28 November 1939

1931 (SATURDAY)

CHINA: Japanese troops withdraw from Chinchow to await the adjournment of the League of Nations Council.

1937 (SUNDAY)

JAPAN: Premier KONOYE Fumimaro again rejects third-party participation in the Sino-Japanese peace negotiations when peace terms are formulated.

SPAIN: Spanish Head of State General Francisco Franco proclaims a naval blockade of the entire Spanish coast, with Nationalist naval forces using Majorca as their base of operations.

1938 (MONDAY)

GERMANY: A Lufthansa Fw 200 airliner, registered D-ACON and named "Brandenburg," takes off from Berlin on the airline's first flight to Tokyo, Japan. The 14 228 kilometer (8,841 mile) flight, with refueling stops at Basra, Iraq; Karachi, India; and Hanoi, French Indochina, takes 26 hours and 18 minutes and breaks the distance record. The aircraft arrives in Tokyo on 30 November.

November 28th, 1939 (TUESDAY)

UNITED KINGDOM: London: The King signs orders in council for the seizure of German exports on the high seas.

U.S. freighter SS Winston Salem is detained at Ramsgate, Kent, England, by British authorities.

Patrol vessel HMS Pintail commissioned.

Escort carrier HMS Avenger laid down.

Corvettes HMS Nigella and Penstemon laid down.

FRANCE: Into the mess-room of a British fighter squadron behind the Maginot Line the other evening came a stranger, his eyes blinking at the light, a half-fearful look on his face. Shepherding him were two RAF officers. "Here's the lad who fooled the lot of us," they said. The others led the stranger to the bar, shook his hand, and thumped his shoulders. "What's the German for 'What'll you have?' " asked one. Only a few hours earlier the stranger had been piloting a German Dornier bomber which had crashed after a sporting fight. The RAF men decided that they must have him to dine with them and they sat him at the right hand of the commanding officer.
Daily Mail.

GERMANY: Friesian Islands: RAF fighters attack Luftwaffe minelaying seaplanes at Borkum. "6 Blenheims of No. 25 Sqn and 6 from 601 (AuxAF) auxiliary Squadron (City of London). flew through a rainstorm near the end of their 250 mile flight and came down on Borkum from the clouds just before dusk, diving in sections of three machines. They caught the German air base by surprise. Coastal patrol boats opened fire on them. The Blenheims hit five of the mine-laying seaplanes that were their targets on their slipways. One of the Blenheims flew through a gap in the mole, others came in low over the hangers. Machine-gun posts on the mole were put out of action and patrol boats machine-gunned. No hits were reported on the Blenheims."

FINLAND: In far north, three Finnish border guards disappear form the Pummanki border guard -post. Tracks indicate that Soviet troops had crossed the border and kidnapped the men.

U.S.S.R.: Moscow: Russia renounces the 1932 Russo-Finnish non-aggression pact.

Molotov claims that the Finnish reply reveals its hostile intentions towards the Soviet Union therefore nullifying the non-aggression pact; meanwhile the workers' demonstrations continue demanding that the Finnish provocateurs be punished. On Moscow Radio is read an announcement by the Leningrad military district that the Finnish provocations have continued.

The Finnish cabinet hasn't reached a unanimous decision on how to react. There's a growing feeling that the Soviets have to be placated somehow, but some ministers, the Minister of Defence Juho Niukkanen included (he originates from Karelia near the border and a significant proportion of his voters live in territories demanded by Soviet Union), still resist any concessions.

AUSTRALIA: The Government decides to send the 6th Division, Second Australian Imperial Force, overseas when their training is completed.

U.S.A.: James Naismith, the creator of modern basketball, dies at the age of 78. (Tony Webber)

ATLANTIC OCEAN: U-47 fired one torpedo at cruiser HMS Norfolk, but failed to hit it.

28 November 1940

November 28th, 1940 (THURSDAY)

UNITED KINGDOM:

Liverpool: Lt Harold Reginald Newgass (1896-1984), RNVR, descended into a gasometer (fuel tank, coal gas) six times, with breathing equipment to defuse a mine which had pierced the roof. (George Cross)

Liverpool: Liverpool suffers a devastating overnight raid by the Luftwaffe.

London: Lord Horder, the head of the British Medical Committee, warns the people of the dangers of disease: "We have more to fear from germs than Germans."

London: Lord Woolton, Minister of Food, announces a reduction in milk supplies to householders during the winter shortage. The authorities advise that all milk used in London and other major cities be boiled to prevent a typhoid epidemic.

Minesweeping trawler HMS Manx Prince mined and sunk off the Humber.

Sloop HMS Ibis launched.

Destroyer HMS Lance launched.

Submarine HMS Thrasher launched.

Corvette HMS Mayflower commissioned.

ASW trawler HMS Mazurka launched.

GERMANY: Berlin: Der ewige Jude [The Eternal Jew], a film purporting to prove the Jews' evil influence, opens.

U-209 laid down.

ROMANIA: Bucharest: The Romanian government declares a state of emergency.

AEGEAN SEA: Submarine HMS Regulus reported missing in Aegean Sea.

SOUTH AFRICA: Corvette SAS Protea laid down.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: The Royal Thai Air Force begins aerial bombing after the alleged bombing of Thai positions around Nankorn Panom by French planes. (Michael Alexander)

ATLANTIC OCEAN: U-47 fired two torpedoes without success at a lone ship in the North Atlantic.

U-103 sank SS Mount Athos and St Elwyn.

U-95 damaged SS Ringhorn.

U-104 is last heard from while operating off the north coast of County Donegal, C ire, about 38 nautical miles (70 kilometers) northwest of Londonderry, County Derry, Northern Ireland, in approximate position 55.30N, 08.00W; all 49 crewmen are lost. There is no explanation for the loss.

28 November 1941

November 28th, 1941 (FRIDAY)

FRANCE: Paris: Rue Championnat. A grenade attack is made on a military traffic post. 2 soldiers and a Frenchman are killed and 7 wounded.

