Battle of the Atlantic

The German U-boat campaign is less effective this month because many of them are withdrawn to prepare for the Norwegian campaign. The Allies lose 45 ships altogether, 23 to submarine attack. 3 U-boats are sunk. (Allied Ships Lost to U-boats)

Battle of the Atlantic

• The Norwegian steamer Vestfoss (1388t) is bombed and sunk by planes from KG-26 12 miles southeast of Copinsay, Orkney Islands. 19 crewmen are picked up by the British steamer Star of Liberty.
• U-20 sinks the Italian steamer Mirella (5340t) in the North Sea with the loss of 1 crewman. The survivors are picked up by the British destroyer Wallace and the British anti-submarine trawler Cape Argona.

Diplomatic Relations

Sumner Welles, US Secretary of State, arrives in Berlin from Rome before going on to London and Paris. He has been instructed to offer American mediation between the belligerents. His efforts are doomed to failure because none of the combatants believe that peace is possible.

Finland - Winter War

Day 93

The Soviet force on the Isthmus follows closely behind the retreating Finns. They carry out a number of assaults on the delaying positions. Soviet tanks dragging sled personnel carriers overtake the Finns withdrawing to the delaying positions to the west of Perojoki. The vanguard of the Russian tanks breaks through to Ukonmäki near the main road from Viipuri to Tali. The Russians close to within 6 km of the center of Viipuri as a fierce aerial battle occurs over the city. The Russians are also attacking along the Heinjoki-Lyykylä road and to the south of Viipuri.

Gold Ring Collection

In Vuosalmi, a Soviet battalion attacks the church hill at Ayräpää is repulsed by the defending Finns. In Taipale, the command bunker in the Terenttilä sector receives a direct hit. 2 officers and 11 men are killed and 6 others are seriously wounded. In northern Finland, Lt-Col Magmus Dynssen is killed by enemy shelling. He was the commander of the Swedish volunteer battalion. The fighting in Viipurinlahti Bay leads to the establishment of a Coastal Group commanded by Jaeger Maj-Gen K. M. Wallenius from the Lapland Group.

Air Operations, Europe

The entire Ruhr industrial region is photographed by an RAF Spitfire in 1 sortie.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British India liner Domala is bombed off the Isle of Wight (100 killed), the first such action in the English Channel. The British destroyer Viscount takes off 120 survivors and the Dutch steamer Jonge Willem picks up 51 more.
• The German steamer Wolfsburg (6201t) scuttles herself north of Iceland when intercepted by the British cruiser Berwick. The Berwick picks up the crew of 11 officers and 43 men before sinking the Wolfsburg with gunfire.
• U-17 sinks the Dutch steamer Rijnstroom off the Dutch coast with the loss of the crew of 12.
• U-32 sinks the Swedish steamer Lagaholm (2818t) 80 miles west of Kirkwall with the loss of 1 crewman. 27 survivors are rescued by the Norwegians steamer Belpamela.
• The British steamer Albano (1176t) sinks on a mine about 8 miles from Croquet Light midway between Blyth and North Sunderland with the loss of 9 crewmen. The survivors are picked up by the British escort vessel Wallace and the British armed patrol trawler Stella Carino.
• The Dutch steamer Elziena (176t) is sunk by He-111 bombs from KG-26 5 miles east of Coquet Island with the loss of 2 crewmen.

Finland - Winter War

Day 94

3 Soviet divisions launch a massive general offensive. The Soviet forces begin major attacks on the new Finnish defense line. Pressure is exerted against all points but is strongest at the north and south ends. Vuosalmi in the north is attacked by 13th Army forces while the reserve corps of 7th Army is advancing over the sea ice toward the west side of Viipuri Gulf. The Russians reach the southern suburbs of Viipuri. The fiercest fighting is on the Karelian Isthmus, at Käremäenlahti to the south of Viipuri and in the Lyykylä sector east of the city. The Finns are forced to withdraw from the frontline strongholds.

