military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (11/18/89)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Saturday, 18 November, 1939 Four merchant ships are lost to magnetic mines off the British east coast, including the Dutch liner Simon Bolivar, on which 86 are killed. Control of the French and British merchant marines is consolidated under British command. The IRA claims responsibility for four bombings in London businesses. Martial law is declared in Prague, Czechoslavokia. 3 more Czechs are executed, including two policemen, and anti-German demonstrations arise in the areas around the city. In Germany, a ten-hour workday is imposed, with twelve-hour days being required in certain critical areas. References: C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ J. Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ C.Salmaggi and A.Pallavisini, _2194 Dayss of War_ The New York Times, daily editions Time magazine -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "This time we will get them ! England will be beaten and you and Germany will become free ! Work against the moneybags ! Freedom for us ! " - Dr. Robert Ley, German Labor Front