military@att.att.com (Bill Thacker) (06/02/90)
Thursday, 9 May, 1940 Hitler transmits the final code word, "Danzig", indicating that the western offensive will commence tomorrow morning. He then boards a train for a forward headquarters near Muenstereifel. Premier Paul Reynaud sharply criticizes General Gamelin's failure to defend Norway, demanding the appointment of a new Commander in Chief. After former Premier Daladier defends Gamelin, Reynaud secretly offers his own resignation. Four German "S" boots (motor torpedo boats) attack a group of British destroyers lead by the cruiser HMS Birmingham in the Skaggerak, damaging one DD. German aircraft mine several Dutch and Belgian ports during the night. On the fourth anniversary of the founding of the new Italian Empire, Premier Mussolini speaks briefly at the Piazza Venezia. References: J. Keegan, ed., _The Times Atlas of the Second World War_ C.Argyle, _Chronology of World War II_ J. Piekalkiewicz, _Tank War 1939-1940_ R.Dupuy and T.Dupuy, _The Encyclopedia of Military History_ C.Salmaggi and A.Pallavisini, _2194 Days of War_ C.Messenger, _Atlas of World War Two_ The New York Times, daily editions Time magazine Newsweek -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Bill Thacker military@cbnews.att.com Send submissions for "50 Years Ago" to military-request@att.att.com "May 9th, 1936, was a great day in the history of the country, a day of solar victory. After my speeches, you must accustom yourself to my silence. Only facts will break it." - Premier Mussolini