Balkans

In order to secure its Adriatic flank, Italy reoccupies the demilitarized zone in Croatia.

Berlin acknowledges that 'irregular' troops are engaging Axis forces in Serbia.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-124 sinks the British steamer Empire Stream (2922t) from Convoy HG-73 north-northeast of the Azores with the loss of 8 of her crew. 27 survivors are picked up by the British corvette Begonia.

Eastern Front

Leningrad is attacked frontally. The Germans have now isolated the Soviet forces in the Crimea and begin attacks near Perekop with support from parachute troops.

By September 19, 1941 the Germans were just 12 miles away from Leningrad, and their artillery began a continuous barrage of the city. In the photo, an artillery shell explodes on a street of Leningrad.

Closing In On Leningrad

Daily Ration for Leningrad

Leningrad was heavily defended, and Hitler made a decision to besiege it and starve it to death. The city was encircled and the blockade started on September 25, 1941. At the time, Leningrad had sufficient food for 20 days; by December – despite reducing rations to the minimum - for 2 days. The photo shows a daily ration in Leningrad during the siege - 125 grams of bread per person. 50% of it was made from saw dust.