NLGenWeb Newspaper Transcriptions
Daily News
Highlights of the Year in the Fight for Freedom - 1941
"Reprinted courtesy of Robinson-Blackmore Printing and
Publishing" Any monetary or commercial gain from using this material is strictly
prohibited and subject to legal action.
The records were transcribed by JOHN BAIRD
& SUE O'NEILL. Formatted by GEORGE WHITE While we have endeavored to be as
correct as humanly possible, there could be some typographical errors.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR IN THE
FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
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PUB.DATE |
DETAILS |
January 1, 1941 | R.A.F. bombed several Italian towns, including Taranto. Bulgarian Premier makes hurried visit to Vienna. |
January 2, 1941 | Heavy R.A.F. attack on German invasion base on French Coast. Heavy German attack on Cardiff and other British centres. |
January 3, 1941 | Australian forces captured 3,000 prisoners in attack on Bardia. German planes bombed Wire. DeValera sent stiff protest to Berlin. |
January 4, 1941 | Italian Counter offensive along Albanian Front ends in disaster. |
January 5, 1941 | Bardia surrendered to British forces; 25,000 Italians taken prisoners. Germans launched fire bomb attack on London. Aviator Amy Johnson drowned in Thames. |
January 6, 1941 | Edward Hollett Clarke, of St. John’s, who fell into enemy’s hands at Dunkirk, first Nfld prisoner of war. R.A.F. sank Italian submarines at Bordeaux. |
January 7, 1941 | Nazi planes raided London in daylight. Midlands Town, East Anglia, and Southeast Coast, also raided. British Forces capture Tobruk Airfield. Nazies claim understanding with Bulgaria. President Roosevelt set up new production office, to speed up production war materials for use of U.S.A. and Britain. Italian Cabinet reaffirms alliance with Germany. |
January 8, 1941 | President Roosevelt presented record peace-time budget to Congress of $17,485,000,000. Able Seaman Wm. Thomas Hunt, of Marystown, who lost his life in rescuing troops at Dunkirk, recommended for heroic service. |
January 9, 1941 | Ethiopians routed Italian Garrison at Gubba. R.A.F. dropped bombs on industrial centers in Western Germany. Five Italian planes shot down over Malta. |
January 10, 1941 | British planes bomb Italian Naval Units at Messina. R.A.F. carried out raid over 1,000 square miles of Northwestern France. Russia and Germany signed 5 new treaties, including new trade agreement to aid Germany’s war effort. British Forces capture Buna on Ethiopian frontier. British Aircraft Carrier, Illustrious, damaged in fight off Sicily. |
January 11, 1941 | London has four hour air raid. |
January 12, 1941 | Six German raiders lost in attack on Naval Base at Portsmouth. |
January 13, 1941 | Britain offered to remove women and children from Italian East Africa. Italian Army Chief Ubaldo Soddu, resigned, and is succeeded by General Cavallero. Southwest English towns heavily bombed; 2 Hospitals and Church receive hits; casualties high. |
January 14, 1941 | German attempt to destroy British Convey unsuccessful; 1 Italian Destroyer sunk; 12 German and Italian planes destroyed; three British Naval Units receive damage. Harry Gover, of this city, one of first Newfoundlanders to receive stripes in Royal Air Force in Canada. |
January 15, 1941 | Britain conscripted civilians for fire work. First contingent U.S. Troops left New York for Newfoundland. Viscount Carnborne, Dominion Secretary, paid visit to a Newfoundland Regiment serving with Royal Artillery. Don O’Driscoll, of this city, received his wings at Camp Borden. |
January 16, 1941 | R.A.F. attacked Naval Base at Wilhelmshaven. German raiders over London in 421st attack of war. S.S. Southampton sank in Mediterranean, following combined German, Italian air attack; 82 lost. President Roosevelt made request to Congress for authority to build of 200 vessels. |
January 17, 1941 | Russian and Rumanian troops in clash on border. Hungarian rail traffic suspended. Nazis reported trying to end Italo-Greek war by negotiations at Athens. Two large Italian Troopships torpedoed in Atlantic. German Raiders attacked London and Bristol. Prime Minister Churchill made tour of Clydeside, and told listeners Britain faced dark days but would emerge victorious. |
January 18, 1941 | Britain calls up 36 year olds. |
January 19, 1941 | British forces recaptured Kasasla. 26 German planes shot down at Malta, in two days. Mussolini and Hitler held meeting. |
January 20, 1941 | R.A.F. carried out 1,400th raid on Germany since war. Street fighting in Bucharest. British air raid casualties since June 1940 placed at 23,081 dead, 32,296 injured. |
January 21, 1941 | United States lifts “moral embargo” on exports of airplanes and equipment. |
January 22, 1941 | Admiralty announced loss of destroyer “Hyperion” by torpedo. Seamen Edwin C Cake, David J. Gosse, John Hart, Charles Moores, of St. John’s; Seamen Timothy Gosse of Grand Falls and ordinary Seaman James Sheppard, Hr. Grace, reported killed in action. |
January 23, 1941 | Bucharest claims revolt subdued with 2000 dead. Japan chosen to mediate Sian-Indo China dispute. |
January 24, 1941 | U.S. Special Envoy Col. Donovan, has conference with Yugo Slav Regent, Prince Paul. Marshal Grazini driven from headquarters to Cirene. Premier Antonescue signed death warrant for Hora Senia, Vice-Premier and leader of Iron Guardista in Rumania. British submarine Parthian, sank 7,000 ton Italian steamer. |
January 26, 1941 | Rioting broke out in Milan and Turin; 3 Italian Generals killed. Leaders Rumanian revolt committed suicide. |
January 27, 1941 | New decree makes Marshal Petain Supreme Ruler of unoccupied France. New Military Government formed in Romanina. Armistice reached in Thailand-Indo China dispute. Major W.E. Baxter appointed Brigadier Major with Canadian troops in Newfoundland. Wendell Willkie confers with Prime Minister Churchill in London. |
January 28, 1941 | Free French forces attacked Italians in Equatorial Africa, and captured town of Marzouk. Announced 3,619,624 tons of shipping lost in war to date. |
January 29, 1941 | Greeks turned back Fascist bayonet charge in Devol River Valley. Premier Metaxas of Greece, died. R.A.F. bombed Naples, Catania Air Bases. |
January 30, 1941 | British and Australian forces capture Derna. Hitler in two hour speech, threatened U.S. shipping, if they engage in carrying food supplies to Britain. |
January 31, 1941 | Many casualties caused by raids on London, Major Williams, U.S. Air Attache, among seriously injured. Truce signed between Thailand and Indo-China. De Gaulle in radio address, urged Frenchmen to help Britain. |
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February 1, 1941 | Argodat in Italian Eritrea, captured by British and Indian forces. |
February 2, 1941 | Prime Minister MacKenzie King, in broadcast speech, promised great array of Canadians will go overseas. |
February 3, 1941 | Admiral Jean Darlan and Pierre Laval conferred at Paris. Cuba faced with major political storm. President Batista takes over command Army, Navy and Police. |
February 4, 1941 | British Forces entered city of Cirene, Marshal Graziani’s former headquarters. |
February 5, 1941 | R.A.F. blasts bases on French and Belgian Coasts during daylight raids. “Illurtrious” arrived at Alexandria under own power, after surviving attacks. |
February 6, 1941 | Greek Advanced Guard at gates of Tepelini, town in flames after being bombed for 48 hours. British capture Bengazi, Libya. |
February 7, 1941 | Harry L Hopkins, President Roosevelt’s personal Envoy to British Government, returned home. R.A.F. bombers concentrated attack on Boulogne. |
February 8, 1941 | Lend-lease Bill passed U.S. House 260-165. |
February 9, 1941 | British Naval Units bombarded Genoa. Britain issued warning to Bulgaria, Prime Minister Churchill in Empire Broadcast, said Britain would not falter. Said if United States will, “give us the tools,” Britain will finish the job. Admiral Jean Darlan, Commander of French Navy, takes over French Foreign Office in Vichy Cabinet, following resignation of Pierre Flandin. |
February 10, 1941 | Italian planes shot down by Greeks. Italian bombs kill women and children in town of Ionnina. Britain severs diplomatic relations with Tumania. Lieut.-General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, 2nd in command British forces in Middle East, appointed Military Governor of Cyrenaica. Marshal Petain named Admirial Darlan his successor, in case of his death. |
February 11, 1941 | Reports in London That Germany negotiating with Greece for immediate peace. Riots at meeting of new pro-Nazi assembly in Paris. Nazi troops pour into Bulgaria by air. British Warships bombard port of Ostend. |
February 12, 1941 | Dover bombarded by Nazi long range guns across channel. General G. J. Shukoff appointed new Chief Soviet Army. Britain calls up youths of 19 years. |
February 13, 1941 | General Franco had three conferences with Marshal Petain. |
February 14, 1941 | Anglo-Japanese relations in Far East, critical. Greek forces have taken offensive along whole Albania front. Italians driven from fortified positions at point of bayonet. R.A.F. bombed Tirano, Durazzo, Elbason. Announced, Seaman Esrom May, of Point Rosie, T. B., prisoner of war in Germany. |
February 16, 1941 | Greeks routed Italian Eleventh army, on 30 mile front between Moscopolis and Tepelini. Prisoners and war material captured. British Forces capture Red Sea Port of Kismayu. British, mine waters off Singapore. Bulgaria refuses assurance to Britain that she will not facilitate German penetration of the Balkans. |
February 17, 1941 | Japan displeased over increased United States Naval Forces in Manila. |
February 18, 1941 | Australian troops reinforce Singapore. German planes make fruitless attack on Suez. 2 Italian supply ships sank in Mediterranean. First Lord of Admiralty, A.V. Alexander, in broadcast to British Empire, paid tribute to Seamen from Newfoundland. Canadian Finance Minister Isley, presented Canada’s war bill for coming year $1,300,000,000. |
February 19, 1941 | Foreign Secretary Eden, received offer from Japanese Foreign Minister Matsuoka, to mediate for peace throughout world. Sends note to Washington. Ethiopians in revolt, capture two town from Italians. |
February 20, 1941 | British Forces battled way across Juba River in Italian Somaliland, and cleared last obstacle in drive on Megadiscio. British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, and Chief of the Imperial Staff, General John Dill, arrived in Cairo. South Africans capture Mega, in Ethiopia. |
February 21, 1941 | R.A.F. bomb German occupied Aerodromes of Catania and Sicily. |
February 23, 1941 | 50 Agranian Leaders arrested in Sofia. Sengaleser troops reinforce British in Eritrea. British subs sink 7 Italian supply ships. |
February 24, 1941 | Reported Thailand-Indo-China truce may be extended for a further period. British planes bomb Addis Ababa Airdrome, and British Land Columns captured two posts on Juba River in Italian Somaliland. Great Britain and United States warn Japan to keep hands off Singapore and Netherlands East Indies. |
February 25, 1941 | R.A.F. carried out assault, in force over Channel areas of Calais and Boulogne. 3 German fighter-bombers destroyed. Turkey reassured United States that ties with Britain and Greece have not been weakened by non-aggression pact with Bulgaria. Prime Minister Churchill informed Japanese Foreign Minister that, “There can be no compromise or parley” in Britain’s war against Axis powers. |
February 26, 1941 | British Imperial Forces captured Dodecanese Island, Mogadiscio also captured. Russia and Rumania sign commerce pact. United States given wide powers in draft base leases. May take over Military control of Newfoundland under certain circumstances. |
February 27, 1941 | "Britain issues stern warning to Bulgarians. Yugoslavia calls up reservists. Australian Government broke off diplomatic relations with Rumania.
