September 1940

Wednesday 04:

World War II: The USS Greer becomes the first United States ship fired upon by a German submarine in the war, even though the United States is a neutral power. Tension heightens between the two nations as a result.

Saturday 07:

Treaty of Craiova: Romania loses Southern Dobrudja to Bulgaria.

Wednesday 11:

George Stibitz pioneers the first remote operation of a computer.

Thursday 12:

The Hercules Munitions Plant in Kenvil, New Jersey explodes, killing 55 people.

Friday 13:

Italy invades Egypt.

Sunday 15:

World War II: The Battle of Britain ends with a Royal Air Force victory over the Luftwaffe.

Monday 16:

Sam Rayburn elected Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

Tuesday 24:

Baseball: Jimmie Foxx becomes the second member of the 500 home run club with a home run at Shibe Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Friday 27:

The Tripartite Pact is signed in Berlin by Germany, Japan and Italy.