Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
16618508
label
Great Britain - Military Situation , January 1941
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
16618508
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Great Britain - Military Situation , January 1941
citationUrl
collections
President's Secretary's File (Franklin D. Roosevelt Administration)
Diplomatic Correspondence
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
16618508
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
0f93630222793843
ocrText
Great Britain: : Military Situation
PSF
Reports
BRITISH EMBASSY,
situation
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 1st, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I beg leave to enclose
herewith a message for you from the
Prime Minister which was received by
telegram late last night.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
havile Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Message for the President
from Mr. Winston Churchill
At this moment when the New Year
opens in storm, I feel it my duty on behalf
of the British Government and indeed the whole
British Empire to tell you, Mr. President, how
lively is our sense of gratitude and admiration
for the memorable declaration which you made to
the American people and to the lovers of Freedom
in all continents on Sunday last.
We cannot tell what lies before us,
but with this trumpet-call we march forward
heartened and fortified and with the confidence
which you have expressed that in the end all will
be well for the English speaking peoples and
those who share their ideals.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
SECR
2nd January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein copies of the
latest reports received from London on
the military situation. They are
dated 30th December, and 31st December,
1940.
Believe me,
UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
Nevile Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London dated December 30th.
Attacks on Shipping. British merchant vessel
(5,000 tons) bombed and set on fire in North Western
approaches yesterday and has been abandoned. Greek ship
(4000 tons) also attacked in the same area but no report
of damage received.
2.
Yesterday afternoon, a coastal convoy was un-
successfully attacked by aircraft in the Thames Estuary.
3.
It is understood that progress is being made with
the clearing of the block in the Kiel Canal referred to
previously.
4.
On December 28th eight enemy bombers and seven
fighters made two attacks on Sollum but only caused slight
damage. Our Hurricanes shot down one bomber and one fighter
(confirmed) one fighter (unconfirmed) and damaged four
other bombers.
5.
In the Southern area Italians now have four
infantry divisions, part of one armoured division, and
various other units totalling 80,000 - 90,000 men.
6.
During the night 29th/30th, twenty-seven aircraft
despatched to attack aerodromes in occupied territory,
inland port at Frankfurt, marshalling yards at Hamm and
docks and shipping at Boulogne. Reports not yet received.
Two aircraft missing.
7.
German Air Force.
During raid on Plymouth night of 28th/29th over
a thousand incendiaries but only nine high explosive bombs
were dropped. Most damage was done to dwelling houses.
Casualties now reported at eleven killed and thirty-four
seriously injured.
8.
During December 29th main enemy activity took
place/
-2-
place over the channel and North Sea, and the majority
of our fighter aircraft were directed against these air-
craft for the protection of shipping. One enemy bomber
was probably destroyed and two others damaged. Six
enemy aircraft operated inland, and Crewe was bombed, one
war factory being damaged, but not seriously.
9.
During the night of December 29th/30th an
intense but comparatively short attack was made on London
by about 140 enemy aircraft.
Attack developed from
18.00 hours to 22.00 hours. Main attack concentrated
on the City and practically the whole area from St. Pauls
to the Guildhall and from the Guildhall to Finsbury
was set on fire. The roof of the Guildhall was destroyed
and St. Lawrence Jewry Church gutted. Various key
points including docks were affected but details not yet
available. Up to the present the number of casualties
reported is remarkably small.
10.
Aircraft casualties in the above operations
over and from the British Isles.
Enemy: one bomber probably destroyed, 2 bombers damaged.
British: two heavy bombers missing. In assessing com-
parative results it will be appreciated the summaries
of casualties do not include enemy night bomber casualties
approaching or returning from this country.
Telegram from London dated December 31st.
Naval.
Two remaining ships of convoy referred to in
telegram of December 26th, first paragraph, have been
located and were expected to join the main body this
morning. Senior officer of escort reports that one ship
of the convoy was hit above water line and might be one of
the enemy claimed to have sunk,
2.
Attacks on shipping. A British tankers of
8000 tons was damaged by mine off Liverpool yesterday
morning.
3.
A convoy of ten ships has arrived safely from
Sierra Leone.
Royal Air Force.
4.
Home Front. Night of December 29th/30th. Owing
to very bad weather conditions only ten bombers attached
certain targets in Germany and aerodromes in German
occupation.
5.
There were no operations by our bomber command
during night of 30th/31st.
6.
Home Security. London night of 29th/30th.
7.
All fires are now out except for some smouldering.
Factories. One platinum factory: work seriously
reduced from loss of gas pressure. One diving apparatus
and one machine tool factory seriously damaged by fire.
Railways. Services to three London railway
termini temporarily stopped but since resumed. Six under-
ground stations temporarily closed.
Public utility. No really serious damage either
to gas or electric services. Water supply normal except
in city and other central areas where pressure is low.
Docks/
-2-
Docks. Some damage to docks and considerable
damage to certain food warehouses in the dock areas.
Tele-communications. One main telephone ex-
change completely out of service. Central telegraph
office and Phonograms temporarily out of action. London
temporarily not in telephonic communication with South
East England and telegraph service with South and South
East England is severely interrupted. Communication
between London and important towns in other districts
are available.
8.
The Guildhall was burnt out as were several
churches and nine hospitals were affected to a varying
extent by fire.
9.
Casualties 80 far reported: Killed 89,
seriously injured 314.
10.
Roumania. It now seems probable that German
troops destined for Roumania are those of twelfth army.
This army has recently been in South West Poland and
is commanded by Field Marshal List. Average strength
of an army is 10-12 divisions. Projected train movements
suggest that this figure may be exceeded to allow for
internal security in Roumania.
There are indications
that the Army will include mostly motorised and armoured
divisions.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
3rd January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It is dated
January lst, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSITIED
Very sincerely yours,
Nevile Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 1st, 1941
Naval.
West Africa. British Naval Control Officer
Lisbon reports that a French submarine was torpedoed and
sunk off Rio de Oro while on the surface escorting a French
tanker which was also sunk. No British submarine was in
the vicinity.
2.
Attacks on shipping. A Norwegian ship (5500
tons) and a British tanker (8500 tons) were both torpedoed
and sunk by a German submarine west of Dakar on December
21st and December 31st, respectively. A Swedish ship
(5600 tons) was damaged by a mine in Liverpool Bay yesterday
afternoon.
3.
The west-bound channel convoy was unsuccessfully
attacked by enemy aircraft in the Thames Estuary.
4.
Military. No operations of importance reported
from any front officially.
5.
Royal Air Force. During daylight on December
31st, 22 Blenheims were sent out. Fourteen were forced
to abandon their tasks owing to weather. Six acting
independently claim the following hits. An anti-aircraft
ship at Flushing, a building at a Dutch aerodrome, a
factory at Cologne and a bridge near Emmerich. Two failed
to return.
6.
Night of 31st /lst. All operations were cancelled.
7.
Libya. On the night of December 29th/30th Tobruk
and an Italian landing ground were bombed and a number of
fires started.
8.
Italian Somaliland. Four Hurricanes of the
South African Air Force attacked Barder an aerodrome on
December/
December 29th where they destroyed one bomber and
possibly damaged two others. They were intercepted
by Italian fighters and two failed to return.
Night of 31st/lst. No enemy activity
reported.
9.
Italy. Italian air activity was very
strong on December 29th and efforts were made to
hamper the Greek offensive along the whole front.
An Italian naval bombardment of Himara was covered
by continuous strong patrols over Corfu.
10.
London. Night of 29th/30th. Having regard
to the severity of the attack it is considered that
the amount of damage to food in warehouses is
surprisingly small.
PSF
us
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
4th January, 1941.
Secret
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It is dated
January 2nd, 1941.
Believe me,
ADED RECR
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
have Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 2nd, 1941
Naval.
On January lst at Tripoli were 3 cruisers,
4 destroyers, 20 large merchant vessels. Tanker
"British Zeal" reported torpedoed 180 miles west of
Dakar on December 31st was still afloat p.m. January
lst and has been boarded again.
2.
Royal Fleet auxiliary "Attendant" mined and
sunk in Thames Estuary a.m. January 1st and anti-
submarine trawler "Bandolero" sunk in collision p.m.
December 30th in Gulf of Sollum.
3.
Since the beginning of the war 48,810 ships
British Allied and neutral have been convoyed; represent-
ing shipping of 165 million gross tons with a cargo
carrying capacity of 250 million tons. Total losses of
ships in convoy amounted to 987,000 gross tons.
4.
