Battle of the Atlantic
U-48 sinks the Greek steamer Nicolaos Angelos (4351t) about 130 miles northwest of Rockall. The crew abandon the ship in lifeboats, but they are never found.
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]German Raiders
Beginning this day the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper goes on a commerce-destroying raid in the north Atlantic from Brest. The raid lasts until February 14 when the Admiral Hipper returns to Brest.
[ | ]Italian East Africa
In Eritrea Agordat falls to Gen Sir William Platt's forces after a vigorous 3-day battle. Gen Luigi Frusci's troops are falling back to the mountain positions around Keren after suffering some losses. To the south Barentu has also been captured by the Indian troops.
[ | ]Japan, Home Front
Japan announces that it will be necessary to introduce rice rationing.
[ | ]North Africa
The Benghazi area is abandoned by the Italians. The Italian government officially asks Germany for reinforcements for the North African campaign.
Gen Sir Richard O'Connor, commander of the British troops operating in Libya, seeks Wavell's approval to cut the route of the Italian troops retreating into Tripolitania. He sends Brig Eric Dorman-Smith to Wavell's headquarters on this task.
Infantry Advancing Outside Derna |
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| ]South Africa, Home Front
There are serious riots in Johannesburg between off-duty soldiers and members of the fascist Ossewabrandwag ('Ox-wagon guard'). 140 persons are injured.
[]United States, Command
There is a major reorganization of the US Navy. It is now to be formed in 3 fleets, the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Asiatic. Adm Ernest J. King is appointed to command the new Atlantic Fleet. There is to be a significant strengthening of the forces in the Atlantic. Adm Husband Kimmel becomes commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor. Defensive measures are initiated as the patrol force in the Caribbean is raised to fleet status. Improvements and defenses at US bases are ordered begun at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, San Juan, Puerto Rico and St Thomas, Virgin Islands. Adm T. C. Hart continues as Commander-in-Chief of the Asiatic Fleet.
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