Turkey and Britain reached full agreement on all points concerning Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean." |
February 28, 1941 | British Fighters bag 30 Italian planes over Southern Albanian front. Reports from Vichy, stated Germany removing French population from Channel Coast. Admiralty announced loss of the Destroyer “Exmoor” during German torpedo boat attack. |
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March 1, 1941 | Bulgaria signs Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. |
March 2, 1941 | Disastrous earthquake shook Northern Greece, leaving 19,000 people homeless, in town of Larissa. Italian bombers appeared, while relief workers tried to restore conditions, and rained bombs for half an hour. Free French forces capture Libyan Oasis of Dufru, taking 1,000 prisoners. |
March 3, 1941 | France agreed to surrender slices of French-Indo-China to Thailand. Settlement ended 75 years of old dispute. German planes carry out heavy attacks on N.E. England and South Wales. One enemy aircraft brought down. New British drive in Somaliland. Britain severed diplomatic relocations with Bulgaria. British sink 11 ships, take 225 prisoners in attack on Lofoten Islands. Norway. |
March 5, 1941 | Russia demands Naval Bases on Rumania’s Black Sea coastline. Wholesale revolt against Italians by African Natives. First Lord of Admiralty, A.V. Alexander, made plea in house of Commons for, “Many more ships and greater numbers of men.” Rev. A.E. Adams, native of Notre Dame Bay, appointed Chaplain with Royal Canadian Air Force. Ex-King Carol of Rumania, and Madam Madgda Lupescu, escaped from Spain and crossed Portuguese frontier. |
March 6, 1941 | London has 501st air raid of war. Vice-Marshal Charles Dempster, 52, killed in flight accident. |
March 7, 1941 | Middle East Command announced final conquest of Italian Somaliland. Italian casualties in area reported to be 21,000. 12 Axis ships captured or sunk during Naval Operations in Red Sea. Mussolinin relieves General Cavallero of Command. Succeeded by General Carolo Gilleso as Commander of Fascist army in Albania. Destroyer “Dainty” Sunk. R.A.F. minelayers block Kiel Canal. |
March 8, 1941 | Lend-Lease Bill passed by United States Senate. |
March 9, 1941 | London undergoes one of heaviest air attacks of war. Bombs caused much damage and number of casualties. Russian troops mass on Turkish border. H.M.A. Leander sinks Italian raider in Indian Ocean. |
March 10, 1941 | Berlin demands entry of Yugoslavia into Axis Pact. Japan forces arbitration in Indo-China. |
March 11, 1941 | "2 attempts made to assassinate Mr. George Rendell, British Minister to Bulgaria. Six others killed.
General Franco refused Germany’s demand for use of Air Bases. Thailand-Indo China settlement formally signed. President Roosevelt signed Lend-Lease Bill." |
March 12, 1941 | Royal Air Force resumes attack on Berlin. German planes over Great Britain. Liverpool longest raid of war; 4 German planes brought down. 5 Newfoundland seamen, Mervil Charles Kennedy, Kelligrews, Wm. Mercer, Upper Is. Cove, Donald D. Snow of Bay Roberts, Allan McKinnon, St. Andrew’s, Ralph H. Luff, Bishop’s Falls, reported Missing. President Roosevelt sent to Congress, request for seven Billion dollars to carry lend-lease program into effect. Premier Churchill tenders thanks of Britain to United States. |
March 13, 1941 | Liverpool had heavy night attack. 5 German planes shot down. |
March 14, 1941 | More than 1000 killed in night air raid in Glasgow area. |
March 15, 1941 | British and German forces traded heavy blows, in what is now known as “battle of the full moon.” |
March 16, 1941 | President Roosevelt in speech at Washington, calls on Nation for, “All out effort to secure a total victory over dictators.” |
March 17, 1941 | British forces recapture Berbera, Capital British Somaliland. B.E.F. reported landed in Greece. |
March 18, 1941 | R.A.F. attacked Bremen. 5000 ton German supply ship sunk by British Coastal Command. British Fleet sweeps Mediterranean and Aegean Seas but fails to locate Italian Navy. Large convey reachs Greece safely. |
March 19, 1941 | London undergoes heaviest raid of year – 2 Hospitals and many houses hit by bombs. Many casualties feared. Turkish and British Envoys confer. |
March 20, 1941 | 4 Italian transport and supply ships, sunk in submarine attacks. Plymouth suffers worst raids of war. |
March 21, 1941 | Dissension increases in Yugoslavia. British Forces captures Libyan oasis of Garrabub. U.S. War Department sent request to Congress for $25,000,000 for construction work on U.S. Army Bases in Newfoundland. |
March 22, 1941 | R.A.F. bombed important submarine base of L’Orient, in Western Coast of France. Yugoslavia revolts against Axis demands. |
March 23, 1941 | R.A.F. planes attacked heart of Berlin during night, dropping 10,000 bombs. British Forces capture town of Neghelli. Britain urges Yugoslavia to resist Nazi demands. Led by their Majesties King George and Queen Elizabeth, millions of persons throughout the British Empire, prayed for victory. |
March 24, 1941 | Willkie urges all-out aid for Great Britain, in speech to 15,000 Canadians at Toronto. Russia pledges aid to Turkey if attacked. Josef Stalin confers with Japanese Foreign Minister Matsuoka. Axis starts new drive on Egypt. |
March 25, 1941 | Young Serbs offer services to fight against Axis armies. Hundreds of arrests made in Provincial cities of Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia Premier Cvethovitch, and Foreign Minister Cinear-Markovitch, left Vienna for Belgrade, after signing country’s adherence to Rome-Berlin-Tokyo pact. Canada passes war appropriations bill amounting to $1,300,000,000, largest in history. |
March 26, 1941 | Agreement concerning leases of Bases to United States, signed in London. Belgrade and Sarajevo scenes of violent street riots. Many persons under arrest. Large fleet U.S. made patrol bombers, combing seas for German craft as far as Iceland. |
March 27, 1941 | British Troops captured Cheren, after 7 week siege. Harar also captured. Yugoslavia Government overthrown. Prince Paul under arrest. 19 year old heir, King Peter, takes over. Prime Minister Churchill pledges support to Yogoslavia. |
March 28, 1941 | Turkey makes offer of mutual assistance pact to Yugoslavia. German Minister recalled to Berlin. President Roosevelt gave full recognition, and sent message to King Peter, encouraging him to resist Axis aggression. 3 Italian Cruisers and 2 Destroyers sunk, one Battleship damaged by British at Cape Matapan. |
March 29, 1941 | British occupy Diredawa, Ethiopia. |
March 30, 1941 | United States took over 66 Axis owned ships after sabotage plot uncovered. |
March 31, 1941 | Relations between Germany and Yugoslavia at breaking point, with Premier Simovic proclaiming armed forces are “ready to do their duty”. |
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April 1, 1941 | 9 Axis-owned merchant ships, totaling 44,000 tons, burned or scuttled by crews in Latin-America ports. 18 others taken into custody to forestall sabotage. Asmara falls to Britain Imperial Forces. |
April 2, 1941 | British Naval Forces in Red Sea, sunk Italian Destroyer and captured German Merchant Ship trying to escape. King George sent message of congratulation to Commander of British Mediterranean fleet. |
April 3, 1941 | "British Forces evacuated Bengasi, in Libya. Yugoslavia Government declared Belgrave an undefended city.
Count Teleki, Hungarian Premier, suicides." |
April 4, 1941 | Bristol under attack by Nazi planes. Many bombs dropped but damage slight. Nationalists takes over Iraq Government. |
April 5, 1941 | British forces occupy Adowa, in Northern Ethiopia. |
April 6, 1941 | "British Imperial Forces recapture Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. German Army struck at Yugoslavia at dawn. Belgrade severely damaged by three heavy aerial bombardments. Italians join Germans in attacks.
