Battle of the Atlantic

The British steamer Clytoneus (6278t) is sunk by German bombing in the North Sea. The entire crew is rescued by the British armed merchant cruiser Esperance Bay and the British destroyer Wild Swan.

Greek-Albanian Front

The Greeks attack Klisura vigorously in their continuing offensive. The Italian divisions suffering seriously at Klisura are Lupi di Toscana, Julia, Pinerola and Pusteria. The Greek progress farther north is less good, especially around Berat where they do not succeed in breaking through. Also, the Greek offensive against Valona is stopped. Fighting in this sector will continue until the end of the month.

Greek Soldiers near a Captured Italian Tank near Klisura

Mediterranean

There is a British air raid on Naples by Wellington bombers in which the battleship Giulio Cesare (29,000 t) is badly hit while moored in the harbor. She will be moved to La Spezia for lengthy repairs. The Vittorio Veneto is hit also but scarcely damaged.

January 8, 1941: USS Wasp CV-7 off the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

United States, Politics

Roosevelt presents his budget to Congress. It outlines total expenditure of $17,500,000,000 with $10,800,000,000 going on defense.

Roosevelt also orders that the crews of all American warships shall be gradually brought up to full wartime establishment.