Tampere Heavily Bombed

Battle of the Atlantic

The German steamer Arucas (3359t) scuttles herself north of Iceland when intercepted by the British cruiser York. The York lands the 39 survivors at Kirkwall.

Finland - Winter War

Day 95

The Soviets begin attacks on Viipuri (now Vyborg, in Russia), Finland's second city. Hand-to-hand fighting occurs in the suburbs. The Russians capture the railway station. General Headquarters and the staff of the Army of the Isthmus are following the fighting in Viipurinlahti Bay with growing concern. The Finnish situation is deteriorating rapidly. Maj-Gen K. M. Wallenius is removed from command of the Coastal Group and replaced with Jaeger Lt-Gen Lennart Oesch. In Kuhmo, the Finns have taken part of the great 'motti' at Luelahti. General Headquarters in Mikkeli orders the staff of the Army of the Isthmus to plan to withdraw to the

Battle of the Atlantic

U-29 sinks the British steamers Thurston (3072t) and Pacific Reliance (6717t) 32 miles wes of Trevose Head. 34 crewmen are lost from the Thurston while 1 survivor is picked up by the British steamer Moyle. All 53 crewmen of the Pacific Reliance are picked up by the British steamer Macville and the British tanker San Florentino.

Finland - Winter War

Day 96

The Russians send armor into the attack on Viipuri, the most important strategic point in Karelia and in southern Finland. The operation is favored by thick ice covering the waters of the Gulf of Finland. On the Ladoga Karelia the 69th Inf Regt is still holding out in Kollaa. On the Isthmus the Soviets launch an assault at 6:00am leading to the capture of a bridgehead near Ayräpää church. Around noon Russian troops supported by tanks once again come ashore at Vilajoki and

Air Operations, Europe

The Russians bomb Helsinki.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-17 sinks the Dutch steamer Grutto (920t) off the Dutch coast with the loss of her entire crew of 18.

Finland - Winter War

Day 97

The Russians cross ice-bound Viipuri Bay but meet fierce Finnish resistance. There is fierce fighting on the islands of Ravansaari, Turkinsaari and Neulasaari in Viipurinlahti Bay. On the western shore of the bay the Soviets are advancing in Vilaniemi and Häränpäänniemi. The counterattack to retake the church hill at Ayräpää is delayed by the late arrival of the Finnish detachment at the starting position. The attack begins at daylight, but the Finns struggle suffering heavy losses in the face of intense Soviet fire. The hill remains in Soviet hands. During the course of the morning the Russians occupy Vasikkasaari.

Fierce Fighting on the Islands

The town of Mikkeli, where General Headquarters is located, is heavily bombed and 33 civilians are killed.

The USSR announces that they are still prepared to negotiate peace on the terms offered before. The Finns correctly deduce that the British and French promises are valueless and, therefore, tell the Soviets that they agree to meet their terms. A Finnish delegation is sent to Moscow, led by Ryti and Juho Kusti Paasikivi, an experienced politician and diplomat.

[ | ]

Baltic Sea

The Latvian steamer Latvis (1318t) is seized by German warships. She is later renamed Edith Faulbaums and placed in German service.

Diplomatic Relations

France and Italy conclude a trade agreement providing for an increase in the volume of trade between the two countries.

Finland - Winter War

Day 98

In the Ladoga Karelia, the Soviet 11th Div with tank support launches an offensive against the Finnish-controlled islands in the Pitkäranta sector at 9:00am The offensive is preceded by a 3-hour artillery bombardment in which the Soviet guns used about 10,000 shells. The Russians manage to break through the Pitkäranta section of the blockade encircling the great Kitelä 'motti'. The Finnish counterattack in Vilaniemi is unsuccessful. The Russians also come ashore in Karjaniemi and Niskapohja. In the Sintolanniemi sector of the Isthmus the Russians cross the Vuoksi on a 2-km front. Paimio, Petäjä, Maksima and other islands on the eastern shore of Lake Ladoga endure heavy Soviet shelling.

