Battle of the Atlantic

At this time Dönitz has only 32 operational U-boats which means that only 6 or 8 can be on patrol on any one occasion. The rest will either be in transit or in port. Of course, a larger force can be concentrated after a lull in operations.

During January the U-boats sink 40 ships of 111,200 tons. The total Allied losses are 73 ships of 214,500 tons. The main U-boat successes are in the North Sea and particularly in the Moray Firth area. (Allied Ships Lost to U-boats)

China

Chinese military units begin mining the Yangtze and Whangpoo rivers to obstruct Japanese shipping. During the next 12 months, the Chinese claim the mines destroy 12 Japanese warships, 45 transports, 6 merchant ships and 66 smaller craft.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-58 sinks the Swedish steamer Lars Magnus Trozelli (1951t) about 50 miles northeast of Frazerburgh with the loss of 7 crewmen. Survivors are picked up by the Norwegian steamer Ask.

Britain, Home Front

In a Royal Proclamation 2,000,000 men aged 20-27 are made liable for military service.

Denmark

In New Year's addresses to the nation the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister express grave doubts about the prospect that Denmark would remain independent through 1940.

Finland - Winter War

Day 33

On the Ladoga Karelia 2 battalions of the Finnish 13th Div launch an attack to the north of Ruhtinaanmäki. The Russians take Viitavaara on the Aittojoki River. The Finns repulse Russian probing attacks in the Taipale sector of the Mannerheim Line. The Finns change the numbering scheme of some of their divisions in order to confuse the Soviet intelligence

The Russians bomb Oulu in the north and Turku in the southwest. In Oulu 4 people are killed and 16 buildings destroyed.

Soviets Capture Viitavaara

Czechoslovakia

In Prague the Nazis arrest a number of former officers and journalists.

Finland - Winter War

Day 34

In northern Finland the Finnish 9th Div begins its offensive winning a major victory at Suomussalmi. On the eastern Isthmus the Soviets bombard the Finnish positions for 5-1/2 hours and then launch an infantry attack at Kirvesmäki. The Finns hold their positions. Snowstorms halt fighting in the Karelian Isthmus. The Battle of Salla begins: the Finns make unsuccessful attempts to encircle the Russian 122nd Div in the 'Waist' (ends late January).

Atlantic

The American freighter SS Mormacsun is intercepted by British warships and diverted to Scotland.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-58 sinks the Swedish steamer Svarton (2574t) from convoy HN-6 northeast of the Firth of Forth with the loss of 20 of her crew. 11 survivors are picked up by the British minesweeping trawler Oak.

Finland - Winter War

Day 35

On the Ladoga Karelia the Finnish 13th Div breaks off its assault at Ruhtinaanmäki. In northern Finland the Soviets, with tank and artillery support, launch another offensive in the Kuhmo sector. The Russians entrenched at Sanginlampi are surrounded by the Finns. In the Salla sector, with temperatures approaching -40 degrees Celsius, 4 Finnish battalions begin a counterattack at Joutsijärvi in order to dislodge the Russian division dug in there.

In the Aland Sea, the Soviet submarine S2 is sunk when it hits a mine in the Märket narrows.

Finland - Winter War

Day 36

In northern Finland the final order to attack is given by Col Siilasvuo. At Salla Detachment Rooninen breaks off its attack at Joutsijärvi. On the eastern Isthmus in the Taipale sector the Russian offensive is repulsed by the Finns.

Photographs Forbidden

France, Home Front

Acoustic Locator Device

Britain, Politics

There is a ministerial reshuffle. Oliver Stanley replaces Leslie Hore-Belisha at the War Office (that is, the Army Ministry). Sir John Reith becomes Minister for Information replacing Lord Macmillan and Sir Andrew Duncan comes to the Board of Trade.

Diplomatic Relations

Russia signs a commercial treaty with Bulgaria, a step in a policy toward Balkan penetration.

Finland - Winter War

Day 37

In northern Finland the Finnish 9th Div attacks the Russian 44th 'Blue' Div on the Raate road. The assault begins at 8:30. The Russians are hard pressed but they are not broken. With the temperature still bitterly cold, most of the Finns have to spend the night in the open air. Replacement troops arrive at the main defensive position at Summa on the central Isthmus. Russian infantry attacks are successfully repulsed at Summa, Suokanta, Työppölänjoki and Lake Hatjalahti. The Russian 18th Div is encircled north of Lake Ladoga (18,000 Russians are killed or captured by February 19). The first contingent of Swedish volunteer troops reaches Finland.