British Imperial Forces sent to aid Greece." |
April 7, 1941 | North Ireland has first air raid of war. Britain’s war bill $52,000,000 a day. Germans cut through Greece to Aegean Sea. |
April 8, 1941 | "Germans within 23 miles Salonika. Large sections Belgrade laid in ruins. Tobruk occupied by Axis forces.
British capture Red Sea Port of Massawa." |
April 9, 1941 | Prime Minister Churchill, addressing House of Commons, warned Russia that Germany’s Balkan drive, points in direction of Ukrainian wheat fields and Caucasian oil wells. German raiders struck heavily in West Midlands town; civilian casualties feared to be numerous. 2 bombers downed by night fighters. R.A.F. raided Kiel. Bremenhaven and Emden also raided. Germans occupy Salonika. |
April 11, 1941 | Nazi air force attacked town in Western England. R.A.F. carry out attack on German raiders “Scharnhorst” and “Gneisenau”. President Roosevelt readjusted combat zone, and reopened Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to U.S. ships. |
April 12, 1941 | German panzer troops penetrate Allied lines in Northern Greece. State of siege declared by Turkey. Civilian population of areas around Dardanelles and part of European Turkey, ordered to evacuate. |
April 13, 1941 | Axis capture Bardia. Italian Airbase in Dodecanese bombed. Russia and Japan sign five year non-aggression pact. Pope Pius XII in Easter message, pleads for protection of civil population. |
April 14, 1941 | British reinforcements rushed to Egypt. New contingents Empire Troops arrive in Greece. German Battleships “Scharnhorst” and “Gneisenau” suffered severe damage at Brest. British and Yugoslav planes raided Sofia. Italians recapture Koritza, Albania. |
April 15, 1941 | Nazi troops drive 50 miles into Greece and captured Seatista Pass. Larisa also captured. British sink 3 Italian destroyers and five supply ships in Mediterranean, but loose Destroyer Mohawk. |
April 16, 1941 | Second Yugoslav Army reported to have surrendered at Sarajevo. London has devastating air raid lasting for 8 hours. Belfast in Northern Ireland, had 4 hour raid with considerable damage and loss of life. |
April 17, 1941 | Two German columns smashing through center of Allied line, outflank Allied entrenchments on Mt. Olympics, on East Coast of Greece. Sir Joseph, Lady Stamp, and their son Wilfred, killed when bomb wrecked their home in Kent. |
April 18, 1941 | British bombers attack Nazi supply ships off Norway. St. Paul’s Cathedral suffered second bombing. Many famous landmarks wrecked. Axis power warned by Britain, Rome will be bombed if Athens and Cairo molested. Portsmouth raided heavily by Nazi bombers. British land in Iraq to protect oilfield. |
April 19, 1941 | France quits League of Nations. |
April 20, 1941 | Greek King takes over office of Premier. Calls on Country to stand united. London has second raid in 4 nights. Hundreds of enemy raiders deal destructive blow at Capital. 28 German prisoners escape from Canadian Internment Camp. 16 recaptured, 3 dead 9 at large. |
April 21, 1941 | British bombers raided industrial cities of Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Aachen. King Peter, and Minister of Yugoslavia arrive in Palestine. Greece advises British to withdraw troops. |
April 23, 1941 | Mediterranean fleet pour 1,000 tons explosives into port of Tripoli. Northwest Greek Army has collapsed. Greek King and Government flee to Crete. Germany exerting pressure on Turkish Government, demands control of Dardanelles. |
April 24, 1941 | British rearguard hold Thermoplyas Pass. British bombs put “Scharnhorst” out of commission. |
April 25, 1941 | "British Imperial forces evacuate Greece through Port of Piracus. Germans occupy island of Lemmos. Hon. L.E. Emerson K.C., Commissioner for Defense, delivered radio address explaining Base-Lease agreement.
U.S. extends Naval Patrols in Atlantic and Pacific." |
April 26, 1941 | Hitler made surprise visit to Yugoslavia. Nazis land 12,000 troops in Finland. |
April 27, 1941 | Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill in broadcast, makes frank review of war situation. Predicts intensification of struggle in Mediterranean, but Atlantic still remains deciding battle. City of Athens fell to Hitler’s forces after 21 days of fighting. Thousand of Canadian troops and trained airmen reach England. |
April 28, 1941 | British and South African troops captured Dessie. First British troops arrive safely in Alexandria from Greece. |
April 29, 1941 | Town of Plymouth underwent 5th raid in 8 days. Greater part of business area in runs. Russia bans transmit of war materials. Axis columns stalled 5 miles from Salum. 2400 Italian prisoners and much war material, taken when Dessie fell. Kamboleia airdrome in British hands. Liner Nerissa, lost off Ireland with 122 Canadian Military Personnel. |
April 30, 1941 | 48,000 British troops evacuated from Greek Peninsula. British submarine carried out daring venture, in entering enemy occupied harbor of Kotor, and attempting to embark British Minister Yugoslavia, Sir Ronald Campbell. Prime Minister Churchill told House of Commons, that Britain casualties were 3,000 killed and wounded in Greek evacuation. |
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May 1, 1941 | Iraq Government objects to presence of Imperial Forces. U.S. Senator Guffey demands use of Navy Convey for war supplies. |
May 2, 1941 | Iraq Premier appeals to Germany for military aid. German night fighters pounded Liverpool and the Merseyside. R.A.F. bombs Nazi submarine base. Former King Carol of Rumania on way to Bermuda. Lord Beaverbrook appointed Minister of State with wide powers in production control. |
May 3, 1941 | Announced 2 British Destroyers and four transports lost in withdrawal from Greece. |
May 4, 1941 | Valdia 50 miles North of Dessye occupied by Imperial forces. British troops take control at Basra. Fighting Iraq. Oil pipeline from Haifa cut. Deposed Regent Emil Abdul Iiah preparing to return to Iraq to overthrow pro-Nazis. |
May 5, 1941 | Arab countries urge Iraq to settle dispute with Britain. Members U.S. Coastguard boarded 7 Yugoslav ships in U.S. ports, to determine sympathy of crew. President Roosevelt called for speed up in production of plane construction, and directed War Secretary Simson to obtain, “A substantial increase in heavy bomber production.” |
May 6, 1941 | U. S. Secretary of War Simson, urges use of U.S. Navy, “To make the seas secure for the delivery of munitions to Britain.” 11 American Ferry Pilots lost on board ship, recently sunk by enemy action. |
May 7, 1941 | Iraq troops in full retreat toward Baghdad. Vichy Government reaches new agreement for increase collaboration with Germany. House of Representatives passed President Roosevelt’s ship seizure bill, and sent it to the Senate. Prime Minister Churchill scored great Parliamentary victory, gaining vote of confidence of 447 to 3. |
May 8, 1941 | Iraq Premier Rashid Ali, flees Country, following angry public demonstrations against Government. 39 Nazi planes destroyed in 24 hours. |
May 9, 1941 | British Allied and neutral shipping losses for month of April, amounted to 106 ships of 483,124 tons. H.M.S. “Cornwall” sinks German commerce raider in Indian Ocean. |
May 10, 1941 | German bombers staged terrific raid on London. Hits scored on House of Parliament, Westminister Abby, the Clock Tower where Big Ben is situated, and Westminister Hall. Deputy Fuhrer Rudolf Hess parachutes from airplane over Glasgow, Scotland. |
May 11, 1941 | Mediterranean Fleet bombards Bengasi. Two Axis supply ships sunk near harbor. Seven Axis planes shot down, five damaged. Two British fighter planes lost. Canada calls for 32,000 recruits for Army. Britain sends armada of 100 planes over Hamburg which suffered terrific blasting. Capt. E.L. Elliott, Resident Superintendent of House of Lords, killed in air raid on London. |
May 12, 1941 | Hitler and Darlan confer. |
May 13, 1941 | Large force British Troops reported to have landed in Palestine. British planes carried out attack on Naval Base of Heligoland. |
May 14, 1941 | U. S. Ambassador Leahy warns Vichy against military aid to Germany. 208 killed in R.A.F. raid on Hamburg. Representatives of Italy and Germany met at Rome. |
May 15, 1941 | General George Catroux, leader of Free French forces in Middle East, demands surrender of Syrian authorities. Royal Air Force ordered to bomb Syria and Iraq. Labor Minister Bevin, terms Hess a cool calculating murderer. Pres. Roosevelt denounces Franco-German talks. Says Franco-German alliance would threaten Western Hemisphere. Armed Guards placed on board all French ships in United States Harbors. |
May 16, 1941 | British Forces take offensive on ground and in skies, East and West Suez in Egypt and Syria. |
May 17, 1941 | German planes attack West Midland town. Heavy casualties and property damage reported. 7 German fighters shot down over Channel. |
May 18, 1941 | Duke Aosta, Italian Viceroy in Ethiopia, asked for Britain terms of surrender for his force of 38,000 troops, surrounded at Amba Alagi. Russian “volunteers” reported in Iraq. Many prominent Nazis arrested by Gestapo, including wife of Rudolf Hess. Duke of Spoleto appointed King of Crosta by King Victor Emmanuel. Secy. of State Hull stated U.S. will find way to deliver aid to Britain. |
May 19, 1941 | "Two Axis divisions, which attempted to force their way into Egypt, beaten back by British Imperial Forces.
