military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (01/08/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Monday, 8 January, 1940 General Siilasuvo's 9th division eliminates the last pocket of the Soviet 44th mechanized east of Suomussalmi. In addition to eliminating the division's 18,000 soldiers, the Finns capture 35 tanks, 50 guns, 25 antitank guns, and 250 trucks. Total losses to the 9th division in eliminating the 44th and 163rd Soviet division is 900 killed, 1770 wounded. Britain successfully test a new anti-mine weapon; a converted Wellington bomber fitted with a metal hoop. Flying low over the water, the hoop is energized to magnetically detonate the mines. Food rationing begins in Britain. Each person is alloted 4oz of bacon or ham, 4oz of butter, and 12oz of suger per week. Italy is reputed to have formed a defense alliance with Hungary, promising aid should that country be attacked by Germany or Russia. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "The Indian fighting methods of the Finnish troops were not unlike those employed by the North American Indians in their encircling maneuvers." - Maj. Gen. Stephen O. Fuqua, U.S.A., Retired.