In the Gulf of Bothnia at 13:00 the Soviet submarine STS-311 sinks the Swedish steamer Ferris off the Swedish coast near Umeä.

The headquarters town of Mikkeli is heavily bombed by the Soviets. Because of the severe cold temperature the phone lines are down and the anti-aircraft guns are frozen. 40 planes take part in the attack which kills 29 people and injures 36.

Air Operations, Europe

2 Finnish Fokkers destroy a formation of 7 Ilyushin bombers over Utti, northeast of Helsinki.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British tanker Liberty (8485t) sinks in a British minefield 2 miles northeast of the Dyck Light Vessel with the loss of her entire crew of 24.
• During the night the Germans destroyers Friecrich Eckholdt, Erich Steinbrinck and Friedrich Ihn are involved in a minelaying operation in the Thames Estuary. The British destroyer Grenville and 6 merchant ships of 21,617 tons are lost in the field.
• The British motor trawler Eta (81t) sinks on a mile 6 miles northwest of the Outer Gabbard Light Vessel. This is a result of the German minelaying operation that is taking place this night. All of the crew are rescued.

Finland - Winter War

Day 38

On the Ladoga Karelia a new counter-offensive is begun by the Finnish IV Army Corps north of the lake. The temperature at the time is -29 degrees Celsius. In northern Finland the Russian commander of the 44th Div on the Raate road orders his troops to break out to the east. Just before midnight they make their final unsuccessful attempt and the Finns record a crushing victory.

Viipuri is heavily bombed causing serious damage in the city. In southern Finland Lt Jorma Sarvanto in his Fokker fighter shoots down 6 Soviet planes from a formation of 9 who were returning from a bombing run over Kuopio. The action in the skies between Utti and Kotka lasts about 5 minutes.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Cedrington Court (5160t) sinks on a mine 2 miles northeast of the North Goodwins Light Vessel. This is a result of the German minelaying operation the night of the 6th. All of the crew are rescued.
• The British steamer Towneley (2888t) sinks on a mine 1 mile ENE of the North East Spit Buoy. This is a result of the German minelaying operation the night of the 6th. All the crew are saved by rowing in a lifeboat to Margate.

Finland -Winter War

Day 39

In northern Finland the fighting on the Raate road dies down during the morning signifying the end of the battle. Equipment captured by the Finns in this area includes 43 tanks, 71 field and anti-aircraft guns, 29 anti-tank guns, a number of armored cars and tractors, 260 trucks, 1,170 horses and an assortment of other material like medical supplies and communications equipment. The Russian 44th Div loses 17,500 men or about 70% of the division's strength. The Finns lose 900 dead and 1,200 wounded or about 15% of the 9th Div's combat strength.

Marshal Kliment Voroshilov now commands the Soviet forces in Finland while Gen Semyon K. Timoshenko takes over the troops on the Karelian Isthmus. They are now organized in 2 armies, the 7th and the 13th. The Finns are in the process of a reorganization also. During January they will be able to form, but only partially equip, 2 new divisions. Additional defenses are being constructed behind the Mannerheim Line.

Timoshenko immediately institutes a program of training for his forces emphasizing cooperation between all arms. New equipment is also arriving for the Soviet forces. Their already dominant artillery is being strengthened and among the new tanks are some of the latest KV types. Intensive patrolling to investigate the Finnish lines is also begun.

In the fighting north of Lake Ladoga the Finnish pressure on the Soviet 18th and 168th Divs continues but their defensive positions known as 'mottis' to the Finns are strong. The Finns will have to keep forces committed against these 'mottis' until the end of the war.

400,000 Finnish civilians have now been evacuated from battle areas and large towns.

Captured Equipment

Battle of the Atlantic

• A converted Wellington bomber, fitted with a metal hoop energized to explode magnetic mines, makes its first successful low-level sortie over the North Sea during the night.
• U-19 sinks the Norwegian steamer Manx (1343t) in the North Sea with the loss of 13 crewmen. 6 of her crew are rescued.

Britain, Home Front

Bacon, butter and sugar are all put on the ration list and will only be available in small quantities. The weekly allowance is 4oz of bacon or ham, 4oz butter and 12oz sugar. Ration books are issued.

China

The Japanese claim 25,000 Chinese have died in battle north of Canton.

