UNITED KINGDOM: Submarine HMS Tally-Ho launched.
ASW trawler HMS Fusilier launched.
Minesweeping trawler HMS Sir Lomorack launched.
Bomber Command Venturas attacked naval installations at Den Helder, whilst Boston light bombers attacked facilities at St Malo. The Ventura attack proved particularly accurate, badly damaging a torpedo workshop. (Dave Shirlaw)
GERMANY:
U.S.S.R.: The Soviet defenses along the Myshkova River finally halts the German relief column headed for Stalingrad. They are close enough for the besieged Germans, within Stalingrad, to hear the sounds of battle.
TUNISIA: Heavy rain stops both sides' operations.
NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES: HMAS Voyager (VandW class destroyer) is wrecked on a beach during a supply run to the Australian 2/4 Independent Company who are conducting a guerrilla campaign against the Japanese on Timor. (Daniel Ross)
CANADA:
Frigates HMCS Matane (ex-Stormont), Montreal and Stormont laid down Montreal, Province of Quebec. (Dave Shirlaw)
U.S.A.: The British motion picture "In Which We Serve" opens at the Capitol Theater in New York City. Directed by Noel Coward and David Lean, this war drama about the Royal Navy stars Coward, John Mills, Bernard Miles, Michael Wilding and Richard Attenborough. (Jack McKillop)
Submarine USS Rock laid down.
AA cruiser USS Tucson laid down.
Destroyer USS Beale commissioned. (Dave Shirlaw)