Mediterranean. An East-bound convoy of 4 French
merchant ships escorted by an armed trawler was inter-
cepted off the Spanish Moroccan coast outside territorial
waters by 5 of our destroyers and is being escorted back
to Gibraltar.
5.
On December 30th a Naval trawler was in
collision with E British destroyer in the Gulf of Sollum
and sank.
6.
Military. Libya. Check of Italian captured
war material to January amounts to: field and medium guns
261, anti-tank guns 48, heavy anti-aircraft guns 20.
Many pieces are unserviceable.
7.
Albania. Central sector. During the mopping-
up operations Greeks have occupied some heights and several
small/
-2-
small villages North East of Kelcyre.
8.
Epirus sector. Italians launched an un-
successful attack with armoured fighting vehicles.
Greeks captured one armoured fighting vehicle and
eight guns.
9.
Royal Air Force. Night of January lst/2nd.
A total of 151 aircraft were despatched as follows:
Locality
Target Raided
No. of Aircraft
Bremen
Industrial, shipping
113 heavy and
and transport.
15 medium
Flushing
Train ferrys
14 Coastal
"Invasion
Docks and shipping
4 heavy
Ports"
4 medium and
1 coastal.
10.
All aircraft returned safely except 3 heavy
bombers which crashed on landing. The crew of one air-
craft is safe but crews of other two were all killed
except for one person.
11.
Italy. It is becoming increasingly evident
that Italian air resources are being severely taxed.
Our bombing of Adriatic ports has forced Italians to rely
more and more on air transport and the presence of several
German troop carriers indicates a serious effort by the
Italians to develop air communications and (some words
undecypherable) mean to do so by themselves. It is
reliably reported that the aircraft supply situation for
Albanian campaign is causing anxiety, especially as
regards fighters owing to the requirements of the Libyan
front.
12.
Germany. Serious railway dislocation resulted
from recent Royal Air Force raids on Mannheim owing to
the cutting of the lines between Mannheim and Ludwigshaven;
this/
-3-
this sector is specially important since it carries
military traffic between Germany and occupied France
and also North-South traffic including coal supplies
for Italy.
13.
German Air Force. Night of January lst/2nd.
About 80 enemy aircraft were operating over the country.
The attack was scattered and was not heavy. Reported
one aircraft flew as far as Dublin.
14.
Home Front. London. Night of January 1st/
January 2nd. Two parachute mines were dropped in the
London area; elsewhere only a few bombs are reported
causing slight damage and few casualties.
15.
France. It has recently been reported from
Brittany that fishing activities which had been
severely curtailed by lack of fuel are now in full swing
and that fishermen have no difficulty in obtaining
diesel oil. One French boat has even fished off the
Irish coast.
PSF
BRITISH EMBASSY, military
WASHINGTON, D.C.
[1941
January 6th 1940.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein the text of a
message, received late last night, which I
have been instructed to convey to you from
the Prime Minister.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Yours sincerely,
herde Batter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States,
Washington, D.C.
REGRADED
UNCLASSIFIED
Telegram from London dated January 6th, 1941.
Following from former Naval person for
President, begins:
PERSONAL AND SHORET.
I dare to say you will like to know
our latest war news. Following just received from
General Wavell.
Begins.
ween SECRET
Bardia operations proceeding satisfactorily.
News is scarce but refers to mopping up. Indicates
enemy resistance only in isolated places.
Prisoners may exceed 25,000 including there
might be 2 corps commanders, 4 divisional commanders
and rumoured one bishop accompanied by three nuns. The
General has now telegraphed that all resistance has
ceased.
Every good wish for tomorrow's momentous
statement.
PSF
GB
IP
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
7th January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein copies of the
latest reports received from London on the
military situation. They are dated January
3rd, 4th and 5th, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
UNCLASSIFIED
harile Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 3rd, 1941
Naval
Merchant ships lost by enemy up to December
29th, 1940:
German
250, representing 1,257,000 gross tons
approximately.
Italian
89, representing 453,000 gross tons approximately.
In addition 27 ships of 44,000 gross tons
(approximately) under enemy control or useful to the
enemy have been sunk.
2.
Mediterranean In bad weather during the night
of January lst/2nd the destroyers escorting Vichy French
convoy to Gibraltar lost touch with 3 of them. Additional
destroyers have been sent to search.
3.
Attacks on shipping. A British ship (6500 tons)
not in convoy was torpedoed on the night of January 2nd/3rd.
350 miles North East of Cape Verde Island.
4.
Convoys. Two convoys totalling 36 ships have
arrived from Canada. One British (6400 tons) is feared
sunk. Cargoes included 10 of steel and metals, 9 of
grain, and 3 tankers.
5.
Italy. A photographic reconnaissance on January
lst showed three 6-inch cruisers, 4 destroyers, and 20
large merchant vessels at Tripoli; and an air reconnaissance
on December 31st reported a large convoy approaching
Valona.
6.
Royal Air Force. Night of January 2nd/3rd.
Forty-seven heavy bombers were sent out; 39 to Bremen, 7
to a shipyard at Emden and 1 to an oil target at Amsterdam.
One/
-2-
One aircraft missing.
7.
On the night of January lst/2nd ten Wellingtons
dropped 18 tons of bombs on the port and shipping at
Tripoli. Two or three merchant ships received direct hits.
All our aircraft returned undamaged.
8.
German Air Force. Night of January 2nd/3rd
about 170 enemy aircraft were operating main concentration
being directed against the Cardiff area. Our night
fighters damaged one enemy bomber over South coast and
probably destroyed another over France.
9.
Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from British Isles:
Enemy: by our fighters
Destroyed
Damaged
By day
1
1
Probable by night
1
1
Total
2
2
British: One bomber missing.
10.
Home Security. Night of January 2nd/3rd.
Cardiff. One ship in docks was hit. Three gasometers
were hit and gas supplies have temporarily failed.
Extensive damage was done to private and commercial
property principally in the centre of the city.
TELEGRAM RECEIVED FROM LONDON
DATED JANUARY 4th, 1941
1.
Naval
On January 3rd 8,000 ton tanker mined
180 miles west of Gironde. Aircraft sent to
attack, 1 located tanker and near missed her.
Reconnaissance January 3rd showed 1 Hipper class
cruiser in dock at Brest and 16 U-boats at
Bordeaux. During the night of January 3rd and
4th aircraft attacked these U-boats, reports
not yet available.
Two ships of French convoy intercepted
off Moroccan coast have arrived at Gibraltar and
other two were expected to arrive yesterday after-
noon. Attacks on shipping. British ship (2,500
tons) sunk by mine in Thames Estuary yesterday.
Convoy of ships has arrived in home
waters from Sierra Leone.
2.
Military.
Albania.
In the central sector 4 Italian counter-
attacks on Mt. Tomor repulsed. Elsewhere nothing
to report.
3.
Royal Air Force.
Night of January 2nd and 3rd.
Shipyards and railways at Bremen attacked
by 20 heavy bombers with good results. Five more
heavy bombers attacked miscellaneous targets. Dur-
ing the same night 3 Blenheims from Fighter Command
carried out offensive patrols against enemy aero-
dromes/
aerodromes in Northern France and at the same
time made bomb attacks.
Night of January 3rd and 4th.
Seventy one aircraft sent to Bremen.
Early reports indicate this attack very success-
ful. One aircraft missing.
Libya.
On nights of January 1st/2nd and 2nd/3rd
both heavy and medium bombers attacked military
targets at Bardia and during daylight on January
2nd 44 Blenheims carried out similar operations.
Albania.
January 2nd e medium bombers attacked
El Basan and started large fires in the centre of
the town.
4.
German Air Force.
January 3rd. Enemy activity chiefly
over Channel and North Sea. Reconnaissance by
single aircraft made over Glasgow and Cardiff.
Weather was bad and our fighters made no interceptions.
Night of January 3rd/4th. About 200
enemy aircraft operated, main attack was made upon
Bristol area.
5.
Aircraft casualties over and from
British Isles,
Enemy
N11
British
1 bomber missing.
6.
Home Security.
London. 4 fires still showing in the
City on the night of January 2nd/3rd. Glare was
caused by smouldering debris which cannot be 0 X=
tinguished until dangerous buildings in the vicinity
are/
are demolished. January 3rd delayed action
bomb exploded while being dealt with; 4 men
killed and one wounded.
Cardiff.
Night of January 2nd/3rd. Latest
casmalties 48 killed and 160 seriously injured.
Many fires but only about 10 buildings actually
gutted. All fires extinguished by 2.a.m. Same
night. Roof and windows of Llandaff Cathedral
extensively damaged. No key point factory
affected except indirectly through interruption
of public utility services.
