1939 — Italy Invades Albania
Fascist Italy launches a full-scale invasion of Albania, continuing Benito Mussolini’s expansionist ambitions in the Balkans.
Italian forces quickly overwhelm Albanian resistance, and within days the country is effectively under Italian control.
The invasion alarms Britain and France, who increasingly view Italy as a growing threat to stability in the Mediterranean and southeastern Europe.
1940 — The Norwegian Campaign Begins
British Submarines Attack German Shipping
British submarines score several successes against German shipping, torpedoing three German vessels as German naval forces move toward Norway.
The attacks occur as Germany secretly launches Operation Weserübung, the invasion of Denmark and Norway.
HMS Glowworm’s Final Battle
The British destroyer HMS Glowworm encounters major German naval forces while attempting to report enemy movements.
Outgunned and heavily damaged during fierce combat with the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper, Glowworm’s commander, Lieutenant Commander Gerard Roope, makes the extraordinary decision to ram the much larger German cruiser.
The impact tears into Admiral Hipper’s hull before Glowworm sinks beneath the icy waters.
Roope is later posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery — one of the first Victoria Crosses awarded during the Second World War.
British Minelayers Encounter German Invasion Fleet
British minelayers arriving off the Norwegian coast are surprised to discover major units of the German Navy already preparing for invasion operations against Norway.
The encounter confirms that Germany has initiated its Scandinavian offensive.
Polish Submarine Orzeł Strikes
The Polish submarine ORP Orzeł torpedoes and sinks the German transport ship Rio de Janeiro.
Survivors reveal details of the impending German invasion force aboard the vessel, providing additional warning of Germany’s plans for Norway.
1941 — Fighting in East Africa and the Blitz Continues
Luftwaffe Attacks Coventry Again
After a brief lull in operations, the Luftwaffe launches another heavy raid against the British city of Coventry.
The city had already suffered catastrophic destruction during earlier German bombing attacks and remains a symbol of the Blitz.
Massawa Falls
The British Northern Force captures Massawa, the last remaining Italian stronghold in Eritrea.
The victory effectively eliminates the Italian naval threat in the Red Sea and secures an important Allied shipping route connecting Britain to the Middle East and India.
1942 — Allied Strategy Discussions for Europe
Marshall and Hopkins Arrive in Britain
A high-level American delegation led by presidential advisor Harry Hopkins and General George C. Marshall arrives in Britain to discuss Allied strategy.
The Americans propose major landings in France during the summer of 1943, potentially centered around Antwerp, along with contingency plans for a smaller emergency operation in 1942 if Germany suddenly weakened or if the Soviet Union appeared close to collapse.
These discussions become important early steps toward what would eventually become the D-Day invasion.
HMS Penelope Reaches Gibraltar
The badly damaged British cruiser HMS Penelope, nicknamed “HMS Pepperpot” because of extensive battle damage, limps into Gibraltar for repairs after surviving repeated Axis air attacks in the Mediterranean.
1944 — Soviet Advances Continue
Red Army Reaches Slovakia
Soviet forces reach the border of Slovakia while continuing their offensive into Romania.
The rapid Soviet advance threatens Germany’s remaining allies in Eastern Europe.
Crimean Offensive Begins
The Soviet Union launches its final offensive aimed at destroying the German 17th Army trapped in the Crimea.
The campaign will eventually lead to the liberation of Sevastopol and the complete collapse of German resistance in the region.
1945 — The War Closes In on Germany
Soviets Advance into Austria and Czechoslovakia
The Soviet 2nd Ukrainian Front advances deeper into northern Czechoslovakia and establishes bridgeheads across the Morava and Danube Rivers east and northeast of Vienna.
Heavy street fighting continues in central Vienna as Soviet troops battle German defenders for control of the Austrian capital.
Massive Air Raid on Königsberg
The Soviet Air Force drops approximately 1,500 tons of bombs on Königsberg as part of the final effort to destroy remaining German resistance in East Prussia.
SAS Paratroops Land in Holland
British Special Air Service (SAS) troops parachute into eastern Holland to assist operations clearing the route for advancing Canadian forces moving northward.
Allied Armies Continue Advancing
The British Second Army reaches Hildesheim, while the U.S. Seventh Army captures Pforzheim near the upper Rhine.
German resistance continues to weaken as Allied armies close in from every direction.
Take a look at these other WWII Posts:
- World War II Today: April 6 — Axis invasion of Yugoslavia and Greece begins.
- World War II Today: April 7 — sinking of Yamato and Allied advances continue.
- World War II Today: April 9 — Germany invades Norway and Denmark.
- World War II Today: April 28
- Operation Weserübung: Germany Invades Norway