military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (11/22/89)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Wednesday, 22 November, 1939 A German airplane is seen dropping objects by parachute near Shoeburyness on the Essex coast. At low tide, officers of the Royal Engineers investigate, and find magnetic mines. One is defused and sent to an ordnance depot for evaluation, allowing countermeasures to be devised. The destroyer HMS Gypsy is sunk by a mine while leaving port. She had put in to land 3 German aviators rescued at sea. Netherland authorities warn shipowners not to put to sea, in view of the mine situation, but to wait for an organized convoy headed by a minesweeper. German Gestapo agents announce that they have fooled British Intelligence agents who thought they were in radio contact with a German underground. The false contact had been maintained for 21 days, and was ended on a boastful note (see quote). -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "Communication for any length of time with a conceited and silly people is dull. You will understand, therefore, that we are giving it up. You are hereby heartily greeted by your affectionate `German opposition.' Signed, the German Gestapo."