Vichy’s relations with enemy causing much concern. Canada keeping close watch on French Islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. Newfoundland will be informed of any action to be taken. " |
May 20, 1941 | Vichy authorities ordered all British Consulates in Syria closed. Germans have taken over 20 airbases. |
May 21, 1941 | All foreign Diplomats ordered to leave Paris by June 10th. Duke of Aosta finally surrendered. French regiment in Syria deserted, and joined DeGaullist forces. U.S.A. “Robin Moor” sunk by Axis off Cape Verde Islands. |
May 22, 1941 | Fighting in and around Crete assuming faster and more furious pace. Britain warns France to halt aid to Germany. British cruisers “Figi” and “Gloucester” and four destroyers, sunk off Crete. |
May 23, 1941 | British submarines sink Italian destroyer, troopship and tanker. |
May 24, 1941 | H.M.S. “Hood” 42,100 tons, largest warship in world, sunk during Naval engagement near Greenland, by new German battleship “Bismarck”. Crew of 1918 men lost. |
May 25, 1941 | 13 Newfoundlanders airmen gets their wings at Macdonald, Manitoba. Japs confiscate large quantity United States goods at Hanoi. |
May 26, 1941 | 2 Italian Generals and 8,670 men surrender in Ethiopia. De Valera protests conscription in North Ireland. |
May 27, 1941 | German battleship “Bismarck” sunk in battle with British ships, 2.300 lost. In broadcast speech heard around the world, President Roosevelt proclaims state of unlimited national emergency in United States. America will take steps to ensure supplies for Britain reach destination. Vichy gives reassurance to U.S. that French fleet or colonies will not be given to Germany. |
May 28, 1941 | Admiralty announces loss of submarine “Usk”. Axis powers have agreed to permit French to rebuild air force. |
May 29, 1941 | 30 mile wide German drive into Egypt across Libyan border, halted by British forces. British cruiser “York” bombed into uselessness at Suda Bay off Crete, after she had put in for repairs. Japan makes demands on Dutch East Indies, says trade-agreement must be finalized to meet oil requirements. 100 of “Bismarck’s” crew prisoners in Britain. United States Army Base at Quidi Vidi named Fort Pepperrell, after the only American soldier recognized as British Army General. |
May 30, 1941 | British forces reported within 5 miles of Baghdad. Anti-British Premier Radhid Ali Gailani, fled to Iran. |
May 31, 1941 | British evacuate Crete. |
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June 1, 1941 | Revolt in Iraq completely crushed; armistice agreed on. Regent Emil Abdul Illash returned to Baghdad, and resumed control of Government. |
June 2, 1941 | Axis Dictators hold meeting at Brenner Pass. |
June 3, 1941 | British planes paid surprise visit to Northern France, and caught column of marching troops and caused many casualties. 2,800 New Zealand troops missing after evacuation of Crete. |
June 4, 1941 | Governor of Dakar pays visit to Vichy. 147 killed. 92 injured when Axis planes raid Alexandria, Egypt. |
June 5, 1941 | "United States warned France of consequences of becoming, “An instrument of aggression for Germany.”
700 killed in Chunking in Japanese air raid." |
June 6, 1941 | Dutch East Indies Government rejects Japanese ultimatum. British submarine “Undaunted” overdue, making 28th lost since beginning of war. |
June 7, 1941 | British capture Abalti, Ethiopia. |
June 8, 1941 | British and Free French troops advance in Syria; Vichy Government protests. |
June 9, 1941 | Brazilian ship “Oriso” picked up 11 survivors of the United States Merchant Ship “Robin Moore” which was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine, May 21st. William the Second, former Kaiser of Germany, and King of Prussia, buried in Do--- Castle. |
June 10, 1941 | United States gave assurances to Portugal that it has no designs on Islands in Atlantic. Churchill declares battles in Crete “Were worth fighting.” |
June 12, 1941 | Germany makes far-reaching demands on Russia. Soviets hastily fortifying Balban frontier, where strong army of Nazis concentrated. Soviet Envoy leaves London for Moscow. Damascus declared open city, Free French forces have completely encircled it. United States brands Germany Treaty Violator. More Germans move toward Soviet border. German pocket battleship badly damaged off coast of Norway. |
June 14, 1941 | Fewer brief air attacks over England. |
June 15, 1941 | Admiralty announced British submarines sank 7 Axis vessels, and damaged three others, in the Mediterranean. British planes attack convoy off Dutch Coast and torpedo 6,000 ton ship. President Roosevelt orders all Axis assets in United States frozen. |
June 16, 1941 | Town of Kissoue, key to defenses of Damascus, has fallen to the Allies. Irish mail ship “St. Patrick” sunk by bombs off Welsh Coast, with reported loss of 233 lives. United States closes German consultates. |
June 17, 1941 | Russo-German war appears inevitable. Japs admit failure in Dutch East Indies negotiations. 3,200,000 tons shipping sunk or captured since war began. Britain announce new defense weapon known as “radio location.” |
June 18, 1941 | Rumania said to have issued ultimatum for return of Bessarabia. New German-Turkish friendship pact signed. |
June 19, 1941 | Germany and Italy have ordered all United States Consulates closed in Germany, Norway, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Occupied France, Serbia and Greece, by July 15th. |
June 20, 1941 | R.A.F. bombers attacked French coastal position for ninth successive assault. Reported British and Free French forces entered Damascus. |
June 21, 1941 | Rumanian towns near Russia evacuated. 299,000 tons Axis shipping sunk during May. |
June 22, 1941 | Middle East Command announces fall of Damascus. German invaded Russia along 2,000 mile front. R.A.F. destroyed 30 Nazi planes over Channel and Northern France. Declaration of British policy on Russo-German conflict, broadcast by Prime Minister Churchill in these words: –“Any man or state that opposes Hitler is our friend. Every man or state that marches with Hitler is our foe.” |
June 24, 1941 | Japanese women and children ordered home from Moscow. President Roosevelt says United States will assist Russia to fight Nazi aggression. Russia and Britain agree on alliance; Britain will send mission to Soviet Capital. |
June 25, 1941 | R.A.F. take heavy toll of Luffwaffe. British fighters have destroyed 112 enemy planes in 8 days of battle. In 24 hours, R.A.F. sent more planes against Germany and German occupied coast, than for any similar period since the battle of Britain began; thirteen German planes destroyed. Turkey informs Moscow of neutrality. Sweden grants passage of German troops from Norway to Finland. |
June 26, 1941 | Heavy German air raids on Leningrad. Two German U-boats sunk in Baltic. Russians continue air attacks on Finland. |
June 27, 1941 | British torpedo planes score hits on two 20,000 ton Italian ships. British Ambassador and Mission to Russia arrive in Moscow. |
June 28, 1941 | Campaign in Syria nearing end; 20,000 French troops to be evacuated. Russians yield ground to Germans, being forced back to Minsk on Northern front. 78 British, rescued from German prison ship. |
June 29, 1941 | R.A.F. bomb Tripoli and Bengazi. United States rushing completion of Alaska defense. Foreign Secretary Eden had conferences with U.S. Ambassador Winant. |
June 30, 1941 | United States Navy ordered to clear Atlantic of the German menace. |
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July 1, 1941 | Russia asks United States to sell her war supplies for use against Germany. General Sir Archibald Wavell appointed Commander - in - Chief of India. Germans capture Riga, Russian Naval Base. China breaks off diplomatic relations with Germany and Italy. Charles Lindbergh calls on American citizen to fight and work against assistance to Russia. |
July 3, 1941 | Germany demands Japanese blockade Valadivostock. Officially announced that Syrian town of Palmyra in Allied hands. Stalin calls on Russians for “scorch earth” policy and guerilla warfare. |
July 4, 1941 | Daring raid by R.A.F. on port of Bremen, 16 Nazi planes destroyed over France. General Gazzera, Italy’s Commander in Ethiopia, surrenders. In Independence Day broadcast, U.S. President Roosevelt said, “Liberty cannot survive amid dictatorship” and said, “Americans must pledge lives as well as allegiance.” U.S. War department announced appointment of high ranking air officer, General Henry Harms of the Newfoundland Base Command. |
July 5, 1941 | Germans attempt, to cross Berezina River, smashed by Russians. Russians claim 700,000 Germans captured, killed or wounded. Germany says 180,000 Russians captured. 10,000 ton Italian cruiser, 3 Axis supply ships, sunk by British submarine. 9,000 ton Italian armed Merchantman crippled. Russia sends sharp note to Tokyo asking whether Japan will adhere to neutrality pact. |
July 7, 1941 | Russians halt German-Finish drive against city of Leningrad. United States Naval Forces occupy Iceland. |
July 8, 1941 | President Roosevelt at press conference, declared there are no boundaries to hemisphere defense. |
July 9, 1941 | Vichy asked Britain for cessation of war in Levant. French ships escape to Turkish Harbor. |
July 10, 1941 | R.A.F. attacks Italian ports. |
July 11, 1941 | British bombers sink 20,000 tons German shipping in French harbors. Entrance to San Francisco Harbor mined. |
July 12, 1941 | Brigadier General Earnshaw, Commander-in Chief, Canadian Forces in Newfoundland, held full inspection of troops and mobile units at Feildian Grounds. Britain and Russia sign alliance. |
July 13, 1941 | Syrian campaign ended by Armistice. Reich’s Air Marshal Goering, said to have opposed German attack on Soviet Union. Himler demanding Goering be arrested and sent to concentration camp. Armistice ending Syrian war, signed by Allied and Syrian representatives at Acre, in Palestine. British subs sank Italian transport, carrying supplies and troops. Announced total killed in 13 months 41,488. |
July 15, 1941 | Russians claim smashing sea victory over large Nazi convoy in Baltic. President Roosevelt states that release of Draftees will endanger army. British shipping losses reported down by 25 per cent. |
July 16, 1941 | German Ambassador Von Papen sounds out Turkish Government, on question of sending troops and supplies across Anatolia, if Russians beaten by September. Canadian recruiting campaign successful. Objective exceeded by over 2,000. Japanese Cabinet resigns. |
July 17, 1941 | Armoured German troops reach Smolensk area, 230 miles from Moscow. U.S. Congress asks declaration of unlimited emergency. British Navy and Royal Air Force sank or damaged 85 ships in the past month. |
July 18, 1941 | Prince Fumenaro Konoye heads new Japanese Cabinet. Military operations underway in Bulgaria, directed by members of the German General Staff. Mr. Harry L. Hopkins, President Roosevelt’s Private Investigator, told London officials that United States will see Britain wins Atlantic battle. |
July 19, 1941 | Fierce fighting in Smolensk area. R.A.F. bombed 8 ships convoy, in Mediterranean, totaling 48,000 tons; either sunk or damaged the lot. |
July 20, 1941 | "R.A.F. struck three times by daylight, on German occupied Northern France and enemy shipping. Prime Minister Churchill appoints as New Minister of Information, Brendan Bracken, his former Private Secretary.
