21 January 1941 The Communist Daily Worker newspaper is banned. It had ignored a July 1940 warning that its pacifist line contravened Defence Regulation 2D, which made it an offence to 'systematically to publish matter calculated to foment opposition to the prosecution of the war'. When Germany invaded Russia in June 1941, the British Communists became fervent supporters of the war and the ban was lifted. 13 and 14 March 1941 Major air raids destroy most of Clydebank. 10 May 1941 Last major attack on London of the 1940-41 Blitz. May 27, 1941: the Bismarck is sunk after-hours cannon duels and biplane torpedo attacks 1 June 1941 Civilian clothing is rationed for the first time. 18 December 1941 The National Service (No. 2) Act is passed. All men 18-60 and unmarried women and childless widows aged 20-30 are now liable to some form of national service, including military service for those under 51. The first military registration of 18.5-year-olds takes place. The Schedule of Reserved Occupations is abandoned: from now on only individual deferments from the draft will be accepted. 1942 23 January 1942 First US Army troops arrive in the UK. Disembarking at Belfast, the officers were the advanced party of a force intended to defend Northern Ireland and release British troops for service overseas. 5 March 1942 The Daily Mirror publishes a controversial cartoon by Philip Zec which Churchill and other senior government figures alleged was damaging to public morale. Zec is investigated by MI5 and the government seriously proposes banning the newspaper until parliamentary opposition forces a retreat. 23 April 1942 Beginning of so-called Baedeker Blitz on English provincial towns, mainly chosen for their historic and cultural significance; Exeter, Bath, Canterbury, Lincoln and York along with several coastal towns were targeted. Attacks continue sporadically until 6 June. 1 July 1942 The basic civilian petrol ration was abolished, making fuel unavailable to private car owners. 15 November 1942 Church bells were rung all over the United Kingdom for the first time since May 1940, in celebration of victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein. 1 December 1942 Sir William Beveridge's Report on Social Insurance and Allied Services published. The Ministry of Labour reports that 1942 strikes cost 1,527,000 working days, as compared with 1,079,000 in 1941. 1943 18 February 1943 The House of Commons votes, 335 to 119, against a Labour amendment demanding the creation of a