Winston Churchill expressed “sincere sorrow” as he delivered a speech to the House of Commons explaining “the measures which we have felt bound to take in order to prevent the French Fleet from falling into German hands.” Winston Churchill received his first standing ovation in the House of Commons as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after delivering a speech justifying the attack on French warships. Churchill told the House of Commons today that the rule of self-preservation had forced the British Navy to turn its guns on former brothers-in-arms to prevent the French Fleet from falling into enemy hands through the “malevolent” peace that Marshal Henri Philippe Petain had made with Chancellor Hitler.
Winston Churchill goes before the House of Commons and receives his first standing ovation as Prime Minister when he denies:
“…that we have the slightest intention of entering into negotiations in any form and through any channel with the German and Italian Governments. We shall, on the contrary, prosecute the war with the utmost vigour by all the means that are open to us.”
The French government issues an all-points bulletin to French ships to attack British vessels on sight due to yesterday’s attack on the French fleet in Algeria.
The French fleet is now the subject of interest to both sides. The Pétain government claims that the fleet at Alexandria has been recalled, but also says they are to be scuttled if they can’t escape due to the wishes of Hitler that they do not fall into British hands.
The series of air battles over the English Channel known as the Kanalkampf began. German Stuka dive bombers and motored torpedo boats attacked British Allied Convoy OA.178 south of Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom, which was near Portland. Kriegsmarine E-boats join with 33 Stukas of III/StG51 to mangle a British convoy at Portland as well as bombing the port, sinking auxiliary anti-aircraft vessel HMS Foylebank (157 men rescued, 176 crew lost), tug boat Silverdial and five freighters (Dallas City, Britsum, Deucalion, Kolga, and Elmcrest) in the Portland Harbor. The attackers lose one Stuka to anti-aircraft fire. One of the British seamen in the attack, Jack Foreman Mantle, receives the VC – posthumously – for firing his anti-aircraft gun to the end and going down with the ship.
Despite having his left leg shattered by a bomb blast, British Leading Seaman Jack Mantle continued to fire his anti-aircraft guns as the HMS Foylebank sank beneath him during an air raid on Portland naval base in England, United Kingdom. Mantle was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross medal.
The Dame of Sark, ruler of the island of Sark in the English Channel, surrendered to the German forces. Sark in the Channel Islands, having been occupied by the Germans since two days prior, officially surrendered. Dame Sibyl Mary Hathaway, DBE rules the island independently by charter and has an American husband, and thus feels free to adopt a neutral stance. As the hereditary ruler of the island, she receives the German delegation cordially, sorts matters out quickly, and then serves them lobster dinner (which becomes notorious back in England). When the German commander asks if she is afraid, Dame Hathaway (her official title) replies, “Is there any reason why I should be afraid of German officers?”
The Duke of Windsor is appointed Governor of the Bahamas.
The Germans demobilize some troops to release them for industries that badly need workers.
Berlin warns Hungarian government to avoid military action against Rumania, but promises support for territorial aspirations.
Berlin warns King Carol that Rumania must be prepared to make territorial sacrifices to Hungary and Bulgaria in exchange for German friendship. In response, King Carol appoints a pro-German government. Gheorghe Tataescu yielded the premiership of Romania to the pro-German engineer and businessman Ion Gigurtu. Iron Guard supporter and economist Mihail Manoilescu was appointed the Foreign Minister. Ion Gigurtu becomes Prime Minister, and the fascist Iron Guard goes from being imprisoned only weeks ago to having two members — Manoilesca (Foreign Minister) and Sima (Minister for Arts) — in the cabinet. Mr. Gigurtu, a wealthy industrialist, has extensive contacts with the Germans, including — according to him — friendship with Hermann Göring.
The Rumanian Government expels 22 British oil technicians. Rumania is casting about for a “big brother” protector against the Soviets, and this is yet another indication that Germany is it.
The final rupture between former allies takes place when the Vichy government severs diplomatic relations with London.
A court martial in Toulouse sentenced General Charles de Gaulle in absentia to four years in prison for treason.
Captain Philippe de Hauteclocque — soon to be known as Leclerc — departs by bicycle for the Spanish border en route to London to join the Free French.
The Finnish Foreign minister explains to German Foreign Minister Ribbentrop that Finnish government is orienting itself toward Berlin.
The Italians are broadcasting propaganda in Maltese to undermine morale. Malta’s own Rediffusion radio service begins counter-programming.
At Alexandria, Egypt the French agreed to demilitarize the battleship Lorraine and several smaller ships. Admiral Cunningham and Admiral Godfroy agree to demobilize Godfroy’s ships, but he does not turn them over. Talks continue.
Italian Invasion of the Sudan: Italian forces launched an offensive against Anglo-Egyptian Sudan from Italian East Africa. Italian forces captured a number of British forts, including Kassala and Gallabat, in East Africa. The Italian forward units paused to establish anti-tank defenses. Two Italian brigades cross from Ethiopia and drive two companies of Sudan Defence Force out of Kassala.
RAF Bomber Command dispatches out 20 Blenheims during the day; 11 bombed targets in Germany or airfields in Holland. 2 further Blenheims photographed airfields in France. No losses. During the day, the RAF attacks refineries near Hannover and Emmerich, and also airfields in Holland. After dark, the target is Kriegsmarine bases such as Wilhelmshaven, Emden, and Kiel, along with related naval targets such as the Dortmund-Ems Canal.
