1940 — Hitler Finalizes the Invasion of Scandinavia
Adolf Hitler issues final orders for the invasions of Denmark and Norway to begin on April 9, 1940.
The operation, known as Operation Weserübung, is designed to secure German access to vital Swedish iron ore shipments and establish strategic naval and air bases along the Norwegian coast.
The decision marks another major escalation in the war and demonstrates Germany’s determination to dominate Northern Europe.
German Air Attacks Continue
The Luftwaffe renews attacks against Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy’s major anchorage in the Orkney Islands, as well as British convoys operating in the North Sea.
The raids are part of Germany’s continuing effort to weaken British naval power and disrupt maritime supply lines.
1941 — Rommel Advances and the Red Sea Flotilla Destroyed
Axis Offensive in North Africa
The German 5th Light Division recaptures Agedabia from British forces as General Erwin Rommel continues his bold offensive across Cyrenaica.
The Axis attack rapidly develops into a sweeping maneuver campaign. Two German columns race across the desert in an attempt to outflank and cut off retreating British units, while a third force advances along the coastal road toward Benghazi.
The speed and aggressiveness of Rommel’s operations surprise British commanders and mark the beginning of the legendary “Desert Fox” campaign in North Africa.
Italian Red Sea Flotilla Destroyed
Rear Admiral Mario Bonetti, commander of the Italian Red Sea Flotilla, orders his remaining destroyers on desperate “do or die” missions against Allied shipping.
The gamble fails. All seven destroyers are either sunk or captured without significantly impacting British naval operations in the region.
1942 — The Doolittle Raid Sets Sail
USS Hornet Departs with B-25 Bombers
The aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) departs Alameda, California, carrying sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle.
The mission will become the famous Doolittle Raid, the first American air attack against the Japanese home islands following Pearl Harbor.
The sight of medium bombers lashed to the flight deck of an aircraft carrier astonishes many sailors and signals the daring nature of the operation.
British Retreat in Burma
British forces withdraw from Prome in upper Burma as Japanese troops continue their rapid advance northward.
The loss of Prome further weakens Allied defensive positions and threatens supply routes into China.
Bombing of Malta Intensifies
Axis air forces begin a concentrated bombing campaign against Valletta, the critical British naval base on Malta.
The island remains under near-constant attack as Germany and Italy attempt to neutralize the Allied stronghold controlling Mediterranean shipping lanes.
Japanese Capture Prome and Akyab
Japanese troops capture both Prome and Akyab, securing control of much of the Arakan Peninsula in Burma.
The victories strengthen Japanese control over the region and place additional pressure on Allied forces retreating toward India.
Tin Conservation on the American Home Front
In the United States, wartime shortages lead to new restrictions on the use of tin.
Americans are required to turn in empty toothpaste and shaving cream tubes before purchasing replacements, while consumer packaging regulations are tightened to conserve strategic materials for military production.
1944 — Soviet Forces Enter Romania
The Soviet Union announces that Red Army forces have entered Romania during their westward advance.
Soviet authorities threaten to execute one-third of all German prisoners if the encircled divisions of the German 1st Panzer Army refuse to surrender.
Meanwhile, Soviet troops cross the Prut River east of Chernivtsi and liberate the town of Gerca, continuing their push toward the Balkans.
1945 — Final Allied Advances in Europe and the Pacific
Soviets and Bulgarians Capture Oil Region
The Soviet 3rd Ukrainian Front, supported by Bulgarian forces, captures Nagykanizsa, gaining control of Hungary’s last major oil-producing region.
At the same time, Marshal Rodion Malinovsky’s 2nd Ukrainian Front captures the industrial area around Mosonmagyaróvár and reaches the Austrian border.
British Advance in Germany
The famed British 7th Armoured Division, the “Desert Rats,” advances toward the Dortmund-Ems Canal, northeast of Essen, as Allied forces continue driving deep into Germany.
American Forces Split Okinawa
The U.S. Tenth Army rapidly advances across Okinawa, effectively dividing the island in two only days after the initial landings.
American troops also secure the important Yontan and Kadena airfields, which are immediately opened for reconnaissance and emergency operations.
The capture of these airfields provides the Allies with critical bases only a short distance from mainland Japan.