1939 General Smuts wins cabinet battle in South Africa and declares war on Germany. German troops advancing through Poland occupy the former German industrial area of Upper Silesia. German troops take Krakow, Poland. 1940 The Luftwaffe bring to a close the third phase of their air offensive “Battle of Britain”, having lost 308 aircraft in […]
World War II Today: September 6 Read More »
1939 President Roosevelt declares US neutrality and upholds ban on export of weapons. The US establishes Neutrality Patrol to monitor military operations in western hemisphere and declares Neutrality Zone 300 miles off east coast. French forces begin a limited offensive towards Saarbrucken. Under the relentless pressure by the Wehrmacht, the Polish Army withdraws behind the
World War II Today: September 5 Read More »
Words At War “They Left the Back Door Open“ Released April 17, 1945. Words At War, the series that brings you radio versions of the leading war book another adaptation of an important war book, “They Left the Back Door Open”. The story of Bill Donaldson a hero who deserted from the British Army to
NBC Words At War Episode 93 “They Left the Back Door Open“ Read More »
1939 The RAF attacks German shipping at Wilhelmshaven, Cuxhaven and Schillig Roads, with negligible results (7 out of 30 Wellington bombers are shot down by German fighters and Anti-Aircraft). The German 3rd Army and 4th Army join in the Corridor and re-establish the land connection between East Prussia and the Reich that was severed in
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1939The official beginning of World War 2: After Germany rejects the Anglo-French ultimatum of September 1st, which called for the withdrawal of all German forces from Poland, Britain and France declare war on Germany at 11am. The Kriegsmarine begins its campaign against British merchant shipping with 17 U-boats putting to sea out of a total
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1939 National Service Act passed in Britain. Hitler indicates to the Britain and France that he would withdraw from Poland provided that he was allowed to retain Danzig and the Polish Corridor. This was dismissed and a joint ultimatum was given to Germany to withdraw her troops from Poland within twelve hours or find herself
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NBC Words At War Episode 17 “Eighty-Three Days: The Survival Of Seaman Izzi“ Released October 5, 1943. Words At War, the series that brings you radio versions of the leading war books brings today the story of Seaman Second Class, Basil Dominic Izzy and his companions and their 83 day odyssey aboard a life raft
NBC Words At War Episode 17 “Eighty-Three Days: The Survival Of Seaman Izzi“ Read More »
1939 World War II Begins Three German Army Groups begin the invasion of Poland at 4:45am. Massive strikes by the Luftwaffe destroy vital communications and assembly areas, decimating the Polish air force on the ground. Panzer and motorised divisions make deep penetrations into the Polish defences, using tactics soon to be known as the Blitzkrieg. Officially, the first
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1939 The British fleet is put on full alert. 1940 RAF’s worst day in Battle of Britain: most bases out of action, 41 planes lost. RAF 303 Squadron (Polish) flies first patrol and makes first kill. Weekly rations in Vichy France now 4oz of sugar, 6oz spaghetti, 1.5oz rice and 3oz margarine per person. 1941
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1940 The British Battleship Valiant, the Aircraft Carrier Illustrious and two Cruisers leave Gibraltar bound for Alexandria to reinforce Admiral Cunningham’s Mediterranean fleet. In an effort to avert war between her allies Romania and Hungary and to secure his southern flank prior to attacking the Soviet Union, Germany and Italy under the second Vienna Award
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