There also are dogfights near the Kent coastline between III/JG27 and RAF No. 54 Squadron. Each side loses a couple of fighters.
A Heinkel of III/KG54 bombs the Bristol Aeroplane Company and damages the roof before getting shot down by RAF No. 92 Squadron.
RAF Bomber Command dispatches 73 aircraft to ports in Northern Germany and minelaying overnight. 1 Hampden lost.
General Ernst Udet, Director General of Luftwaffe Equipment, and the Kommodore of KG76, Generalmajor Stephan Fröhlich, both receive the Knight’s Cross (Ritterkreuz). Udet already has the Pour le mérite from World War I.
Italian bombers again raided Malta.
Seven Italian CR-42 fighters are downed in air operations over the Western Desert.
Italian bombers this morning raided Alexandria, where French warships attached to the British Fleet in the Eastern Mediterranean are lying in the harbor. French anti-aircraft units helped the British repel the attack.
French bombers attacked the British fleet at Gibraltar, causing no damage. Although no damage was done, the British would evacuate women and children from the area later that month.
The Royal Navy seized French ships in ports under British control to prevent these ships from falling into German hands and to increase shipping tonnage available to the British.
French battleship Strasbourg with large destroyers Volta, Kersaint, Tigre, and Terrible and destroyers Bordelais and La Poursiuvante, which had escaped from Mers el Kebir for Toulon were joined at sea by the six light cruisers of the 3rd and 4th Cruiser Divisions, destroyers L’Indomptable, Le Mali, Le Fantasque, and L’Audacieux which had departed Algiers on the 3rd.
British carrier planes from aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal attacked this force three times without success.
French large destroyers Volta and Terrible fired torpedoes at long range at Battlecruiser HMS Hood which was able to easy evade the torpedoes.
French heavy cruisers Algerie, Foch, and Colbert with destroyers Vauban, Lion, Aigle of the 1st Large Destroyer Division, Guepard, Valmy, and Verdun of the 3rd Large Destroyer Division, Tartu, Le Chevalier, and Cassard of the 5th Large Destroyer Division, and Vautour, Gerfaut, and Albatros of the 7th Large Destroyer Division departed Toulon under the Command of C. A. Derrien and joined the ships east of Minorca.
The French ships arrived safely at Toulon at 2010/4th. Derrien’s force arrived back at Toulon at 0445 on the 5th.
British Force H arrived back at Gibraltar that evening.
Also departing on the 3rd was destroyer Trombe from Oran which arrived at Algiers on the 4th. On the 6th, the destroyer left and arrived at Toulon on the 7th.
Destroyers Brestoise and Boulonnais departed Oran on the 3rd and arrived at Algiers on the 4th. On the 6th, the destroyers departed and arrived at Toulon on the 7th.
Destroyers Tramontane, Tornade, and Typhon departed Oran on the 3rd and arrived at Algiers on the 4th. On the 11th, they departed and arrived at Bizerte on the 12th.
Sloops Le Chamois, L’Impeteuse, and La Batailleuse departed Oran on the 3rd and arrived at Bizerte on the 5th.
Seaplane tender Commandant Teste departed Mers el Kebir on the 4th and arrived at Arzew on the 4th. On the 6th, she departed and arrived at Bizerte on the 8th.
Destroyers Casque and Corsaire departed Oran on the 7th and arrived at Toulon on the 8th.
Sloop L’Annamite departed Algiers on the 8th and arrived at Toulon the 10th.
Sloop La Grandiere departed Oran on the 7th and arrived at Algiers on the 8th.
Submarines HMS Pandora and HMS Proteus, which had been detached from the Mediterranean Fleet to the North Atlantic Command upon departing Malta for patrol on 28 June, were off Mers el Kebir and Algiers.
Submarine HMS Proteus off Mers el Kebir sighted French seaplane tender Commandant Teste, which was en route to Toulon, but could not achieve an attack position.
Submarine HMS Proteus was taken under attack by French large destroyers Tigre and Lynx.
Submarine HMS Pandora off Algiers sank French sloop Rigault De Genouilly which was en route to Bizerte.
French submarines Le Glorieux and Le Heros, the armed merchant cruisers El D’Jezair, El Kantara, El Mansour, and Ville D’Oran, and destroyers Milan and Epervier at Dakar were ordered to attack British shipping as a reprisal for the Mers el Kebir action. On the 5th, British steamers Argyll (2953grt), Gambian (5452grt), and Takoradian (5452grt) and Danish ships under British flag Harald (1970grt), Tacoma (5905grt), and Ulrik Holm (1502grt) were seized by these forces. The steamers were renamed for French service. Steamer Argyll was renamed St Henri, steamer Gambian was renamed St Gabriel, steamer Takoradian was renamed St Paul, steamer Harald was renamed St Claude, and steamer Ulrik Holm was renamed Ste Isabelle. Steamer Tacoma was not renamed.
British steamer Temple Pier (4312grt) was seized at Algiers by French Forces. Steamer Temple Pier was renamed St Fernand for French service.
French steamer Caraibe (4048grt) departed Kilinini on the 4th. At 0612 on the 5th, Heavy cruiser HMS Kent intercepted the French ship in 6-57S, 42-19E. Cruiser Kent escorted the French ship to Mombasa arriving on the 6th.
Light cruiser HMS Dragon departed Lagos to evacuated Subjects from Santa Isabel on the 5th. These subjects were removed and taken to Manoca, arriving on the 6th. The light cruiser then proceeded to Duala, arriving on the 7th, on similar duties. Despite Vichy orders, the French Governor stated he would support the British and requested Dragon to remain at Duala.
