military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (11/17/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Saturday, 17 November, 1940 The Greek counteroffensive continues to push back the defending Italians. In the Pindus area, Greek forces reach the outskirts of Koritza, Albania. Unidentified aircraft violate Yugoslav airspace for the third time during the campaign. Air Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding, head of Fighter Command, is replaced by Air Marshal Sholto Douglas. Dowding is re-assigned to the Ministry for Aircraft Production, to oversee the procurement of planes from the United States. General de Gaulle announces that Port Gentil in Gabon has surrendered to Free French troops. Vichy meanwhile announces the arrest General Gamelin and two former Premiers, Blum and Deladier. References: C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ J.Keegan, ed., _The Times Atlas of the Second World War_ C.Messenger, _Atlas of World War Two_ J.Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ C.Salmaggi and A.Pallavisini, _2194 Days of War_ Brig. P.Young, _The World Almanac of World War II_ The New York Times, daily editions Time magazine Newsweek -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@att.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "It doesn't fit the American spirit, the American purpose or the American security to talk appeasement in a world like this where force and force alone determines the fate of nations." - Secretary Knox