Finnish Delegation Leaves For Moscow

The Soviet Union announces it is ready to open talks with Finland in Moscow, but will not issue a ceasefire until talks are formally begun. In the evening, the Finnish delegation under the leadership of Prime Minister Risto Ryti leaves Stockholm for Moscow. Others in the delegation are J. K. Paasikivi, Rudolf Walden and Väinö Voiomaa.

Air Operations, Europe

Flying from bases in France, RAF aircraft drop Polish language leaflets over western Poland and return via Leipzig and the Ruhr where they release leaflets in German.

Atlantic

British warships detain 13 Italian colliers with cargoes of German coal.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-14 sinks the Dutch steamer Vecht (1965t) off the Dutch coast with the loss of her entire crew of 22.

Finland - Winter War

Day 99

After a preliminary artillery bombardment the Soviets on the Isthmus launch an assault and break through the Finnish lines in Tali moving towards Tali village.

Soviet Supply Line Cut By Finns

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Counsellor (5068t) sinks on a mine off Mersey Light Vessel laid by U-32 on the 7th. The entire crew of 78 is rescued by the British destroyer Walpole.
• The German steamer Hannover (5537t) is captured by the British light cruiser Dunedin off Santo Domingo in the Mona Passage. Dunedin tows her to Kingston. She is later renamed Empire Audacity and placed in British service. She will eventually become the HMS Audacity, Britain's first escort carrier.

Finland - Winter War

Day 100

To block the Russian advance, the Finnish defenders attempt to dam the waterways to the northeast of Viipuri and manage finally to flood the area. The Soviets capture part of Viipuri. Their pressure on the Finnish defenses northeast of the city is beginning to wear down the Finnish resistance. The USSR turns down a Finnish request for an immediate armistice. Soviet troops on the Isthmus reach the Finnish support line in Tali. The Finns in Viipurinlahti Bay are forced to evacuate Suonionsaari and Ravansaari Islands. On the mainland the Soviets consolidate their bridgeheads at Niskapohja, Vilaniemi and Häräpääniemi. In Vuosalmi the Russians dig in on the northern bank of the Vuoksi.

Finns Outnumbered 3 to 1

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British steamer Chevy Chase (2719t) sinks on a mine near Cromer Knoll. This is a result of the German destroyer mine-laying operation of 9 February. The entire crew is picked up by the British trawler Monimia.
• In a German minelaying operation the naval auxiliary Schiff 11 (the former Estonian steamer Hanonia), disguised as a neutral, ship lays mines off North Foreland. 5 ships of 14,152 tons will be lost in this minefield.
• U-14 sinks the British steamers Borthwick (1097t), Akeld (643t) and Abbotsford (1585t) in the North Sea. The entire crew of the Borthwick is rescued by a Dutch coast guard cutter, but there are no survivors from the other 2 vessels. 13 are lost from the Akeld and 19 from the Abbotsford.
• U-28 sinks the Greek steamer P. Margaronis (4979t) southwest of Lands End with the loss of the entire crew of 30.
• U-38 sinks the British trawler Leukos (216t) northwest of Tory Island losing all 11 crewmen.

Diplomatic Relations

• A compromise is reached between Britain and Italy over the 'Coal Ships Affair' of Mar 7. The colliers will be released but Italy must find an alternative (overland) supply route from the German coalfields.
• Britain and France pledge troops and planes to support Finland.

Finland - Winter War

Day 101

An attack in the morning by two Soviet divisions break through the Finnish defenses in Tali. The Finnish battalion defending here loses 44 per cent of its strength. Despite heavy losses, the Finns attempt a counterattack about 2:00pm but without success. Tali village falls to the Soviets. In the evening the Finnish troops regroup in defensive formations on a line cutting through the southern head of Lake Leitimojärvi and the eastern head of Lake Kärstilänjärvi.

