Air Operations, Europe

The RAF bombs the Skoda works at Pilsen, Czechoslovakia.

Axis Diplomacy

The Spanish Foreign Minister Serrano Suñer, on instructions from Franco and the Spanish supreme command, repeats to Hitler and Ribbentrop that Spain needs 400,000 tons of grain and 2 months of preparation before it can attack Gibraltar, even though Hitler has promised help by German units (Operation FELIX). In fact, Franco has already decided to keep his country out of the conflict.

The Blitz

There are heavy night raids on Birmingham. 440 aircraft are involved in this first of 3 nights in which Birmingham is the target. 310 hit the correct targets. BSA's at Small Heath is hit where 50 workers are killed. The Lucas and GEC plants also suffer damage. Many shops, schools, churches and thousands of homes are damaged or destroyed in the raid. 450 people are killed and 840 are injured. In spite of the widespread damage the city's war production is not badly affected.

Birmingham's New Street after the Bombing

Greek-Albanian Front

The Greeks claim to have driven the Italians back behind the Kalamas River. There is heavy fighting near Koritza.

Switzerland

The government bans the Swiss Nazi party saying that 'this movement was working for the transformation of public institutions of by other than constitutional means.' This action is particularly noteworthy because the Swiss are totally surrounded by Axis allies who have shown no respect for neutrality declared by other nations.