Historical Events
- Altmark Incident: Crew of the British destroyer "Cossack" board German "Altmark" in Jøssingfjord, Norway, releasing 299 British prisoners after hand-to-hand fighting with bayonets and the last recorded Royal Naval action with cutlass
Famous Birthdays
- Dennis Gamsy, South African cricketer (South African bat in 2 Tests v Australia 1970), born in Glenwood, South Africa
- Willi Holdorf, German athlete (Olympic gold, United Team of Germany, decathlon 1964), born in Blomesche Wildnis, Germany (d. 2020)
1940 Highlights
About February 17, 1940
Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 81 years, 5 months and 13 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Aquarius