Bristol.
Night of January 3rd/4th. Attack
started at 6:30 p.m. and continued throughout
the night. Several serious fires but all under
control by 6 a.m., although not before considerable
damage done to private property and to some food
stores and warehouses. Main damage is to principal
railway atation.
Number of fires caused at Bath by in-
cendiary bomb and high explosive bombs but quickly
brought under control.
Scattered bombing occurred in Newcastle
West and in Lancashire,
Telegram from London dated
January 5th, 1941
Naval
Air reconnaissance on January 3rd showed one
Hipper class cruiser in dry dock at Brest and 16 U-boats
at Bordeaux.
2.
H.M.S. "Terror" was unsuccessfully attacked
by 5 enemy aircraft off Libyan coast.
3.
The other 2 French merchant vessels referred
to in yesterday's operational telegram have arrived at
Gibraltar.
4.
A British contraband control vessel bombarded
Bulhar in British Somaliland yesterday morning and
demolished the Residency. She WELB unsuccessfully attacked
by enemy aircraft.
5.
British ship "Nalkora" was shelled by 2 U-boats
about 350 miles N.N.E. of Cape Verde Islands at 2100/2
and was last seen burning; some survivors have been picked
up.
6.
Military
Libya. By the evening of January 4th, 8,000
prisoners had been captured and operations were proceeding
satisfactorily.
7.
The garrison of Bardia was estimated on December
31st to be 20,000 with 80 field and medium guns.
8.
Royal Air Force.
January 4th. During the late afternoon Blenheims
from the coastal command attacked the Hipper class cruiser
at Brest. It is believed that direct hits were obtained.
In addition a Maas class destroyer was hit and also
another vessel thought to be a destroyer. One German
fighter was destroyed and one of our aircraft is missing.
One/
-2-
One Hudson obtained six direct hits on a three thousand
ton merchant vessel and another aircraft scored three
direct hits on an 800 ton vessel both off South West
Norwegian coast.
9.
Night of the 4th/5th January. A total of 103
aircraft sent out:
Locality
Target
Number of Aircraft
Brest
Enemy cruiser
54 heavy bombers
Hamburg and
Rotterdam
Oil
28 medium bombers.
Duisberg-
Ruhrort
Inland port
9 heavy bombers
Mine-laying
-
10 aircraft
Lille and
Propaganda
2 heavy bombers.
Paris
leaflets
All our aircraft returned safely.
10.
Libya.
On January 3rd Blenheims bombarded Bardia,
Tobruk and enemy landing grounds. Three enemy aircraft
on the ground were hit and one Blenheim is missing. Our
fighters maintained offensive patrols and one Hurricane
intercepted five Italian bombers which were attacking
H.M.S. "Terror"; the Hurricane destroyed three of them
and damaged a fourth.
11.
Photographs show that a 10,000 ton merchant
vessel was sunk during attack by our heavy bombers on
Tripoli harbour on January lst.
12.
Italian East Africa
On January 3rd a Blenheim dropped bombs on the
main quays at Massawa and probably hit a destroyer. Three
other medium bombers severely damaged buildings at two
Italian bases in Ethiopa.
13.
German Air Force.
January 4th. Enemy activity was chiefly
confined/
-3-
confined to shipping reconnaissances off our coasts.
Only 10 aircraft came inland two of which reconnoitred
Liverpool and Glasgow areas respectively. One enemy
fighter and one bomber were destroyed.
14.
Night of 4th/5th. About two hundred and forty
aircraft were operating, main attack being directed
against Avonmouth area. Mining is suspected off various
East coast ports.
15.
Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from British Isles.
Enemy
Fighters
Bombers
Total
Destroyed by our
fighters
2
1
3
British
2 bombers missing.
16.
Home Security
Cardiff. Night of 2nd/3rd January. Casualties
now reported 74 killed and 156 seriously injured.
17.
Bristol. During air raid on Bristol night of
3rd/4th Corvette Orck Rose and one boom vessel slightly
damaged. Considerable damage done to commercial sheds and
timber yards.
18.
Night of 4th/5th. Although a few bombs fell
in Bristol and South Wales area, the main attack was on
Avonmouth where a number of fires were started but all
were extinguished by 10 p.m. Damage cannot yet be
assessed. At Weston Super Mare, damage was caused to
houses and railway property but public utility services
were generally undamaged.
PSF
CX
SB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Sec.
January 7th 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein B copy of
the Intest report received from London
on the military situation. It is dated
January 6th 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
UNCLASSIFIED
lente Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D.C.
Telegram from London dated January 6th 1941.
1. Naval.
Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean
with the fleet which bombarded Bardia on 3rd has
arrived at Alexandria. During these operations
enemy aircraft attacked on several occasions but
no damage or casualties were sustained apart from a
few casualties in one gunboat due to a near miss.
2. Attacks on shipping.
One British vessel (5000 tons) was sunk
by a submarine on January 5th 250 miles north-east of
Cape Verde islands.
3. Two east-coast convoys and a channel
convoy were attacked by enemy aircraft yesterday.
No damage has been reported.
4. Royal Air Force. Libya.
On January 4th Blenheims damaged at least 5
dispersed aircraft at Derna end other landing grounds
where direct hits were also registered on stores and
tents. Other successful raids were carried out against
Bardia and Tobruk which was bombed again on the same
night.
5. German Air Force. Night of 5th/6th. About
80 enemy aircraft were engaged chiefly in the London area.
6. Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from the British Isles:
Enemy: 1 fighter destroyed by our bombers.
British: 1 eircreft missing.
7. Home Security. Bristol.
Night of 3rd/4th. Casualties are now given
an/
- 2 -
as 91 killed and 135 seriously injured. Gas supply
is still badly effected and also the water supply
at high levels. Electricity is normal.
8. Avonmouth.
Night of 4th/5th. No key points
were seriously affected.
9. London area. Night of 5th/6th. Minor
damage to some suburban railway services. Extensive
damage to buildings in two districts from perachute
mines.
PSF
SB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Jenuary 9th, 1941
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It was
dated January 7th, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
UNCLASSITY
DE
hark Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
TELEGRAM FROM LONDON DATED JANUARY 7, 1941.
Naval.
Two destroyers were in collision when
leaving Pa (some words undecypherable) yesterday
morning. Considerable damage occurred to both ships.
2. During the Libyan operations besides
covering the passage and unloading of supply ships
running from Alexandria to Sollum naval units have
supplied 250 tons of water to the army. 18,136 Italian
prisoners have been evacuated from Mersa Matruh.
3. A convoy of 12 ships has arrived in home
waters from Sierra Leone without loss.
4. Royal Air Force. January 6th a Blenheim
sent on a task to North West Germany was obliged to
abandon it but instead attacked a 5,000 ton tanker off
the Dutch coast and obtained a direct hit with a 250 lb.
bomb.
5. Night of 6th/7th. All operations were
cancelled owing to weather.
6. Libya. On 4th and 5th January our Hurricanes
shot down 7 enemy bombers and 7 fighters. One Hurricane
failed to return. During the same period heavy and medium
bombers dropped 17 tons of bombs on military objectives
and shipping at Tobruk and at Tripoli where they also
dropped 9,000 copies of the Prime Minister's speech.
7. Home Security. All railway services in the
London area are now practically normal again and at Cardiff
normal traffic has been resumed.
8. Italy. There still is not sufficient
evidence/
- 2 -
evidence to say whether there are any German
combatant troops in Italy. There seems no doubt
however t hat a large military mission consisting
of specialists and technicians 1s in Italy and
that the Gestapo is extending its influence.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
10th January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It is dated
January 8th, 1941.
Believe me,
UNCLASSIFIED REGRADED
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
havile Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 8th, 1941
Naval
Night of 6th/7th, bombers attacked Tripoli
and one large merchant vessel was hit amidships.
Explosion followed and smaller vessel probably hit.
2.
Reported that Northern ports of Gulf
of Bothnia closed thick ice but Southern ports being
kept open by ice breakers.
3.
Danish fjords are frozen up, no longer
navigable ice breakers out of coal.
4.
Assessment of damage done to enemy aircraft
by ships' gunfire up to December 31st, 1940, from the
beginning of the war 193 destroyed 91 probable 105
damaged, of these His Majesty's ships and auxiliaries
accounted for 151 destroyed 79 probable and 72 damaged.
5.
Military
The following Italian formations have been
captured at Bardia:-
62nd Division, remainder of 63rd Division
(this Division had already sustained heavy casualties
previously) lst (March 23rd) Blackshirt Division and
2nd (October 28th) Blackshirt Division less one Legion.