Germany and Switzerland sign trade agreement." |
July 21, 1941 | R.A.F. crossing Channel, gave “V” army of Nazi held Europe something to cheer for. Moscow raided by 200 Nazi planes. |
July 22, 1941 | Tokyo Government places censorship on radio and cable communications. |
July 23, 1941 | Nazis deliver second successful night raid on Moscow. Nazi battleship “Scharnhorst” bombed. |
July 24, 1941 | United States denounces Japanese move in French Indo-China, as a threat to American security, and hints at strong counter-measures. |
July 25, 1941 | Britain freezes Japanese assets. Canada and Netherlands follow suit. |
July 26, 1941 | Close of fifth week of Russo-German war, finds Nazi drive bogged down at Smolensk. Japan and Vichy conclude agreement for “Mutual defense” of French Indo-China. Japan occupies Naval and Air Bases in Indo-China. |
July 27, 1941 | Japanese demand 2 Provinces from Thailand. R.A.F. sank 17 Italian torpedo boats at Malta. |
July 28, 1941 | "London had first air raid since June 27th. Finland breaks off diplomatic relations with Britain. Netherlands, East Indies cancel trade treaty with Japan. United States strengthens Philippine defense. Message to His Excellency the Governor from Lieut. Col. the RT Hon. John T.C. Moore-Brabazon, M.C. , M.F., informed him that the Newfoundland fighter Squadron will be attached to an important operational unit. Foreign Secretary, Anthony Eden, rejected in advance, peace offer which he said Hitler will soon make. Germany launched diplomatic campaign in South America, in effort to gain sympathy of South American Republics.
Duke of Kent arrives in Canada to inspect Empire’s Air Training Scheme." |
July 30, 1941 | Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden called on Japanese Government, “To reflect while there is still time, whither their present policy is leading them.” New Russo-Polish agreement signed. |
July 31, 1941 | United States accept Japanese apology for bombing U.S. gunboat “Tutuila”. Egyptian Cabinet resigns. |
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August 1, 1941 | Third Canadian Division reaches England. British warships shell Italian Ports. |
August 2, 1941 | Germans begin drive into Ukraine. |
August 3, 1941 | British submarine sinks Italian cruiser, and 2 Axis supply ships. |
August 4, 1941 | United States renews trade agreement with Soviet. Japan suspends ship services to United States. |
August 5, 1941 | U.S. Cruisers on training cruise visit Brisbane, Australia. |
August 6, 1941 | Karl Druke, German, and Werner Waelti, Swiss, executed at Wandsworth prison as German spies. Great Britain formally warned Japan, that intervention in Thailand would raise, “A most serious situation” in British-Japanese relations. |
August 7, 1941 | Germany delivers note to Iranian Government threatening to sever diplomatic relations if 2500 German subjects are expelled. Extension of service of United States draftees approved. Term of service extended to 18 months with $10 monthly raise after year’s service. |
August 8, 1941 | Soviet information bureau said Red troops fighting stubbornly on four fronts, from North of Leningrad to below Kiev. Death toll Eastern Front reported terrific. Daily average losses killed and wounded put at 70,000. 2 Axis ships sunk in Mediterranean by R.A.F. |
August 10, 1941 | Heavy bombers of R.A.F. ranged from Sicily to Greece, and from Tripoli to Bardia and Bengasi in North Africa. Queen Elizabeth, in broadcast to United States women, stated, “We will go forward together hand in hand.” |
August 11, 1941 | Japan placed on economic war basis. |
August 12, 1941 | 12 R.A.F. looses 26 Bombers and 8 fighters in mass attack on Germany. |
August 13, 1941 | Russian Command acknowledges fall of Smolensk. Reorganized Petain Regime adopts authoritarian program. Patain appointed Supreme Judge of War Guilt Trials. King George spends three days with home Fleet. Confers Knighthood on Admiral Tovey who conducted the action against the “Bismarck”. |
August 14, 1941 | White House disclosed, that program of war and peace aims reached, during conferences between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill, held somewhere in North Atlantic. {Note: — Held in Placentia Bay Newfoundland which is now Argentia. this was not disclosed until after war} United States pledges help in defeating aggression, reorganizing Europe. Agreement termed grand united stand extending from Malaya to Alaska. Nazis terms new agreement ‘propaganda bluff’. Lord Beaverbrook arrived in Washington in U.S plane, after attending conference at sea between President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill. Arthur B. Purvis, Canadian Chairman of British Supply Council, and 21 others, killed in plane crash in Britain. |
August 15, 1941 | "Russians admit withdrawal in Ukraine. U.S. War Secretary Stimson urges Army to be prepared. U.S. soldiers garrisoning in Iceland. President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill, sent joint note to Premier Stalin of Russia, asking him to meet high British and American representatives, to discuss aid to Russia.
Joseph Jakobs, German spy, executed in London." |
August 16, 1941 | Finns report Soviet defenses in Karelia smashed, and Red Army retreating. Germans claim progress in Ukraine. Street fighting in Nazi-occupied Paris. Admiralty announces 4,000,000 tons of Axis shipping sunk in war to date. |
August 17, 1941 | Britain provides $45,000,000 credit to facilitate purchase war materials for Russia. 23,000 tons Axis shipping destroyed in Mediterranean in 48 hours. Britain and Russia warn Iran for second time in two weeks, to expel Germans. |
August 18, 1941 | Red Army struck back savagely in Ukraine, launching counter-attacks, reported to have driven Germans back from 6 to 8 miles. Disclosed Prime Minister Churchill stopped over at Iceland on his return to Britain, after sea conference with Roosevelt. |
August 19, 1941 | Soviet High Command admitted Red Army has abandoned town of Kingesepp East of Narva and Southwest of Leningrad. |
August 20, 1941 | Marshal Petain ordered reorganization of unoccupied France along medieval provincial lines. Prime Minister MacKenzie King of Canada arrived in England by air. Canadian and United States Air Mission now in Labrador. Capt. Roosevelt in charge of United States Forces. |
August 21, 1941 | "President Roosevelt gives Congress report on sea meeting with Prime Minister Churchill, and peace on Nazi terms would only mean a breathing spell of preparation, for a Nazi conquest of Western hemisphere.
Germans capture Novgorod, Russia." |
August 22, 1941 | Cuba seizes Finnish ship “Kousa” and interns crew. Mexico orders 15 German Consulates to leave by Sept. 1st. and recalls Mexican Consulates. |
August 23, 1941 | Nazi Officer murdered in Paris subway. |
August 24, 1941 | Prime Minister Churchill in world wide broadcast, tells of meeting at sea between himself and President Roosevelt. He also declared Japanese aggression must stop. |
August 25, 1941 | 15 British Merchantmen arrived in Lisbon, the survivors of a convoy of 20 ships and tug, which had been harassed by a four day running attack by German planes and submarines, off the coast of Spain. Lone British flying boat protects convoy. |
August 26, 1941 | Egypt approves action by Britain and Russia in Iran. |
August 27, 1941 | Fierce aerial warfare in Leningrad area. Russians claim 101 German planes downed. British and Indian troops in control of Iran oilfields. Attempt at Versailles to assassinate Pierre Laval and Deat. |
August 29, 1941 | Shah accepted resignation of Iran Cabinet. Japanese Ambassador to Washington, Admiral Nomura, handed President Roosevelt a personal message from Primer Konoye. Russia blows up $110,000,000 Dnieper River Dam. |
August 30, 1941 | Hitler and Mussolini conclude five-day conference. |
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September 1, 1941 | Marshal Petain sets up new Government in Vichy. President Roosevelt declared in Labor Day broadcast, that Americans, “Must do our full part in conquering the forces of insane violence that have been let loose on the world by Hitler." |
September 2, 1941 | Fierce Russian counter attacks in central area hold up German drive. Biggest radio blackout of war, reported in Germany and German occupied, indicating widespread British and Russian raids. |
September 3, 1941 | Tallin evacuated by Russian forces; city completely destroyed. |
September 4, 1941 | "U.S. destroyer “Greer” attacked by unidentified submarine, while en route to Iceland with Garrison mail.
Mediterranean fleet air arm successfully attacked convey of five Axis merchantmen, and seven destroyers, off Sardinian coast." |
September 5, 1941 | Order issued from White House, instructing U.S. warships to hunt down and “eliminate” submarine that attacked the “Greer.” Marcel Gitton, former Communist Party member, murdered by Paris gunman. |
September 6, 1941 | Three French “hostages” executed in reprisal for shooting of German Sergeant. |
September 7, 1941 | "Prime Minister Mackenzie King arrived back in Dominion from United Kingdom. In interview with press, he envisions a world encircling conflict. U.S. freighter “Steel Wayfarer” sunk by unidentified plane in Red Sea.