Finland - Winter War

Day 40

In the area of Suomussalmi the Finns under Gen Hjalmar Siilasvuo destroy the Russian 44th Assault Div. They capture 35 tanks, 50 guns, 25 anti-tank guns and 250 trucks. On the Ladoga Karelia Detachment Pajari defeats a Soviet battalion at Viitavaara. In northern Finland the Finns mount numerous guerilla strikes. In Lapua Detachment Sisu is formed consisting of foreign volunteers.

Foreign Minister Tanner entrusts Hella Wuolijoki with the task of sounding out the possibility for peace with the Soviet Ambassador to Sweden, Madam Alexandra Kollontai.

Guerrilla Strikes

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Dunbar Castle (10,002t) of convoy OA-69 sinks on a mine in the Thames Estuary with the loss of 9 crewmen. This is a result of the German minelaying operation the night of the 6th. Survivors are rescued by the British trawler Calvi and other small vessels.
• The Dutch steamer Truida (176t) sinks on a mine in the Thames Estuary. This is a result of the German minelaying operation the night of the 6th. The crew is rescued by the Dutch trawler Frisco.

• The British steamer Upminster (1013t) is badly damaged by German bombing 9 miles east of the Hammond Knoll Light Vessel. She sinks the next day losing 3 of her crew.

Finland - Winter War

Day 41

In northern Finland the Finns achieve a victory at Suomussalmi. A second Russian division is destroyed as the Finnish troops push towards the border. On the Ladoga Karelia the Soviets attack unsuccessfully north of Ruhtinaanmäki.

Victory at Suomussalmi

Battle of the Atlantic

• The German blockade runner Bahia Blanca (8558t) hits an iceberg and sinks northwest of Iceland. Her crew is rescued by the Icelandic trawler Hafstein.
• The German destroyers Karl Galster, Anton Schmidt, Richard Beitzen and Friedrich Ihn lay mines off Newcastle.
• The German destroyers Bruno Heinemann, Wolfgang Zenker and Erich Koellner lay mines off Cromer. 3 merchant ships of 11,155 tons are lost in this field.

Finland - Winter War

Day 42

In northern Finland the Russian 122nd Div begins to fall back from Salla towards Märkäjärvi. On the Ladoga Karelia troops of the Finnish IV Army Corps cut the road connections of the Russian 56th Army near Pitkäranta. This action traps the bulk of the 56th Army inside the Kitelä-Syskyjärvi-Koirinoja triangle, giving rise to the great Kitelä 'motti'.

The author Hella Wuolijoki travels to Stockholm to begin unofficial negotiations with the Soviet Ambassador there, Alexandra Kollontai.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British trawler Lucida (251t) sinks on a mine off Newcastle with the loss of 1 crewmen. This is a result of the German destroyer minelaying operation off Newcastle the previous night.
• The Italian steamer Traviata (5123t) sinks on a mine 8 miles from Cromer Knoll as a result of the German destroyer minelaying operation the previous night. All of her crew are rescued.
• The British steamer El Oso (7267t) from convoy HX-14B sinks 6 miles from Bar Light Vessel on a mine laid by U-30 on the 9th.
• The British steamer Keynes (1706t) sinks after 2 German bombing attacks. Her entire crew is rescued.
• The British trawler Croxton (195t) sinks after being bombed by aircraft from the Lufwaffe's X Air Corps. The entire crew is rescued.
• U-23 sinks the Norwegian steamer Fredville (1150t) in the North Sea with the loss of 10 crewmen. 5 survivors are rescued by the British trawler May.

Finland - Winter War

Day 43

In northern Finland Group Susi launches an offensive towards Juntusranta. On the Ladoga Karelia the Finnish IV Army Corps continues its counter-offensive. The Russian 168th Div is encircled north of Lake Ladoga. The Finns repel reinforcments while the Russians keep them supplied by air. (A Russian relief column finally breaks through on March 6). There is a new Russian drive in the Salla ('Waist') sector toward the Kemijärvi-Tornio railway (The Finns counterattack on January 17-18).

The Swedish volunteer air group, Flygflottilj 19, begins operations from frozen Lake Kemi with 12 Gladiators and 4 Hart light bombers. (The Swedes shoot down 12 Russians and lose 6 aircraft by March 13).

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Granta (2719t) sinks on a mine 11 miles from the Cromer Knoll Light Vessel with the loss of 12 crewmen. This is a result of the German destroyer minelaying operation the night of the 10th. The survivors are rescued by 3 smaller ships in the area.
• U-23 torpedoes the Danish tanker Danmark (10,517t) east of South Ronaldsay.
• German aircraft of the X Air Corps sink the British armed patrol trawler Valdora (251t) off Cromer with the loss of the entire crew of 10.