Finnish Aircraft Strike

Finland - Winter War

Day 102

The situation in Viipurinlahti Bay is critical. The Red Army is constantly bring up new troops and equipment into the area. They are working to extend their bridgehead on the western side of the bay. The Soviet goal is to use the bridgehead as a staging point to get around the west side of Viipuri and cut the supply lines of the Finns to the interior. The Russians are attempting to take the city itself by a direct frontal assault while other troops to the northeast are driving towards Antrea. In the afternoon the Soviets break throught the Finnish defenses in the western part of Nisalahti village and push 3 km to the north. The Finns have now lost use of their main defensive line and will have to fight from totally unprepared positions. 200 Russian tanks are spotted in Pullinniemi.

Battle of the Atlantic

• An RAF Blenheim bombs and sinks U-31 in Schillig Roads northwest Germany. The entire crew of 45 and 13 other naval personnel are lost. Dockyard personnel are able to raise the submarine on the 19th. She is repaired and recommissioned on July 30, 1940 and again sunk November 2, 1940. The second sinking is by the destroyer HMS Antelope.

U-31

Class	Type VII
CO	Kapitänleutnant Hans Habecost
Location	Jade River, North Sea
Cause	Air attack
Casualties	58
Survivors	None

• The Dutch steamer Amor (2325t) sinks on a mine 8 miles northwest of North Fairy Buoy. This is a result of a German minelaying operation on the night of the 9th. The entire crew is recued by the Irish steamer City of Bremen.
• U-28 badly damaged the Dutch steamer Eulota (6236t) 120 miles west of Quessant. The entire crew of 42 is rescued by the British destroyer Wild Swan.

Britain, Home Front

Meat rationing begins. The north of Scotland is officially out of bounds for unauthorized people.

Finland - Winter War

Day 103

On the Karelian Isthmus the Soviets launch an offensive across the Vuoksi supported by artillery fire. Fighting is continuing in Viipuri as the Soviets are fiercely attacking the Finnish defenses. The Soviets break through into the suburbs of Viipuri. By early evening the Soviets have reached Tammisuo station northeast of the city. At 2:45pm the Russians break through to the northwest of Vasikkasaari, but they are contained by the Finns. During the night, after heavy fighting, the Finns in Vuosalmi withdraw from Vitsaari. Troops from the Coastal Group withdraw to new positions at Vilajoki. In the area of Tali-Portinhoikka, Russian tanks are supporting a breakthrough near the Portinhoikka crossroads.

The final terms of the armistice between the USSR and Finland are concluded. Finland is to give about 16,000 square miles which include the whole of the Karelian Isthmus, including Viipuri, territory in the 'waist' of the country near Salla, the Rybachiy Peninsula near Murmansk in the Barents Sea and is to grant a 30-year lease on the port of Hanko to the Soviets. Petsamo is returned to the Finns. When the recent Soviet military successes are taken into account these terms can be described as fairly moderate.

Peace Talks Announced

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British Home Fleet returns to Scapa Flow where anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defenses have been greatly increased.
• The British steamer Gardenia (3745t) from sinks on a mine near Cromer Knoll. This is a result of the German destroyer mine-laying operation of 9 February. The entire crew is picked up by the British anti-submarine trawler Viviana.

Finland - Winter War

Day 104

There is fierce fighting on the Isthmus to the northeast and south of Viipuri. The Russians break through at Kollaa to a depth of about 1 km. The Finns decide to abandon the defensive line along the Kollaanjoki River. Col Hersalo's 21st Div launches a counterattack in Vuosalmi. III Army Corps Commander Maj-Gen Talvela decides to pull his troops back in Vuosalmi on account of ceasefire negotiations.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-44 is lost on a mine in the North Sea in a minefield laid by British destroyers Express, Esk, Icarus and Impulsive on the 3rd. The entire crew of 47 is lost.
• The German merchant ship La Coruna (7359t) is intercepted east of Iceland by the British armed merchant cruiser Maloja. Being unable to escape, the German vessel sets herself on fire. The British ship rescues the 68 members of the German crew.

