Saturday, December 16, 1939 - Soviets launch battle of Summa

[Louis]

In the Winter War... The main forces of Soviet 7th Army have now advanced to the Mannerheim Line and a major Soviet attack, therefore, begins. Waves of Soviet infantry and tanks, with air support, attempt to overrun the Summa area (the First Battle of Summa). These initial efforts are subsidiary moves against the northeast end of the Finnish defenses. They continue for two days without success.

In Rome... Count Galeazzo Ciano, the foreign minister in the government led by Benito Mussolini, attacks the Soviet Union in a speech to the Fascist assembly. The tone reflects that of the Italian press and radio. Since the Soviet invasion of Finland, Italy has sent volunteers to fight with the Finns and large quantities of military equipment.

In Germany... The repatriation of about 51,000 ethnic Germans (or Baltic Germans), from the Baltic state of Latvia to the "Incorporated Territories" of former Poland, is completed.

 

[Louis]

The drama of the Graf Spee is nearing its end.
As the deadline set by the Uruguayan government to the ship leaves its territory to a close, Captain Hans Langsdorf by telegraph to Berlin demanding orders.
The officer says you only have two options: try to navigate to the neutral but pro-german Buenos Aires or sink the ship.
Since the Graf Spee continues rudder damaged, the option to retire to Buenos Aires is quite difficult.

In Berlin, at 13:00, Admiral Raeder met with Hitler to discuss the situation.
The Fuehrer says "... for me, the fate of the ship and its crew is as painful as to you"

 

[Fredrocker]

Great Stuff Louis, I have always been keen on the "Winter War"

 

[Louis]

Great Stuff Louis, I have always been keen on the "Winter War"

Vartuossi, the friend of Finland, is a good reference source .-

 

[Fredrocker]

How true, I got interested in The Winter War in 1972 via this Magazine/Game "S&T Number 33"