Germany, Command

Gen Albert Kesselring takes command of the Luftwaffe 2nd Air Fleet.

Finland - Winter War

Day 44

In northern Finland the Soviets make a surprise advance in the Juntusranta sector forcing Group Susi to take up defensive positions on the Tormua parallel. The F19 air force regiment of Swedish volunteers enters combat for the first time near Mäakäjärvi. Battle of the Taipale. A major Russian effort to break through the left flank of the Mannerheim Line, by crossing the frozen River Taipale, is defeated by hand-to-hand fighting. (ends 23 January) On the Ladoga Karelia the commander of the 56th Army requests an aircraft to lift him out of the Kitelä-Syskyjärvi-Koirinoja triangle. The aircraft is damaged by the Finns and is forced to make an emergency landing on the frozen Lake Ladoga.

The Russians send 400 aircraft to bomb localities across Finland, the main focus being in the southwest.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-20 sinks the Swedish steamer Sylvia (1524t) northeast of Aberdeen.

Diplomatic Relations

A trade agreement is reached between France and Spain. Spain is to receive French wheat, fertilizers and manufactured goods in exchange for iron ore and other minerals.

Finland - Winter War

Day 45

On the central Isthmus the Russians launch offensives at Lähde and Summa. Both are successfully repulsed. On the Ladoga Karelia the great Kitelä 'motti' is established by the Finns.

In the Aland Sea the Soviet submarine STS-324 attacks Finnish convoys in the Märket narrows. The Finnish escort vessel Aura II sinks after one of its own depth charges explodes on deck.

Soviet bombers are again active across Finland. At Hämeenlinna 12 people are killed and 21 are injured. In Helsinki 6 people are killed, 21 are injured and the Hietalahti shipyard is set on fire. In Lahti, the bombing damages the radio transmitter.

Radio Tranmitter Damaged

Atlantic

The German steamer Albert Janus (1598t) is intercepted by the French armed merchant cruiser Victor Schoelscher 75 miles west of Vigo off Cape Finisterre. She scuttles herself to avoid capture.

Finland - Winter War

Day 46

On the Ladoga Karelia the Soviet 122nd Div is ordered to take Uomaa and push the Finns out of the terrain between Uomaa and Lavajärvi. The 122nd disengages from Vuosamonselkä and withdraws to Märkäjärvi. The Finnish Detachment Roininen and the 40th Inf Regt are ordered to prepare to pursue the retreating Russians. The Soviet 88th Div is concentrating its troops at Salla.

Soviet aircraft bomb Viipuri killing 10 people. Also hit this day are Rauma, Pori, Uusikaupunki, Sottunga, Hanko, Karjaa, Salo, Tammisaari, Helsinki and Kauniainen.

Red Cross Help

Germany, Politics

Under the guise of security needs, Hitler issues a statement saying that no one will learn more of a secret matter than he has to know to fulfil his duty. This edict enables even more of the inner workings of the political hierarchy to be kept from the military commanders.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-44 sinks the Norwegian steamer Fagerheim (1590t) 80 miles southwest of Ushant with the loss of 14 crewmen, the Dutch steamer Arendskerk (7906t) and the Greek steamer Panachandros (4661t) west of Brest. Fagerheim's survivors are picked up by the Greek steamer Iris. The entire crew of the Arendskerk are rescued by the Italian collier Fedora.
• The British trawler New Haven (162t) sinks on a mine 18 miles SSE of Lowestoft.

Finland - Winter War

Day 47

In northern Finland the Finns begin pursuing the Russians in Salla by advancing from Joutsijärvi in the direction of Märkäjärvi. On the Ladoga Karelia Viitavaara on the Aittojoki River is lost to the Russians. The Soviet forces begin a 17-day preparatory bombardment on the Finnish lines around Summa. This softening-up process continues until the end of the month, giving the defending Finnish troops little rest and doing considerable damage to their vital defenses.

Viipuri is again attacked by Soviet bombers. 3 people are killed and several injured.

Allied Planning

The Allies begin plans for armed intervention in the Scandinavian peninsula.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The Belgian steamer Josephine Charlotte (3422t) sinks on a mine un the Thames Estuary with the loss of 4 of her crew. This is a result of the German minelaying operation the night of the 6th. Survivors are rescued by the British steamer Mickleton.
• The British tanker Inverdargle (9456t) sinks on a mine laid by U-33 on 5 Novermber. The entire crew of 44 is lost.