GERMANY: Adolf Hitler promises the Mufti of Jerusalem (Hajj Amin al Husseini) that upon German conquest of Palestine, the Jewish population will be exterminated.

Britain and Russia are both power bases of Jewry, Hitler said, and he will carry on the fight until the last traces of Jewish hegemony is eliminated. The German Army will in the future break through the Caucasus into the Middle East and help to liberate the Arab world. Germany's only other objective in the region will be the annihilation of the Jews. (Russell Folsom)

U-272 laid down.

U-164 commissioned.

FINLAND: The Finnish 8th Division ends its offensive in the northern part of the Maaselka Isthmus. Also battles in Kestenga cease and a quiet phase begins.

U.S.S.R.: Overextended and short of supplies, III.Panzerkorps of Panzergruppe 1 evacuates Rostov-on-Don and withdraws to the Mius river 30 miles (48 kilometers) to the west.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA: U-95 sunk in western Mediterranean SW of Almeria in position 36.24N, 03.20W by submarine HNLMS O-21. 35 dead and 12 survivors.

In the evening, U-205 encountered a British submarine in the Mediterranean, but neither boat attacked.

LIBYA: German tank forces renew the fighting around Sidi Rezegh. The link between the New Zealand infantry and the Tobruk garrison. This battle will continue over 3 days resulting in heavy losses to both sides and one of the New Zealand brigades is forced out of the action. The Germans overrun the New Zealand 24th Battalion and capture the New Zealand Main Dressing Station.

ETHIOPIA: 22,000 Italian troops, under General Nasi surrender to the British. Mussolini's East African Roman Empire has thus ceased to exist.

CEYLON: Force "G", HMS Prince of Wales (53) and HMS Repulse (34) arrive at Colombo, Ceylon. They will form the British Far East Fleet based at Singapore, along with the destroyers HMS Encounter (H 10) and Jupiter (F 85). The carrier Indomitable (92) was scheduled to join them, but was damaged on the 3rd when she ran aground while training in Jamaica, West Indies.

CHINA: U.S. passenger liner SS President Harrison, chartered for the purpose, sails from Shanghai, China, for the Philippine Islands, with the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and regimental staff embarked. "Stirring scenes of farewell," U.S. Consul Edwin F. Stanton reports to Secretary of State Cordell Hull, accompany the marines' departure. (The 2d Battalion left yesterday in the SS President Madison.)

JAPAN: The Foreign Ministry sends the following message to the Japanese Embassy in Washington, D.C.: "Well, you two Ambassadors have exerted superhuman efforts but, in spite of this, the United States has gone ahead and presented this humiliating proposal. This was quite unexpected and extremely regrettable. The Imperial Government can by no means use it as a basis for negotiations. Therefore, with a report of the views of the Imperial Government on this American proposal which I will send you in two or three days, the negotiations will be de facto ruptured. This is inevitable. However, I do not wish you to give the impression that the negotiations are broken off. Merely say to them that you are awaiting instructions and that, although the opinions of your Government are not yet clear to you, to your own way of thinking the Imperial Government has always made just claims and has borne great sacrifices for the sake of peace in the Pacific. Say that we have always demonstrated a long-suffering and conciliatory attitude, but that, on the other hand, the United States has been unbending, making it impossible for Japan to establish negotiations. Since things have come to this pass, I contacted the man you told me to in your #1180 [b] and he said that under the present circumstances what you suggest is entirely unsuitable. From now on do the best you can."

COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES: Brereton requests permission to conduct high-altitude photo reconnaissance of Takao in Southern Formosa. MacArthur demurred, citing "the War Department instructions to avoid any overt act" and directed that all Army reconnaissance, including that conducted in co-operation with the Asiatic Fleet, be limited to two-thirds the distance from Luzon to Formosa.
MacArthur met with Hart and Sayre at 3:30 pm at Sayre's office to discuss messages received by all three from their respective Departments. Hart and Sayre later stated that MacArthur is buoyant and positive that war would not break out before the beginning of 1942.
Arnold cables Brereton to "take steps" to protect personnel and equipment against subversive activities.
4:30 PM Brereton suspends alert but orders all units on war readiness status.

(Marc Small)

WAKE ISLAND: Seaplane tender USS Wright (AV-1), arrives with the ground echelon of Marine Aircraft Group Twenty One (MAG-21) to establish an advance aviation base.

TERRITORY OF HAWAII: USS Enterprise sails from Pearl Harbor for Wake Island to ferry Marine aircraft to island.

The USN's Task Force Eight (TF 8) (Vice Admiral William Halsey), comprised of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6); the heavy cruisers USS Chester (CA-27), Northampton (CA-26) and Salt Lake City (CA-24); and the destroyers USS Balch (DD-363), Benham (DD-397), Craven (DD-382), Dunlap (DD-384), Ellet (DD-398), Fanning (DD-385), Gridley (DD-380), Maury (DD-401) and McCall (DD-400), departs Pearl Harbor on a mission to deliver12 Grumman F4F-3 Wildcats, a detachment of Marine Fighting Squadron Two Hundred Eleven (VMF-211), to Wake Island. Halsey approves "Battle Order No. 1" that declares that Enterprise is operating "under war conditions." "Steady nerves and stout hearts," the carrier's captain concludes, "are needed now." Supporting PBY Catalina operations will be carried out from advanced bases at Wake and Midway.

