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Diary Of WW2 — Day 74

Nov 13, 12:00 PM

Monday 13th November 1939

Victims are claimed by the German minefield laid in the Thames on the night if the 12th/13th. At 0518 Cruiser minelayer Adventure strikes a mine and is badly damaged. Nine ratings are killed, fifteen listed as missing and 67 wounded. Assisted by tugs, she is able to limp at at five knots to Chatham dockyard. After temporary repairs, she leaves for Plymouth. Permanent repairs carried out there take until 18 September 1940.

Blanche, one of Adventure’s destroyer escort, also hits a mine at 0825 and near the same spot. One rating is killed, one listed missing. Twelve sailors are wounded. Survivors are rescued by tugs and a trawler as Blanche sinks two hours after striking the mine. Blanche is the first British destroyer lost in the war.

Russo-Finnish negotiations over an exchange of territory and border revisions finally break down. The Finns will not cede Hanko to the Soviets because it would give the USSR complete control over the Gulf of Finland and the most important part of the country. As a result of the breakdown of the talks, Stalin orders preparations for war against Finland to be made.

For the first time German bombers drop bombs on British territory — in the Shetland Islands. The raid is targeting naval vessels and flying boats. No significant damage is done, although a rabbit is reported to have been killed.

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