[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime” Or view Homer’s posting history .)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

[Conan the Librarian]

Guess it’s time to break out Squad Leader and set up the Finns vs Russians.

[CougarGA7]

Day 51 of the Winter War, January 19, 1940

Karelian Isthmus: two Finnish fighters engage three enemy bombers over the Isthmus. One of the bombers is shot down.
Photo: SA-KUVA

Naval blockade lifted in the Gulf of Bothnia

• Northern Finland: Finnish troops take up defensive positions at Märkäjärvi.

• The Finnish 9th Division fighting in the Suomussalmi-Raate sector is ordered to move south to Kuhmo.

• Russian submarines withdraw from the Gulf of Bothnia. The naval blockade of the Gulf comes to an end.

• Karelian Isthmus: two Finnish fighters engage three enemy bombers over the Isthmus. One of the bombers is shot down.

• Three more enemy aircraft are shot down over other parts of the Isthmus.

• Helsinki: the use of blowlamps to thaw out frozen water pipes causes several fires in the city.

• A special newspaper called Den Frivillege (The Volunteer) is introduced for Swedish volunteers in Finland. The author Olof Lagercrantz is appointed editor-in-chief.

• Abroad: Sweden gifts Finland two FK 52 reconnaissance aircraft.

• The well-known author and explorer Sven Hedin suggests the funds intended for paying the 1939 and 1940 Nobel Peace Prizes be given instead to the Finnish Red Cross.

• Swedish business has so far collected 62 million krona in aid for Finland.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1940/jan40/f19jan40.htm

The Winter War... There is an unsuccessful Finnish attack against the positions of the Soviet 122nd Division at Salla. Meanwhile, some 18,000 Soviet troops of the 18th Division have either been killed or captured while encircled north of Lake Ladoga, where they have been trapped since February 19th. Temperatures of -45° C (-82° F) are recorded.

In the North Sea... The destroyer HMS Grenville is sunk by a mine. It is believed that 81 men have died in the incident.

In the United States... Senator Borah, an influential “Isolationist” dies at age 74.