1937 The Japanese change the name of Peiping to Peking. They also begin what will be known as the Rape of Nanking, during which they massacre an estimated quarter of a million Chinese. 1939 Because of its brutal aggression against Finland, the Soviet Union is expelled from the League of Nations. 1940 Australian troops relieve

1937 The Japanese army occupies Nanking, China. 1939 In the south Atlantic, the pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee, fights an action against three British cruisers, HMS Achilles, HMS Ajax and HMS Exeter, which results in serious damage to both sides. HMS Exeter is rendered a blazing hulk and the Graf Spee withdraws to the neutral

1937 The Japanese fire on British and U.S. ships on the Yangtze River in China, sinking the American ship Panay. The Japanese apologize to the United States and pay reparations; the British refuse to accept any Japanese apology. 1939 Finnish have some success against Russian troops at Tolvajrvi, inflicting heavy casualties. Two German cruisers which

1939 Finnish ski troops attack Soviet supply line on Raate Road. 1940 Sidi Barrani is captured along with over 20,000 Italians, bringing the total captured to nearly 38,000 in 2 days, along with 237 guns and 73 tanks. At this time, Wavell decides to withdraw the 4th Indian Division and send it to the Sudan.

1939 France bans sale of meat on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. 1940 Sidi Barrani is surrounded. Italian troops from the camps at Sofafi and Rabia flee west as the 7th Armoured divisions thrust threaten to encircle them. 1941 Karel Richter, a German spy who parachuted into Hertfordshire is executed at Wandsworth Prison. British forces that

1939 In friendly fire incident near Metz, France, Cpl. Thomas Priday becomes the first British soldier killed in WWII. 1940 The Western Desert Force which is 30,000 strong and under the command of Wavell takes to the offensive ‘Operation Compass’. The 4th Indian division captures the Italian camps at Nibeiwa, Tumar East and West, while