military@cbnews.att.com (09/02/89)
From: military@cbnews.att.com In Poland, Germany, having penetrated Polish lines at numerous points, moves rapidly to prevent the retreat of forces in the areas around Cracow and Radom. In the north, the Polish Army of Modlin, while retreating, is severely struck and disordered by German aircraft. The army falls back across the Vistula in disarray, leaving Warsaw unguarded from the north. The Army of Pomorze, despite falling back, is still outflanked. 29 British bombers, Blenheims and Wellingtons, stage a daylight raid against the German fleet at Wilhelmshaven; 7 are shot down. A dud hit is scored on the panzerschiffe Admiral Scheer, while wreckage of a downed aircraft strikes the light cruiser Emden. Skirmishes are reported in the no-man's land between the French Maginot Line and the German Siegfried Line. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) begins deploying to France. Following yesterday's sinking of the SS Athenia, and fearful of drawing America into the war, Hitler forbids further attacks on passenger ships. P.M. Chamberlain goes on the air, speaking to the German people in German. He denounces the attack on Poland, and the Nazi government. Japan declares her non-involvement in the European conflict. 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 "No general mobilization order has yet been issued to German forces in the West." - the German News Bureau