6.
Royal Air Force
Night of 7th/8th. Bad weather - operations
cancelled.
7.
Albania
On January 6th 9 Blenheims successfully
attacked Valona.
8.
German Air Force
January 7th. Single enemy aircraft were
active during the day over Eastern Countries and 8 Royal
Air/
-2-
Air Force stations were attacked but neither damage
nor casualties were serious.
9.
Night of 7th/8th. No enemy activity reported.
10.
Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from British Isles: 2 aircraft damaged.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 10th, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It was
dated January 9th.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
Herite Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London dated January 9th.
1. Naval.
On the 8th one aircraft attacked without success
merchant vessel of 3,500 tons in Bjorne Fiord.
2. Night of 8th/9th strong force of heavy bombers
attacked Tirpitz and ship building yards at Wilhelmshaven
and docks at Emden preliminary report of results good. All
returned safely - weather conditions perfect.
3. Night of 6th/7th. Aircraft bombed submarine
base at Massawa, bombs fell near moorings but searchlight
glare prevented observation of damage.
4. Royal Air Force.
Italy on night of 8th/9th January. Naples. 10
Wellingtons were sent to attack targets at Naples.
5. German Air Force.
Night of 8th/9th January. Nothing to report.
6. Aircraft casualties in operations over and from
the British Isles - none to report.
7. Secret. Home Security.
On the afternoon of January 8th an enemy machine,
while dropping bombs on Coventry, hit a balloon barrage
cable and broke it, but managed to get away.
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
11th January, 1941.
file
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It was
dated the 10th January, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSIFIED
Very sincerely yours,
Nevik Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London dated
10th January, 1941.
Naval.
British destroyers on December 26th sank one,
on December 29th captured another, and on December 31st,
captured two more motor schooners being employed by
Italians running through to Bardia from Tobruk by
night.
2. Enemy formation of bombers made several unsuccess-
ful attacks on British units at Sollum at dusk and dawn
during operations. One torpedo-bomber believed shot
down.
3. Position of our own troops precluded further
bombardment of Bardia after 16.00 January 3rd.
4. Coastal Command attacked Hipper Class cruiser in
Brest evening of January 9th made two hits on her, and
two on adjacent docks and the Mole.
5. During the week ending January 4th, 636,081 tons
of imports arrived in convoy in United Kingdom, including
large quantities of aeroplanes, machine tools and
munitions from Canada and United States and nearly 8,000
tons of eggs.
6. During the month of December 2,483 tons cargo
destined for enemy were seized in prize.
7. Royal Air Force.
Night of January 8/9th. Attack on Naples was
successful. A stick of bombs dropped across the stern
of Littorio class battleship was followed by dull red
glow. Hits were registered on quays, in dry dock area
/ and
- 2 -
and amongst merchant vessels. Many bombs fell near
the railway station and a gasometer was set on fire.
8. Night of January 9th/10th. Two hundred bombers
were sent out, of which 136 heavy and medium were to
attack oil plants at Gelsenkirchen. Petroleum depot
at Rotterdam also attacked.
9. Libya.
January 8th. 8 Blenheims and several Hurricanes
attacked a transport convoy near Giarabub and caused
considerable damage. Armoured car patrols are expected
to have captured the remainder of the convoy. Hurricanes
also machine-gunned landing grounds where two Italian
bombers were destroyed and eleven others damaged. Tubruk
was attacked by Blenheims. Details not yet available.
10. German Air Force.
January 9th. Our fighter command carried out
exclusive offensive operations over the Straits, some
squadrons penetrated the French Coast at Boulogne without
encountering enemy aircraft.
Night of January 9th/10th. Enemy activity was
on a large scale, about 310 aircraft being plotted all
over the country and it is difficult to assess the main
objectives - - numerous fires were started but they were
all quickly under control and no serious military damage
was reported.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 13th, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report on the military
situation. It is dated January 12th.
Believe me,
REPRESENTATIVE
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
havik Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 12th, 1941.
Naval
1. Reference to Royal Air Force attack
on Naples night of January 8th - January 9th. NA:
telegram January 10th at least one hit on stern of
Littorio class, one hit on near stern of Littorio
class.
2. Convoy from west successfully passed
through Sicilian Channel escorted by cruisers and
destroyers.
3. January 10th. South Pantellaria - two
Italian destroyers sighted and engaged - one was sunk,
the other escaped. Fifteen mines were cut off
Pantellaria. During these operations eight enemy
aircraft attacked our forces, two ships nearly missed
no damage no casualty. Two enemy aircraft shot down
by naval aircraft.
4. Reconnaissance Kiel on January 10th
showed floating docks in the fore of the Gneisenau and
the Scharnhorst to be now empty. Lutzow and two old
battleships sighted. Emden in dry dock. Part of
harbour not covered.
5. During the above Mediterranean operations
the Illustrious hit by a bomb Jenuary 10th, has
arrived in the harbour. Extent of damage unknown.
Five aircraft flown off the Ark Royal have arrived
safely at Melta. Gallant mined or torpedoed South of
Pantellaria had her bow blown off and 1s proceeding to
harbour in tow.
6. Night of January 10th-11th. Heavy air
attack/
-2-
attack on Portsmouth - preliminary reports
considerable damage to dockyard, R.N. barracks Vernon,
R.N. hospital and oil fuel depot. Minor damage to
Dolphin. St. Vincent Royal Clarence Yard, photographic
school.
7. Military. Rumania. It now seems clear
that the to tal number of divisions in Rumania has
increased to at least eight of which three have arrived
during the past two weeks.
8. Royal Air Force. Night of January 10th-
11th. Sixteen heavy and 10 medium bombers were sent
to attack enemy cruiser at Brest. All returned safely
and a preliminary report claims two direct hits on the
cruiser. Some mine-laying was also carried out.
9. Libya. On night of January 8th-9th four
Wellingtons attacked Benina aerodrome; large fires were
started and at least 12 enemy aircraft were set alight.
Eight more Wellingtons dropped more than 8 tons of
bombs on Bengazi harbour and hit 5 large ships. On
January 10th Blenheims attacked Tobruk three times
hitting the barracks and some small ships in the
harbour. On the night of January 9th-10th Wellingtons
again attacked Benina aerodrome causing considerable
damage to aircraft and also Berka aerodrome where large
fires were started.
10. Sicily. On the same night 9½ tons of
bombs and incendiaries were dropped at Messina harbour.
Cruisers and ships were straddled and bombs fell across
the oil tanks.
11. German Air Force. January 10th. Some
reconnaissances were carried out but enemy activity was
negligible.
12./
-3-
12. Night of January 10th - 11th. About
146 enemy aircraft were operating of which 25 were
mine-laying. The attack was almost entirely confined
to Portsmouth.
13. Malta. On January 9th about 12
Italian bombers approached the Island. Six attacked
the aerodrome where three grounded Wellingtons were
damaged. Six of our fighters intercepted and shot
down four enemy aircraft an anti-aircraft fire
destroyed a fifth. Same afternoon 9 German-type dive
bombers unsuccessfully attacked a convoy. Two further
formations were sighted later but did not attack.
14. Aircraft casualties in operations over
and from British Isles. Enemy by night of January
9th - 10th: 3 destroyed - by anti-aircraft 2;
January 10th - 11th: destroyed - by anti-aircraft 2
probable; destroyed by fighters 1; by day January 10th,
destroyed by fighters 2, probable 2. British. Lost 2
fighters - pilots safe.
15. Home Security. Portsmouth. In addition
to naval damage already reported, large fires took
place at Central and Harbour stations, at Guildhall and
in a timber yard. The power station was damaged and
water, gas and electric services were interrupted. Two
hospitals were hit and evacuated. Fires were still
burning at 4.30 a.m. but were in hand in spite of lack
of water. Casualties 80 far reported are 70 killed,
250 seriously injured.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
14th January, 1941
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein copies of
the latest reports received from London
on the military situation. They were
dated January 12th and January 13th.
Believe me,
UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
have Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D.C.
TELEGRAM RECEIVED FROM LONDON
DATED JANUARY 12th, 1941
NAVAL. Am/10.
Rescue tug "Seaman" attacked by Fokker-
Wulf 250 miles from North-west Blald Bay. She
shot it down and took three prisoners.
2.
Sunderland aircraft sighted and hit with
machine-gun fire Fokker-Wulf aircraft North of
Rockall p.m./llth. This aircraft is reported down
in the sea North of Bordeaux.
3.
Night of the 10/11. Six Swordfish attacked
shipping and docks at Palermo. Hits made on jetty
and warehouses - large fires started.
