1940 — The Winter War Ends
Finland accepts Soviet terms and signs a peace agreement that effectively ends the brutal Winter War. Despite fierce resistance against overwhelming Soviet forces, Finland is forced to make major territorial concessions but manages to retain its independence.
Under the agreement, Finland loses the Karelian Isthmus, the important city of Viipuri, parts of eastern Karelia, and several strategic areas including territory along Lake Ladoga. The conflict had been extraordinarily costly for both sides.
Finnish losses are estimated at approximately 25,000 killed and 45,000 wounded. Soviet casualties are believed to exceed 200,000 killed, with many more wounded. Although the Soviet Union ultimately gains territory, the fierce Finnish defense earns international admiration and exposes weaknesses in the Red Army.
Finland accepts Soviet terms and signs a peace agreement that effectively ends the brutal Winter War. The conflict had raged for months as Soviet forces attempted to overwhelm Finnish defenses. The previous day’s events leading up to the treaty can be found in World War II Today: March 12.
1941 — Roosevelt Organizes War Relief
American War Relief Efforts
President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the President’s Committee on War Relief Agencies. The committee coordinates American humanitarian assistance to countries suffering under Axis aggression and helps organize relief efforts for civilians displaced by the war.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the President’s Committee on War Relief Agencies. This effort followed major wartime policy decisions made in Washington earlier in the week, including the passage of World War II Today: March 11, which expanded American support for Allied nations.
Luftwaffe Bombing of Clydebank
The Luftwaffe launches a devastating bombing raid on the industrial town of Clydebank near Glasgow, Scotland. The area contains major shipyards and factories essential to Britain’s war production.
The attack leaves roughly 35,000 people homeless out of a population of about 47,000, destroying large sections of the town and severely damaging shipbuilding facilities along the River Clyde.
Hitler Plans the Invasion of the Soviet Union
Adolf Hitler issues an edict calling for preparations to begin for the invasion of the Soviet Union. The planning will ultimately culminate in Operation Barbarossa, the massive German invasion launched later in June 1941.
1942 — War on Multiple Fronts
Soviet Offensive in Crimea
The Red Army launches a major offensive from the Kerch Peninsula in eastern Crimea against German positions belonging to Army Group B. The fighting is part of the ongoing struggle for control of the strategic Black Sea region.
German Spy Network Broken
Three German spies operating in New York City are sentenced to a combined total of 117 years in prison, highlighting the intense intelligence war being fought inside the United States.
First Woman Colonel in the U.S. Army
Julia C. Flikke of the Army Nurse Corps becomes the first woman to hold the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army, marking an important milestone for women serving in the American military.
Gee Navigation Improves RAF Bombing
Fifty RAF aircraft equipped with the new Gee radio navigation system attack the German city of Cologne. The raid proves to be the most successful use of the system to date, with results estimated to be five times more effective than missions conducted without the device.
1943 — Fighting Across Asia and the Pacific
Attempted Assassination of Hitler
An assassination attempt is made against Adolf Hitler, though the plot ultimately fails. Several attempts would be made throughout the war by German officers and resistance members seeking to end Nazi rule.
Chinese Counterattack on the Yangtze
Chinese forces launch a counteroffensive that pushes Japanese troops back across the Yangtze River, demonstrating that Japanese advances in China were increasingly meeting stiff resistance.
Battle for Bougainville
Japanese forces abandon their attack on American positions on Hill 700 during the fighting on Bougainville Island, marking a defensive success for U.S. troops in the Solomon Islands campaign.
Fighting across Asia and the Pacific continued to intensify during early March 1943 as Japanese forces faced growing resistance. Earlier carrier strikes and operations in the region are covered in World War II Today: March 10.
1944 — Allied Advances Continue
British Capture Razabil Fortress
British troops capture the heavily fortified Japanese position known as the “Golden Fortress” (Razabil) in the Arakan region of Burma. The victory strengthens Allied control along the Burmese front.
Submarine Attack in the Pacific
The U.S. submarine USS Sand Lance attacks a Japanese troop convoy heading toward the Mariana Islands, sinking transports carrying reinforcements intended for Japanese garrisons.
Soviets Capture Kherson
Soviet forces announce the capture of the important Ukrainian port city of Kherson, further pushing German forces westward along the southern front.
1945 — Massive Bombing and Final Campaigns
Soviet Offensive Near Königsberg
The 2nd Belorussian Front launches a major offensive against German forces trapped in the Braunsberg Pocket south of Königsberg in East Prussia.
Heavy Bombing of Swinemünde
After a major U.S. Eighth Air Force raid involving roughly 600 bombers, the RAF follows with another attack using nearly 800 aircraft against the Baltic port of Swinemünde. The port had become a major evacuation point for German refugees fleeing the advancing Red Army.
The bombing causes severe damage to port facilities and results in heavy civilian casualties.
British Armor Cuts Off Japanese Forces
A surprise armored thrust by British forces in central Burma cuts off approximately 3,000 Japanese troops near Mandalay, contributing to the collapse of Japanese resistance in the region.
B-29 Firebombing of Osaka
U.S. Army Air Forces B-29 Superfortresses launch a massive incendiary raid on Osaka, Japan. The attack kills an estimated 4,000 people and destroys 119 factories, demonstrating the growing destructive power of the strategic bombing campaign against Japan.
Related World War II History for March
- World War II Today: March 9 – Remagen bridgehead expands and the firebombing of Tokyo begins.
- World War II Today: March 10 – MacArthur leaves Corregidor and the P-47 Thunderbolt flies its first combat mission.
- World War II Today: March 11 – The Lend-Lease Act passes and Allied bombing intensifies.
- World War II Today: March 12 – The Anschluss of Austria and the end of the Winter War.