February 5th 1940, Paris and London.
The Supreme Allied War Council decides to intervene in Norway and Finland. This vague decision is thrusting on neutral Sweden and Norway’s co-operation. The Allied objective is to stop the supply of Swedish iron ore to Germany through the Norwegian port of Narvik, ice-free all the year.
February 16th 1940, North Atlantic.
The destroyer HMS
Cossack violates Norwegian neutrality to rescue 299 British Navy’s prisoners on board the German prison-ship
Altmark. This convinces Hitler of the Allied intentions towards his northern flank and accelerates preparations for the German invasion.
February 24th 1940, Germany.
The German plan for the invasion of France and the Low Countries faces significant changes; the main forces are concentrated in the Ardennes region, thanks to the plan developed by lieutenant general Erich von Manstein.
February 5th – February 7th 1941, Libya.
The Italians fail to escape the encirclement at Beda Fomm, south of Benghazi and they finally surrender to the British 7th armoured division. Meanwhile, the Australian 6th division, advancing along the coast, forces the garrison of Benghazi to capitulate on the 7th. This puts an end to the magnificent and genial British two-month campaign in the desert, which achieved a tremendous victory against an immensely superior enemy, thanks to good leadership and close naval and aerial co-operation.
February 14th 1941, Bulgaria.
Bulgaria allows German deployment of troops in the Greek-Bulgarian frontier, thus increasing German influence in the Balkans.
February 14th 1941, Soviet Union.
General Geórgi K. Zhúkov is appointed Chief of the General Staff —STAVKA— and Government Commissar for Defence. Zhúkov had already demonstrated his high-capacities in the severe setback he gave the Japanese Army in Mongolia, at the battle of Khalkin-Gol in August 1939.
February 14th 1941, Libya.
In response of Hitler’s help offer to Italy, the first troops and equipment of the Deutsches Afrika Korps —DAK— start landing in Tripoli, under the command of lieutenant general Erwin Rommel.
February 19th – February 23rd 1941, Egypt.
An Allied military and political convention in El Cairo decides to send 100.000 British troops to support the defence of Greece.
February 25th 1941, Italian Somalia.
Western and Eastern Africa troops under the British start advancing towards Mogadishu, the Somalian capital. The Italians start evacuating the colony.
February 1st 1942, Norway.
The puppet nazi collaborator, Vikdun Quisling becomes Prime Minister.
February 1st 1942, North Atlantic.
The German Navy changes their naval code, thus making the British unable to read it until late that year. However, technology improves submarine detection.