World War II Today: December 5
A day of desperate fighting in the snow, political maneuvers, naval movements, new legends, and turning points on multiple fronts across a world at war.
1939 – Fierce Winter Fighting in Finland & Polish Submarines Escape
Along the Karelian front, heavy fighting continued as Finnish forces battled against overwhelming Soviet pressure in the opening weeks of the Winter War.
Despite brutal weather and odds, Finland’s defenders held their ground with fierce determination.
At sea, two Polish submarines made a daring escape from the Baltic, slipping past German control and reaching Allied waters to join the Royal Navy. Their arrival symbolized Poland’s continued resistance even after occupation.
1940 – Debates in London, Plans in Berlin & Diplomacy in Vichy France
ILP Peace Amendment Rejected
In Britain, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Independent Labour Party’s peace amendment—341 to 4.
The vote reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to continue fighting Nazi Germany.
Draft Plan for the Invasion of Russia
In Berlin, German planners presented Hitler with the early draft for Operation Otto, the invasion plan that would eventually evolve into Operation Barbarossa.
The blueprint marked Germany’s growing intention to break the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and strike eastward.
William Leahy Becomes Ambassador to Vichy France
Admiral William D. Leahy was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Vichy France.
His posting placed him at the center of a deeply complex diplomatic environment, balancing American interests with a French government divided between collaboration and quiet resistance.
1941 – The Eve of Pearl Harbor, Kilroy Appears & the Moscow Offensive Stalls
U.S. Battleships and Carriers Shift Positions
The battleship USS Arizona arrived at Pearl Harbor, joining the Pacific Fleet just two days before the Japanese attack.
At the same time, USS Lexington departed with Marine aircraft bound for Midway—meaning that no U.S. carriers were in port when the attack came.
“Kilroy Was Here” Is Born
At the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, inspector James J. Kilroy began marking inspected rivet lines with the now-famous phrase:
“Kilroy Was Here.”
The simple chalk signature would become a worldwide morale symbol for Allied troops.
Britain Declares War on Three Axis Allies
Britain formally declared war on Finland, Hungary, and Romania—countries now openly aligned with Germany’s eastern campaign.
Hungary and Romania responded in kind, declaring war on Britain.
German Advance on Moscow Finally Breaks
Although Army Group Centre’s spearheads were just 19 miles from the Kremlin, Hitler halted the offensive for the winter.
Harsh cold, exhaustion, and supply shortages forced him to authorize local withdrawals.
At that same moment, General Georgy Zhukov launched a massive Soviet counter-offensive across the frozen upper Volga near Kalinin.
Though German resistance remained stiff, the Soviet 31st Army achieved the most notable success, pushing toward Turginovo.
Rommel’s Attack Fails at Bir El Gobi
In North Africa, Rommel ordered the eastern part of the Tobruk perimeter evacuated in preparation for a final assault—but the attack failed, costing vital momentum.
Japanese Fleet Reported Moving South
Reports confirmed that the main Japanese fleet was moving south through the Pacific—an ominous development on the eve of December 7.
1943 – Air Raids, Mustang Escorts & Battle in Calcutta
Japan carried out its first daylight raid on Calcutta, killing hundreds.
The attacks struck the city itself and U.S. Tenth Air Force airfields, causing over 500 casualties.
For the first time, P-51 Mustangs escorted U.S. Eighth Air Force bombers on long-range missions into Europe.
Their arrival dramatically extended Allied reach and would soon transform the air war.
1944 – Offensives in Europe & the Pacific, and a New Victory Ship
Patton Advances into Germany
The U.S. Third Army drove deeper into Germany along a 30-mile front, breaching more of the German defensive lines as winter approached.
Ravenna Captured & Rail Line Cut
In Italy, the British Eighth Army captured Ravenna and severed the crucial rail link to Bologna, tightening the Allied grip on northern Italy.
Soviet Gains Near Budapest
Marshal Rodion Malinovsky launched a major offensive northeast of Budapest, advancing 60 miles in eight days and encircling German forces.
Final Offensive on Leyte
In the Philippines, U.S. forces began their final offensive on the island of Leyte, driving into the Ormoc Valley to cut Japanese escape and reinforcement routes.
Victory Ship Commissioned
In Richmond, California, the Victory ship SS Red Oak Victory was commissioned into the U.S. Navy as an ammunition ship.
Today, she survives as a preserved vessel at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Park.
1945 – Six Navy Aircraft Vanish in the Bermuda Triangle
A flight of six U.S. Navy planes disappeared during a training mission over the Atlantic, fueling the enduring legend of the Bermuda Triangle.
Despite massive search efforts, no trace of the planes was ever found.
Remembering December 5
From frozen forests in Finland to the skies over India, from stalled offensives outside Moscow to breakthroughs in Italy and the Philippines,
December 5 captures a world engulfed in war—its battles, its politics, and even its emerging myths.
Lest we forget.