Battle of the Atlantic

• U-44 sinks the Norwegian steamer Fagerheim (1590t) 80 miles southwest of Ushant with the loss of 14 crewmen, the Dutch steamer Arendskerk (7906t) and the Greek steamer Panachandros (4661t) west of Brest. Fagerheim's survivors are picked up by the Greek steamer Iris. The entire crew of the Arendskerk are rescued by the Italian collier Fedora.
• The British trawler New Haven (162t) sinks on a mine 18 miles SSE of Lowestoft.

Finland - Winter War

Day 47

In northern Finland the Finns begin pursuing the Russians in Salla by advancing from Joutsijärvi in the direction of Märkäjärvi. On the Ladoga Karelia Viitavaara on the Aittojoki River is lost to the Russians. The Soviet forces begin a 17-day preparatory bombardment on the Finnish lines around Summa. This softening-up process continues until the end of the month, giving the defending Finnish troops little rest and doing considerable damage to their vital defenses.

Viipuri is again attacked by Soviet bombers. 3 people are killed and several injured.

Viipuri: the city is subjected to surprise attacks from the air. The sirens start up at 23 minutes past noon as the first bombs explode. The late warning means there are still many people on the streets and in shops and offices. Three people are killed and several injured. The attack devastates the area around Punaisenlähteentori square. Photo: SA-KUVA Viipuri Bombed

Western Front

The Mechelen incident (see Jan 10) has been followed by much diplomatic activity. For a time the British and French have believed that they will be invited to move troops into Belgium even before a German attack, however the Belgian government refuses to give permission for this to occur.