Finland - Winter War

Day 105

After the Finnish delegation have received formal permission from their government, the treaty with the Soviets is signed in Moscow in the early hours of the morning. All hostilities cease on the Finnish front at noon.

In the Taipale and Vuosalmi sectors of the front the Finnish artillery, which has played a major role in the successful defense of these sectors, finally falls silent as the fighting is broken off at 11 o'clock. The coming of peace interrupts the Finnish 12th Div's counter-offensive in Kollaa. In the north, the fighting in Juntusranta in the Suomussalmi sector, which had become bogged down into trench warfare, ends at 11 o'clock with a ferocious Russian artillery bombardment of the Finnish positions on the Kellojoki River. On the Ladoga Karelia fighting continues throughout the day in the wilds on Group Talvela's southern flank. Neither side manages to get word of the peace agreement to their troops in time to stop the fighting. In the Salla sector in the far north, a Russian battalion in Saija attempts to get around behind Detachment Roininen. The Finns, however, manage to surround the entire Russian battalion.

The Finns have never had more than 200,000 men in the fight and have lost 21,396 dead, 1,434 missing and 43,557 wounded. Altogether the war has absorbed, on the Soviet side, 1,200,000 men and 1,500 tanks deployed in 45 infantry division, 4 cavalry divisions and 12 armored groups. Also included for the Soviets were 3,000 planes. Official sources put their losses at 48,000 dead and 158,000 wounded but this may well be a considerable understatement.

Prime Minister Tanner Radio Speech

This disparity in losses suggests to Allied and Axis observers that the effects of Stalin's officer purges have still not been overcome. This impression of ineffeciency contributes to Hitler's decision to invade the USSR and makes the British and Americans a little reluctant to send supplies to the Soviets when the Germans do invade because they expect that the Germans will win quickly.

Air Operations, Asia

Only 3 of 30 Chinese fighters escape destruction in a battle with a squadron of 12 Japanese Zeros over Chengtu. The Japanese suffer no losses.

Australia, Politics

Prime Minister Robert G. Menzies forms a new coalition Cabinet to improve the direction of the war effort.

Finland

The evacuation of 470,000 people from lost territories begins (completes Mar 26).

Air Operations, Europe

RAF aircraft drop leaflets on Warsaw. A Whitley, low on fuel, mistakenly lands at an airfield in western Germany. They converse with inhabitants and are able to take off again despite small arms fire.

Battle of the Atlantic

The British steamer Melrose (1589t) sinks on a mine off North Foreland. This is a result of a German minelaying operation on the night of the 9th.

Air Operations, Europe

There is a German air raid on the British fleet base at Scapa Flow. 32 bombers participate in the raid, 2 are lost. 1 cruiser, the Norfolk, is slightly damaged. The raid is more notable for causing the first civilian casualties in Britain.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The British minesweeping drifter Maida (107t) is sunk on a mine off Margate 10 miles east of North Foreland with the loss of 6 crewmen. 6 of the crew are rescued by the British minesweeping drifter Mare.
• The Yugoslav steamer Slava (4512t) is sunk on a mine 5 miles south of Start Point with the loss of 1 crewman.

Battle of the Atlantic

• The French steamer Capitaine Augustin (3137t) sinks on a mine 2-1/2 miles off Tongue Light Vessel. This is a result of a German minelaying operation on the night of the 9th. 2 crewmen are lost.
• The Dutch steamer Sint Annaland (2248t) sinks on a mine off North Foreland. This is also a result of a German minelaying operation on the night of the 9th. The entire crew is rescued by the Dutch steamer Schieland.
• U-38 sinks the Danish steamer Argentina (5375t) in the North Sea with the loss of the entire crew.

Axis Diplomacy

Hitler and Mussolini meet at the Brenner Pass, their first meeting since Munich in 1938. Mussolini says that he is ready to join Germany and its allies in the war against France and Britain.

