World War II Today: March 15

1935 — Nazi Control of the Press

Joseph Goebbels, Germany’s Minister of Propaganda, bans four newspapers in Berlin. The action is part of the Nazi regime’s systematic effort to control the press and eliminate independent journalism. By the mid-1930s, the German media landscape had been almost entirely brought under state control, ensuring that newspapers, radio broadcasts, and film served as tools of Nazi propaganda.

1939 — Germany Occupies Bohemia and Moravia

German forces occupy the regions of Bohemia and Moravia, effectively destroying what remained of Czechoslovakia. The territory is reorganized into the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, a puppet state under Nazi control.

The occupation marks a major escalation in Hitler’s expansionist ambitions and demonstrates that earlier agreements with Western powers, such as the Munich Agreement of 1938, had failed to contain German aggression.

1941 — Roosevelt Declares an End to Compromise

President Franklin D. Roosevelt addresses the American people in a nationwide radio broadcast, declaring that the United States can no longer compromise with tyranny. His speech signals growing American determination to support nations resisting Axis aggression, even as the United States remains officially neutral.

Battle of Keren Begins

British forces known as the “Northern Force”, composed largely of the 4th and 5th Indian Divisions, launch a major offensive against the heavily fortified Italian stronghold at Keren in Eritrea. The battle becomes one of the toughest campaigns of the East African campaign due to the rugged mountain terrain and determined Italian defenses.

German Surface Raiders in the Atlantic

The German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau attack Allied shipping in the North Atlantic, sinking 15 merchant vessels over the next two days. The operation highlights the ongoing threat posed by German surface raiders and submarines to Allied supply lines.

1942 — War at Sea and Resistance Efforts

U-Boat Destroyed off Newfoundland

The German submarine U-503 is sunk near the Grand Banks off Newfoundland by aircraft from the U.S. Navy patrol squadron VP-82. The submarine is destroyed by a Hudson patrol bomber.

The pilot, Chief Petty Officer Donald Mason, had previously reported sinking a submarine in January with the famous message “Sighted sub—sank same,” a claim initially doubted but later confirmed.

Norwegian Resistance Escapes to Britain

Members of the Norwegian resistance seize the vessel SS Galtesund and successfully sail it to Britain, delivering valuable intelligence and demonstrating continued resistance to German occupation.

1943 — Turning Point in the Atlantic and Eastern Front

German Forces Retake Kharkov

German troops successfully recapture the strategic city of Kharkov in Ukraine after a series of intense battles on the Eastern Front. The victory temporarily stabilizes the German line following earlier Soviet advances.

Climax of the Battle of the Atlantic

The struggle for control of the Atlantic shipping lanes reaches a dramatic moment as German U-boats sink 21 Allied ships. However, the Germans lose only a single submarine during the engagements, highlighting the continuing threat posed by the wolfpack strategy.

U.S. Navy Fleet Reorganization

The U.S. Navy establishes its modern numbered fleet system. Fleets operating in the Pacific are assigned odd numbers, while those in the Atlantic receive even-numbered designations, a system that continues today.

Midget Submarines Introduced

The Royal Navy launches its first X-class midget submarines. These small submarines are designed for covert operations, including attacks against heavily defended enemy ships and harbor installations.

1944 — Massive Bombing and Global Battles

Heavy RAF Raid on Stuttgart

The Royal Air Force carries out one of the heaviest bombing raids of the war against Stuttgart. A total of 863 bombers drop approximately 3,000 tons of bombs on the German industrial city. Only 36 aircraft are lost during the operation.

Battle for Cassino Continues

Allied forces launch an intense bombardment of Cassino, dropping 1,250 tons of bombs and firing nearly 196,000 artillery shells in just seven and a half hours. Despite the massive firepower, ground troops continue to make slow progress against determined German defenses.

Soviets Reach the Bug River

The Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front breaks through German defensive lines and advances to the Bug River, the same line from which Germany launched Operation Barbarossa in 1941.

American Landing on Manus Island

The U.S. 1st Cavalry Division lands on Manus Island in the Admiralty Islands, continuing the Allied campaign to isolate major Japanese bases in the Pacific.

Japanese Offensive Toward India

Japanese forces begin crossing the Chindwin River as part of their offensive aimed at Kohima and Imphal in India. The operation will lead to some of the fiercest jungle battles of the war.

1945 — Final Battles of the War

Remagen Bridgehead Fighting

U.S. First Army units attempt to expand their bridgehead across the Rhine River at Remagen, though progress proves difficult due to strong German resistance.

Soviet Offensive in Upper Silesia

The Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front launches a major offensive in the Ratibor region of Upper Silesia, targeting one of Germany’s remaining industrial centers.

Fighting Continues in the Philippines

American troops report slow progress during ongoing combat operations on the island of Luzon as Japanese forces continue stubborn resistance in mountainous terrain.

1949 — Britain Ends Clothing Rationing

Nearly four years after the end of World War II, the British government finally ends clothing rationing. Wartime shortages and economic strain had forced the continuation of rationing well into the postwar period.