military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (06/02/90)
Saturday, 4 May, 1940 The Polish destroyer Grom is sunk by German bombers off the Norwegian coast near Narvik, while supporting the landing of British troops at Mo, south of that city. The Allied effort to capture Narvik is supported by massive offshore bombardment, and the position of the German garrison there is deemed critical. Italian press delivers a stern warning that Italy is prepared to repulse any Allied efforts against her. Egypt and Greece make similar statements, obviously aimed at Italy and Germany, while a shipment of French tanks arrives in Yugoslavia, a move seen as tying that nation closer with the Allies. Opponents of the Chamberlain government, led by former PM David Lloyd George, react to Italy's increasing hostility by demanding a strengthening of the War Cabinet. More outspoken critics call for Chamberlain's resignation. References: J. Keegan, ed., _The Times Atlas of the Second World War_ 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 Days of War_ C.Messenger, _Atlas of World War Two_ The New York Times, daily editions Time magazine Newsweek -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "It would be sad if the net result of these untoward events were that a good French Premier fell and a bad British prime Minister remained in office..." - Herbert Morrison, London Labour leader