Destroyer HMS Mashona at 0047 was ordered from Scapa Flow to investigate a Swedish ship in the vicinity of Clyth Ness. This steamer was found to be Danish steamer Ragnhild (2252grt) under British control. Destroyer Mashona escorted the steamer to Wick and then returned to Scapa Flow.
Destroyers HMS Inglefield (D.3), HMS Imogen, HMS Atherstone, and HMS Fernie on anti-submarine exercises were ordered to 59-24N, 1-15W westward of Hoy to search for a German submarine reported by aircraft of 612 Squadron at 1125. By midnight, no contact had been made and the destroyers returned to Scapa Flow.
Destroyers HMS Tartar (D.6), HMS Bedouin, HMS Ashanti, and HMS Mashona on gunnery trials were ordered to 59-10N, 5-35W to search for a German submarine reported by an aircraft of 612 Squadron aircraft at 1310. Following this search, at 0600/5th, they swept towards Fair Island Channel.
Submarine HMS Narwhal laid minefield FD.21 off Grip Holen, southwest of Trondheim. German auxiliary patrol vessel UJ.D (trawler Treff VIII (356grt) was sunk on this minefield in 63-15N, 7-39E on the 6th.
British minefield BS.21 was laid by minelayer HMS Teviotbank, escorted by destroyers HMS Jackal and HMS Jaguar.
Operation FISH: Battleship HMS Revenge (Captain E. R. Archer) departed Plymouth on the 4th with destroyers HMS Havelock, HMS Hesperus, and HMS Wanderer. On the 5th, battleship Revenge met anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Bonaventure (Captain H. J. Egerton) and troopships Monarch Of Bermuda (22,424grt), Sobieski (11,030grt), and Batory (14,287grt). These five ships, which carried $1,750,000,000 in gold and securities from the Bank of England for safekeeping in Canada, departed Greenock at 0545 on the 5th escorted by destroyer HMS Garth. The destroyers detached beyond the local approaches. Destroyer Garth returned to the Clyde. The British ships arrived safely at Halifax on the 12th. Troopship Batory with engine room defects was detached to St Johns escorted by anti-aircraft cruiser Bonaventure which then continued on to Halifax. Troopship Batory arrived at Halifax on the 13th.
British steamer Elmcrest (4343grt) was sunk by German motor torpedo boat S.19 thirteen miles south of Portland. Sixteen crewmen were lost on the steamer Elmcrest. The survivors were rescued by destroyer HMS Sabre.
British motor tanker British Corporal (6972grt) was damaged by German motor torpedo boats S.20 and S.26at 50-13N, 02-35W.
British steamer Hartlepool (5500grt) was damaged by German motor torpedo boats S.20 and S.26 sixteen miles south, southwest of Portland. The survivors from steamer Hartlepool were rescued by destroyer HMS Scimitar.
British steamer Dallas City (4952grt) was sunk by German bombing in 50-09N, 02-01W. Because of the bomb damage, steamer Dallas City collided with British steamer Flimstone (4674grt) before sinking. The entire crew of the steamer Dallas City was rescued by destroyer HMS Shikari.
While standing by steamer Dallas City, destroyer HMS Shikari was bombed by German bombers. The destroyer did not sustain any damage.
Dutch steamer Deucalion (1796grt) was sunk by German bombing twenty miles south, southwest of Portland. There were twenty seven survivors from steamer Deucalion.
Dutch steamer Britsum (5255grt) was sunk by German bombing off Selsey, in 50-04N, 1-55W.
Estonian steamer Kolga (3526grt) was sunk by German bombing 50-13N, 02-00W. One crewman was lost on the steamer Kolga.
British tug Silverdial (55grt) was sunk by German bombing in Portland Harbor.
British steamer Fairwater (4108grt) was damaged by German bombing in 50-16N, 02-14W.
British steamer Flimston (4674grt) was damaged by German bombing off Portland.
British steamer Antonio (5225grt) was damaged by German bombing twenty miles south, southwest of Portland Bill.
British steamer Eastmoor (5812grt) was damaged by German bombing 12 miles 314° from Portland Bill.
British steamer Argos Hill (7178grt) was damaged by German bombing off Portland.
British steamer City Of Melbourne (6630grt) was damaged by German bombing in Portland Harbor.
British steamer King Frederick (5106grt) was damaged by German bombing in 50-10N, 02-33W.
British steamer Irene Maria (1860grt) was damaged by German bombing in 50-30N, 02-00W.
British steamer Briarwood (4019grt) was damaged by German bombing off Portland.
British steamer Lifland (2254grt) was damaged by German bombing off Portland.
British steamer East Wales (4358grt) was damaged by German bombing in Portland Harbor.
British steamer William Wilberforce (5004grt) was damaged by German bombing in Portland Harbor.
Destroyers HMS Sabre, HMS Acheron, HMS Shikari, and HMS Scimitar were involved in rescue operations with convoy OA.178.
British dredger Coquet Mouth (477grt) was sunk by mine off Amble, two hundred and fifty yards east by north of the South Pier. Three crewmen were lost on the dredger.
British fishing vessel Remembrance (7grt) was sunk on a mine 51-53N, 01-22E. The crew of two was rescued.
