Air Operations, Bismarcks

V Bomber Command B-17s attack shipping at Rabaul.

Air Operations, Europe

There is a German fighter-bomber raid on Canterbury. 68 Jabos, escorted by 68 fighters, approach the target but the balloon barrage hampers the bombing. 3 planes are lost. A night raid follows on the same target with 7 aircraft being lost.

• 17 Bostons make low-level cloud-cover raids on power stations in France; 8 Wellingtons are sent to Emden and 6 to Essen.
• There is not much cloud cover and 10 planes attack mostly minor targets. On the raid to Germany, 9 aircraft drop their bombs.
• 1 Boston and 1 Wellington are lost.

• 22 Wellingtons and Stirlings lay mines near the Biscay ports.
• 1 Wellington is lost.

Air Operations, New Guinea

V Bomber Command B-25s strafe motor vehicles near Gona and 3rd Light Bomb Group A-20s bomb and strafe targets in the Nauro area.

Air Operations, Solomons

V Bomber Command B-17s attack shipping in the Buin-Faisi-Tonolea area.

Eastern Front

The German offensive in the Caucasus led by Gen von Kleist grinds to a halt due to lack of fuel, strong Soviet resistance and the onset of winter.[MORE]

Germany, Policy

In a secret memorandum, Keitel confirms Hitler's orders for the use of Soviet prisoners in German industry: 'The lack of workers is becoming an increasingly dangerous hindrance for the future German war and armaments industry. The expected relief through discharges from the armed forces is uncertain as to the extent and date; however, its possible extent will by no means correspond to expectations and requirements in view of the great demand.

'The Führer has now ordered that the working power of the Russian prisoners of war should be utilized to a large extent by large-scale assignment for the requirement of the war industry. The prerequisite for production is adequate nourishment.'

Guadalcanal

The 1st Marine Division completes preparations for the offensive. The 5th Marines and 2nd Marines move into attack positions along the Matanikau. During the night E Company, 5th Marines, crosses the river and sets up outposts on the western bank. The 1st Engineer Battalion constructs 3 footbridges.

North Africa

Gen Alexander, Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in the Middle East, telegraphs to Churchill as follows: 'Enemy is fighting desperately, but we are hitting him hard and continuously, and boring into him without mercy. Have high hopes he will crack soon.'

From two sides the Australians rush in to the German strong point. A German flings his hands up and surrenders.

Australians Attack German Strong Point

British Crusader tanks group together in the desert at sunset to defend themselves from surprise attack at night during the battle.

British Crusader Tanks Group Together for Defense