1940
German aircraft sink destroyers Codrington at Dover and Wren off the Suffolk coast.
Japan announces its plans for the creation of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
1941
London is severely bombed by the Luftwaffe, in its first air raid for 10 weeks.
German troops liberate Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Guderian’s Panzer Group 2 is removed from its subordination to von Kluge’s 4th Army and put directly under the control of Army Group Centre. This is due to severe disagreements between the von Kluge and Guderian, which are disabling operations. Fierce battles rage 25 miles to the east of Smolensk.
General Douglas MacArthur enjoys his first full day in command of all U.S. armed forces in the Far East. President Roosevelt later explains MacArthur’s success; “Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself.”
Peru takes Puerto Bolivar, Ecuador in first paratroop combat in western hemisphere.
1942
German troops take Bataysk, and 6th Army launches an attack to destroy the soviet bridgehead west at Kalach.
British press attack at El Alamein, but fail to make gains against Germans.
Australian Women’s Land Army formed for agricultural workers.
1943
The liberation of Mussolini, the occupation of Rome and Italy, plus the capture of the Italian fleet is decided upon by the German High Command. Mussolini himself is transferred from Rome to the Island of Ponza. Heavy fighting continues in Sicily, leading Kesselring to order preparations for the evacuation of the island.
1944
U.S. troops breakthrough at St. Lo, forcing a general German withdrawal from Normandy toward the river Seine.
The Russians take Lvov, Dunaburg and Bialystok and secure a major bridgehead over the Magnuszew River. Further gains are also made in Baltic States.
U.S. troops complete the liberation of Guam.
1945
Chinese retake Kweilin from Japanese in southeast China.