Convoy OA.178 was attacked by German bombers and motor torpedo boats south of Portland Harbor. British auxiliary anti-aircraft ship HMS Foyle Bank (5582grt, Captain H. P. Wilson Rtd) was sunk by German bombing in Portland Harbor. Temporary Lt Cdr (E) B. Nish RNR, Temporary Lt (E) J. R. Bissett RNR, Temporary S/Lt (E) J. W. McMullan RNR, Lt W. G. P. Brigstocke RNVR, Probationary Temporary Surgeon Lt E. I. Smith, MB, ChB RNVR, and one hundred and seventy one ratings were lost on the ship. Thirteen officers and one hundred and forty four ratings were rescued.
Convoy FN.212 departed Southend, escorted by sloops HMS Black Swan and HMS Hastings. The convoy arrived in the Tyne on the 6th.
There was no convoy FN.213.
Convoy MT.102 departed Methil. The convoy arrived in the Tyne on the 5th.
Convoy FS.212 departed the Tyne, escorted by destroyer HMS Valorous and sloop HMS Stork. The convoy arrived at Southend on the 5th.
There was no convoy FS.213.
Convoy HX.55 departed Halifax escorted by Canadian destroyers HMCS Assiniboine and HMCS Ottawa which departed at 0730 on an anti-submarine sweep. Convoy BHX.55 departed Bermuda on the 2nd with a local escort of sloop HMS Penzance and an ocean escort of armed merchant cruiser HMS Ranpura. The convoy rendezvoused with HX.55 on the 7th and the armed merchant cruiser was detached. At 1913, armed merchant cruiser HMS Montclare joined as ocean escort and at 2115, the local escort left the convoy to return to Halifax. Destroyer HMS Winchelsea joined the convoy on the 14th for the day only. Sloop HMS Folkestone joined on the 14th and was detached on the 18th when the convoy arrived in Liverpool. Destroyer HMCS Skeena joined on the 15th for the day only. Corvette HMS GARDENIA joined the convoy on the 15th and was detached on the 17th.
Convoy SLF.38 departed Freetown escorted by armed merchant cruiser HMS Maloja to 17 July. The armed merchant cruiser arrived in the Clyde for fuel and water on the 19th. The convoy arrived at Liverpool on the 20th.
The War at Sea, Thursday, 4 July 1940 (naval-history.net)
French battleship STRASBOURG with large destroyers VOLTA, KERSAINT, TIGRE, and TERRIBLE and destroyers BORDELAIS and LA POURSIUVANTE, which had escaped from Mer el Kebir for Toulon were joined at sea by the six light cruisers of the 3rd and 4th Cruiser Divisions, destroyers L’INDOMPTABLE, LE MALI, LE FANTASQUE, and L’AUDACIEUX which had departed Algiers on the 3rd.
British carrier planes from aircraft carrier ARK ROYAL attacked this force three times without success.
French large destroyers VOLTA and TERRIBLE fired torpedoes at long range at Battlecruiser HOOD which was able to easily evade the torpedoes.
French heavy cruisers ALGERIE, FOCH, and COLBERT with destroyers VAUBAN, LION, and AIGLE of the 1st Large Destroyer Division, GUEPARD, VALMY, and VERDUN of the 3rd Large Destroyer Division, TARTU, LE CHEVALIER, and CASSARD of the 5th Large Destroyer Division, and VAUTOUR, GERFAUT, and ALBATROS of the 7th Large Destroyer Division departed Toulon under the Command of C. A. Derrien and joined the ships east of Minorca.
The French ships arrived safely at Toulon at 2010/4th. Derrien’s force arrived back at Toulon at 0445 on the 5th.
British Force H arrived back at Gibraltar that evening.
Also departing on the 3rd was destroyer TROMBE from Oran which arrived at Algiers on the 4th. On the 6th, the destroyer left and arrived at Toulon on the 7th.
Destroyers BRESTOISE and BOULONNAIS departed Oran on the 3rd and arrived at Algiers on the 4th. On the 6th, the destroyers departed and arrived at Toulon on the 7th.
Destroyers TRAMONTANE, TORNADE, and TYPHON departed Oran on the 3rd and arrived at Algiers on the 4th. On the 11th, they departed and arrived at Bizerte on the 12th.
Sloops LE CHAMOIS, L’IMPETEUSE, and LA BATAILLEUSE departed Oran on the 3rd and arrived at Bizerte on the 5th.
Seaplane tender COMMANDANT TESTE departed Mers el Kebir on the 4th and arrived at Arzew on the 4th. On the 6th, she departed and arrived at Bizerte on the 8th.
Destroyers CASQUE and CORSAIRE departed Oran on the 7th and arrived at Toulon on the 8th.
Sloop L’ANNAMITE departed Algiers on the 8th and arrived at Toulon the 10th.
Sloop LA GRANDIERE departed Oran on the 7th and arrived at Algiers on the 8th.
Submarines PANDORA and PROTEUS, which had been detached from the Mediterranean Fleet to the North Atlantic Command upon departing Malta for patrol on 28 June, were off Mer el Kebir and Algiers.
Submarine PROTEUS off Mer el Kebir sighted French seaplane tender COMMANDANT TESTE, which was en route to Toulon, but could not achieve an attack position.
Submarine PROTEUS was taken under attack by French large destroyers TIGRE and LYNX.
Submarine PANDORA off Algiers sank French sloop RIGAULT DE GENOUILLY which was en route to Bizerte.
French submarines LE GLORIEUX and LE HEROS, the armed merchant cruisers EL D’JEZAIR, EL KANTARA, EL MANSOUR, and VILLE D’ORAN, and destroyers MILAN and EPERVIER at Dakar were ordered to attack British shipping as a reprisal for the Mer el Kebir action.