The Communication Intelligence Summary for 28 November states: "General.-Traffic volume normal. Communications to and from South China and between Mandates and Empire very heavy. No tactical traffic seen. As has been previously reported the suspected Radio Intelligence net is very active and is becoming more so. The TOKYO plotting activity addressed more messages to the Radio net than previously and most of these sent for information to the Major Commanders. Much traffic also was directed to NRE0 (the TOKYO D. F. Command) from all eight stations in the Mandates and OMINATO. This Command also originated messages of high precedence to the Major Fleet Commanders. This activity is interpreted to indicate that the Radio Intelligence net is operating at full strength upon U. S. Naval Communications and IS GETTING RESULTS. TOKYO originators were active with messages of high precedence to the Commander in Chiefs of the Second and Third Fleets and Combined Air Force. The Navy Min ister sent to Alnavs. The Chief of the Naval General Staff sent one to the Chief of Staffs of Combined Air Force, Combined Fleet, Fourth Fleet, Third Fleet, French Indo-China Force, Second Fleet and RNO PALAO. The BUAERO sent one to Chief of Staff Fourth Fleet info IMIESI and 11th Air Corps at SAIPAN. Combined Fleet.-No indication of movement of any Combined Fleet units. Commander in Chief Second Fleet originated his usual number of dispatches to Third Fleet and Combined Air Force. The units paid particular attention to by the Commander in Chief Second Fleet were CARDIVS Five and Seven and DESRONS Two and Four and SUBRON Five. No traffic today from the TAKAO (CA). Third Fleet.-Little activity from Third Fleet units save for the Commander in Chief. The impression is growing that the First Base Force is not present with the bulk of the Third Fleet in SASEBO but it is not yet located elsewhere. The Army Commander in TAIHOKU is still holding communications with the commander in Chief Third Fleet. Two Third Fleet units arrived at BAKO and are apparently returning to KURE from BAKO. Fourth Fleet.-Bulk of Fourth Fleet still at TRUK. The Commander in Chief Fourth addressed message to the Sixth Base Force at JALUIT and the Fourth Base Force at TRUK. Yokohama Air Corps is at RUOTTO and WOTJE and held communications with AIRRON Twenty-Four and KAMOI. Sixth China.-SAMA sent several messages to shore addresses in the Empire. SAMA also addressed the OMURA AIR CORPS in several messages which went for information to SAIGON and TOKYO. TAKAO radio station addressed the Chiefs of Staff Combined Fleet, Second Fleet, the French Indo China Force and Combined Air Force. TAKAO Air Corps addressed SUKUGAWA Air Corps and YOKOSUKA Air Corps. A representative of a HAINAN office now at SAIGON originated several messages to the Naval Bases at SASEBO and KURE. The Commander in Chief China Fleet originated more traffic than usual and addressed his fleet collectively for infor mation to the Commander in Chief Second and Commander in Chief Third Fleets. Submarines.-Except for the mention of SUBRONS Five and Six in two dispatches there was no submarine activity today.

CANADA: Corvette HMCS Battleford departed for first operational patrol with the Sydney to Liverpool Convoy SC-57 as escort to Iceland. The convoy arrived Liverpool on 15 Dec 41 after 3 ships were sunk by U-130.

Corvette HMCS Oakville arrived Halifax from builder Montreal, Province of Quebec.

U.S.A.: Midnight (November 27, 1941, 10 am Washington time) Stimson called Roosevelt to suggest a message be sent to MacArthur "> MacArthur advising him "to be on the qui vive for any attack and telling him how the situation was". Roosevelt concurs.
1 am (November 27, 1941, 11 am Washington time) Stimson meets with Stark, Knox, and Gerow regarding the text of the message to MacArthur. Hull is consulted by telephone.
War Department cables USAFFE at 9:30 am (November 27, 1941, 7:30 pm Washington time) that negotiations have broken down and warning that the Japanese might initiate hostile actions without warning, but further advising that the US did not wish to initiate hostilities (text set out below.) MacArthur immediately replies that "everything is in readiness for the conduct of a successful defence" and detailing the measures taken by the Army both on its own and in co-operation with the Navy. (Marc Small)

Secretary of State Cordell Hull again warns U.S. officials of an imminent Japanese attack.

Secretary of State Hull tells Finland he is not sure to what extent "Finnish policy is a menace to all America's aims for self-defense" because ". . . every act of the Finnish Government since the delivery of its note has confirmed our apprehensions that it is fully cooperating with the Hitler forces."

The Japanese Ambassador NOMURA Kichisaburo sends a message to Tokyo stating that headlines are appearing in the newspapers saying " Hull Hands Peace Plan to Japanese," and "America Scorns a Second Munich." The papers say that it is up to Japan either to accept the American proposal with its four principals, or face war, in which latter case the responsibility would be upon Japan."

California:

Headquarters Western defence Command at the Presidio of San Francisco issues a SECRET message to the commanding Generals of the Northwest Sector, Pacific Coastal Frontier Northern California Sector, Pacific Coastal Frontier Southern California Sector, Pacific Coastal Frontier

It appears that negotiations with Japan have failed....It is desired that Japan commit the first overt act.....take precautions....do not alarm civilians or disclose your intent.....

In view of the above, the following measures are to be taken: a.Harbor entrance control posted...24 hour manning... b.One gun battery each harbor on continuous alert... c.Harbor defence ...co-operate with Naval district commands d.Protection against sabotage and other subversive activities has been intensified.

Take the following measures:

a. Complete sector plans under Rainbow 5...

b. Designate two Reserve battalions and motor transport to CG, Ninth Corps Area.......... c. Have Rainbow 5 reconnaissance put into effect... d. Keep personnel on duty at Hq. at all times.... e. Take precautions against sabotage or subversive activity....

Limit distribution of this document to minimum essential officers. (Bill Howard)

Destroyer USS Ellyson commissioned.

Minesweepers USS Seer, Sentinel, Skill, Staff laid down.

28 November 1942

November 28th, 1942 (SATURDAY)

UNITED KINGDOM: Destroyers HMS Talybont and Barfleur laid down.

VICHY FRANCE: The Vichy admiralty issued statement on the scuttling of the fleet at Toulon. Action was taken "in accordance with the standing instruction dating from the time of the Franco-German armistice, which had ordered the fleet to scuttle rather than be taken over by a foreign power. When the Vichy Ministers for the Navy, Army, and Air Force were informed of the German Government's decision to occupy Toulon, Admiral Jean-Charles Abrial, Minister of Marine and Minister of Industrial Production int the Pierre Laval government, tried immediately to get in touch with the local authorities at Toulon, but could not do so" .

