Battle of the Atlantic

The German steamer Adriana (997t) sinks on a mine off the Elbe.

The Blitz

There is a heavy incendiary raid on London. In a little over 3 hours 136 aircraft drop 30,000 incendiaries that start 1,500 fires along with 120 tons of high explosives. KG100 begins the raid and within 30 minutes 54 fires are burning. This night 2 factors aided the fires. There is a neap tide which makes the level of the Thames very low. The Thames is a resource of the fire brigades when the water pressure falls. There is also strong winds blowing. The firemen are helpless in the face of 6 conflagrations and 16 major fires.

The dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral stands out among the flames and smoke of surrounding buildings during heavy attacks of the German Luftwaffe on Dec. 29, 1940.

Luftwaffe Attack on London

Many famous buildings, including the 15th century Guildhall, 8 Wren churches and Trinity House, are destroyed or severely damaged. 5 main line and 16 underground stations are closed. Victoria and London Docks receive many bombs and the Port of London trade is interrupted. The raid is severe and several fires are still burning fiercely the next morning. 160 civilians are killed and 500 badly injured. 16 firemen are killed; 250 are hospitalized.

The scene after the air raids of 29 December 1940

The Scene After the Raids

This photo was taken from the dome of St Paul's Cathedral some time after the devastating air raid on the night of 29 December 1940, looking north-north-west.

From St Paul's Looking Northwest

Mediterranean

The Greek submarine Proteus sinks the Italian steamer Sardegna (11,452t) east of Sasena in the Southern Adriatic. In a counterattack the Proteus is sunk by the escorting Italian motor torpedo boat Antares.

United States, Home Front

In one of his famous 'fireside chat' broadcasts President Roosevelt describes how he wishes the United States to become the 'great arsenal of democracy' and to give full aid to Britain regardless of threats from other countries.