On the 5th, British steamers ARGYLL (2953grt), GAMBIAN (5452grt), and TAKORADIAN (5452grt) and Danish ships under British flag HARALD (1970grt), TACOMA (5905grt), and ULRIK HOLM (1502grt) were seized by these forces.
The steamers were renamed for French service. Steamer ARGYLL was renamed ST HENRI, steamer GAMBIAN was renamed ST GABRIEL, steamer TAKORADIAN was renamed ST PAUL, steamer HARALD was renamed ST CLAUDE, and steamer ULRIK HOLM was renamed STE ISABELLE. Steamer TACOMA was not renamed.
British steamer TEMPLE PIER (4312grt) was seized at Algiers by French Forces.
Steamer TEMPLE PIER was renamed ST FERNAND for French service.
French steamer CARAIBE (4048grt) departed Kilinini on the 4th.
At 0612 on the 5th, Heavy cruiser KENT intercepted the French ship in 6‑57S, 42‑19E.
Cruiser KENT escorted the French ship to Mombasa arriving on the 6th.
Light cruiser DRAGON departed Lagos to evacuated Subjects from Santa Isabel on the 5th. These subjects were removed and taken to Manoca, arriving on the 6th.
The light cruiser then proceeded to Duala, arriving on the 7th, on similar duties. Despite Vichy orderers, the French Governor stated he would support the British and requested DRAGON to remain at Duala.
Destroyer MASHONA at 0047 was ordered from Scapa Flow to investigate a Swedish ship in the vicinity of Clyth Ness.
This steamer was found to be Danish steamer RAGNHILD (2252grt) under British control. Destroyer MASHONA escorted the steamer to Wick and then returned to Scapa Flow.
Destroyers INGLEFIELD (D.3), IMOGEN, ATHERSTONE, and FERNIE on anti-submarine exercises were ordered to 59‑24N, 1‑15W westward of Hoy to search for a German submarine reported by aircraft of 612 Squadron at 1125.
By midnight, no contact had been made and the destroyers returned to Scapa Flow.
Destroyers TARTAR (D.6), BEDOUIN, ASHANTI, and MASHONA on gunnery trials were ordered to 59‑10N, 5‑35W to search for a German submarine reported by an aircraft of 612 Squadron aircraft at 1310.
Following this search, at 0600/5th, they swept towards Fair Island Channel.
Submarine NARWHAL laid minefield FD.21 off Grip Holen, southwest of Trondheim.
German auxiliary patrol vessel UJ.D (trawler TREFF VIII (356grt) was sunk on this minefield in 63-15N, 7-39E on the 6th.
British minefield BS.21 was laid by minelayer TEVIOTBANK, escorted by destroyers JACKAL and JAGUAR.
Battleship REVENGE (Captain E. R. Archer) departed Plymouth on the 4th with destroyers HAVELOCK, HESPERUS, and WANDERER.
On the 5th, battleship REVENGE met anti-aircraft cruiser BONAVENTURE (Captain H. J. Egerton) and troopships MONARCH OF BERMUDA (22,424grt), SOBIESKI (11,030grt), and BATORY (14,287grt). These five ships, which carried $1,750,000,000 in gold and securities from the Bank of England for safekeeping in Canada, departed Greenock at 0545 on the 5th escorted by destroyer GARTH.
The destroyers detached beyond the local approaches. Destroyer GARTH returned to the Clyde.
The British ships arrived safely at Halifax on the 12th.
Troopship BATORY with engine room defects was detached to St Johns escorted by anti-aircraft cruiser BONAVENTURE which then continued on to Halifax. Troopship BATORY arrived at Halifax on the 13th.
Convoy OA.178 was attacked by German bombers and motor torpedo boats south of Portland Harbour.
British auxiliary anti-aircraft ship FOYLE BANK (5582grt, Captain H. P. Wilson Rtd) was sunk by German bombing in Portland harbour.
Temporary Lt Cdr (E) B. Nish RNR, Temporary Lt (E) J. R. Bissett RNR, Temporary S/Lt (E) J. W. McMullan RNR, Lt W. G. P. Brigstocke RNVR, Probationary Temporary Surgeon Lt E. I. Smith, MB, ChB RNVR, and one hundred and seventy-one ratings were lost on the ship. Thirteen officers and one hundred and forty-four ratings were rescued.
British steamer ELMCREST (4343grt) was sunk by German motor torpedo boat S.19 thirteen miles south of Portland.
Sixteen crew were lost on the steamer ELMCREST. The survivors were rescued by destroyer SABRE.
British motor tanker British CORPORAL (6972grt) was damaged by German motor torpedo boats S.20 and S.26at 50‑13N, 02‑35W.
British steamer HARTLEPOOL (5500grt) was damaged by German motor torpedo boats S.20 and S.26 sixteen miles south, southwest of Portland.
The survivors from steamer HARTLEPOOL were rescued by destroyer SCIMITAR.
British steamer DALLAS CITY (4952grt) was sunk by German bombing in 50‑09N, 02‑01W.
Because of the bomb damage, steamer DALLAS CITY collided with British steamer FLIMSTONE (4674grt) before sinking.
The entire crew of the steamer DALLAS CITY was rescued by destroyer SHIKARI.
While standing by steamer DALLAS CITY, destroyer SHIKARI was bombed by German bombers. The destroyer did not sustain any damage.