4.
On the 10th Illustrious was attacked four
times by dive-bombers low-level bombers and torpedo
planes some of which were German and sustained six
direct hits by bombs and several more near misses.
She was considerably damaged. S1x dive bombers and
two or three other bombers were shot down by Fulmars.
Casualties 83 killed, 60 seriously wounded and about
40 slightly wounded including several officers.
5.
Gallant has arrived in harbour. Sixty-three
killed or missing - 15 wounded no officer casualties
reported. Bow blown off up to forebulkhead No. 1
boiler room struck but not bridge.
6.
ROYAL AIR FORCE. Night of 10/11. Dry-dock
at Brest was heavily bombed by 23 aircraft. Two bombs
were seen to fall on bow of German cruiser. Many
fires were started. All our aircraft returned.
January/
7.
January llth. Nine medium bombers
operating singly attacked shipping in Dutch
harbours and off the coast. One is missing.
8.
Night of 11/12. Forty-seven aircraft
were sent out - 36 to attack docks and Tirpitz
at Wilhelmshaven and 11 to Royal Arsenal at
Turin; in addition five heavy bombers were sent
mine laying.
9.
LIBYA. Hurricanes maintained offensive
patrols over Tobruk area throughout January 10th.
They shot down one enemy fighter and destroyed
six others on the ground with machine gun fire.
10.
ERITREA. Night of 9/10. Our bombers
attacked Italian workship and aircraft repair
depot - several fires were started.
11.
ETHIOPIA. On January 9th six of our
aircraft dive-bombed an Italian landing ground
and destroyed two machines on the ground and prob-
ably destroyed a third.
12.
GERMAN AIR FORCE. Night of 11/12. About
105 enemy aircraft made a short concentrated attack
on London.
13.
Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from British Isles.
Enemy: 1 probably by Anti-aircraft
night 11/12.
British: 1 bomber missing.
14.
11th. HOME SECURITY. Night of 11/12. Attack
on London lasted about three hours and both high
explosives and incendiary bombs were dropped in more
than 50 districts; fires were started but were quickly
under/
under control. Damage does not appear to
have been serious. Chief incident occurred
at an underground railway station in City
hwere a bomb penetrated a subway.
TELEGRAM RECEIVED FROM LONDON
DATED JANUARY 13th, 1941
NAVAL
On 12th coastal aircraft made the
following attacks. One 4,000 tons merchant
vessel at entrance to Songe Fiord - attacked by
fighters, prevented observation results but smoke
came from stern of the ship. Another ship of
4,600 tons in the same area a torpedo missed ahead
but one bomb hit the after end of the ship. On
2,000 tons merchant vessel off Borkum a torpedo
missed but bombs were dropped which may have hit.
2.
Convoy of 31 ships has just arrived with-
out loss from Sierra Leone.
3.
"Emerald" was attacked by aircraft off
Lizard on the night of the 12th/13th, superficial
damage from near misses.
4.
The "Adventure" was machine gunned the
previous night off the west coast no serious damage
or casualties.
5.
ROYAL AIR FORCE. Night of 12th/13th.
79 aircraft were sent out; 30 to Brest (German cruiser)
24 to aerodromes and shipping in occupied France, 7
to Venice (oil target) 2 to arsenal at Turin and 4
to an oil target in Germany, 3 more were sent to drop
leaflets in occupied France. One bomber missing.
6.
LIBYA. On 9th/10th 4 Hurricanes in the
course of offensive patrols shot down 7 enemy aircraft
and destroyed one on the ground without loss. On
January/
January 10th 1, tons of bombs were dropped on
Tobruk, one ton on Benghazi harbour and seven
tons on two Italian aerodromes.
7.
GERMAN AIR FORCE. January 12th.
Only a few coastal patrols were reported;
1 enemy aircraft was damaged by our fighters off
Libya and another was probably destroyed over
Shetlands.
8.
Night of 12th/13th. A short and concen-
trated attack was made on London docks area and
Thames Estuary by about 120 aircraft.
9.
HOME SECURITY. Attack on London was prin-
cipally incendiary. Fires were caused in 2 docks
and at 3 war industrial factories but all were
quickly brought under control and no serious damage
has been reported.
PSF
\
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 16th, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It was dated
January 14th.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSIFIED
Very sincerely yours,
have Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London dated January 14th.
1.
Naval. "Asturias" intercepted French "Mendoza"
8,199 tons, who sailed from Montevideo January 12th p.m.
near Lobos Island. "Mendoza" evaded boarding by anchoring
in territorial waters "Asturias" lay off outside but in
sight.
2.
On January 10th dive-bombing attacks on "Illus-
trious" and other units were carried out with great deter-
mination and skill suggesting German crews. During the
first attack 2 enemy aireraft shot down by gunfire while
one Fulmar one Swordfish were shot down, crews saved.
During the second attack Fulmars claimed destroyed 6 or 7
enemy aircraft.
"Warspite" slightly damaged by near miss.
A
shadowing aircraft was also shot down by Fulmars.
3.
The convoy which was passed through the Mediter-
ranean arrived at destination on January 12th.
4.
Submarine "Pandora" sank 2 Italian supply ships
off Sardinia on January 9th a.m.
5.
Royal Air Force. Night of January 13th/14th.
31 bombers were sent out, 14 against shipping in the channel
ports, and 12 mine-laying. Preliminary reports record a
very successful attack at Lorient.
6.
Sicily. On January 12th 10 Wellingtons attacked
Catania aerodrome. Several fires were started amongst
buildings and aircraft and some 9 of which were seen to have
been destroyed. One aircraft is missing and one landed in
the sea but the crew saved,
7.
German Air Force. Night of January 13th/14th.
Estimated that 50 enemy aircraft operating of which 30
were
mine-laying.
Remainder attacked Plymouth.
8./
-2-
8.
Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from the British Isles.
Enemy Nil.
British one
aircraft missing.
9.
Home Security.
Night of January 10th/11th.
Portsmouth.
Electric supply was partially restored
early January 13th.
10.
Night of January 13th/14th. Plymouth. Attack
was short; although some serious fires were started all
were quickly under control.
Gas supplies are temporar-
ily interrupted in Plymouth but not at Devonport. Power
station was hit and the supply cut off but it will be
possible to switch across to grid very shortly.
11.
Albania. Identification of the eleventh
division brings the total of Italian divisions in Albania
to twenty.
12.
U.S.S.R. Since November 1st there has been
continued increase of the forces in Kiev and Odessa
military districts and 4 cavalry divisions 35 infantry
divisions and 7 tank brigades are now located in this
part of the country. It is thought that such concentra-
tion at this season is not solely for defensive reasons
and that an agreed occupation of Eastern Moldavia is a
possibility.
The absence of defensive measures by
Germany tends to suggest this theory.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 16th, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It is dated
January 15th.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
REGRADE DE
Harila Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London dated January 15th, 1941.
Naval. As announced in the press
"Southampton" was hit by bombs from dive-bombers on
January llth. This was 180 miles East South East of
Malta. Fire caused near after turrets spread to engine
room and magazines. Owing to flooding of the latter
she was later abandoned and sunk by our forces.
2.
"Eumaeus" British 7472 tons with 100 service
personnel on board torpedoed by U-boat 120 miles west
Freetown a.m. January 14th. Reported ship abandoned 305
survivors picked up. No damage was done to dockyard or
naval establishments during air raid at Plymouth night of
January 13th/14th.
3.
Royal Air Force. Night of January 14th/15th.
Six Hudsons were despatched to attack air bases at Stavanger.
All aircraft have returned but detailed reports not yet
received. All operations of bomber command were cancelled
owing to weather conditions.
4.
Night of January 13th/14th. Three Blenheims
attacked Hamburg and registered hits on military buildings.
5.
Greece. Albania. January 13th. Six Blenheims
attacked Berat. Road bridges believed to have been hit.
6.
German Air Force. Night of January 14th/15th.
No enemy activity reported.
7.
Rumania. Total German aircraft in Rumania are
now estimated at about 250 of all types. Types include
Messerschmidt 109 Heinkels 126 Junkers 52.
8.
Italy Strength of German aircraft in Italy is
estimated approximately 120 established types. Types
include long range bombers and bomber reconnaissance
(Junker 88 Dornier 17 Heinkel 111) dive bombers (Junker 87)
and transport (Junker 52).
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
17th January, 1941
Dear Mr. President,
I encl se herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation.
It was dated
January 16th, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSIFIES
Very sincerely yours,
have Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D.C.
