WW2 Day by Day

In Occupied Czechoslovakia... SS troops are reportedly in control of Prague and more as we look at WW2 day by day!

 

The brand-new British cruiser, Belfast, is seriously damaged by a German magnetic mine in the Firth of Forth and more as we look at #WW2 day by day. If you like these posts please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel.

 

The French government announces reprisals, similar to those announced by the British government, concerning the German use of mines.

 

In a speech before his senior generals, summoned to the Reich Chancellery, Hitler says that he has led the German people to great heights, while they have only shown a lack of faith. "I am irreplaceable," a frustrated Hitler states. "I shall attack France and England at the earliest moment. My decision is unchangeable."

 

Japanese forces enter the strategically important city of Nanning, despite fierce resistance by some 100,000 Chinese Nationalist troops. #WW2

 

In London... The governments of Italy, Japan, Denmark and Sweden make representations to the British Foreign Office regarding the policy of reprisals.

 

The Mainila incident takes place. Seven artillery shells are fired into the village of Mainila, killing 4 soldiers. In Moscow the Soviet government blames Finland for firing on Mainila and demands an immediate withdrawal of Finnish troops from the Karelian isthmus, near Leningrad. The government describes the presence of Finnish troops in the area as a "hostile act."

 

Japanese forces complete the capture of Nanning, an important rail junction in the southwest of China.

 

The Soviet government renounces the non-aggression pact with Finland, signed in 1932. Claims of Finnish troops firing on Soviet forces around Leningrad are made. Meanwhile, orders are issued to the Red Army to invade Finland on November 30th.

 

The Soviet government breaks off diplomatic relations with Finland. Molotov warns that the Red Army must be prepared for any eventuality.

Meanwhile in Helsinki the Finnish government offers to enter into renewed discussions over the territorial dispute, suggesting conciliation or arbitration, in accord with the non-aggression treaty.

 

The Winter War begins. Soviet forces invade Finland.

 

Helsinki is bombed by Soviet aircraft. Casualties amount to 80 killed, meanwhile in the Soviet Union the TASS news agency claims that in Finland, "the people already rose in various parts of the country and proclaimed the formation of a democratic republic. Part of Finland's army have already sided with the new government, backed by the people." Pure propaganda.

 

There are Soviet landings with naval support near Petsamo and other units of 14th Army are attacking overland nearby. Elsewhere the slow advance of the Soviet forces continues. The Finnish defenses have not yet been reached in most areas.

 

The Soviet 8th Army achieves a small success near Suojarvi. The Finns pull back a little in this sector. They also send a small reinforcement to the forces opposing the advance of the Soviet 54th Division of 9th Army near Kuhmo.

 

British King George VI arrives to inspect the British Expeditionary Force and RAF units deployed in France.

 

Forward units of the Soviet 7th Army reach the main Finnish defenses, the Mannerheim Line but already the Finns are learning to exploit poor management of the Soviet advance. #WW2 #WinterWar

 

In Berlin a note is issued to the Foreign Press in which neutral countries, especially Holland, are condemned for a lack of resistance to the British blockade.

 

In the area north of Lake Ladoga the Finnish positions at Kollaa are attacked. Farther north, Soviet troops enter Suomussalmi on the east side of Lake Kianta after it has been evacuated by the Finns.

 

On the Western Front... Corporal Thomas Priday of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry is killed leading a patrol. He is the first British soldier to be killed in the Second World War.