military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (08/28/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Wednesday, 28 August, 1940 Eastchurch and Rochford airfields are struck by German bombers, and Luftwaffe fighters conduct sweeps over southern England; the latter virtually annihilate a squadron of Boulton-Paul Defiant fighters. A major night raid is launched against Liverpool with 160 bombers, but most miss the target and damage is slight. Another British raid hits Berlin, killing 10. Losses are 30 German and 20 British planes. The U-46 sinks the armed merchant cruiser Dunvegan Castle off Ireland. The US Senate passes the Selective Service bill, which has been amended to allow the government to take over operations of defense industries if necessary. President Roosevelt signs the bill allowing mobilization of the National Guard for one year's service. Italian aircraft raid the British base at Port Said. The liner American Legion arrives safely at Brooklyn, returning home from Finland. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@att.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "What you are trying to do in November is to take a referendum on peace or war." - Senator George, in condemnation of the Selective Service bill.