Chronology of World War II

February 1941

Sunday, February 16th


Air Operations, East Africa

South African aircraft attack Italian positions on the east bank of the Juba River in southern Italian Somaliland.

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Battle of the Atlantic

  • The British auxiliary minesweeper Southsea (825t) is badly damaged by a mine west of North Tyne Pier Light. She is run aground and declared a total loss. 7 of the crew are lost.
  • The British tanker Empire Otter (4670t) sinks on a British mine 25 miles southwest of Hartland Point. The entire crew is rescued.
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Italian East Africa

In Italian Somaliland the 1st South African Bde begins an important battle to seize crossings over the lower reaches of the Juba River. Kismayu falls to the South Africans.

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Mediterranean

The Italian steamer Juventus (4957t) is sunk by a Swordfish of 830 Squadron from Malta 3 miles northeast of Kuriat Island.

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[February 15th - February 17th]