During the night of 28/29 November, RAF Bomber Command sends 19 aircraft minelaying off Bay of Biscay ports: six lay mines off St. Nazaire; five off Lorient; four off Brest; and one in the River Gronde Estuary. Five other aircraft drop leaflets over French cities.

GERMANY: Rastenburg: Hitler refuses Rommel's plea to evacuate German forces from North Africa.

The government announces that all men between the ages of 18 and 45 are now reservists. (P.T. Holscher)

U-424 launched.

U-199, U-232, U-341 commissioned.

U.S.S.R.: The Soviet Army advances in the central sector near Rzhev and opens a new offensive in Velikie Luki region.

ITALY: For the third time this month, RAF Bomber Command aircraft attack Turin. During the night of 28/29 November, 228 aircraft, 117 Lancasters, 47 Stirlings, 45 Halifaxes and 19 Wellingtons are dispatched: 195 bomb the target with the loss of three aircraft, two Stirlings and a Wellington. Part of the force bombs before the Pathfinders are ready but the remainder carry out very accurate bombing, some of it around the Royal Arsenal. Turin records 67 people killed and 83 injured.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA: Destroyer HMS Ithuriel (H 05) bombed and sunk at Bone.

The Italian submarine R. Smg. Dessie is sunk by the British destroyer HMS Quentin (G 78) and the Australian destroyer HMAS Quiberon (G 81), now part of cruiser Force Q operating out of Bone, off the Tunisian coast northwest of Bone.

TUNISIA: As German troops approach their rear, Allied forces capture Djedeida and meet firm German resistance.

The British First Army's 11th Brigade of the 78th Division and elements of Combat Command B (2d Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment), U.S. 1st Armored Division, reach the outskirts of Djedeida, 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Tunis. This is the point nearest Tunis to be reached until the final phase of the campaign. To the south, the Germans evacuate Pont-du-Fahs, 35 miles (56 kilometers) southeast of Tunis. At Gafsa, elements of the U.S. 1Ist Infantry Division (3d Battalion of Regimental Combat Team 26) are attached to the 2d Battalion, U.S. 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Thirty five USAAF Twelfth Air Force B-17 Flying Fortresses bomb Bizerte Airfield and dock area; because of mud, no P-38 Lightning escort is provided; two B-17s are lost to fighter attacks; B-26 Marauders bomb oil tanks, warehouses, and rail yards at Sfax, marking the debut of Twelfth Air Force medium bombers in Northwest Africa.

FRENCH SOMALILAND: Nearly one third of the Vichy-controlled garrison of Djibouti crosses into British Somaliland and declares its adherence to the Allies.

INDIAN OCEAN: MASCARENE ISLANDS: St. Denis Reunion: The LEOPARD, a Free French destroyers, berthed on this Vichy-controlled island in the Indian Ocean this morning to a jubilant, almost operatic, welcome.

After discussion with the destroyer's captain, Commander Jacques Richard, the governor, M. Aubert, ended three hours of hostilities with no casualties. This is the second blow to Vichy's colonies in two days. Yesterday troops in Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, crossed the frontier into British Somaliland and placed themselves at the disposal of the Free French. Meanwhile in Vichy France the Germans are forcibly demobilising the French Armistice Army.

The 6,796 ton troop transport HMT Nova Scotia en route from Aden to Durban, South Africa, is torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-177 about 132 nautical miles (244 kilometers) northeast of Durban, South Africa, in position 28.30S, 33.00E. The ship is carrying 780 Italian POWs and 130 South African troops acting as guards plus 127 crewmen. Of the 1,037 aboard, 863 are lost.

U-177 rescues two crewmembers.

THAILAND: In the first USAAF air raid on Thailand, nine Tenth Air Force B-24 Liberators fly 2,760 miles (4 442 kilometers) from Gaya, India, to bomb Bangkok.

NEW GUINEA: In Papua New Guinea, USAAF Fifth Air Force B-26 Marauders bomb the airfields at Lae and Buna; elements of the 126th Infantry Regiment, US 32d Infantry Division arrive on the Sanananda front from Wairopi.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: The 14,125 ton USN cargo ship USS Alchiba (AK-23) is damaged by Japanese midget submarine Ha.10 (from submarine HIJMS I-16) while she is anchored 3,000 yards (2 743 meters) northeast of Lunga Point, Guadalcanal. Her hold is loaded with drums of gasoline and ammunition, and the resulting explosion shoots flames 150 feet (46 meters) in the air. The commanding officer orders the ship to get underway to run her up on the beach and this action undoubtedly saves the ship. Hungry flames raged in the ship for over five days before weary fire fighting parties finally bring them under control. This leaves only four undamaged cargo ships in the South Pacific Force.

TERRITORY OF ALASKA: ALEUTIAN ISLANDS: A USAAF Eleventh Air Force B-24 Liberator photographs a beached freighter at Holtz Bay, Attu Island and draws no antiaircraft fire during ten runs over the bay, and flies reconnaissance over Kiska Island.

CANADA: Minesweeper HMS Mariner (ex-HMCS Kincardine) and Marmion (ex-HMCS Orangeville) ordered.

U.S.A.: Admiral Carleton Wright, USN, is placed in command of US naval TF 67 replacng Admiral Kincaid. Admiral Kincaid has been transferred to the North Pacific area.

There is a fire in the Cocoanut Grove Lounge in Boston, Massachusetts. This fire flashes through the entire building. There are 492 dead. The use of Methyl Chloride gas as a substitute for freon in the cooling system is suspected of contributing to the massive lass of life. The owner of the club is convicted of several fire safety violations.

