military@cbnews.att.com (09/13/89)
Wednesday, 13 September, 1939 German motorized troops cross the Vistula southeast of Warsaw, and XIX Panzerkorps (Guderian) reaches the outskirts of the fortress of Brest-Litovsk. The Luftwaffe launches the first of many heavy air raids against the city of Warsaw. The German OKH (Oberkommando Heeres, or Army High Command) announces that guerilla activity by Polish civilians will be countered by indiscriminate bombing and shelling of towns. In Casablanca, the French cruiser La Tour d'Auvergne explodes due to an accident. France forms a War Cabinet, as well as Ministries of Blockade and Armament. 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 "I have always regarded aircraft with a certain skepticism, and it did not surprise me when the engine started to give trouble while we were over an area of uncertain ownership." - Gen. F.W. von Mellenthin, recounting an unpleasant ride in a Fieseler Storch light aircraft. _Panzer Battles_