Finland - Winter War

Day 48

Russian artillery continues to pound the Mannerheim Line at Summa. On the Ladoga Karelia with the temperature minus 40 degrees Celsius, a small Finnish detachment attacks and stops a Russian advance at the edge of Mursula village in Kitilä.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The Greek steamer Asteria (3313t) sinks on a mine 9.5 miles northeast of Haisborough Light. This is a result of the German destroyer minelaying operation the night of the 10th. 14 of the crew are lost, 11 are rescued.
• U-26 sinks the Norwegian steamer Enid (1140t) about 6 miles off Muckle Flugga and badly damages the British steamer Polzella (4751t) in the same area. The Polzella sinks the next day without a trace with the loss of her entire crew. The entire crew of the Enid is rescued by the Danish steamer Kina and the British fishing vessel Granada.

Finland - Winter War

Day 49

On the Ladoga Karelia the Finnish 12th Div launches an offensive in the Uomaa sector. The IV Army Corps is forced to stop its offensive in the Pitkäranta area. The Finns lack the strength to drive to the border. On the central Isthmus in the Lähde road sector, Russian artillery inflicts serious damage on 'Fort Poppius', a concrete fortress that can house 26 men. The Finns recapture Kursu, southwest of Salla.

Over the Isthmus Fokker fighters from 24 Squadron shoot down 8 enemy SB bombers. Russian bombers hit Turku, Hanko, Lappeenranta, Koivisto and the south harbor in Viipuri.

Baltic Sea

The German steamer August Thyssen (2342t) sinks on a mine off Aland Island in a Swedish minefield.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-9 sinks the Swedish steamer Flandria (1179t) 100 miles off Ymuiden with the loss of 17 crewmen. 4 survivors are rescued by the Norwegian steamer Balzac.
• U-25 sinks the Swedish steamer Pajala (6873t) 10 miles from North Rona. The crew of 35 is picked up by the British armed boarding vessel Northern Duke.
• U-44 sinks the Danish steamer Canadian Reefer (1831t) 25 miles northeast of Cape Villano. Her crew is picked up by the Spanish trawler Jose Ignacio De C.

• U-55 sinks the Swedish steamer Foxen (1304t) in the North Sea with the loss of 8 crewmen. 1 survivor is picked up by the Norwegian steamer Leka.

Finland - Winter War

Day 50

On the Ladoga Karelia the Finns take the barracks area in Pitkäranta forming a 'motti' with one open flank onto the frozen Lake Ladoga. Fresh Soviet troops are observed at Pitkäranta and at Käsnäselkä in the Uomaa sector. In northern Finland the Finns with 4 battalions launch and attack on Märkäjärvi. The defending Russian 122nd Div holds firm. On the Gulf of Finland the Finns attack a Soviet naval detachment trapped in the ice near the island Someri.

Russian bombers hit the icebreaker Tarmo while it is undergoing repairs at Kotka. 39 crew members are killed and 11 wounded.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British destroyer Grenville hits a mine and sinks off the Thames Estuary. Casualties are 8 dead and 73 missing, presumed dead. This is a result of the German minelaying operation the night of the 6th.
• U-9 sinks the Swedish steamer Patria (1188t) in the North Sea with the loss of 19 crewmen. Survivors are rescued by the Swedish steamer Frigg.
• U-59 sinks the French steamer Quiberon off Great Yarmouth.

Finland - Winter War

Day 51

In northern Finland the Finns take up defensive positions at Märkäjärvi. The Finnish 9th Div currently fighting in the Suomussalmi-Raate sector is given orders to move south to Kuhmo. There is an unsuccessful Finnish attack against the positions of the Soviet 122nd Div at Salla.

Over the Karelian Isthmus 2 Finnish fighters engage 3 Russians bombers and shoot 1 down. 3 more Russian planes are shot down over other parts of the Isthmus.

Air Operations, Europe

Russian bombers start big fires in Turku and Hangö.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-44 sinks the Greek steamer Ekatontarchos Dracoulis (5329t) west of Portugal with the loss of 6 crewmen. Survivors are picked up by the Italian steamer Ninopadre.
• The Estonian steamer Nautic (2050t) is lost northwest of Bergen to an unknown cause.

Britain, Home Front

Churchill Speech

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British destroyer Exmouth is sunk by U-22 off Wick, Scotland. The entire crew of 189 are lost.

