Eastern Front
Stalingrad: Germans launch second ‘final’ offensive at Stalingrad, preceded by ferocious artillery/mortar barrage and deadly accurate Stuka raids. Ruined Tractor Factory overrun, but Siberian regiment holds ‘Red October’ works in city centre against 117 separate attacks (including 23 in 1 day). Offensive ends in late October.
Sea War
Atlantic: Nova Scotia-Newfoundland ferry steamer Caribou sunk by U-boat (137 killed).
Pacific: Japanese cruisers bombard Henderson Field (repeated October 15-16) while Japanese reinforcements land on Guadalcanal.