TELEGRAM RECEIVED FROM LONDON
DATED JANUARY 16th, 1941
NAVAL
An aircraft from the Newcastle
landed at Punta Del Este (Uruguay) 0200/15
owing to lack of fuel. The crew of 3 detained
pending result of representations.
At 0230/15 Hudson aircraft returning
from night operation dropped two small bombs on
the after part of 5000 ton merchant vessel in
Stavanger Roads.
The convoys of 38 ships from Sierra
Leone and Gibraltar have arrived safely in the
United Kingdom.
During the last 6 months of 1940
aircraft armament of merchant vessels has caused
the following casualties to enemy aircraft :
15 destroyed, 9 probable and 51 damaged.
From the beginning of the war to
December lst, 1940, naval aircraft have caused
the following casualties to enemy aircraft. 52
destroyed certain 10 probable, 49 damaged.
ROYAL AIR FORCE. Night of January
15/16th. Following targets attacked: Wilhelmshaven
Naval Base and dockyard at Emden, petroleum sheds
at Rotterdam, petrol harbour at Brest, Hipper class
cruiser. A total of 110 aircraft despatched on these
operations.
SICILY. January 15th. Photographic
reconnaissance of Catania aerodrome disclosed 30-40
aircraft burnt out or severely damaged.
There were many bomb craters on the areodrome,
one hangar was totally wrecked, another severely
damaged and hits have been obtained on adminis-
trative buildings.
GERMAN AIR FORCE. Night of January
15th/16th. Preliminary report gives total of
110 enemy aircraft operating over the United
Kingdom. Interceptions by our fighters resulted
in the destruction of at least two enemy aircraft
and a further two damaged without loss.
Aircraft casualties in operations over
and from the British Isles. Enemy destroyed 2,
damaged 3.
PSF
UB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 20th, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein copies of
the latest reports on the military
situation. They are dated January 17th
end 18th.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
UNCLASSITIED
Nevila Butter
E
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 17th, 1941.
1. Naval. His Majesty's destroyer Woolston,
escorting a convoy sighted 3 enemy E boats off
Harwich at 2045 hours yesterday and drove them off
before they could attack the convoy.
2. Mediterranean. Heavy air attack made on
Malta p.m., January 16th, "Illustrious" apparently
the main objective, hit aft but not seriously damaged,
"Perth" near miss and received bad shaking, M.T. ship
"Essex" badly damaged. Total of 70 aircraft made 2
attacks first by JU 84's, second by JU 87's, escorted
by Italian fighters. Dive bombing attacks driven
well home. Our fighters shot down or damaged several
machines. A/A guns ditto, and some by indirect guns
not known but total claim is nine certain, three
probable and two possible.
3. Convoys. Two convoys totalling 58 ships
have arrived in home waters from Canada without loss.
There were 17 tankers and 15 cargoes of steel.
4. Royal Air Force. Night of January 16th/17th.
86 aircraft were sent out, of which 81 went to
Wilhelmshaven docks. The remainder carried out light
attacks on oil plants and on shipping. Five heavy
bombers are missing.
5. German Air Force. Night of January 16th/17th.
183 enemy aircraft operated over the country, of which
130 were over Bristol area.
6. Home Security. Night of January 16th/17th.
Bristol, Avonmouth were attacked early and a number
of/
-2-
of fires were started which were quickly under
control. A later attack on Avonmouth at 2 a.m.
started several small fires including one at an oil
cistern which has already been put out. At Bristol
a direct hit on & generating station has cut off
electricity in 8 large area, but it is hoped to
restore supply by tonight. Continued bombing elsewhere
caused little demage.
7. Italian East Africa. Morale of the
Italian prisoners of war in the Sudan is high
compared with the morale in Libya which could hardly
be lower. Sudan prisoners often refer to importance
of Mogadiscio, where supplies from Japan have been
arriving.
Telegram received from London
dated January 18th, 1941.
Naval. Corvette Rhododendron mined and
one mine sweeper damaged by mines off Liverpool on
January 17th both reached harbour. 13 mines were
exploded off Liverpool on January 17th. In addition
damage to ships by air raids on Malta 16 dockyard had
many hits, damage caused to buildings electric power
and telephone service. Enemy losses now reported
ten certain one probable five damaged.
2. Almeda Star with 187 F.A.A. personnel
on board torpedoed 270 miles northwest of Bloody
Foreland on January 17th further report awaited.
3. Royal Air Force. Night of 16th/17th
January. Wilhelmshaven Docks were located by 46
aircraft and attack is described as excellent. Large
fires persisted especially at the railway station and
oil tanks. Some explosions and fires were started
in the docks at Emden and Rotterdam and "pitiless
results" reported from three channel ports. Three
heavy bombers successfully laid down mines.
4. January 17th Hudson sighted an escorted
convoy of 6 merchant vessels off the Dutch coast.
Subsequently our aircraft obtained direct hits on 3
merchant vessels and also on 8 mine layer which was
left in a sinking condition; these ships formed part
of & total of 40 merchant vessels and seven escort
vessels moving along the Dutch Coast.
5. Night of January 17th/18th. 15 bombers
sent to Brest but bad weather hampered localisation of
targets. All returned safely. One heavy bomber
dropped/
-2-
dropped leaflets over Northern France. Owing
to bad weather over our aerodromes all other
operations cancelled.
6. German Air Force. January 17th over
the Straits and Thames Estuary. About 60 enemy
aircraft patrolling off and behind Cap Gris Nez when
our fighters destroyed one aircraft and damaged
another. In addition Hurricanes destroyed one
bomber and damaged another off the British coast.
7. Aircraft casualties in operations
over and from British Isles; Enemy two destroyed
by our fighters, two damaged. British. One fighter
destroyed.
8. Home Security. Night of January
16th/17th. Avonmouth. Large part of the town may
be without gas for four or five days. Many fires
were prevented by house and street distribution of
sand.
9. Bristol. Some key points will be
without electric power until January 20th.
10. Night of January 17th/January 18th.
Main attack Swansea and lasted for 6 hours. All
fires extinguished by 2:30 a.m. Most damage was
done to non-military property but some which may
prove serious occurred in the Docks.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 21st, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein & copy of the
latest report on the military situation.
It is dated Jenuary 19th.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
havile Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 19th, 1941.
Naval. Parthian reports sinking with
torpedo (words undecypherable) 7000 tons supply
ship off Cape Spartivento, Southern Italy.
2. On the 18th January enemy air attack
on convoy in Thames Estuary caused no damage.
3. The night of the 18th/19th west-bound
channel convoy off Dover was shelled, no damage
reported.
A convoy of 27 ships has arrived in home
ports from Canada.
4. Asturias boarded French Mendoza a.m.
16 miles from the Brazilian coast in latitude 27
degrees south.
5. Tanker British Union reported 2120 hours
January 18th being shelled by enemy raider 650 miles
West by South of Canary Isles. A.M.C. Arawa in the
vicinity observed shelling, closed position but
shelling ceased before her arrival and she sighted
nothing but later picked up some survivore. No
further report received of Almeda Star. Search being
made.
6. German Air Force. Malta. On January
18th 80 German bombers escorted by fighters made
high level attacks on 2 aerodromes dropping 40
1,000 lb. bombs on each. Preliminary reports as
follows.
7. Halfar. Direct hits on one hangar, 5
aircraft damaged, meny craters but aerodrome remains
serviceable/
-2-
serviceable. Officers' mess seriously damaged
telephone communications cut and water mains hit.
8. Luqa. 2 hangars destroyed and 2
damaged. 1 aircraft burnt and another badly damaged
and (words undecypherable) slightly damaged by bomb
splinters. Electric power telephone and water
services cut. Aerodrome temporarily unserviceable.
Only casualties reported are 2 airmen killed and 5
injured.
9. Five Hurricanes and 3 Fulmars on patrol
destroyed 6 enemy aircraft. Anti-aircraft claim 3
direct hits. 2 Fulmars lost, but 1 pilot saved.
10. Home Security. 17th/18th. Swansea.
In docks hydraulic and electric power systems were
damaged and day work is at present stopped. National
011 Refineries temporarily shut down owing to lack of
electricity and water. In one dry dock main shops
and stores were gutted and considerable damage caused
to plant and machinery.
11. At Weymouth some damage was caused to
locomotives and rolling stock.
PSF
7 Pcrrfi
GB
/
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
21st January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of the
latest report received from London on
the military situation. It was dated
the 20th January, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSITIED
Very sincerely yours,
have Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London of the
20th January, 1941.
Naval.
On January 17th and 18th, six escorted French
merchant ships totalling 33,000 tons passed through
the Straits of Gibralter.