  HMS Exmouth

• The British steamer Ferryhill (1086t) sinks 1-1/2 miles north of St Marys Light on a mine laid by U-61 on December 2nd with the loss of 11 crewmen.
• U-57 sinks the Norwegian steamer Miranda (1328t) in the North Sea with the loss of 14 crewmen. 3 survivors are rescued.
• U-22 sinks the Danish steamer Tekla (1469t) in the North Sea with the loss of 9 of her crew. 9 survivors are picked up by the Norwegian steamer Iris and the British destroyer Sikh.
• The Swedish steamer Andalusia (1357t) is lost with all hands in the North Sea to an unknown cause. It possibly could have been a torpedo from U-55.

Finland - Winter War

Day 53

On the Ladoga Karelia, the Soviets attempt a breakthrough at Kollaa and on the Aittojoki River. They try the same thing at Ilomantsi. A Russian artillery barrage begins at 8:50a.m. on the Kollaanjoki River. The Finns in the area are outnumbered 3 to 1. The Russians lose 6 tanks and 450 men. On the Ladoga Karelia a general offensive is launched by the Russian 8th Army. During the morning the Russian 1st Army Corps attacks the defensive positions held by Group Talvela on the Aittojoki River. The Russian 155th Div launches similar attacks at Kallioniemi and Oimaansalmi in Ilomantsi. In northern Finland Gen Hjalmar F. Siilasvuo's 9th Div is moved from Suomussalmi to Kuhmo.

On the eastern Isthmus on the Taipallenjoki River the Finns shoot down a balloon being used to direct the Soviet artillery fire. In the Ladoga Karelia Finnish Blenheim bombers and dive-bombers hit the air base built by the Russians at Karkunlampi in Salmi.

In Stockholm, Hella Wuolijoki meets with Soviet emissaries Boris Yartsev and Grauer.

Russian Offensive Begins

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-25 sinks the Norwegian steamer Songa (2589t) 220 miles west of the Scilly Islands. The entire crew is rescued.
• U-51 sinks the Swedish steamer Gothia (1640t) 45 miles north west of St Kilda with the loss of 12 crewmen.
• U-61 sinks the Norwegian steamer Sydvold (2434t) in the North Sea with the loss of 5 of her crew. 19 survivors are rescued by the Norwegian steamer Rona.
• The Norwegian steamer Segovia (1387t) leaves England for Norway and is never heard from again. It is presumed she was a victim of U-55 with no survivors.

Finland - Winter War

Day 54

On the Ladoga Karelia the Soviet offensive continues at Kollaa on the Aittojoki River and at Ilomantsi. The Lapland Group is turned down in its request to continue their advance to Märkäjärvi. They are ordered to consolidate the ground already taken.

Soviet bombers hit Sortavala in the Ladoga Karelia and Ivalo in Lapland.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-18 sinks the Norwegian steamer Varild (1085t) northeast of Kinnaird Head with the loss of the entire crew.
• U-19 sinks the British steamer Baltanglia (1523t) and the Norwegian steamer Pluto (1598t) northeast of the Tyne. The crews of both vessels are rescued by British fishing boats.
• The Finnish steamer Onto (1333t) sinks about 3 miles from the Smith Knoll Light Vessesl on a mine laid by U-56 on the 8th. The entire crew is rescued by the British sloop Aukland.

Finland - Winter War

Day 55

On the Ladoga Karelia 3 battalions of Group Talvela counterattack on the Aittojoki River. On the central Isthmus the Soviets increase their artillery shelling in the Summa and Lähde sectors. A Russian detachment attacks the islands of Suursaari and Rumakoira in Lake Muolaanjärvi. The Finns repel the attacks. In northern Finland Col Siilasvuo arrives in Kuhmo along with the staff of the 9th Div and settles into the Jämäs barracks. Group Ilomälki is placed under the command of the 9th Div. On the southeast Isthmus and the Ladoga Karelia the Soviet offensive in Taipale and on the northeast side of Lake Ladoga are repulsed by the Finns.

Soviet bombers hit Nurmes killing 21 people and injuring 39.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-23 sinks the Norwegian steamer Bisp (1000t) in the North sea with the loss of her entire crew.
• U-44 sinks the French steamer Alsacien (3819t) from French convoy 56-KS west of Lisbon with the loss of 4 of her crew.

