military@cbnews.att.com (09/28/89)
Friday, 29 September, 1939 The French Admiralty reports that so far, 10 to 20 U-boats have been sunk. This lends support to First Sea Lord Churchill's declaration 2 days previously that "the U-boats are on the run" and being sunk faster than they can be replaced. British aircraft raid the German fleet in the Helgoland Bight. No hits are scored, but the Germans claim five of the six bombers shot down by fighter cover. Estonia signs a Mutual Assistance Pact with the Soviet Union, allowing Russian access to her ports and airbases. Soviet troops occupy Lithuania under a similar agreement. Modlin surrenders to the Germans; aside from scattered resistance, organized Polish defense continues in the Hela Peninsula, at Tomaszow Lubelski, and in Kock. References: C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ J. Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "This government must lose no time or effort to keep the nation from being drawn into the war. In my candid judgement, we shall succeed in these efforts." - President Frankin D. Roosevelt