Air Operations, Europe

The RAF hits the Channel ports during the night. Aircraft from Crete bomb the Italian ports of Bari and Brindisi.

The Blitz

There are raiders active over southern and eastern England. A strafing attack is aimed at London streets. During the night 150 bombers hit London.

Germany, Planning

Unimpressed by the Italian forays, Hitler decides to invade Greece from Rumania, Bulgaria and Hungary. The Italians' attempt to replicate the German pace of ground advance has been found wanting; Hitler's belief in the Italians' fighting ability, never strong, if fast evaporating. The need to reinforce his numbers in Greece is obvious to Mussolini, but the logistical back-up to the invasion seems to have been the last thing in the minds of the Italian planners.

Greek-Albanian Front

The first Greek counterattacks begin in the northern sector of the front. They threaten to turn the whole Italian line and reach the Korcë-Peratia road. Ciano admits: 'There has been an attack on Korcë and the enemy has made some progress, and it is true that on the eighth day of the operations the enemy hold the initiative. I do not think there is yet anything to worry too much about, though many others are beginning to think so.' The Italian offensive, despite its numerical strength, is already in difficulties.

North Africa

Gen Wavell has had his forces increased by the arrival of the 7th Div plus Australian, New Zealand, Indian and Polish contingents. He believes he can oust the Italians from Sidi Barrani in 3 days.