military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (11/27/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Wednesday, 27 November, 1940 The Royal Italian Navy attempts to intercept the British "Collar" convoy to Malta. The Italian fleet, including the battleship Vittorio Veneto, encounters the convoy's screening force off Cape Spartivento, Sardinia. Despite a gunner advantage in favor of the Italian fleet, no major combat results; the only ships damaged are the British cruiser Berwick and one Italian destroyer. Strikes by torpedo bombers fail to score hits on the Vittorio Veneto, and the Italian fleet withdraws after the skirmish. Italian reinforcements, together with the arrival of Chief of Staff Marshal Badoglio, begin to stabilize the Greek front. In Rumania, the Iron Guard conducts purges of anti-Fascist leaders. Among the 64 people killed is Professor Jorga, a former Prime Minister. Near anarchy now exists in that country. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@att.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "Many serious men, mindful of our own history recounting how our forefathers bravely spilled their blood to obtain and retain our liberties, know that the present war cannot be won without spilling some more blood. Certainly, it cannot be won by singing "God Save America." - Stuart Henry, in a letter to the New York Times