Today in World War II History—December 24, 1941

President Roosevelt addresses the crowd at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony from the White House South Portico on December 24, 1941. Churchill can be seen on the right. (FDR Presidential Library)
80 Years Ago—Dec. 24, 1941: British Eighth Army takes Benghazi, Libya.
As Japanese advance on Luzon, Gen. Douglas MacArthur begins withdrawal of US and Filipino forces to the Bataan Peninsula.
White House tree-lighting ceremony is moved to south end of grounds to be easily seen, the last tree-lighting until 1945.
Free French naval forces under Adm. Émile Muselier seize Vichy-controlled Saint Pierre and Miquelon islands off Newfoundland, despite opposition from UK, Canada & US.

Japanese General Homma at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, 24 Dec 1941 (US Army Center of Military History)