Dutch steamer DEUCALION (1796grt) was sunk by German bombing twenty miles south, southwest of Portland.
There were twenty-seven survivors from steamer DEUCALION.
Dutch steamer BRITSUM (5255grt) was sunk by German bombing off Selsey, in 50-04N, 1-55W.
Estonian steamer KOLGA (3526grt) was sunk by German bombing 50‑13N, 02‑00W.
One crewman was lost on the steamer KOLGA.
British tug SILVERDIAL (55grt) was sunk by German bombing in Portland Harbour.
British steamer FAIRWATER (4108grt) was damaged by German bombing in 50‑16N, 02‑14W.
British steamer FLIMSTON (4674grt) was damaged by German bombing off Portland.
British steamer ANTONIO (5225grt) was damaged by German bombing twenty miles south, southwest of Portland Bill.
British steamer EASTMOOR (5812grt) was damaged by German bombing 12 miles 314° from Portland Bill.
British steamer ARGOS HILL (7178grt) was damaged by German bombing off Portland.
British steamer CITY OF MELBOURNE (6630grt) was damaged by German bombing in Portland harbour.
British steamer KING FREDERICK (5106grt) was damaged by German bombing in 50‑10N, 02‑33W.
British steamer IRENE MARIA (1860grt) was damaged by German bombing in 50‑30N, 02‑00W.
British steamer BRIARWOOD (4019grt) was damaged by German bombing off Portland.
British steamer LIFLAND (2254grt) was damaged by German bombing off Portland.
British steamer EAST WALES (4358grt) was damaged by German bombing in Portland Harbour.
British steamer WILLIAM WILBERFORCE (5004grt) was damaged by German bombing in Portland Harbour.
Destroyers SABRE, ACHERON, SHIKARI, and SCIMITAR were involved in rescue operations with convoy OA.178.
Convoy FN.212 departed Southend, escorted by sloops BLACK SWAN and HASTINGS. The convoy arrived in the Tyne on the 6th.
There was no convoy FN.213.
Convoy MT.102 departed Methil. The convoy arrived in the Tyne on the 5th.
Convoy FS.212 departed the Tyne, escorted by destroyer VALOROUS and sloop STORK. The convoy arrived at Southend on the 5th.
There was no convoy FS.213.
British dredger COQUET MOUTH (477grt) was sunk by mine off Amble, two hundred and fifty yards east by north of the South Pier.
Three crew were lost on the dredger.
British fishing vessel REMEMBRANCE (7grt) was sunk on a mine 51‑53N, 01‑22E.
The crew of two were rescued.
Convoy HX.55 departed Halifax escorted by Canadian destroyers HMCS ASSINIBOINE and HMCS OTTAWA which departed at 0730 on an anti-submarine sweep.
Convoy BHX.55 departed Bermuda on the 2nd with a local escort of sloop PENZANCE and an ocean escort of armed merchant cruiser RANPURA. The convoy rendezvoused with HX.55 on the 7th and the armed merchant cruiser was detached.
At 1913, armed merchant cruiser MONTCLARE joined as ocean escort and at 2115, the local escort left the convoy to return to Halifax.
Destroyer WINCHELSEA joined the convoy on the 14th for the day only. Sloop FOLKESTONE joined on the 14th and was detached on the 18th when the convoy arrived in Liverpool. Destroyer HMCS SKEENA joined on the 15th for the day only. Corvette GARDENIA joined the convoy on the 15th and was detached on the 17th.
Convoy SLF.38 departed Freetown escorted by armed merchant cruiser MALOJA to 17 July.
The armed merchant cruiser arrived in the Clyde for fuel and water on the 19th. The convoy arrived at Liverpool on the 20th.
America celebrates its 164th birthday on a somber Independence Day, as war news from Europe grows darker by the week. There are only 14 quasi-democracies remaining in the world. The others are Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Chile.
Throughout the United States. Americans celebrated yesterday the 164th birthday of their country’s independence in traditional American ways. It was a “day off” on which to enjoy family picnics in the country, listen to patriotic oratory and shoot off firecrackers. The significance of the day was doubly emphasized by realization that elsewhere in the war-torn world there was little independence and that grimmer explosives than firecrackers were bursting. President Roosevelt set the pace for the nation by relaxing and eating hot dogs at a family picnic at Hyde Park and making a firm plea, in a letter to the Council Against Intolerance in America, for the banishment of “every vestige of racial hatred and religious bigotry.” Elsewhere in the nation — at hallowed Independence Hall in Philadelphia and in the House of Representatives at Washington — patriotic exercises were conducted. New York City had its full share of these ceremonies in all boroughs and at the World’s Fair.
Reports that President Roosevelt had decided to accept a third term nomination and had picked Secretary of State Hull as his vice-presidential running mate, excited Capitol Hill and the camps of other presidential aspirants today. The report emanated from usually authoritative sources and chilled hopes of most of those supporting other candidates. Supporters of Senator Wheeler, Montana Democrat, made clear, however, that they were disinclined to accept this decision as final.
A bomb removed from the British hall of the New York World’s Fair goes off, killing two policeman and critically wounding two more. A bomb explodes at the New York World’s Fair. The bomb, packed in a small canvas satchel, had been removed from the British pavilion an hour and a half earlier and taken to an open area at the edge of the fairgrounds. Attempting to determine whether it actually held a bomb, one detective cut a small strip from the satchel, revealing sticks of dynamite inside. Seconds later, it blew up. Since it was placed at the British exhibit, German saboteurs are suspected. Two policemen are killed. Many countries’ exhibits already are closing, since their home countries have been occupied.
