Air Operations, Europe

The Russians bomb Helsinki.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-17 sinks the Dutch steamer Grutto (920t) off the Dutch coast with the loss of her entire crew of 18.

Finland - Winter War

Day 97

The Russians cross ice-bound Viipuri Bay but meet fierce Finnish resistance. There is fierce fighting on the islands of Ravansaari, Turkinsaari and Neulasaari in Viipurinlahti Bay. On the western shore of the bay the Soviets are advancing in Vilaniemi and Häränpäänniemi. The counterattack to retake the church hill at Ayräpää is delayed by the late arrival of the Finnish detachment at the starting position. The attack begins at daylight, but the Finns struggle suffering heavy losses in the face of intense Soviet fire. The hill remains in Soviet hands. During the course of the morning the Russians occupy Vasikkasaari.

There is fierce fighting on the islands of Ravansaari, Turkinsaari and Neulasaari in Viipurinlahti Bay. Photo: SA-KUVA Fierce Fighting on the Islands

The town of Mikkeli, where General Headquarters is located, is heavily bombed and 33 civilians are killed.

The USSR announces that they are still prepared to negotiate peace on the terms offered before. The Finns correctly deduce that the British and French promises are valueless and, therefore, tell the Soviets that they agree to meet their terms. A Finnish delegation is sent to Moscow, led by Ryti and Juho Kusti Paasikivi, an experienced politician and diplomat.

Occupied Poland

Also known as the ‘Katyn Forest Massacre,’ this mass execution ordered by the Soviet Politburo on March 5, 1940 was carried out by the secret police against Polish military officers, civilian prisoners, and members of the Polish Officer Corps. Approved by Joseph Stalin, it was estimated that about 22,000 were executed in Katyn Forest. Katyn Massacre

Western Front

The Germans capture a British outpost in the Maginot Line (2 killed, 16 taken prisoner). The outpost is later recaptured.