February 21st, 1940 (WEDNESDAY)
UNITED KINGDOM:
The cavity magnetron operates for the first time at the University of Birmingham. It soon becomes apparent that this crude device -- with vacuum seals of sealing wax and penny coins -- is producing several hundred watts of power on the undreamed of wavelength of ten centimetres. The microwave era has begun. (Cris Wetton).Emergency measures to deal with a coal shortage arising from the severe winter weather includes a drastic reduction of passenger train services.
NORTH SEA: An escort attacked U-19 with depth charges. The boat was damaged slightly.
GERMANY: The preparations for an attack on Norway move forward another stage with the appointment of General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst as commander of Army Norwegen. He has been selected by the Armed Forces High Command (OKW) without consulting the Army High Command (OKH).
GIBRALTAR: U.S. freighter SS Sahale is detained by British authorities at Gibraltar; the freighter SS Exhibitor, detained since 17 February, is allowed to proceed.
ATLANTIC OCEAN: The cruiser HMS Manchester and the destroyer HMS Kimberley capture another of the six German merchant vessels which the Royal Navy is hunting.
At 1809, SS Loch Maddy, a straggler from Convoy HX-19, was hit by one torpedo from U-57 amidships and was abandoned 92 miles SSW of Rockall. Four crewmembers were lost. The master and 34 crewmembers were picked up by destroyer HMS Diana and landed at Scapa Flow.
SS Tara sunk by U-50 at 42.45N, 10.25W.