Hitler and Mussolini Meet

Battle of the Atlantic

• The Italian steamer Tino Primo (4853t) hits a mine off North Foreland. This is also a result of a German minelaying operation on the night of the 9th. She is taken in tow by the tug Kenia from Ramsgate, but hits 2 more mines and sinks with the loss of 1 crewman.
• The Dutch trawler Protinus (202t) is sunk by German bombers of KG-26 off Ijmuiden near Middle Rough Bank with the loss of 4 crewmen. 7 other crewmen are rescued by the British submarine Unity on the 25th.

Air Operations, Europe

As a reprisal for the German attack on Scapa Flow on 14 October 1939, 50 RAF bombers raid the German seaplane base at Hörnum on the island of Sylt. There is little real damage caused for the loss of 2 aircraft.

Whitley Bomber

Battle of the Atlantic

U-19 sinks the Danish steamers Minsk (1229t), Charkow (1206t), Viking (1153t) and Bothal (2109t) in the North Sea. The Minsk loses 11 crewmen, 9 survivors are picked up by the British destroyer Esk. The entire crew of 20 is lost on the Cherkow; the Viking loses 15 with 2 survivors; and the Bothal loses 15 with 5 survivors.

Battle of the Atlantic

• German aircraft attack a convoy; 4 ships are damaged. Goebbels boasts 9 ships of 42,000 tons sunk. The British Admiralty describe German claims as '42,000 tons in excess of the actual facts'.
• U-44 is mined in a field laid by destroyers HMS Express, Esk, Icarus and Impulsive off Narvik, Norway.

  U-44

  Class	Type IXA
  CO	Kapitänleutnant Ludwig Mathes
  Location	SW of Narvik
  Cause	Mine
  Casualties	47
  Survivors	None

• The British steamer Barn Hill (5439t) is badly damaged by German bombers from KG-26 3 miles SSW of Beachy Head with the loss of 5 crewmen.

France, Politics

Losing a vote of confidence, Edouard Daladier, the French prime minister, is forced to resign. On Mar 21 Paul Reynaud forms the new government. Daladier has been criticized for failing to bring effective help to Finland. In France this has been seen as a way for the Allies to seize the initiative in the war and take the fighting away from French soil and, by association, avoid all the horrors of World War I.

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-22 sinks the Norwegian steamer Svinta (1267t) about 4 miles east of Copinsay. The Svinta had been damaged in a bomber attack on convoy ON-21 the previous day and was being towed by British tug St Mellons at the time.
• The British submarine Ursula sinks the German steamer Hedderheim (4947t) 8 miles ENE of Skagen. This is the first German merchant ship sunk by a British submarine in the war.

• U-38 sinks the Danish steamers Algier (1654t) and Christianborg (3270t) about 15 miles NNW of Foula, Shetlands. 5 crewmen are lost from the Algier and 1 from Christianborg. 18 survivors from the Algier are picked up by the British trawler Manx King.

Air Operations, Europe

RAF bombers on a reconnaisance/leaflet dropping operation have their first encounters with German night fighters. 1 Hampden is slightly damaged by an Me-110.

Battle of the Atlantic

The German merchant ship Edmund Hugo Stinnes IV (2189t) is intercepted by the British submarine Truant 6 miles from Bovbjerg. She scuttles herself in territorial waters but is finished off by the Truant with 2 torpedoes.

India

The Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution, is a formal political statement adopted by the All-India Muslim League on the occasion of its three-day general session in Lahore on March 22–24, 1940, which called for the creation of 'independent states' for Muslims in north-western and eastern British India. The constituent units of these states are to be autonomous and sovereign. The resolution is presented by A. K. Fazlul Huq, the Premier of Bengal. It is later interpreted as a demand for a separate and single Muslim state, called Pakistan.

