February 21st, 1944 (MONDAY)
ÉIRE: Dublin: The US requests that Dublin expel Axis diplomats.
UNITED KINGDOM: Escort carrier HMS Reaper commissioned.
GERMANY: "Big Week" 617 B-17s and 244 B-24s are dispatched to hit aircraft industry at Brunswick and various airfields in Germany. 16 aircraft are lost.
ITALY:
Alberto di Filippis writes to his brother from the village of Cava dei Tirreni (courtesy of Brian Millo)
Cava, 21 February 1944
Dear brother,
I am at last managing to send you some news. I am well. As is Prospero and everybody at home. We had 18 days of emergency, from 10 to 28 September, with a complete English (
sic) victory. A great many English are occupying the Croce pass and are encamped there, mostly close to Monticello: they’re all most courteous and generous. Some of them left us weeping. The military events did not cause damage to the house: but a fire triggered some looting, and it was almost completely destroyed, from the second to the third floor. We have done some repairs and have sorted ourselves out: but there is still much to do — and we have no money. It goes without saying that life has become fantastically expensive as a result of the rapacious growth of a ruthless black market. The Allies have begun to fight it, but to wipe it out will want more time.And what about you? Send me detailed news. We all long for it passionately. I cannot give you confirmation of Ferdinando [the third brother]: communications with the rest of Italy are cut off. His most recent postcard dates back to the end of August, and it arrived here hardly two days ago. Ever more affectionate hugs from us all to you all. I pray always for you. God grant that we may kiss each other again.
Your brother Albert.
INDIAN OCEAN: Unescorted SS Fenris torpedoed amidships by U-168, but was able to reach Bombay in damaged condition under own power for repairs.
CHINA: The 8th Route Army takes Taiku.
JAPAN: Prime Minister Tojo assumes the office of Chief of Army General Staff. Navy Minister Shimada replaces Admiral Nagano as Chief of Naval General Staff.
PACIFIC OCEAN: From Glen Boren's diary: After the raid on Truk, we departed for the Marianas. At about 1630 on February 21, 1944, two Jap 'Betties' sighted our convoy. One of them was shot down by our CAP but the other one got away.
About 2100, Torpedo defence was sounded as more 'Betties' were sighted on radar. Shortly after that, General Quarters sounded as they moved in for the kill. 11 or 12 'Betties' were shot down during the night by the convoy and none of our ships were hit. After being located, we figured we would get a real hot reception in the morning as we moved into strike position.
US Marines with support of naval bombardment and carrier aircraft secure Eniwetok Atoll.
CANADA:
Corvette HMCS Hespeler (ex-HMS Guildford Castle) commissioned.
Minesweepers HMCS Guysborough, Kenora, Canso and Wasaga departed Halifax for Devonport via Azores.
U.S.A.:
Aircraft carrier USS Leyte laid down.
Destroyer escorts USS Otter and Roche commissioned.
Destroyer USS Ross commissioned.