12th January 1920
Smithsonian Institution announces Robert Goddard’s invention and testing of a new type or rocket that could one day reach the moon.
Ship Losses:
Afrique (France) Chargeurs Réunis' 5,404 GRT ocean liner foundered in the Bay of Biscay 32 nautical miles (59 km) off the Île de Ré with the loss of 556 of the 599 people on board. Survivors were rescued by
Ceylan ( France) and another vessel.
Monte Grande (France) The schooner was driven ashore at East Wittering, Sussex, United Kingdom and was wrecked.
Serbier (Belgium) The cargo ship foundered in the Bay of Biscay 80 nautical miles (150 km) off Penmarc'h, Finistère, France (47°38′N 6°10′W). Her crew were rescued by
Docteur Pierre Benoit ( France).