Ensigns George W. Carlson and Mac A. Cason, SC, USNR organize rescue parties to help rescue people from the fire at the Coconut Grove nightclub in Boston, MA. They are credited "the cause of saving more lives than any other single agency." A very popular venue, the club had been decorated wholesale for the holidays, and that night the place was packed with every sort of person from odd tourists to people celebrating a college football victory, and numerous military personnel. It had a 600-person occupancy permit, but about 1,000 were in there. A 16-year-old busboy lit a match to replace a bulb removed by a patron. Somehow the small flame caught a bit of an artificial palm tree decoration, and within 12 to 15 minutes the entire place was ablaze. Its two revolving doors quickly jammed shut against a mob trying to escape. En fin, 492 perished in the blaze, and another 166 were injured. Among the dead was Charles "Buck" Jones, long a very popular film actor in serial Westerns. This disaster prompted a succession of heavy-duty reforms in fire prevention and escape planning for all buildings in public use. These included requiring regular doors that opened outward on each side of any revolving door; that exits be all outward hinged, be numerous, and be marked with lit-up red EXIT signs all the time; that decorations be made of fire-resistant materials; requiring sprinkler systems; and many other reforms and changes to building code and use rules.

The first production Ford-built B-24 Liberator rolls off the assembly line at Ford's massive Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In February 1942, the last Ford automobile rolled off the assembly line for the duration of the war, and soon afterward the Willow Run plant was completed. Built specifically for Ford's war production, Willow Run is the largest factory in the world. Using the type of assembly line production that has made Ford an industrial giant, Ford hopes to produce 500 B-24 Liberator bombers a month. After a gradual start, that figure is reached in time for the Allied invasion of Western Europe, and by July 1944, the Willow Plant is producing one B-24 every hour. By the end of the war, the 43,000 men and women who work at Ford's Willow Run plant have produced over 8,500 bombers, which unquestionably has a significant impact on the course of the war.

The Air Forces Proving Ground Command at Eglin Field, Valpariso, Florida, is redesignated Army Air Forces Proving Ground Command.

Rationing of coffee begins. (P.T. Holscher)

Minesweeper USS Vigilance laid down.

ATLANTIC OCEAN:

U-67 damaged SS Empire Glade.

U-508 sank SS Empire Cromwell.

U-181 sank SS Evanthia.

U-172 sank SS Alaskan.

U-519 transferred an ill crewmember to U-118 in the mid-Atlantic.

28 November 1943

November 28th, 1943 (SUNDAY)

UNITED KINGDOM: Further confirmation of the existence of the V1 Flying-Bomb is made during a photographic reconnaissance mission by a No. 540 Squadron Mosquito. (22)

ARCTIC OCEAN: U-713 suffered some damage after striking bottom.

U.S.S.R.: Northwest of Gomel near Zhlobin, the Russian Army advances.

The Germans report the encirclement and destruction of Soviet forces in the Korosten area.

ITALY: At 2130 hours the British 8th Army, V Corps, begins an offensive to again cross the Sangro River. Aircraft and artillery bombardment is heavy in preparation. By the end of the day the British 8th Indian Division has almost reached Mozzogrogna.

The New Zealanders follow across the Sangro River.

Montgomery declares that "the road to Rome is open" as the Eighth Army launches its heavy attack across the Sangro.

USAAF Twelfth Air Force fighters hit vehicles and troops in the battle area and Allied fighter-bombers bomb and strafe buildings, trucks, and roads in the Lanciano-Fossacesia-Caoli areas.

Thirty eight USAAF Fifteenth Air Force B-25 Mitchells, with fighter escort, bomb the railroad viaduct at Dorna.

During the night of 28/29 November, 53 RAF aircraft of No. 205 (Heavy Bomber) Group attack Ciampino Airfield; one aircraft is lost.

YUGOSLAVIA: USAAF Twelfth Air Force B-25 Mitchells bomb warehouses, docks, marshalling yards, barracks, shipping, and other targets at Sibenik, Zara, and Dubrovnik while RAF Desert Air Force fighters strafe trains between Dubrovnik and Metkovic.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA: U-453 laid 24 mines off Brindisi (Italy), but without any success.

The British light cruiser HMS Birmingham (19) is torpedoed by German submarine U-407 about 102 nautical miles (188 kilometers) northeast of Benghasi, Libya, in position 33.05N, 21.43E. Birmingham is very seriously damaged, however she succeeds in returning to Alexandria, Egypt, where temporary repairs are carried out on her.

IRAN: Beginning today Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, with their respective staff, meet in Teheran. Lasting for four days the meetings will confirm the Overlord plan in May of 1944 and the Anvil plan for southern France. Stalin agrees to join the war against Japan after the war in Europe is over. This conference will become controversial in US Politics, because the American accommodations were bugged by their hosts. Roosevelt also hesitates to appear to Stalin as too close to Churchill. This hesitation is claimed to have allowed the Soviets more concessions than otherwise would have been allowed.

This meeting is coded EUREKA. This is the first time the three leaders of the Allied forces meet with each other to negotiate war plans. The Big Three announce that they have coordinated their war plans and reach complete agreement on the scope and planning of military operations. The Western Allies detail the invasion of Normandy and the supporting invasion of southern France and the Soviets coordinate the timing of their offensive against Germany. Plans for the proposed United Nations are also discussed during the conference. On 1 December the leaders issue a declaration pledging economic aid to Iran during and after the war and divided occupation duties. Soviet troops guard the region north of Teheran, British forces occupy southern Iran, and U.S. units patrol the supply routes.

CHINA: Eight USAAF Fourteenth Air Force P-40s bomb and strafe the barracks area and village on the west bank of the Salween River near Litsaoho and eight P-40s drop ammunition to besieged Chinese troops at Changte.

BURMA: USAAF Tenth Air Force B-24 Liberators heavily damage the Botataung docks at Rangoon; the B-24 Liberators claim four interceptors shot down. Meanwhile, B-25 Mitchells bomb Sagaing.

During the night of 28/29 November, RAF Wellingtons bomb Rangoon.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: Six USAAF Fourteenth Air Force P-40s strafe the town area and airfield at Luang Prabang and hit the radio building, barracks, and tower at Tran Ninh.

NEW GUINEA: Fergusson Island: The US Sixth Army's special reconnaissance unit, the Alamo Scouts, are organized. They are under the personal command of Lieutenant-General Walter Krueger, Commanding General, Sixth Army.

