1939
Adolf Hitler dismissed Hjalmar Schacht as President of the Reichsbank and appointed Walther Funk to replace him.
1940
Britain and France agree to send troops and supplies to aid Finland, but they do not arrive in time.
1941
Compulsory fire watching duty introduced in Great Britain.
With Hitler’s tacit support, Marshal Antonescu suppresses a rebellion by the Iron Guard in Romania.
Emperor Haile Selassie crosses the Abyssinian border at Um Idla.
President Roosevelt inaugurated for his third term.
1942
In the Wannsee suburb of Berlin, the formal adoption of the ‘Final Solution to the Jewish Problem’ takes place. In practice this meant that all
Jews in occupied Europe were to be transported to the east. The able bodied were worked until they died, while the remainder were put to death.
British troops capture Benghazi.
The Japanese 55th Division crosses the Thai-Burmese border from Raheng. They quickly threaten Moulmein in Burma, using the same tactics as in
Malaya of outflanking British forces through the Jungle.
1943
Daylight raid by the Luftwaffe hits a school in London, killing 44 children and one teacher.
Russian progress continues in the Caucasus.
First destroyer escort type ship, Brennan (DE-13), commissioned at Mare Island CA.
1944
The RAF makes its heaviest raid on Berlin, with 700 bombers dropping more than 2,300 tons during the 11th raid of the ‘Battle of Berlin’.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder is appointed Deputy Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force.
Allied forces in Italy begin unsuccessful operations to cross the Rapido River and seize Cassino.
The Red Army recaptures Novgorod.
1945
The French First Army under de Lattre attacks against the Colmar Pocket in Alsace.
Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated for his fourth term.
The Allies sign a truce with the Hungarians.
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