World War II: January – March 1940

The early months of 1940 witnessed a dramatic escalation of World War II, shifting the focus from the initial blitzkrieg in Poland to a wider theatre of conflict. This period saw the dramatic entry of Finland into the war, the intensification of the U-boat campaign against Allied shipping, and the first British casualties in a German air raid.

The Winter War: Finland’s Resistance

On November 30, 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Finland, marking the beginning of the “Winter War.” Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, the Finnish forces, known for their skill in winter warfare, put up a fierce resistance. The war lasted for over three months, with the Soviet Union eventually securing significant territorial gains. However, the Finnish defense, particularly their use of ski troops and innovative tactics, earned them global admiration and sympathy. This conflict also highlighted the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea region.

The U-Boat Campaign: A Growing Threat

Germany’s U-boat campaign, which had begun in September 1939, intensified during this period. The German submarines, operating primarily in the Atlantic Ocean, targeted Allied shipping, aiming to disrupt supply lines and cripple the British economy. The U-boat attacks caused significant losses, leading to a growing sense of vulnerability among the Allies. This campaign would become a major factor in the war, forcing the Allies to develop countermeasures and prioritize convoy systems to protect their merchant ships.

The Battle of the North Sea: Early Air Raids

On January 14, 1940, the first British casualties in a German air raid occurred at Scapa Flow, a major British naval base in Scotland. The raid, conducted by Luftwaffe bombers, demonstrated the growing threat posed by German air power. It also highlighted the vulnerabilities of British naval bases, prompting a review of defensive strategies and the development of new technologies to counter air attacks.

The Phony War: A Period of Relative Calm

Despite the escalating conflict in Scandinavia and the growing threat of U-boat attacks, the period between September 1939 and April 1940, often referred to as the “Phony War,” was characterized by a period of relative calm on the Western Front. Both sides were engaged in a stalemate, with neither willing to launch a major offensive. This period provided a window for the Allies to regroup, rebuild their forces, and prepare for the coming conflicts.

The Importance of January to March 1940

The events of January to March 1940 marked a turning point in World War II, shifting the focus from the initial blitzkrieg in Poland to a wider theatre of conflict. The Winter War demonstrated Finland’s resilience and the strategic importance of Scandinavia. The escalation of the U-boat campaign highlighted the growing threat posed by German naval power. And the first British casualties in a German air raid at Scapa Flow signaled the onset of air warfare, which would become a defining feature of the war.

Further Reading

For those interested in learning more about this period, here are some resources:

• “The Winter War: Finland Against Russia, 1939-1940” by William R. Trotter
• “The U-Boat War 1939-1945” by Jürgen Rohwer
• “The Phony War: The Forgotten Story of the First Six Months of World War II” by Michael Balfour