2. Attacks on shipping. Armed merchant cruiser
"Arawa" reported on the 19th having picked up one boat-
load of survivors from "British Union." Search
eontinuing.
3. An enemy raider is reported to have sunk two
Norwegian "whaling" ships 12,200 tons each in the
Antarctic waters south of South Georgia.
4. British ship (5,000 tons) has been bombed and
sunk of Harwich. No further news received concerning
"Almeda Star", "Zealandic" or the Greek ship mentioned
in third sub-paragraph, paragraph one of the summary of
the 17th.
5. Royal Air Force.
Libya. On the night of the 17th/18th, our air-
craft dropped 13 tons of bombs on "Tobruk" and started
a very large fire near petrol dumps.
6. All home operations on the 18th and the night of
the 19th/20th were cancelled owing to weather.
7. German Air Force.
January 19th considerable enemy activity over
shipping off the south and east coasts. A bomber was
shot down into the sea by our fighters. Only three enemy
aircraft penetrated a short distance inland over the South-
East Coast.
/8.
- 2 -
8. The night of the 19th/20th. About 150
enemy aircraft were operating of which 35 were mine-
laying. Activity was chiefly over London, home
counties and Hampshire. Two enemy bombers were
certainly destroyed during the night, and two more
probably.
9. Malta.
January 19th. Eighty German bombers escorted
by several Italian fighters dive-bombed the Grand
harbour and dockyards. Eight of our aircraft inter-
cepted and destroyed eleven enemy including ten
bombers, probably destroyed three others and damaged
four more. In addition anti-aircraft claim to have
shot down six bombers. One Hurricane 1s missing.
Damage was caused to Government property in the dockyard
and to civilian property elsewhere, no casualties
reported.
10. Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from the British Isles:
Enemy
Destroyed
Probable
By A.A. fire night of
16th/17th
1
nil.
By A.A. fire night of
17th/18th
1
II
By A.A. fire night of
19th/20th
2
2
British: N11.
11. Home Security.
The night of the 19th/20th. Bombing was
spasmodic and distributed although London and Southampton
areas received chief attention.
Apart from one case of industrial damage in East
/ London
- 3 -
London and some damage to railway work shops, and
public utility services in Southampton area, only
dwelling house property was affected to any appreciable
extent. All fires were quickly put out.
12. Road communications are blocked by snow in the
North-West of Scotland and to & less extent in North-
East and North-West England. All important roads in
East Kent are clear.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
22nd January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of the
latest report received from London on
the military situation. It was dated
the 21st January, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
harik Buthan
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London of
January 21, 1941.
1.
Naval.
During second air attack on Malta on January
19th the "Illustrious" sustained serious damage from
near-misses. Port engine and one boiler-room out of
action - second boiler room damaged and ship holed on
both sides. No further casulaties.
2.
A British ship (7,200 tons) bound for Alexandria
was torpedoed in the Gulf of Athens on January 19th.
It is hoped that she has reached Piraeus.
3.
Search for "Zealandic" and "Almeda Star" has
been abandoned.
4.
Royal Air Force.
January 20th and night of January 20th/21st.
All operations cancelled owing to weather.
5.
Ethiopia.
On January 18th five bombers attacked grounded
aircraft on Italian landing ground and on the night of
January 18th/19th the submarine base at Massawa and a
concentration of mechanised transport in Cassala sector
were bombed.
6. Albania.
On January 19th six Blenheims attacked mechanised
transport and military targets at Berat and started fires.
7.
German Air Force.
January 20th. Enemy activity consisting mainly
of reconnaissance off our coast. Only 10 aircraft came
inland. Night of January 20th/21st. No enemy activity
reported.
/ 8.
- 2 -
8.
Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from British Isles:
Enemy: by A.A. night of January 19th/20th.
5 destroyed. 1 probable. 2 damaged.
British: Nil.
9.
Home Security.
Swansea. Night of January 17th/18th. Casual-
ties now reported as 53 killed and 34 seriously injured.
1
PSF
up
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
24th January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of the
latest report received from London on
the military situation. It was dated
23rd January, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSIFIED
Very sincerely yours,
hark Buthn
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London
of the 23rd January, 1941
Naval.
An His Majesty's trawler and rescue tug
Saint Cyrus were mined and sunk in Humber area
January 22nd.
2.
An East Coast convoy unsuccessfully attacked
by enemy aircraft in Thames Estuary.
3.
Damaged Italian submarine at Las Palmas is
reported to have refueled and to be preparing to leave.
4.
Tonnage of damaged merchant vessels under
repair or awaiting repair amounts to over 1 million
tons.
5. Military
By January 21st, our southern column had
reached a point 26 miles east of Tessenei without
meeting enemy.
6. Kenya.
Italian Somaliland front. Our troops have
occupied an Italian post 57 miles North-east of Garissa.
7. Royal Air Force.
Night of January 22nd/23rd. 40 aircraft were
sent to industrial targets at Dusseldorf - all returned
safely. Results not yet available. Owing to heavy
cloud they had very great difficulty in finding their
primary/
- 2 -
primary targets but fires were started in the
area of attack which assisted later aircraft.
Several alternate targets were also attacked.
8. On January 22nd, aircraft from Aden dropped
over a ton of bombs on a stores depot on Jibuti -
Adis Ababa railway.
9. German Air Force.
January 22nd. Enemy activity was confined
to reconnaissances by single aircraft off the East
coast and Thames estuary. Night of January 22nd/
23rd, there was very little enemy activity.
10. Aircraft casualties in operations over and
from the British Isles.
ENEMY
DESTROYED
DAMAGED
By our fighters
Bombers
2
3
British: 1 Bomber missing.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
23rd January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of the
latest report received from London on the
Military situation. It was dated the 23rd
January, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
UNCLASSIFIED
have Butter
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London of
January 23rd 1941.
Naval.
1. During air raids on Malta on January 19th
M/T ship Essex received extensive damage to super
structure and engine room. Casualties 15 killed
23 wounded.
2. A damaged Italian U boat reported arrived Las
Palmas, Canary Islands.
3. "Vichy" French merchant vessel with cargo of
petrol seized being sent to Cape Town under armed
guard.
4. Convoy of 24 ships arrived in home waters from
Canada including five tankers and eight cargoes of steel
and pig iron.
Military.
5.
Sudan. Our leading troops are now 20 miles
across the frontier of Erythrea.
Royal Air Force.
6. 21st and 21st/22nd. All operations cancelled
owing to weather.
7. Libya. On the night of the 19th/20th our air-
craft dropped over 6 tons of bombs on military targets
in Tobruk.
8. Sicily. On the same night over 10 tons of H.E.
and 2,000 incendiaries were dropped on aerodrome of
Catania where 7 grounded aircraft were seen to catch fire.
One heavy bomber also attacked Brindisi railway station.
/ 9.
- 2 -
9. German Air Force.
January 21st. Slight enemy activity took
place. Bad weather prevented interceptions by our
fighters.
The night of the 21st/22nd. No enemy
activity reported.
10. Malta. January 21st. Several single enemy
aircraft dropped bombs which caused damage to private
property but none of military importance.
11. On January 20th 9 enemy aircraft attacked the
Pireaus damaging cargo vessel. One aircraft was
shot down by our fighters.
PSF
She
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
27th January, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It was
dated the 25th January, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSIFIED
Very sincerely yours,
Halifax
)
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D. C.
Telegram from London of the
25th January, 1941.
1.
Nineteen ships out of convoy of 22 have
arrived in the United Kingdom from Sierre Leone
remaining three were sunk or damaged by air attack.
Cargoes mostly foodstuffs.
2.
Westbound convoy of 36 ships has cleared
western approaches.
3.
Italian submarine previously reported at Las
Palmas left there early a.m. January 23rd.
4.
British merchant ship on passage to Durban
reported being bombed a.m. January 24th 300 miles east
of the Seyschelles.
5.
Reference paragraph 6 of telegram of January 24th.
Two ships of 1,900 and 3,800 tons are reported sal-
vagable, but there is no trace of the others.
6. Military.
Libya. Forward detachments of our armoured
troops are 35 miles south of Bomba and surrounding
Mekili. Enemy rearguard is being engaged astride
Bomba-Derna road ten miles south east of Derna.
7.
Royal Air Force.
Eretrea.
Fighters of the South African Air Force shot
down one Italian bomber and damaged 2 others over Keru
on January 23rd.
8.
Home Front.
Night of January 24th/25th. Six Beauforts
dropped 3 land mines and several bombs at submarine
base of Lorient. Accurate observation is not possible.