All India Muslim League Working Committee

Battle of the Atlantic

• U-47 sinks the Danish steamer Britta (1146t) off Sule Skerry with the loss of 13 crewmen. 5 survivors are picked up by Danish steamer Nancy.
• U-57 sinks the British tanker Daghestan (5742t) 9 miles from Copinsay with the loss of 4 crewmen. There are 25 survivors.

Germany, Home Front

British POWs are forbidden by the British government to broadcast for the enemy.

Battle of the Atlantic

U-36 sinks the Norwegian steamer Cometa (3749t) 67 miles from Noup Head. The entire crew of 42 are picked up by the British armed boarding vessel Northern Sky.

Diplomatic Relations

Stalin refuses Hitler's request for a meeting to discuss the Polish border.

New Zealand, Politics

Peter Fraser is appointed Prime Minister following the death of Michael Savage.

Western Front

The Phoney War continues. French and German artillery exchange fire in the Saar and the Vosges sectors.

Allied Planning

In their Supreme War Council the British and French decide to make a formal agreement that neither will make a separate peace. A study is ordered 'for the bombing of the Russian oil area in the Cauasus', a reflection of concern that the Germans could be fueled by Soviet oil.

In the same meeting it is also decided to mine Norwegian coastal waters and, if the Germans seem ready to interfere, to send a military expedition to Norway. The contingency plan prepared for such an eventuality has had to be abandoned, however, because the excuse for landings in Norway was to have been a clause in the constitution of the League of Nations allowing transit for troops if they were going to the aid of a victim of aggression. This is now invalid, of course, because of the Finnish surrender. The operation is timed to start on April 5 but is later deferred to April 8 - a vital difference in view of the timing the Germans fix for their own landings(see April 1).

Battle of the Atlantic

The Norwegian steamer Burgos (3219t) in convoy FS-31 sinks on a German destroyer-laid mine in the North Sea. The entire crew is rescued by the British sloop Pelican.

Canada, Politics

Mackenzie King's Liberal Party is returned to power in the Canadian elections.

Diplomatic Relations

Britain and France agree not to sign a separate peace with Nazi Germany.

Air Operations, Europe

• Capitaine Antoine de Saint-Exupéry flies the reconnaisance sortie over western Germany in a Bloch 174, which has a maximum speed of 530 km/hour.
• Air Marshal Charles Portal is appointed as head of RAF Bomber Command.

Battle of the Atlantic

The French cruiser Algerie escorts 2 US ships from Halifax with cargoes of American built warplanes.

Britain, Home Front

Prince Alexander Obolensky

China

A Japanese-sponsored puppet government comprising Chinese Nationalists is established in Nanking. The Japanese have been able to persuade Wang Jing-wei, formerly a respected Nationalist politician, to lead this body.

The Reformed Kuomintang government is recognized by Germany and Italy. The United States refuses to recognize the Japanese puppet Chinese government: 'In the light of what has been happening in various parts of China since 1931, the setting up of a new regime at Nanking has the appearance of a further step in a program of one country by armed force to impose its will upon a neighboring country and to block off a large area of the world from normal political and economic relationships with the rest of the world.'

Germany, Home Front

Hitler declares that as far as necessary arms shipments to Russia would receive priority over deliveries to the German army. This remains in effect until April 14 when he orders 'punctual delivery to Russia only till the spring of 1941'.

Britain, Home Front

A large proportion of people evacuated from cities in September 1939 have now returned home; only about 300,000 schoolchildren, out of an original 1 million, remain in country reception areas.

German Raiders

The first German armed merchant cruiser, Atlantis, sails for operations against Allied shipping. Up to 7 vessels will be in service later in 1940 and 1941. Generally these ships are better armed than their British equivalents and must therefore be hunted down by real cruisers. They cause considerable disruption. Their total successes in their period of operation are 87 ships of more that 600,000 tons, which is approximately one-fifth of British losses in this time.

The Atlantis will be the most successful raider. In a cruise lasting until November 22, 1941 she will sink 22 ships of 145,700 tons.