Named for his life-long association with San Antonio, Texas, and the Alamo, Krueger envisioned that the Alamo Scouts, consisting of six or seven man teams of highly trained and motivated volunteers, would operate deep behind enemy lines. Their mission would be to provide intelligence on the enemy and tactical reconnaissance in advance of Sixth Army landing operations. Intensive training stressed waterborne infiltration and extraction via U.S. Navy PT boats.

All Scout candidates went through an intense six-week advanced training program in a multitude of subjects at the Alamo Scouts Training Center (ASTC). Major skill areas were rubber boat handling, intelligence gathering, report writing, scouting and patrolling, jungle navigation, communications, weapons training, and physical conditioning. The class size ranged from forty-five to one hundred junior officers and enlisted men. (William L. Howard)

In Northeast New Guinea, nearly 50 USAAF Fifth Air Force B-24 Liberators bomb airfields at Wewak and Boram, and over 40 B-25 Mitchells, B-26 Marauders, and A-20 Havocs hit villages on the Huon Peninsula and tracks in the Finschhafen area.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: On Bougainville, six USAAF Thirteenth Air Force B-25 Mitchells bomb and strafe the Mutupina Point area while fighters strafe Tinputs Harbor, barges at Tonolai, and targets of opportunity along the west coast.

NAURU ISLAND: Eleven USAAF Seventh Air Force) B-24 Liberators from the Ellice Islands bomb Nauru Island. This island is a 21 square kilometer (8 square mile) island in the South Pacific Ocean, located about halfway between the Gilbert and Solomon Islands. The island is rich in phosphate deposits and was occupied by the Japanese on 25 August 1942.

GILBERT ISLANDS: Tarawa Atoll is completely secured. No Japanese are found on the small islet of Naa on the northern tip of the atoll. Marine casualties on Tarawa total 3,301. Japanese losses are estimated to be 4,690 killed, 17 captured, and 129 Koreans taken prisoner.

PACIFIC: Gilbert Islands: From Glen Boren's diary: The day was routine until about 2 PM. Four fighters on CAP shot down a betty. On returning to the ship, only 3 circled the ship. One missing.

All were low on fuel. Unknown what happened to the other one. Our other carrier, USS Monterey joined up this afternoon, just before 9 fighters and 2 torpedo planes from the Independence came aboard. It was very cloudy most of the afternoon and evening. Just after sunset, torpedo defence sounded and the fun began. 4 or 5 betties were in close and one made a run on the Monterey. The crossfire from two Battleships blew it up in the air. It sure burnt! Ten minutes later, the USS Burns got another one. The rest left. The score for VF 18 is now 42 confirmed and two probable.

CANADA: Frigate HMCS Cape Breton arrived Halifax from builder Quebec City, Province of Quebec.

U.S.A.: Gato-class submarine USS COBIA (AGSS-245) is launched. (Michael Douglas)

Destroyer minelayer USS Henry A Wiley laid down.

Destroyer escort USS Holt laid down.

Destroyer escorts USS McClelland, Baker, Coffman launched.

Destroyer USS Blue launched.

Submarine USS Cobia launched.

COLOMBIA: Bogota: A "state of belligerency" is declared between Germany and Colombia after a U-boat sank a Colombian boat yesterday.

ATLANTIC OCEAN: U-407 damaged HMS Birmingham.

U-542 sunk north of Madeira in position 39.03N, 16.25W, by depth charges from a British Wellington aircraft with "Leigh light" (Sqn 179/H, based at Gibraltar). 56 dead (all hands lost).

28 November 1944

November 28th, 1944 (TUESDAY)

UNITED KINGDOM: London: The secrecy surrounding Britain's war effort was lifted by the issuing tonight of a government white paper which shows that the output per head of the British population was greater than that of any other nation. The output of war weapons in the last five years included 102,600 warplanes, 25,000 tanks, 722 warships and 4,500,000 tons of new ships. One civilian has been killed for every three servicemen, and one in three British homes have been damaged or destroyed.

WESTERN EUROPE: During the night of 28/29 November, the USAAF Eighth Air Force flies Mission 728: six B-17 Flying Fortresses and six B-24 Liberators drop leaflets over the Netherlands and Germany.

BELGIUM: The first Allied Convoy reaches Antwerp, led by the Canadian-built Fort Cataraqui. Despite German rocket (V weapons) attacks, the opening of this port will alter the supply problems that have plagued the western Allies. Supplies can now be shipped to within 60 miles of the British troops fighting on the Maas. Minesweepers, which have been working for nearly a month to clear the Scheldt river, steamed ahead of the convoy clearing the last few mines. The escort was ready to fight off dive-bombers, but none appeared.

FRANCE: In U.S. Third Army's XII Corps area, the 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, mops up west of Canal des Houilleres de Ia Sarre; the 101st Infantry Regiment is sent to Burbach to support the 4th Armored Division east of the Saar River in a drive on Sarre-Union scheduled for 1 December. 26th Infantry Division is to extend northward to take over most of zone held by 35th Div. The 4th Armored Division, in preparation for the Sarre-Union attack, is laboriously clearing the villages east of the Drulingen-Sarre-Union highway, Combat Command B taking Berg.

In the U.S. Seventh Army's VI Corps area, the French 2d Armored Division starts south from Strasbourg in two columns, reaching the Erstein area, where the Germans are resisting strongly. Combat Command A, 14th Armored Division, also meets firm resistance in the vicinity of Erstein as well as at Barr. Elements of the 36th Infantry Division find Liepvre, on the Ste Marie-Sélestat road, and Koenigsbourg Chateau, southeast of Liepvre, undefended.

In the French First Army area, the II and I Corps converge at Burnhaupt at 1430 hours and pocket the German forces in Alsace. The junction is made by Combat Command 4 of the 5th Armored Division, I Corps, and Combat Command 6, under command of the 2d Moroccan Division of II Corps. The Germans soon attempt to break out of the encirclement. In the Alps Sector, the U.S. 100th Battalion of Regimental Combat Team 442 relieves the Canadian-U.S. 1st Special Service Force on the Franco-Italian frontier.

