1939
Heavy fighting in Karelia, Finland.
Two Polish submarines escape from the Baltic Sea to join Royal Navy.
1940
McGovern’s ILP peace amendment is rejected by House of Commons, 341 votes to 4.
The German draft plan for the Invasion of Russia Operation ‘Otto’ is presented to Hitler.
Admiral William Leahy takes oath of office as US Ambassador to Vichy France.
1941
The Battleship USS Arizona arrives at Pearl Harbor.
USS Lexington departs with Marine aircraft for Midway, leaving no carriers at Pearl Harbor.
James J. Kilroy of Boston hired at Fore River Shipyard, Quincy MA to check work of riveters; his “Kilroy Was Here” mark on ships becomes legendary.
Britain declares war on Finland, Hungary and Rumania.
With the main forces of Army Group Centre just 19 miles from Moscow, Hitler abandons the offensive for winter and agrees to some local withdrawals to more defensive terrain. Zhukov launches a counter-offensive across the frozen upper Volga in the area of Kalinin, to the northwest of Moscow. He uses Konev’s Kalinin Front for the purpose, but despite the severe cold and exhaustion of the German troops, his forces meet severe resistance, with only the 31st Army enjoying any success as it pushed towards Turginovo. Hungary declares war on Britain. Romania declares war on Britain.
In order to mount a final attack on the British forces around Bir El Gobi, Rommel orders the evacuation of the eastern part of the Tobruk perimeter, but the attack fails.
Japanese fleet is officially reported moving south.
1943
The first Japanese daylight raid on Calcutta is mounted with many reported killed.
P-51 Mustang fighter planes first escort US Eighth Air Force on bombing missions, extending range of raids.
Japanese planes bomb Calcutta (350 killed), including US Tenth Air Force airfields (500 casualties).
1944
The U.S. Third Army advances into Germany along a 30-mile front.
The British Eighth Army takes Ravenna in and cuts the rail link to Bologna.
Malinovsky attacks with two armies from North East of Budapest and makes a 60-mile advance in eight days.
US launches final offensive on Leyte in the Philippines, driving into the Ormoc Valley.
Victory ship SS Red Oak Victory commissioned into US Navy as ammunition ship at Richmond, CA (currently at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Park, Richmond, CA).
1945
Six US Navy planes disappear in the “Bermuda Triangle,” creating its reputation.