Finland - Winter War

Day 56

There is fierce fighting northeast of Lake Ladoga. The main focus of the Soviet assault is west of Lake Vegarusjärvi. The Finns repel all attacks. On the Kollaanjoki River the Soviets capture a base of the 35th Inf Regt in the northern sector.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-14 sinks the Norwegian steamer Biarritz (1752t) with the loss of 25 crewmen. Survivors are picked up by the Norwegian steamer Borgholm 36 miles northwest of Ijmuiden.
• U-19 sinks the Latvian steamer Everene (4434t) and the Norwegian steamer Gudvieg (1300t) about 5 miles off Longstone Light. 1 crewman is lost from the Everene and 10 from the Gudvieg. Survivors are picked up by British fishing vessels Dole and Evesham.
• U-44 sinks the French steamer Tourny (2769t), a straggler from convoy 56-KS, west of Cape Mondego with the loss of 8 crewmen. Survivors are picked up by the Spanish steamer Castillo Monforte.

Canada, Politics

Parliament is dissolved for an election on March 28 because of recent controversy over the alleged weakness of war preparations.

Finland - Winter War

Day 57

On the central Isthmus a Soviet detachment makes another attempt to take the island of Suursari in Lake Muolaanjärvi. On the Ladoga Karelia the Russians continue to press the Finns northeast of Lake Ladoga. On the eastern Isthmus the Finnish troops repulse a Soviet assault in the morning. On the Ladoga Karelia, because of the situation in the area, the C-in-C changes Group Talvela's mission in the Tolvajärvi sector to adopt delaying tactics if necessary.

Maan Turva At Work

Baltic Sea

The Estonian steamer Kessu (295t) is seized by German naval forces and taken to Memel.

Battle of the Atlantic

The British steamer Durham Castle (8240t) sinks off Cromarty on a mine laid by U-57 on the 22nd.

Britain, Home Front

It is stated in London that of 734,883 children evacuated since the war began, 316,192 had returned home by January 8.

Diplomatic Relations

The US-Japanese Treaty of Navigation and Commerce of 1911 lapses. In protest against Japanese aggression in China the United States refuses to negotiate a new one.

Finland - Winter War

Day 58

On the central Isthmus in the Lähde road sector Russian artillery pounds 'Fort Poppius' rendering it useless for active combat purposes. In northern Finland the last of the troops of the 9th Div transferred from Suomussalmi arrive in Kuhmo.

Russian aircraft bomb Ivalo, Kuusamo, Savukoski and Sotkamo.

Prime Minister Ryti

Baltic Sea

The Finnish steamer Clio (996t) is seized by German warships and taken to Pillau.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-20 sinks 4 steamers: the Norwegian Faro (844t) 15 miles southeast of Copinsay; the Danish Fredensburg (2094t); the Danish England (2319t); and the Norwegian Hosanger (1591t), all in the same area of the North Sea. The Faro loses 7 crewmen, 8 are rescued. Fredensburg loses her entire crew of 20. The England loses 20 crewmen with 1 survivor and the Hosanger loses 17 of her crew with 1 survivor.

Finland - Winter War

Day 59

Soviet artillery continues its bombardment of the main Finnish defensive positions on the Isthmus. Badly damaged by the Soviet artillery is the 'Million Fort' in the Lähde sector east of Lake Summajärvi. IV Army Corps small unit commanders meet at 13th Div's command post. Maj-Gen Hägglund orders the 'mottis' at Kelivaara and West Lemetti to be taken. The offshore island of Putkisaari on the Ladoga Karelia near Pitkäranta is taken by Soviet troops.

Capture the mottis

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Eston of convoy FN-81 sinks off Blyth on a mine laid by U-22 on 20 December. There are no survivors.
• U-34 sinks the Greek steamer Eleni Stathatou (5625t) 200 miles west of the Scillies with the loss of 12 crewmen.
• U-44 sinks the Greek steamer Flora Nomicos (1783t) west of Figuerra la Foz.

Finland - Winter War

Day 60

On the Karelian Isthmus a reconnaissance patrol from the Finnish 1st Div returns after successfully scouting along the railway line to Raivola and the frozen Gulf of Finland. On the Ladoga Karelia Detachment Pajari repulses a Soviet offensive on the Aittojoki River. In the afternoon, Soviet troops withdraw from Vieksinki leaving about 200 fallen comrades behind. The Kelivaar 'motti' is taken by the Finns. The Finnish attack on the West Lemetti 'motti' is repulsed. In the Ilomantsi sector the Russians make several attempts to take Petkelniemi.

On the Karelian Isthmus Russian bombers hit a clearly marked hospital in a vicarage in Johannes. 20 patients, 2 members of the women's auxiliary defense forces and 2 nurses are killed. Several are wounded. Also bombed are the coastal towns of Kotka, Loviisa, Hanko and Rauma.