GERMANY: In the US First Army, VII Corps area:
The 104th Division's 413th Infantry attacked at 0430 and advanced 2000 yards against heavy resistance. It entered the towns of Imden and Lamersdorf and captured an intact bridge over the Inde River. Frenzerburg Castle has been abandoned by the Germans.
In the 1st Division area there was little forward movement. German tank supported counterattacks launched between 0200 and 0300 were repulsed at Langerwehe and Jungersdorf.
The 4th Division inserted the 12th Infantry Regiment between the 8th and 22d Infantry Regiments in the Hürtgen Forest and the 12th Infantry took Hill 90. Combat Command A, 5th Armored Division and the 121st Infantry, 8th Division seized the village of Hürtgen in heavy fighting.
A battalion of the 13th Infantry cut the Kleinhau-Brandenburg Road on the far edge of the Grosshau-Kleinhau clearing, and stopped a German counter-attack from Kleinhau (Robert Rush) This marks the entry of Patton's troops in the Saar basin.

In the U.S. Ninth Army area, XIX Corps virtually finishes clearing its zone to the Roer River. Combat Command A, 2d Armored Division, takes Barmen and reaches the river near there. In the 29th Infantry Division zone, Koslar is found free of Germans but the two strongpoints in the Juelich area must still be cleared. The 30th Infantry Division commits a battalion of the 120th Infantry Regiment in the battle for Altkirch, which is cleared, but the Germans retain a small triangle between the Inde and Roer Rivers. The offensive halts temporarily.

In U.S. Third Army's XX Corps area, the 95th Infantry Division gains positions roughly abreast the 90th Infantry Division to the north; the 377th Infantry Regiment pushes into Germany; the 378th is slowed by opposition from woods east of Falck but makes some progress. In XII Corps area, 3i7th Infantry Regiment of 8oth Infantry Division fights hard for Farebersviller, elements entering and clearing part of the town. About 2000 hours, the Germans with tanks attempt unsuccessfully to drive the Americans from Farebersviller.

The USAAF Ninth Air Force's 9th Bombardment Division hits the defended villages of Birgel and Merken, a rail bridge at Sinzig, and a Billiger Forest ammunition dump. Fighters fly escort, night intruder missions, and armed reconnaissance in the Kall-Trier area, and support the U.S. 1st, 8th, and 104th Infantry Divisions as they take Langerwehe, Jungersdorf, Hurtgen, and the bridge at Inden.

During the night of 28/29 November, RAF Bomber Command dispatches 316 aircraft, 270 Halifaxes, 32 Lancasters and 14 Mosquitos, to bomb Essen; 308 aircraft bomb the city without loss. Bomber Command documents claim further damage to industrial areas, including the Krupps works. An interesting little item in the local fire brigade report congratulates the team working in the burning headquarters of the local Gestapo for saving valuable documents. In a second raid, 153 Lancasters are sent to bomb Neuss; 148 attack the city without loss. Mosquitos are dispatched to attack several targets: 72 bomb Nurnburg with the loss of one, seven bomb the Hermann Göring steel plant at Hallendorf and one each bomb Duisburg, Hannover and Osnabruck.

POLAND: The last gassings take place at Auschwitz concentration camp in the suburbs of the city of Oswiecim. More than 8,000 have been gassed since 1 November.

BALTIC SEA: U-80 sunk west of Pillau in position 54.25N, 19.50E, in a diving accident. 50 dead (all hands lost).

ITALY: In the U.S. Fifth Army area, the British XIII Corps takes Casola Valscnio and Mt. Taverna without opposition.

In the British Eighth Army's V Corps area, the Indian 10th Division suspends operations against Casa Bettini bridge because of weather conditions. The Canadian I Corps is concentrating in forward positions in order to attack along the Adriatic coast.

USAAF Twelfth Air Force B-25 Mitchells hit railroad bridges at Magenta, Torre Beretti, and Casale Monferrato, and an abandoned ship in La Spezia harbor. Fighters and fighter-bombers support ground forces in the battle area in the Apennines Mountains south of Bologna, hit communications targets north of the battle zone, and cut railroad lines in 40+ places in the Brenner Pass and north central Po River areas.

During the night of 28/29 November, USAAF Twelfth Air Force A-20 Havocs fly armed reconnaissance over the Po Valley, dropping incendiaries at several points including bridges at Piacenza and Castel Maggiore and the airfields at Ghedi and Villafranca di Verona.

CHINA: The Japanese 11th Army, acting independently and against orders, drives across the Kwangsi-Kweichow border although it has been ordered to halt at the border.

USAAF Fourteenth Air Force B-25 Mitchells attack buildings in the and Chefang area. Over 60 P-40s, P-51 Mustangs, and P-38 Lightnings on armed reconnaissance over wide areas of eastern Burma and southern China hit troops, bridges, horses, and other targets of opportunity at many locations.

BURMA: In the Northern Combat Area Command (NCAC) area, the Chinese 38th Division maintains pressure on the main northern defenses of Bhamo with the 114th Regiment; the 113th Regiment has the mission of entering the city but has been unable to do so.

Thirty nine USAAF Tenth Air Force P-47 Thunderbolts support ground forces in the Pinwe and Bhamo areas. Supply and personnel concentrations and targets of opportunity at Nwegyo, Kutkai, the Meza area, Mankang, Manai, Nawnglok, Nawnglong, Loimawk, Man Myeng, Mong Wi and Kungmong are attacked by about 80 fighter-bombers and 16 hit targets of opportunity along the Maymyo- Bawgyo rail line.

Three USAAF Fourteenth Air Force B-25 Mitchells blast six warehouses at Hsenwi, three bomb Wan Lai- Kam, one hits Kutkai, and four attack buildings in the Wanling area.

FRENCH INDOCHINA: Seventeen USAAF Fourteenth Air Force B-24 Liberators, escorted by 12 P-51 Mustangs, bomb Gia Lam and six B-25 Mitchells hit a railroad bridge at Phu Lang Thuong.