/ 9.
- 2 -
9.
German Air Force.
January 24th. Coastal reconnaissance by
single aircraft only. Night of January 24th/25th.
No enemy activity.
PSF
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 27th, 1941.
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein copies of
the two latest reports received from
London on the military situation. They
are dated January 25th and 26th respectively.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSIFIED REGRADED
Very sincerely yours,
Halifat
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington.D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 25th, 1941
1.
Nineteen ships out of convoy of 22 have
arrived in the United Kingdom from Sierra Leone remaining
three were sunk or damaged by air attack. Cargoes mostly
foodstuffs.
2.
Westbound convoy of 36 ships has cleared western
approaches.
3.
Italian submarine previously reported at Las
Palmas left there early 8.m. January 23rd.
4.
British merchant ship on passage to Durban
reported being bombed a.m. January 24th 300 miles east
of the Seyschelles.
5.
Reference paragraph 6 of operational No. 24.
Two ships of 1900 and 3800 tons are reported salvageable,
but there is no trace of the others.
6.
Military. Libya. Forward detachments of our
armoured troops are 35 miles south of Bomba and surrounding
Mekili. Enemy rearguard is being engaged astride Bomba-
Derna road ten miles south east of Derna.
7.
Royal Air Force. Eritrea. Fighters of the
South African Air Force shot down one Italian bomber
and damaged two others over Keru on January 23rd.
8.
Home front. Night of January 24 - 25th. Six
Beauforts dropped 3 land mines and several bombs at
submarine base of Lorient. Accurate observation is not
possible.
9.
German Air Force. January 24th. Coastal
reconnaissance by single aircraft only. Night of January
24 - 25th. No enemy activity.
Telegram from London dated
January 26th, 1941.
1.
Naval.
His Majesty's Ship "Illustrious"
at Alexandria p.m. of January 25th. Two British
cruisers - part of a covering force - were attacked by
German aircraft 80 bombers W.S.W. of Stavanger January
24th without damage.
2.
A British ship (1100 tons) was sunk by mine
in Thames Estuary January 24th. Nineteen survivors out
of 22.
3.
Military The garrison of Girabub is estimated
at 1000 Italian and 700 Libyans. They are suffering from
bad water and food shortage.
4.
Kenya. In several areas our patrols are now
well into enemy territory.
5.
Royal Air Force. January 25th and night of
January 25th/26th. No operations of importance.
6.
Mediterranean
On night of January 23rd/24th
our aircraft dropped 2½ tons of bombs on Maritza aerodrome.
7.
Libya. On January 24th three enemy landing
grounds in Bengazi area were attacked at one of which two
grounded aircraft were damaged.
8.
Eritrea. On January 24th our bombers attacked
Bishia railhead hitting station, railway tracks and motor
transport. Our fighters attacked a train on the railway and
army co-operation aircraft bombed Umm hangar and machine
gunned trenches. One enemy aircraft was probably damaged,
another destroyed on the ground and a third damaged on the
ground.
9.
German Air Force. January 25th. Activity
negligible and confined to single aircraft.
10/
- 2 -
10.
Night of January 25th/26th. Only 13
enemy aircraft operating. Some minelaying suspected.
PSF
the
GB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Secret
January 29th, 1941.
REGRADED
UNCLASSIFIED
Dear Mr. President,
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London,
on the military situation. It is dated
January 27th, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,
Halifax
The Honourable
Franklin D. Roosevelt.
President of the United States of America,
Washington. D. C.
Telegram received from London
dated January 27th, 1941.
Naval. Photographic reconnaissance of
Brest on the morning of January 26th showed dock being
flooded and therefore German cruiser may be intending to
put to sea.
2.
2 ex-American destroyers and 4 others of the
Royal Canadian Navy have arrived in home waters.
3.
Mediterranean. During the passage of the
Illustrious to Alexandria, enemy aircraft (words
undecypherable) failed to locate her but escorting
cruiser forces were attacked by 12 high level and
18 dive-bombers on the evening of January 24th, when
about 130 miles north of Benghazi. In spite of many
near misses, no damage was sustained by our ships; 4
or 5 aircraft believed to have been damaged.
4.
Attacks on shipping. The afternoon of January
26th East Coast. convoys were bombed in the Thames Estuary.
One British ship (1600 tons) was hit and beached and
Swedish vessel (2000 tons) was set on fire. 2 enemy
aircraft destroyed by escort vessels.
5.
1 enemy aircraft was shot down by a trawler,
the crew of 4 taken prisoners.
6.
Military Libya. Our troops are now in
position 10 miles southeast of Derna with forward elements
overlooking the town.
7.
Bulgaria The thaw continues and the roads
open in the plains. Mountain passes believed also open.
8.
Royal Air Force. Night of January 26th/27th,
17 heavy bombers were sent to attack industrial targets
at Hanover. Reports not yet received.
9./
-2-
9.
Erythrea. January 25th, 5 Gauntlets
dive-bombed enemy motor transports near Barentu with
considerable effect.
10.
Albania. January 25th, medium bombers scored
direct hits on military targets near El Basan.
11.
Malta Night of January 25th/26th an
Italian seaplane disabled cruising round alighted
off the island; the crew of 4 taken prisoner.
12.
German Air Force. January 26th. Enemy
activity slight, although shipping attacked in the
Thames Estuary and off Norfolk coast. Night of January
26th/27th. Only one enemy aircraft came over.
13.
Aircraft Casualties. In operations over
and from British Isles. Enemy: Destroyed, 3 aircraft.
British: nil
14.
Home Security, Night of January 25th/26th.
Now reported 2 parachute mines also some high explosive
and incendiary bombs dropped at a south Wales aerodrome.
Damage slight and operations not affected but 20 military
personnel killed.
PSF
BB
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D.C.
January 30th, 1941
Dear Mr. President,
-
I enclose herein a copy of
the latest report received from London
on the military situation. It was
dated January 28th, 1941.
Believe me,
Dear Mr. President,
UNCLASSIFIED
Very sincerely yours
Halifer
The Hohourable,
Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America,
Washington, D.C.
TELEGRAM RECEIVED FROM LONDON
DATED JANUARY 28th, 1941
NAVAL
Greek submarine claims to have sunk
3 Italian ships on January 24th.
12 enemy mines were exploded, 2 ex-
ploded spontaneously in United Kingdom waters
on January 27th. Enemy mine laying activities
are being dealt with satisfactorily and our
losses by mine are still very moderate.
MILITARY
In the Tobruk area, estimated 150,000
gallons of petrol captured. The water situation
good.
ERYTHREA
By the evening of January 25th, our
forces were astride the Barentu - Agordat road
near Agordat, in the Cogni area action has develop-
ed successfully. Total prisoners now 1,200 in-
cluding 30 officers. Umm Hagar occupied January
25th.
ROYAL AIR FORCE
Night of January 26th/27th. A very good
attack upon Hanover post and telegraph office was
carried out by 16 heavy bombers. Weather was clear,
all bombs dropped in target area starting large
fires. Leaflets were also dropped. All our air-
craft returned safely.
JANUARY 27th. Weather conditions were
bad/
bad. At dusk a Beaufort dropped a land mine
near the Port Militaire at Brest.
NIGHT OF JANUARY 27th/28th.
All operations cancelled.
LIBYA.
On January 26th Blenheims again bombed
Italian landing grounds. Our fighters shot down
3 C.R. 42 (Fiat biplane) fighters near Mechili
and 2 G.50 (Fiat monoplane) fighters near Derna.
One Hurricane lost, pilot safe, one Gladiator
missing and 2 damaged.
ERYTHREA
Same day our aircraft bombed communi-
cations and machine gunned a motor transport in
the Agordat area.
GERMAN AIR FORCE
January 27th. Enemy activity slight.
A few coastal and inland reconnaissances by single
aircraft. One JU 80 bomber shot down by anti-air-
craft in Lincolnshire.
NIGHT OF JANUARY 27th/28. No enemy
operations.
AIRCRAFT CASUALTIES IN OPERATIONS
OVER AND FROM THE BRITISH ISLES.
ENEMY
DESTROYED
By A. A.
1 Bomber
British
Nil
SPAIN
No new military evidence of preparations
for German move into Spain.
ITALY
Reports of German troops in Italy are
are still conflicting no formation yet
identified. There are probably some German
troops in southern Italy and Sicily, perhaps
for guarding aerodromes. No evidence of
sufficient German forces for attack on Malta.
BUIGARIA.
Preparations to facilitate German
move through the country continue and communi-
cations are being steadily improved.