Air Operations, Europe

As a reprisal for the German attack on Scapa Flow on 14 Oct 1939, 50 RAF bombers raid the German seaplane base at Hörnum on the island of Sylt. There is little real damage caused for the loss of 2 aircraft.

Designed in 1936 as heavy bombers, the Whitleys, on March 19, 1940, drop the first bombs to fall on Germany since 1918. Whitley Bomber

Battle of the Atlantic

U-19 sinks the Danish steamers Minsk (1229t), Charkow (1206t), Viking (1153t) and Bothal (2109t) in the North Sea. The Minsk loses 11 crewmen, 9 survivors are picked up by the British destroyer Esk. The entire crew of 20 is lost on the Cherkow; the Viking loses 15 with 2 survivors; and the Bothal loses 15 with 5 survivors.

Britain, Home Front

Chamberlain gives a detailed account of Britain's plans on behalf of Finland. He said only once did Field Marshal Mannerheim request troop assistance, in Jan, for 30,000 men to arrive in May. It was felt that fear of Germany kept Norway and Sweden from allowing the 100,000-man expeditionary force to pass through their countries. Large quantities of arms, ammunition, equipment and 152 aircraft, however, had been delivered or promised.