Chronology of World War II

October 1940

Sunday, October 6th


Battle of Britain

Day 89

Weather - Overcast with rain throughout the day.

Combat - The Sunday is relatively quiet, as the weather remains poor. A few raids are plotted during the day with several reaching their targets in East Anglia and London.

At 1100hrs Do-17's make small raids into Kent with successful interceptions made by Hurricanes of No: 253 Squadron, scrambled from Kenley.

Shortly after, at about 1230hrs, a raid of Ju-88's attack Northolt as Hurricanes of No: 303 (Polish) Squadron are scrambling. The Hurricanes of No: 229 Squadron manage to get airborne from Northolt and attack the raiders.

Meanwhile, at about 1300hrs, another raid of Do-17's enters East Anglia and are met by Hurricanes of No: 17 & 249 Squadrons.

Refuelling a Hurricane


Refuelling a Hurricane

No more raids appear until night time when bombing resumes on London. Smaller raids are plotted over Birmingham and East Anglia.

R.A.F. Losses: 4 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 2 pilots killed and no wounded.

Luftwaffe Losses: 14 aircraft damaged or destroyed, 23 pilots and aircrew killed or missing and 4 wounded.

NOTE: Losses include non-combat patrols and accidents.

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Battle of the Atlantic

  • U-103 sinks the Norwegian tanker Nina Borthen (6123t) dispersed from Convoy OB-222. The entire crew of 35 is lost.
  • U-123 sinks the British steamer Benlawers (5943t), a straggler from Convoy OB-221), northeast of St Johns with the loss of 24 crewmen. 27 survivors are picked up by the British steamers Bengore Head and Forest.
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Mediterranean

Accidental Sinking


Accidental Sinking

The Yugoslavian steamer Vido (1919t) sinks on a mine about 15 miles east of Sulina.

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Occupied Poland

Former Polish Tanks Now German


Former Polish Tanks Now German
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Rumania

Ion Antonescu assumes command of the Iron Guard, adding further strength to his position. Hitler sends troops into Rumania to on a pretense to 'help re-organize the army' when his real objective is to protect the oil fields.

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[ October 5th - October 7th]