Today in World War II History—October 27, 1939 & 1944

British Achilles tank destroyer crossing the River Savio, Italy, 24 October 1944 (Imperial War Museum)

75 Years Ago—Oct. 27, 1939: US consul meets with British at Gibraltar to protest protracted British detention of US merchant ships.

70 Years Ago—Oct. 27, 1944: In Italy, Gen. Maitland Wilson orders halt to Allied offensive for the winter due to fatigue, heavy rains, and flooding; US Fifth Army drive halts 9 miles short of Bologna.