In coming days, police questioned more than 100 possible suspects, including members of fascist and pro-Nazi groups. They also began to investigate workers at the British pavilion, on the theory that it might have been an inside job. New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia offered a $25,000 reward, then a considerable sum, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. On July 10, the police announced that they had put an unprecedented 1,500 detectives on the case. Even so, the case would go unsolved.
President Roosevelt, in a simple ceremony, turned over to the federal government today the $250,000 library in Hyde Park, New York, bearing his name, which is to house the state papers and other documents of his public life since he first went to the State Senate in 1910.
Sheriff’s deputies interrupted an Independence Day rally at Camp Nordland today and arrested Wilhelm Kunze, acting national leader of the German-American Bund, and two other Bund leaders, on charges of violating a state law that bans meetings which “promote hatred.” Shortly before a program of speeches was to start, Deputies Corteylou Fisher and James Crossett of Sussex County served warrants on Kunze, Augustus Klapprott, camp manager and president of the New Jersey bund; and Mathias Kohler. All were identified as officials of the camp, a separate corporation affiliated with the bund. A similar warrant was issued for a man identified as a bund magazine writer, but it was not served. Kunze, whose home is in New York City, succeeded Fritz Kuhn last November as acting head of the national organization.
During a professional appearance at the Manistee National Forest Festival, a faulty brace irritates the ankle of Robert Pershing Wadlow. At 8′ 11″, he is the tallest person ever recorded in human history. The chafing causes a blister and subsequent parasitic infection. Doctors treat him with a blood transfusion and emergency surgery, but his condition worsens due to an auto-immune disorder, and on July 15, 1940, he dies in his sleep at age 22.
Sonja Henie, ice skating’s Norwegian glamour girl, and Daniel Reid Topping, millionaire Now York sportsman, were married in Chicago late today in a quiet ceremony culminating six months’ avowals that they were “just good friends.”
British actress Gertrude Lawrence weds American theater producer Richard Aldrich (37) on her 42nd birthday; they remain married until her death in 1952; second marriage for both.
The drama film “All This, and Heaven Too” starring Bette Davis and Charles Boyer was released.
Ab Wright of Minneapolis (AA) follows one home run in the morning game of a holiday doubleheader with 4 home runs and a triple — 19 total bases — against St. Paul at Nicollet Park. Wright’s first homer in game two is a monster shot that clears the center-field wall. His 4 homers in a game ties the 1935 mark of Dale Alexander of KC off Steve Sundra of Minneapolis, and the 19 TB is a new AA record. The Millers win the 2nd game, 17–5, after losing the a.m. game, 3–2. Wright will win the AA Triple Crown, hitting .369, 39 home runs, and 159 RBIs.
Major League Baseball:
The roar of Yankee artillery echoed over the Boston Common today in a peacetime entertainment that saw the American League champions win a doubleheader from the Red Sox before a gathering of 29,000. In their most explosive home run demonstration of the season the Yankees were like the Bombers of old. They smothered the pitifully weak threat of Joe Cronin’s band in the opener, 12–4, and in the nightcap they ran off with the spoils by 7–3, climbing within a game and a half of the third-place Sox. Eight round-trippers rang off Yankee bats in the double-feature, which was played on a field made heavy by pre-game rains. Five homers came in the opener, two by the redoubtable Charley Keller, whose season total soared to fifteen. Two of the three in the afterpiece were struck by the freshman catcher, Buddy Rosar, who specialized in hitting first pitches. They were his first two home runs of the year.
The Tigers draw the largest crowd in their history, 56,272, for the first-place showdown with the Indians. Detroit takes the opener, 5–3, behind Tommy Bridges five-hit complete game. The Indians bounce back to win the nitecap in 11 innings, 2–1, to regain first place. Their previous largest crowd was last year on opening day at the newly enlarged Briggs Stadium.
Washington sweeps a pair from the visiting Philadelphia A’s, winning 5–1 and 9–5. The Senators’ centerfielder George Case leads the way with a record-tying 9 hits in the 2 games. His last six were consecutive. On the day, he went 9-for-10. Rookie Hudson won the opener with a six-hitter. Joe Haynes won the nightcap in relief.
The Chicago White Sox took a doubleheader with the St. Louis Browns today, the first game by 7–3 and the second by 8–5, before a crowd of 19,519. The Sox had 17 hits in the opener, and 12 more in the nightcap. Thornton Lee and Edgar Smith got the wins.
The Brooklyn Dodgers thrashed the Giants in both ends of their doubleheader at the Polo Grounds. Two homers by Babe Phelps and one by Joe Medwick, coupled with more murderous hitting by Dixie Walker, gave Brooklyn the first game, 5–1, as Curt Davis decisively out-pitched Bill Lohrman. In the nightcap, with Cookie Lavagetto contributing a circuit blast and the left-handed Vito Tamulis spinning a three-hitter, the Dodgers routed Harry Gumbert to win, 6–1.
The Reds batted and fielded like champions today to win twice from the Pirates, 9–1 and 3–1, and remain one game behind the Dodgers and tie a modern National League record of four consecutive double triumphs. Allowing the visitors seven hits in the opener, Bucky Walters made two and scored two runs. The Reds routed Bob Klinger in the third inning with a five-run barrage. Three more Reds scored in the sixth on two singles, a double steal, and Ival Goodman’s fifth home run of the year. The Pirates’ only tally in the nightcap followed a first-inning walk, a single by Frank Gustine and a force play. The Reds tied the score in their half and added two runs in the fourth.