JAPAN: A USAAF Eleventh Air Force B-24 Liberator photographs and bombs the Matsuwa Island shore area in the Kurile Islands.

VOLCANO ISLANDS: Twenty one USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators bomb the airfield on Iwo Jima Island. During the night of 28/29 November, a B-24 on a snooper mission hits Iwo Jima.

COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES: The Japanese mount additional attacks at night against US forces on Leyte. Kilay Ridge, in the north, is the scene of the heaviest of these.

In the U.S. Sixth Army's X Corps area on Leyte, the Japanese try to recover Kilay Ridge, during the night of 28/29 November, moving onto it in strength and isolating Company C, 34th Infantry Regiment, on the southwestern end. The 12th Cavalry Regiment, mopping up in the Mt Badian-Hill 2348 region, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) northeast of Kananga, inches westward from this time until 9 December. In the XXIV Corps area, the 32d Infantry Regiment of the 7th Infantry Division, now greatly weakened, is to be withdrawn to reserve while the 184th and 17th Infantry Regiments continue the battle for Shoestring Ridge.

USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24 Liberators bomb Degos and Matina Aerodromes on Mindanao Island. Small attacks by B-24s, B-25 Mitchells, and fighter-bombers are launched against airfields, shipping, and targets of opportunity over wide areas including the central Philippines.

During the night of 28/29 November, three Japanese Army transports attempt to drop 45 paratroopers on Tacloban Airfield on Leyte where their mission is to disrupt flight operations. One of the aircraft is shot down by antiaircraft fire and the other two crash near Dulag Airfield.

EAST INDIES: Small attacks by USAAF Far East Air Forces B-24 Liberators, B-25 Mitchells, and fighter-bombers are launched against airfields, shipping, and targets of opportunity over wide areas in the Halmahera and Timor Islands area.

CAROLINE ISLANDS: In the Palau Islands, elements of the 81st Infantry Division begin to clear Kayangel Atoll, north of Kossol Passage. In the air, three USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators from Angaur Island bomb the radio station on Arakabesan Island.

MARCUS ISLAND: Three USAAF Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators, flying an armed reconnaissance mission, bomb Marcus Island. The island is located in the North Pacific about 768 nautical miles (1 422 kilometers) west-northwest of Wake Island and is used as a refueling point for Japanese aircraft en route to the Central Pacific.

MARIANAS ISLANDS, SAIPAN: Between six and eight Japanese aircraft attack the USAAF airbases at Isley and Kohler airfields from high altitude causing little damage.

PACIFIC OCEAN: Japanese submarine I-365 is sunk by the USS Scabbardfish (SS-397) off Japan. (Mike Yared)(144 and 145)

Submarine USS Archerfish sighted a large Japanese aircraft carrier screened by four escorts leaving Tokyo Bay. After six and one-half hour surface pursuit of the elusive, high-speed target, she finally obtained a position ahead of her pray, took careful aim, and fired six torpedoes. Moments later, a great glowing ball of fire climbed up the Japanese ship's side and the Americans soon heard a series of tremendous explosions while the enemy vessel disintegrated. It was not until after the end of the war that the Americans learn that Archerfish had sunk the still unfinished Shinano, a 59,000-ton Japanese aircraft carrier.

In the Camotes Sea, Japanese submarine HIJMS I-46 is sunk about 16 nautical miles (30 kilometers) south of Ormoc, Leyte, Philippine Islands, in position 10.48N, 124.35E, by the USN destroyers USS Saufley (DD-465), Waller (DD-466), Pringle (DD-477), and Renshaw (DD-499).

CANADA:

Frigate HMCS Hallowell commences duty as escort for convoy HX-322.

Corvette HMCS Smiths Falls commissioned.

U.S.A.: Destroyer USS Orleck laid down.

In baseball, Detroit Tiger's pitcher Hal "Prince Hal" Newhouser is named Most Valuable Player in the American League, gathering four more votes than teammate Dizzy Trout. Newhouser's 29 wins contrast his 34 combined wins the previous four years. His 2.22 ERA is bettered by Trout (2.12), who also has 27 wins.

The motion picture "Meet Me In St. Louis" premiers in St. Louis, Missouri. This romantic musical directed by Vincente Minnelli stars Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor, Marjorie Main, June Lockhart, Hugh Marlowe and Chill Wills. The film is nominated for four Academy Awards. The members of the American Film Institute rank two songs from this film on the list of the 100 Top American Movie Songs of all time; "The Trolley Song" is ranked No. 26 and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" No. 76.

28 November 1945

November 28th, 1945 (WEDNESDAY)

UNITED KINGDOM: Shorts re-launch the civilianised Sunderland Flying Boat, the Sandringham. Designed for use by BOAC it is modified with improved low-drag lines replacing the nose and tail turret positions. The interior of the aircraft is also refurbished with two decks and seats and berths for 24 day or 16 night passengers on the lower deck and a bar and dining area on the upper deck.

Minesweeper HMS Fierce commissioned.

Destroyer HMS Quality commissioned.

INDIA: Mekran Coast of Baluchistan suffers a major tsunami causing earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale, centred 160 miles north-west of Karachi. The tsunami reached a height of 40 feet and caused great damage to the Mekran ports. Unconfirmed estimates put the number killed at 4,000.

CANADA: Manitoulin Island gets permanent highway bridge linking it with the rest of Ontario; end of ferry service except from Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsulas.

Patrol vessel HMCS Alachasse paid off.

Frigates HMCS Inch Arran and Sea Cliff paid off.

Minesweeper HMCS Daerwood paid off.

Corvette HMCS Tillsonburg paid off.

U.S.A.: Destroyer USS Fiske commissioned.

ATLANTIC OCEAN: Operation Deadlight: Former Kriegsmarine U-boats U-2325, U-2329, U-2334, U-2335, U-2337, U-2350 and U-2363 are sunk by the Royal Navy.

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