A SB2U Vindicator scout bomber from USS Ranger (CV-4) flies anti-submarine patrol over Convoy WS-12, en route to Cape Town, 27 November 1941.

SB2U Vindicator Scout Bomber on Anti-Submarine Patrol

Eastern Front

In the southern sector the Soviet forces have now reoccupied Rostov as their offensive goes on. The attack in the area is led by the Soviet 37th Army and part of the 2nd Army. The German 1st Pzr Group is retreating toward Taganrog.

In the Moscow sector Guderian's forces have been fighting around Kashira for 3 days, but it is agreed that they cannot continue their drive toward Moscow unless reinforced. This distance of 19 miles is as close as they will get. They will be able to maintain limited attacks for a few days, however.

The Kalinin Front begins a series of counterattacks against the left flank of Army Group Center. The 9th Army repels repeated Soviet attacks but have to divert forces from the support of the 3rd Panzer Group to deal with this threat. Heavy fighting rages at Istra as hand-to-hand battles surge through this small town.

The German Army Group Centre had been able to resume their advance in winter conditions but much worse was to come

German Army Advancing in Winter Conditions

The fighting at Kashira intensified as the Guard's cavalr counterattacked, halting the northward march of the 17th Panzer Division. The LIII Corps is unable to prevent the escape of the encircled unit at Donskoye, which rejoins the main combat line despite the loss of much of its heavy equipment.

Italian East Africa

The Allied attack on Gondar goes in and quickly makes progress despite the very rugged terrain.

Mediterranean

U-559 sinks the Australian sloop Parramatta off Bardia, Libya. 138 of her crew are lost. 24 survivors are picked up by the British destroyer escort Avon Vale.

North Africa

The seige of Tobruk is raised as the British forces capture all the positions on the 2nd Escarpment. Rommel reluctantly agrees to send the panzer divisions back to the Sidi Rezegh-Tobruk area abandoning his movements toward the frontier.[MORE]

United States, Policy

All US military forces are placed on a 'final alert' status while Adm H. R. Stark issues his Pacific units a 'war warning'. It is said from Washington 'an aggressive move by Japan is expected within the next few days.'

With some of New York’s skyscrapers looming through clouds of gas, some U.S. army nurses at the hospital post at Fort Jay, Governors Island, New York, wear gas masks as they drill on defense precautions, on November 27, 1941. (AP Photo)

US Army Nurses at Gas Mask Training