Behind Clyde Shoun’s five-hit pitching, the Cardinals won the second game of a double-header from the Cubs today, 5–2, after losing, 4–3. Except for the sixth inning, the southpaw who formerly was a Cub and who did only relief work for the Cardinals until Billy Southworth replaced Ray Blades as manager, had Chicago under control. Billy Herman singled in the first and Glen Russell tripled in the ninth and there were no hits between, except in the sixth. Shoun struck out nine and issued only one base on balls.
The Phillies and the Bees split a holiday doubleheader at Shibe Park today. The Phillies took the opener, 4–3, on Joe Marty’s pinch single with the score tied, the bases full and one out in the ninth inning. The Bees won the second game, 5–4, after calling on Dick Coffman and Bill Posedel to stop two Philadelphia rallies. Cy Blanton, Pirate cast-off, chalked up his third straight victory for the Phillies.
New York Yankees 12, Boston Red Sox 4
New York Yankees 7, Boston Red Sox 3
St. Louis Browns 3, Chicago White Sox 7
St. Louis Browns 5, Chicago White Sox 8
Pittsburgh Pirates 1, Cincinnati Reds 9
Pittsburgh Pirates 1, Cincinnati Reds 3
Cleveland Indians 3, Detroit Tigers 5
Cleveland Indians 2, Detroit Tigers 1
Brooklyn Dodgers 5, New York Giants 1
Brooklyn Dodgers 6, New York Giants 1
Boston Bees 3, Philadelphia Phillies 4
Boston Bees 5, Philadelphia Phillies 4
Chicago Cubs 4, St. Louis Cardinals 3
Chicago Cubs 2, St. Louis Cardinals 5
Philadelphia Athletics 1, Washington Senators 5
Philadelphia Athletics 5, Washington Senators 9
The Canadian Government is banning many U.S. publications. Today, the New York Post and Chicago Tribune join 115 others.
Japanese bombers attacked Chungking, China in multiple waves.
British residents of Japan are ready for a sudden departure. A break with Japan for the first time in British history begins to appear a probability rather than a possibility.
The Japanese Ambassador, Mamoru Shigemitsu, conferred today with Richard Austen Butler, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. He was reported to have said that a negative reply to Japanese demands that the British halt shipments over the Burma road to the Chinese Government of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek would play into the hands of Japanese extremists and embarrass the desire of the Japanese Government to maintain friendly relations with Britain and the United States.
Japan is pleased with the “cooperative and conciliatory attitude” shown by France in the Indo-China crisis, informed sources said tonight. As a concrete expression of its gratification over the peaceful settlement of the dispute over supply routes to China the Tokyo government is reported to have recalled the warships recently sent to French Indo-China waters. Before they left, two coastal blockade stations were organized with the cooperation of French authorities, and today Japanese Army officers had established control stations at five key points along the highways and railroads connecting Indo-China with China. These actions sealed Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek’s only year-round route of supply; but the route through British Burma — usable only part of the year — still is open.
Born:
Karolyn Grimes, American child actress (“Zuzu” – “It’s a Wonderful Life”), in Hollywood, California.
Dave Rowberry, English rock organist, and piano player (The Animals – “House of the Rising Sun”), in Nottingham, England, United Kingdom (d. 2003).
Pat Stapleton, Canadian NHL and WHA defenseman (NHL All-star, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1972; Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks; WHA: Chicago Cougars, Indianapolis Racers, Cincinnati Stingers), in Samia, Ontario, Canada (d. 2020).
Hank Goldberg, American sports broadcaster (radio color commentator, Miami Dolphins, 1978-92; ESPN2; ESPN Radio), in Newark, New Jersey (d. 2022).
Died:
Jack Foreman Mantle, 23, English sailor and recipient of the Victoria Cross (killed in action in Portland Harbour).
Naval Construction:
The Royal Canadian Navy Bangor-class (VTE Reciprocating-engined) minesweepers HMCS Nipigon (J 154) and HMCS Burlington (J 250) are laid down by the Dufferin Shipbuilding Co. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada).
The Kriegsmarine (German Navy) Type VIIC U-boats U-453 and U-454 are laid down by Deutsche Werke AG, Kiel (werk 284 and 285).
The Royal Navy Bangor-class (Diesel-engined) minesweeper HMS Blackpool (J 27) is launched by Harland & Wolff Ltd. (Govan, Scotland).
The Royal Navy Flower-class corvette HMS Nasturtium (K 107) is launched by the Smiths Dock Co., Ltd. (South Bank-on-Tees, U.K.).
The Royal Navy Flower-class corvette HMS Windflower (K 155) is launched by the Davie Shipbuilding and Repairing Co. Ltd. (Lauzon, Quebec, Canada). She is transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy before completion, and commissions as HMCS Windflower (K 155).
The Royal Navy “N”-class destroyer HMS Nizam (G 38) is launched by the John Brown Shipbuilding & Engineering Company Ltd. (Clydebank, Scotland). She is transferred to the Royal Australian Navy before completion, and commissions as HMAS Nizam (G 38).
The Royal Navy Fairmile A-class motor launch HMS ML 108 is commissioned.
The Kriegsmarine (German Navy) Type 35 torpedo boat T9 is commissioned.
History Diaries 