military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (09/24/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Monday, 23 September, 1940 German fighters conduct sweeps over Britain, downing 8 RAF fighters for a loss of 10 German planes. Night raids on London are launched by 260 aircraft, and the RAF responds with a 120-plane raid on Berlin. Britain introduces the George Cross and George Medal, awards for civilian heroism. A combined effort by the Royal Navy and Free French troops to capture Dakar begins. General De Gaulle attempts to negotiate with the Vichy garrison commander, but these break down and Vichy warships stationed at Dakar, together with the Dakar shore batteries, open fire. By day's end, several ships on both sides are damaged, and a French submarine is sunk. A landing by Free French troops at Rufique Bay is rebuffed. Vichy forces at Da Nang put up strong resistance to Japanese forces attempting to occupy Indo-China. The Egyptian government declares that nation to be under martial law. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@att.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "The people of Africa, who do not wish to be involved in the British collapse -- and particularly Egypt -- still have an opportunity of choosing." - the Nachtausgabe, German newspaper