Battle of the Atlantic

• In the North Sea German aircraft attack British merchant ships and 2 lightships between the Shetlands and Kent. The British steamer Stanburn (2981t) is sunk 10 miles southeast of Flamborough Head with the loss of 25 of her crew. 3 of the crew are rescued. One of the lightships is the E. Dudgeon with 7 of her 8 crew being killed.
• U-51 sinks the Norwegian steamer Eika (1503t) in the North Sea with the loss of 14 crewmen. 2 are rescued by the U-boat.

Diplomatic Relations

With little progress in the Winter War, the Soviet Government sends a note via Sweden stating that the 'USSR has no objection in principle to concluding an agreement' with the Finnish Government. This indicates that Moscow is prepared to drop the Kuusinen government idea. However, the Soviets still want Hanko, which Helsinki will not relinquish. In addition, the excellent performance of the Finnish Army in the war thus far, plus the offer, albeit vague, of French and British help, has emboldened the Finns to hold out for better terms.

Finland - Winter War

Day 61

In northern Finland at 5:00a.m. Col Siilasvuo's 9th Div launches a counter-offensive to destroy the Russian 54th Div at Kuhmo. On the central Isthmus in Summa the Russians launch a probing assault after a heavy artillery bombardment in the Hanhiojansuu sector. The Finnish defense repels the assault. On the eastern Isthmus in Taipale, the Russians break through in the Terenttilä area. Heavy fighting is still going on. On the Ladoga Karelia the Finns continue their attacks on the West Lemetti 'motti'.

In the air 6 Blenheims from 10 Squadron attack enemy transports at the mouth of the Taipaleenjoki River. On the Karelian Isthmus Finnish fighters shoot down 2 Russian fire control planes. The Finns capture an intact Russian DB-3 bomber when it is forced to land on Lake Iso Roinevesi near Hauho. On the Ladoga Karelia the Soviets bomb Mantsi Fort. In an air raid on Turku 36 people are killed when the city is caught by surprise.

In diplomatic exchanges made via Sweden it emerges that the Soviets are prepared to negotiate with the legitimate Finnish government and, implicitly, to abandon support for the puppet communist regime of Otto Wille Kuusinen.

Battle of the Atlantic

• Heinkel bombers again attack shipping off the British coast. The British steamer Voreda (7216t) is severely damaged and abandoned. Her entire crew is rescued by the British destroyer Vivien. The British steamer Giralda (2178t) is bombed and sunk 3 miles east of Grimness with the loss of her entire crew of 23. The steamer Bancrest (4450t) is also hit by the German bombers and goes ashore at Wick with the loss of 1 of her crew. The survivors are rescued by the British destroyer Javelin.
• U-55 attacks a convoy off Land's End, sinking 2 ships, but is damaged by the sloop Fowey and a Sunderland flying boat and is forced to scuttle. One of the ships sunk by U-55 is the British tanker Vaclite (5026t). The 28 man crew is rescued by the Italian steamer Pollenzo. The other ship sunk is the Greek steamer Keramiai (5085t). Her 35 crew members are rescued by the British sloop Fowey.

  U-55

  Class	Type VIIB
  CO	Kapitänleutnant Werner Heidal
  Location	W of Ushant
  Cause	Depth charge/air attack
  Casualties	1
  Survivors	41

Britain, Home Front

Holborn Station, London as Air Raid Shelter

Germany, Home Front

Hitler speaks at the Berlin Sportpalast on the 7th anniversary of the Nazi regime. He demands Lebensraum ('living space') for Germans; ridicules Chamberlain ('pious and Bible-believing'), Churchill and Daladier; and declares that, since 'they started the war,... they will get all the war they want!'.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-21 sinks the Danish steamer Vidar (1353t) in the North Sea with the loss of 16 of her crew. 18 of her crew are rescued.

Britain, Preparations

A secret British military mission to Italy orders 300 Caproni Re-2000 fighters. Germany vetoes this deal in April. An attempt to obtain the planes through Portugese intermediaries fails in June.

Finland - Winter War

Day 63

In northern Finland the Finns again hold off a massive Soviet assault at Saija in the Kuhmo sector. The Finns also defeat a Russian ski battalion at Silmälampi and Löytövaara. The Russians lose 160 men and a large supply of automatic weapons. On Lake Ladoga the Russians attack several islands in the lake.

The Russians bomb Rovaniemi killing 5. To this point the Russians have conducted 643 air raids over Finland dropping over 20,000 bombs on a total of 207 different localities.