Heaviest air attack of the war on Berlin." |
September 8, 1941 | "Huge sabotage plot uncovered in Russia; population of German colony in Volga region will move to Siberia.
Germans claim their troops have captured Russian fortress of Schuesselburg. Canadian, British, and Norwegian troops, occupy and destroy Spitzbergen, Norway." |
September 9, 1941 | Lt. Col. W.F. Rendell, C.B.E. appointed Secretary for Defense. Duke of Kent broadcasting farewell message to people of Canada, said the British Commonwealth air training plan, “Is to play one of the major roles in the ultimate victory of free people over tyranny.” |
September 10, 1941 | Oslo, Norwegian capital, under martial law; widespread sabotage hampering Nazis. Leading Norge Unionists executed. Riots reported in Berlin. |
September 11, 1941 | German raider sinks Dutch ship “Kota Napon” in Pacific. Prime Minister Churchill told Commons that hundreds of British fighter planes are being sent to Russia. |
September 12, 1941 | Widespread sabotage reported in Norway. Norwegian patriots storm munitions depot, destroy planes, kill Nazi troops. Many arrests follow. American owned steamer “Montana” torpedoed and sunk whilst en route from United States to Iceland. |
September 13, 1941 | Five German troopships sunk in Baltic. |
September 14, 1941 | Vaino Tanner, Finnish Minister, stated Finland fighting only a defensive war, and says country became Germany’s ally only “by accident.” |
September 15, 1941 | Beaverbrook tells all tank factories, “The call is for the utmost.” Argentine Congress demands expulsion German Ambassador. U. S. ships permitted to carry arms, munitions and passengers to many areas of British Empire; Newfoundland listed as Colony. |
September 16, 1941 | Axis planes raid Cairo, 39 killed. |
September 17, 1941 | Unrest increasing in occupied counties; more German soldiers killed in Paris; acts of sabotage spreading in Poland, Yugoslavia and France. 3 Swedish destroyers, destroyed by mysterious explosions. |
September 18, 1941 | Germans impose curfew on Paris. |
September 19, 1941 | Germans claim capture of Kiev. Bulgaria issued protest against violation of her territory by Russian parachute troops. British warships in U.S. ports for repairs. |
September 20, 1941 | Twelve hostages shot in Paris. |
September 21, 1941 | Petain calls upon Frenchmen to stop resistance. |
September 22, 1941 | Nazis claim to have reached Sea of Azov. King Boris en route to Germany for conference with Hitler. King George the second of Greece, reaches England for second time, as an exile from his own country. British submarine sinks two large Italian liners in strongly guarded Mediterranean convoy. |
September 23, 1941 | Free French Council reorganized. Attacks on Nazis in Belgium, result in 25 Belgians being held hostages; 3 more Frenchmen executed at Lille. |
September 24, 1941 | Britain and Allies agree on formation of a council, to help constitute framework of reservoir of food and other supplies, into which hungry Europe may dip, “After the Nazi yoke has been lifted.” |
September 25, 1941 | Senator Kenneth McKellar, Democrat Tennessee, introduced resolution calling for repeal of Neutrality Act. |
September 26, 1941 | Tide of Leningrad battle turns against Nazis. Russian counter attack, force Germans back six miles in one sector. 14 ships of Liberty Fleet launched. United States will build 1200 ships during next two years. 3 Frenchmen meet death by guillotine, condemned by new Vichy tribunal, in attempt to offset Nazi reprisal. |
September 28, 1941 | Martial law proclaimed in Czech Provinces of Bobemia and Moravia; Czech Premier General Alois Elias arrested by German Police on charges of “preparation for high treason.” Britain sends note of warning to Finland. Will consider Finns enemies unless war against Russia ceases. |
September 29, 1941 | Britain and United States promise full air to Russia; Tri-power conference opens in Moscow. General Wavel and Auchinleck held 2 days conference at Baghdad. |
September 30, 1941 | General Smuts promoted to rank of Field Marshal. Britain votes another billion pounds for war. |
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October 1, 1941 | 95 Czechs executed by German Gestapo, including Premier Albis Elias. Serbs continue sabotage campaign. |
October 2, 1941 | War costing Britain 47 million dollars a day. R.A.F. makes heavy attack on Tripoli. |
October 3, 1941 | "Labourite John Curtin, new Prime Minister of Australia. Russian forces pushing Germans back in Leningrad sector. Berlin admits over 1,000 persons executed for sabotage and espionage since start of Russian war.
President Roosevelt at press conference, said he has instructed Mr. Averill Harriman, the head of American mission in Russia, to take up question of religious freedom in Russia." |
October 4, 1941 | "Japanese forces on the move in Indo-China. Warehouses, buildings, and stores in Saigon, seized by Nipponese. Diplomatic pressure on Thailand continued. Norwegians clash with Germans near Trondheim.
57th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery inspected and praised by F.M. Lord Ironside." |
October 5, 1941 | Transfer of British and German prisoners of war postponed and no reason given. |
October 6, 1941 | Hitler makes final demand upon King Boris of Bulgaria to supply army corps for service against Russian Armies in Ukraine. |
October 7, 1941 | British Fleet Air Arm pilots sink two Italian freighters in Ionian Sea, 11 ships of Axis convoy sunk or damaged by British subs. Air bases in Sicily again bombed. Yugoslav town stormed by rebel bands lead by women. Six more Czechs executed by Gestapo on charges of treason. |
October 8, 1941 | President Roosevelt, in letter to Premier Stalin, assures Russia aid will be given. R.A.F. carries out bombing raid on Piraeus, Port of Athens. |
October 9, 1941 | Axis-minded President Arnuffe Arias of Panama, deposed, and Vice-President Ernest Taen Guardia, friendly to United States, sworn in. President Roosevelt asks Congress to revise Neutrality law, denouncing the Nazis as, “Madmen and modern pirates.” German submarine surrenders to British trawler. |
October 10, 1941 | Band of patriots in Axis-occupied countries, now known as the Sixth Columns. Chinese armies re-occupied city of Ichang. Germans execute 75th French hostage. |
October 11, 1941 | R.A.F. sinks ships at entrance to Stavanger, Norway, blocking port. |
October 12, 1941 | Royal air Force, back on 24 hour schedule, blasted German shipping off Norway. 7 German planes shot down during sweeps over Channel. British bombers and torpedo planes, damage or set on fire, 5 Italian ships at airports and harbors, in raids on Italian-held North African Coast. U.S .Navy Department announces blocking of German attempt to establish radio station in Greenland. |
October 13, 1941 | Russian forces evacuate Bryansk, but still holding Vyazma. Women and children being evacuated from Moscow. London papers demand more direct aid to Russia by Britain and United States. Commander-in-Chief of Dutch East Indies, G.J. Bernshot, 54, killed in plane crash. |
October 14, 1941 | "Russians evacuate town of Vyazma. Norwegian children stage demonstration against pro-Nazi Teacher.
U.S. convoy system proves effective. British Naval sources reveal no ship sunk West of Iceland since September 15th." |
October 15, 1941 | Russians admit evacuation of Mariupol. Germans begin new thrust on Moscow. |
October 16, 1941 | Japan and Russia end border dispute with new treaty. Petain placed blame for fall of France on 6 men, namely Ewdouard, Daladier, General Gamelin, Leon Blum, Pierre Jacomet, Industry Administrator, Guy La Chambre, Air Minister, and Pierre Cort, another former Air Minister. Odessa abandoned by Russia. |
October 17, 1941 | Fall of Konoye in Cabinet in Japan. Tojo succeeds as Prime Minister. Foreign Envoy leaves Moscow. |
October 18, 1941 | Canadian Government announces ceiling on all prices and basic wages. |
October 19, 1941 | U. S. destroyer “Kearney” arrives safely at North Atlantic port, after having been hit by torpedo. 11 of crew missing, 10 seriously injured. Germany calls on Italy for million soldiers to be sent to Russia, France and Yugoslavia. British Labor asks Prime Minister Churchill to open up a Western front against Germany. |
October 20, 1941 | Canadian Labor leaders oppose War Economy Plan. Premier Josef Stalin decreed state of siege in Moscow. |
October 21, 1941 | "50 Frenchmen ordered shot in reprisal for the assassination of Lieut. Colt Holtz, the Commander of Nantes.
