasa Yonai is chosen to form a new government. Yonai's government, however, provokes opposition from the pro-war military hierarchy.

North Sea

The German steamer Phaedra (619t) is captured off the Dutch coast by the British destroyer Greyhound.