military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (08/19/90)
From: military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) Monday, 19 August, 1940 Berbera, Somaliland, falls to Italian troops as Britain withdraws the last of her forces there. Rainy weather limits air combat over Britain, and both sides use the respite to reorganize and rest their forces. German sources in Switzerland ominously warn London that captured German parachutists must be treated in accordance with international law, or else Germany would take reprisals against British fliers in POW camps. All of Britain is declared a defense area, and comes under military law. Mussolini writes to General Graziani, commander of Italian forces in Libya, ordering him to be prepared to attack Egypt when the invasion of Britain commences. 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 "Now, on the day on which the first platoon of German soldiers lands on British soil, you too will attack... All I ask is that you attack the British troops facing you. I myself accept full responsibility for this decision." - Benito Mussolini