1,000 Italians slain by Serb guerillas. Britain and Mexico resume relations." |
October 22, 1941 | Nazi forces make no progress on Moscow front within last 72 hours. Strength of drive ebbing. Another German Officer slain in France in Bordeaux area; assassins escape. British fleet poured tons of high explosive into German positions outside Tobruk. |
October 23, 1941 | Great Britain returning 40 tankers borrowed from United States. Russian Army command reorganized. Soviet Marshal Timoshenko replaced as Commander of Red Army forces defending Moscow, and moved to Southern front. Fifty Frenchmen shot for assassination of Nazi officer at Nantes. |
October 24, 1941 | General De Gaulle appeals to followers to cease murderous attacks on Nazis. Secretary of Navy Col. Frank Knox, said U.S. Government abandoned all hopes of coming to terms with Japan, and war seems inevitable. Marshal Petain offers himself as hostage, in order to stop German mass reprisal executions. |
October 25, 1941 | President Roosevelt denounces German executions of hostages in France and other occupied countries. |
October 26, 1941 | General De Gaulle in broadcast speech, urges national strike in France, as protest against 50-1 reprisal killings of French hostages. |
October 27, 1941 | Russian army abandons Stalino after several days violent fighting. “Shooting has started” says Roosevelt in address to Navy, League and calls on U.S. to destroy Nazi regime. |
October 28, 1941 | Lieut. Col. Rendell, C.B.E., relinquishes command of Newfoundland Militia following his appointment as Secretary for defense. Major T. Howell M.C., Royal Montreal Regiment, is now in command. Britain recognizes Syrian independence. |
October 29, 1941 | Germany digging in before Moscow. Polish Jews murdered in cold blood near Loma in Northern Poland. Forced to kneel in trenches then slaughtered. Frenchmen prohibited to listen to B.B.C. |
October 30, 1941 | Frenchmen captured Russian city of Kharkov. U.S.S. Reuben James sunk. |
October 31, 1941 | R.A.F. pounds Nazi supply ships in Norway. Nazi ships attacked of Boulogne. 50 Yugoslav hostages put to death as reprisal for slaying of a German soldier. |
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November 1, 1941 | U.S. Navy Department reported rescue of 44 members of destroyer “Reuben James”. Mackenzie King and Roosevelt confer at President’s Hyde Park home. |
November 2, 1941 | "British and Canadians have sunk or seriously damaged at least 20 German-controlled ships in 3 days.
Hints of peace meditation, broadcast from Ankara by President Inonu, gets cold reception in Britain. Germans claim capture of Simpevopol, Crimean Capital." |
November 3, 1941 | United States presented a bill for $2,967,092 to German Government for all claims — for sinking of American ship “Robin Moore” by German submarine. |
November 4, 1941 | Newly formed Newfoundland squadron, led by veteran night fighter’ Commander says Nfld. airmen, “Keen as mustard” longing for action. Petain Government protests to London against seizure of five French vessels in Indian Ocean. British Admiralty state Captains refused to have cargo examined, and crews attempted to scuttle ships. 1276 U-boat seamen rescued from Axis submarine, held as prisoners of war in Britain. |
November 5, 1941 | All Japanese subjects leave India under exchange agreement. Hon. H.E. Howe, Canadian Minister Munitions and Supplies, stated Canada is building operational airports in Labrador and along Coast of Northern British Columbia. Canadian Navy Minister MacDonald, states German submarines are operating “Right off the coast of Newfoundland — they are actually within sight of shore.” Nurse Ethel May Peacock, sister of Rev. C.E. Peacock, Hant’s Hr., awarded M.B.A. for devotion to duty during Nazi raid. |
November 6, 1941 | "Major General Odlum appointed Canadian High Commissioner of Australia. German drive stopped dead on all sectors of the Moscow front. Russians pressing major counter attack, in direction of Volkolamisk. Premier Stalin, in broadcast to the world, complains of lack of a second European front, as Russian’s chief problem in fighting Germany, and acknowledges importance of increasing U.S. and British aids. United States grants one billion dollars credit to Russia under Lend-Lease Act. British aircraft and equipment reaching Russia “in vast bulk”. Maxim Litvinoff announced as new Soviet Ambassador to United States.
Defense Minister Ralston reviews Canada’s war effort. Dominion’s new army program calls for “All out effort to the utmost of our strength.”" |
November 7, 1941 | Finns ignored peace offer by Russians, which was transmitted in August. R.A.F. loses 37 planes in biggest attack on Germany. |
November 8, 1941 | Nazis admit Moscow drive is stalled. United States establishes Naval Base in Iceland. |
November 9, 1941 | British Mediterranean fleet scores victory, destroying 10 transport vessels and four destroyers. |
November 10, 1941 | Churchill flatly warned Japan against engaging war with the United States. Newfoundland Artillery takes part in Lord Mayor’s parade, London. Admiralty announced loss of destroyer “Cossock”. |
November 11, 1941 | British Mediterranean fleet sank 4 Axis troopships, 2 sailing vessels, 2 armed merchant cruisers seriously damaged. Canada will build one of world’s largest airfields at Hamilton Inlet. Note -- (Goose Bay Lab.) |
November 12, 1941 | Finnish Government declared it would remain in the war against Russia until further security of country safeguarded. Possibility of British invasion attempts ruled out until 1943. Prime Minister Mackenzie King rejected plea for conscription. British bombers attack objectives in Brindist, Italians admit heavy damage caused by 9 successive raids. French War Minister Gen. Charles Huntziger killed in airplane crash. |
November 13, 1941 | Neutrality Act almost wiped from Statute Book when House of Representatives joined with Senate in repealing all but the inconsequential section. Vote 212 — 194. |
November 14, 1941 | Famous aircraft carrier “Ark Royal” sunk within 25 miles of Gibraltar, after struggling for 12 hours to reach safety. People of Leeds undertake to replace “Ark Royal” with another ship of same name. |
November 15, 1941 | Nazi forces retreating in all sectors of Moscow front. Japanese special envoy Kurulsu, arrived in Washington. |
November 16, 1941 | U.S. cruiser captured Axis vessel in South Atlantic, masquerading under United States flag, in attempt to run British blockade. Dept. of Defense announces 57th Nfld. heavy Regt. Royal Artillery will in future be known as 166th Nfld. Field Regiment Royal Artillery. |
November 17, 1941 | 20 boatloads German soldiers, who attempted a surprise landing on Murmansk coast, wiped out. |
November 18, 1941 | British start new drive in Libya on 140 mile front. Caught enemy by surprise. |
November 19, 1941 | "Gen. Sir Alan Brooks, Commander in Chief of the Home Forces, will replace Sir John Dill as Chief of the Imperial General Staff. Foreign Secretary Eden announced Britain is taking military and Naval action against Finland, Rumania, and Hungary, and warns, Jap attack on Burma road will cause a grave crisis.
General Weygand ousted by German pressure, resigns post of Commander in North Africa, 10 miles Southeast of Tobruk." |
November 20, 1941 | British forces capture Rezegh. Iraq severs diplomatic relations with France. Russian High Command admits fall of Kerch on Crimean Peninsula. |
November 21, 1941 | British troops trap 2 Nazi divisions South of Tobruk. German tank losses extremely heavy. |
November 22, 1941 | Germans break Russian lines at Tula. Russians still holding initiative on several sections of battle line. Numerous British tanks in action. |
November 23, 1941 | New Zealand and Indian troops recapture Bardia, Sidi Azetz, and Sidi Omar Nuovo, and shut off enemy’s supply lines. Axis cruiser and a destroyer, torpedoed in Central Mediterranean. Naval planes scored hits on Axis convoy. Lt. Gen. H.D.G Crerar transferred to command 2nd. Canadian Division. |
November 24, 1941 | Two Canadian corvettes, “Chambly and Moose Jaw”, sank German submarine in North Atlantic and took 47 prisoners. White House announces that United States troops will protect Dutch Guiana. Germans threaten destruction of Belgrade, unless Yugoslavia guerilla armies, which are operating in mountains, lay down their arms. Bulgarians massacred 15,000 Greeks in three small towns, and hundreds of Jews in Odessa. American Consulate at Saigon in French Indo-China, wrecked by bomb. |
November 25, 1941 | Moscow’s Army barricade streets, prepared for fight to death. Secretary for War, Stimson, charges Finnish troops being utilized by Germans, to stop aid to Russia. United States may take counter-measures. |
November 26, 1941 | United States citizens in Japanese Empire and Japanese occupied China, warned to leave. British cruisers sank 2 Axis supply ships, loaded with men and gasoline, in Mediterranean. Danish citizens staged demonstration in streets of Copenhagen, in protest against signing of Axis Anti-Commintern Act. Paris fined $20,000 for bomb explosion in German-owned café. United States and Japan talks reach critical stage. |
November 27, 1941 | New Zealand forces take Bir-El-Hamid and unite with defenders of Tobruk. House of Commons gave Churchill vote of confidence 326 to 2 |
November 28, 1941 | Thousands of exhausted Italians troops surrendered at Gondar, to mark end of Mussolini’s vast African empire. Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, praised United States protection of Dutch Guiana. |
November 29, 1941 | Russian counter offensive drives Germans from Rostov. |
November 30, 1941 | British columns cut Axis communication lines with Tripoli. Free French air squadron active in Libya. American air unit formed to protect Burma Road. Marshal Petain left Vichy for Orleans. Beaverbrook asks for production of 30,000 tanks from July 1942 to 1943. |
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December 1, 1941 | Rostov, anchor of Russian’s defense line of the Caucasus, recaptured by Russians. Russian counter-offensive throws Germans back at Satlinogorsk, capture Teganrog. Marshal Petain, Darlan and Reichsmarshal Goering met at St. Florentin. |
December 2, 1941 | Battleship “Prince of Wales” at Singapore. Australian cruiser “Sydney” lost with all hand in South Pacific. Australian sloop “Parranatta” also lost with 141 men. Russian counter-attacks Westward from Rostov and Donets Bash continue unchecked. Southern flank of General Kleist’s army shattered. Germans retreating from Rostov to Mariupol in headlong flight. Royal Navy lands reinforcements in Libya. Admiralty announced sinking of destroyer and 2 supply ships of Italian convey in Mediterranean. Greek sub torpedoes Axis vessel off Iceland of Crete. Plot to assassinate Mussolini uncovered in Trieste. |
