UNITED KINGDOM: RAF Bomber Command: 4 Group (Whitley). No ops due to bad weather.

Westminster: Britain is to extend the naval blockade of ships which may be carrying supplies to Germany to take in virtually all ships crossing the North Atlantic. The Minister for Economic Warfare, Hugh Dalton, told the Commons today that the steps were necessary now that Germany controlled the European coast from the North Cape to the Pyrenees. Neutral countries will be granted "Navicerts" to cover domestic needs, but not for re-export. France and all French Africa are to be designated enemy territory.

Bombs fall for the first time on Merthyr Tydfil.

Through penetrating cloud and drizzle a Dornier, at 06:04, released 15 HEs onto Norwich which causes considerable damage, killing 10 and injuring 16 residents. 

Additional to other cloud cover attacks over the east, south, Scotland and the Orkneys there was a follow-up anti-shipping foray off Suffolk by Bf110s of Erpro 210 during which one was shot down by 85 Sqn. 

In the early evening there was a raid on Esher's balloon sites, where the ARP post was hit. 

Night operations included mining of Liverpool Bay - partly by Fw 200s - and mining of Barry Docks in Wales. 

At Monmouth 13 HEs fell, Heysham, Lancashire was another target.

RAF Fighter Command: 5 Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed, no RAF casualties.

GERMANY: Hitler tells Göring  to have his forces ready to begin 'the great battle of the Luftwaffe against England' at 12 hours notice.

U-129 laid down.

U-93 commissioned.

KENYA Mombasa: Wavell replies to Churchill's request that the newly arrived South African Brigade be used in an offensive manner against the Italians.

...South African Brigade is only partially trained at present and requires further training before being employed offensively. They must also become acclimatised and learn anti-malaria precautions, etc.

Conditions in East Africa necessitate crossing of 200 miles of almost roadless and waterless bush desert before offensive against Italian East Africa can be made. African native troops who have smaller requirements and are more accustomed to bush conditions are more suitable than white troops for forward role...

As to use elsewhere, I understood when the brigade was offered that Smuts had given pledge in Union that South Africans would not be used north of the Equator...

I am sure you will keep considerations of geography, climate, deserts, distances etc., constantly in the minds of Middle East Committee. It all looks so simple to them and others on a small-scale map.