December 3, 1941 | 1500 persons killed by explosion of ammunition dump at Oukitza in Serbia. United States Government asks for another 8 billion dollars for defense. President Roosevelt announces Lend Lease Aid will be extended to Turkey. |
December 4, 1941 | Sandstorms and rain halt Libyan drive. Prime Minister Churchill won House of Commons approval of Government program to draft 3,000,000 more men and conscript young men. |
December 5, 1941 | Britain declares war on Finland, Rumania and Hungary. |
December 6, 1941 | British drive in Libya renewed. |
December 7, 1941 | (Sunday) — Japan attacks Britain and United States. U.S. warships sunk in Hawaii; 2,729 U.S. Navy men killed. Hong Kong attacked from air and troop landings made in Northern Malaya. Canada at war with Japan. White House released personal message from President Roosevelt to Japanese Emperor or Hironito three days ago, asking for with-drawl of Japanese troop concentration in Indo-China. |
December 8, 1941 | Britain, U.S. and several Latin-America nations, declare war on Japan. Japanese attack Philippines from air. Blackouts ordered on Pacific coast. Thailand capitulates to Japan. Berlin says Moscow drive off for winter. |
December 9, 1941 | President Roosevelt signs resolution, declaring state of war between United States and Japan. British forces engage Japs in heavy fighting in Malay Peninsula. Japanese planes bomb Hong Kong. All Nazis driven out of Sidi Razegt area, enemy flees Westward, after British forces had destroyed one-third of armored force. Russians start new counter-drive before Moscow. Japanese troops land on Philippines. |
December 10, 1941 | Jap planes bomb Mantla and nearby areas, Casualties heavy. Russian forces recapture Tikhvin, 110 miles S.E. of Leningrad. Hong Kong defense holding out against Japs. Britain’s Navy suffers heavy blow, when “Prince of Wales” and “Repulse” were sunk in South China Sea by Japanese aircraft. About 500 lost. British forces recaptured Gambut. Canadian corvette “Windflower” sunk in collision, 23 members of crew missing. |
December 11, 1941 | Russians push Nazis back on all fronts. U.S. airmen sink Japanese battleship, cruiser, and destroyer, off Island of Luzon. 4 Japanese troop transports also sunk. Russia spurns German peace feelers. German Commander-in Chief Gen. Von Bock, on Moscow from removed. United States declares war on German and Italy. U.S. Congress passes Bill to permit use of U.S. troops in any part of world. Jap troops land on Southern Luzon Island. Jap attempts to land on Wake Island repelled. |
December 12, 1941 | Chinese attacking Japanese, in order to lift pressure on Hong Kong. San Salvadorean Congress and Haiti, declares war on Italy and Germany. Rear-Admiral Sir Geoffery Layton, took over temporary command of British Far East Fleet. United States seizes French liner Normandie. Rumania declares war against Germany and Italy. Bolivian Government express solidarity with American natives. British troops penetrate 120 miles in Libya. British cruiser bombards port of Derna. |
December 13, 1941 | Utter defeat of German army of 750,000 men on Moscow front, announced. German troops in retreat on both flanks of Moscow front. Submarines of Netherlands East Indies Navy, sank 4 Japanese troop transports off Thailand coast. |
December 14, 1941 | German and Italian forces fight stubborn rear guard action Southwest of Gazala. |
December 15, 1941 | Soviet forces continuing advance on front from Baltic to Black Sea, 50 villages in Leningrad area recaptured. United States Bombers sank 4 fully laden Japanese troop transports. Japanese opened general land and air offensive against Hong Kong. Imperial Garrison rejects surrender demand. Secretary of Navy, Knox, reported that U.S. Battleship “Arizona” and 5 others ships, had been lost in the raid on Pearl Harbor, December, with loss of 91 Officers and 2,638 Naval personnel. Jap losses 3 submarines and 41 aircraft. |
December 16, 1941 | Russians recapture strategic railway town of Klin. Japanese advance 50 miles on Singapore Road. British and Indian defenders taking heavy toll of invaders. Islands of Johnston and Maui in the Hawaiian group, shelled by Japanese warships. Argentine Cabinet in special session, declared state of siege throughout country. Hon. L.E. Emerson, K.C., Commissioner for Defense in broadcast speech, outlines civilian defense measures. |
December 17, 1941 | Russian forces recaptured key town of Kalinin. Japanese second demand for surrender of Hong Kong rejected. U.S. Admiral Kimmel, Lieut. General W.G. Short and Major Gen. Frederick L. Martin relived of their commands in the Pacific. H.M.S. “Dunedin” torpedoed. |
December 18, 1941 | "Germans retreat 100 miles from Moscow in 16 days. Brest under heaviest attack of war. German battleships “Gneisenau” and “Scharnhorst” bombed. R.A.F. lost 6 planes, German 8. Every axis front in Libya smashed by Imperial forces. Germans and Italians in full retreat towards Derna. United States reaches accord with Vichy officials in Martinique.
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December 19, 1941 | German army in Russia, retreats on 1200 mile front. Island of Panang surrounded by Japanese. Japs bomb Philippine Island of Panay. Chinese captured Jap outposts near Hong Kong. United States Congress passes Registration Bill. Will give U.S. Army of 4 million. 5,000 Italians drowned when 2 Italian cruisers, a destroyer and 3 transports were sunk by British destroyers. Australian and Netherland troops occupy Portuguese possession of Timor. |
December 20, 1941 | British forces halt Japanese drive in Malaya. British garrison with full equipment, evacuated from Penang. Dutch forces attack Japs in Borneo. Jap troops landed at Mindanoa Island. St. John’s had first real air raid alarm, caused by “suspicious” circumstances at Airport. |
December 21, 1941 | Volokolamsk recaptured by Soviet troops. Japs sink U.S. trawler off California coast. U. S. Navy has sunk or damaged at least 14 enemy submarines in North Atlantic. Thailand and Japan sign Mutual Assistance pact. Axis Armies in Libya split, and in headlong flight towards Bengasi. Hitler takes over command of German Army, Field Marshal Von Brauchitsch dismissed from post. |
December 22, 1941 | Russian Army gains registered all along entire front from Baltic to Sea of Azov. Major General I.F. Page appointed to Newfoundland command of Canadian troops, to replace Brigadier Philip Earnshaw, who has been detailed for duty overseas. Premier Churchill arrives in Washington to “Discuss with President Roosevelt, all questions relevant to a concerted war effect.” Series of conferences between President Roosevelt and envoys of Russia, China and the Netherlands took place at Washington. |
December 23, 1941 | "Air raid alarm sounded in Manila, but planes driven off. Heavy force of Japanese have made landing at Santo Tomas in Gulf of Lingayen. 3 Jap transports sunk off Luzon. Japs suffer heavy losses in Malaya.
Part Japanese troops driven off Island of Hong Kong by British garrison. Dutch Indies airmen now aiding British pilots in battle of Northern Malaya. Canadian troops attacking in rear of enemy lines at Hong Kong.
Japanese troops succeed in landing on Wake Island. 3 Japanese transports sank U.S. tanker off California, and machined gunned crew as they took to lifeboats. British submarines sank 6 axis transports in Mediterranean. British troops hem in Rommel’s army at Bengasi. President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill attend press conference, and tell correspondents external blow will be necessary to defeat Germany." |
December 24, 1941 | Russian forces still driving Germans back on Moscow defense, and have occupied railway junction of Gorbackeva. Communication between Leningrad, Moscow and Donets Basin resumed. Nazis fall back 50 miles near Leningrad. Japanese troops land heavy forces Southeast of Manila. Hong Kong garrison throw Japanese back from Mount Cameron, Canadian casualties heavy. Brigadier Lawson of Ottawa believed dead. Nazi forces reported moving to Spanish frontier, through western Occupied and Unoccupied France. Marshal Petain reported to have resigned, because of German pressure to execute agreement. |
December 26, 1941 | 17 Jap planes destroyed in attack on Rangoon. U.S. troops withdraw from Lingayen Coast. U.S. Commander, General MacArthur, declares Manila an open city. Hong Kong occupied by Japanese. British garrison estimated at 6,000 stacked their arms. American-Britain and China create military council. Prime Minister Churchill addresses United States congress. Conquest of Eastern Libya complete. Axis force 90 miles South of Bengasi. Rommel’s troops fighting rearguard action in hope of escaping to Trioli. St, Pierre and Miquelon occupied by Free French forces, who were heartily welcomed by population. Plebiscite taken, showed practically unanimous vote in favor Free French. |
December 27, 1941 | Russians smash new German defense line, thrown up along Aka River. Heavy Russian offensive begun on Leningrad front. Important town of Vyasma re-taken. Lieut-General Powell assumes command of British Far East Forces. |
December 28, 1941 | Japanese parachute troops, land on Dutch Island of Sumatra near Singapore. Imperial troops beat back Japanese, inflicting heavy losses in Chemor area of Perak State. R.A.F. struck blow at Japanese airdrome near Thailand border. Combined British forces successfully attacked German troops on Norwegian island. |
December 29, 1941 | "Japanese air force bombarded helpless city of Manila, spreading fire and ruin in second heavy raid. American bombers sunk Jap transport. Russians smash German attempts to hold new defense lines in several sectors. R.A.F. bomber and fighter planes bombed Wilhelshaven and Emden. Seven failed to return.
Australian and Dutch airmen blast Japanese warships and supply convoys. Singapore reports stubborn British resistance South of town of Ipon. British Imperial columns tightening noose about main Axis forces at Agedabia, and smash Rommel’s counter stroke. Japs claim to have sunk ten U.S. ships off Hawaii. Prime Minister Churchill attended session of Canadian War Cabinet, and given a warm welcome. German bombers over North coast town of England. Petain Government announced no negotiations over the Island of St. Pierre and Miquelon." |
December 30, 1941 | Corregidor Island fortress, guarding Manila Bay, suffers three hour bombing attack. A.A. guns brought down four Jap bombers. |
© John Baird, Sue
O'Neill, George
White and NL GenWeb
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