WWII History

December 14 in World War II saw the beginning of the Rape of Nanking, the Soviet Union expelled from the League of Nations, fighting across Europe and Asia, the creation of America’s five-star ranks, and postwar justice for Nazi concentration camp crimes.

December 13 in World War II includes the occupation of Nanking, the Battle of the River Plate, British breakthroughs in North Africa, Soviet counteroffensives near Moscow, James Stewart’s first combat mission, major air war milestones, and deadly kamikaze attacks in the Pacific.

December 12 in World War II saw the Panay Incident in China, Finnish victories in the Winter War, the Blitz on Sheffield, expanding declarations of war in Europe, Manstein’s counterattack at Stalingrad, and Allied advances in Europe and Burma.

1939 Finnish ski troops attack Soviet supply line on Raate Road. 1940 Sidi Barrani is captured along with over 20,000 Italians, bringing the total captured to nearly 38,000 in 2 days, along with 237 guns and 73 tanks. At this time, Wavell decides to withdraw the 4th Indian Division and send it to the Sudan.

December 10 in World War II saw the sinking of Prince of Wales and Repulse, the Japanese capture of Guam, the relief of Tobruk, the first U.S. bombing mission of the war, and the first German Jewish transport to Auschwitz. Explore the full timeline from 1939–1944.

December 9 in World War II saw the first British soldier killed, the launch of Operation Compass, Japanese advances across Asia, the heroism of Flt Lt Scarf at Alor Star, and General Patton’s injury. Explore the full timeline from 1939–1945.

Excerpt: Japan, sweeping Japanese attacks across the Pacific, the Soviet winter offensive
against Germany, and the opening of the Chelmno extermination camp. Explore key
events from 1939–1944 in today’s WWII timeline.

December 7 marks one of the most defining moments of World War II—the attack on Pearl Harbor. As Japan launched its surprise strike on Hawaii, global tensions erupted into full-scale war. From the Winter War in Finland to daring commando raids in France and shifting fronts in Libya and the Pacific, this day reshaped the conflict across every theater.

December 6 saw fierce battles from Finland to the Soviet front, leadership turmoil in Italy, and the expansion of Zhukov’s counteroffensive as Japan moved closer to war in the Pacific. From desert training in North Africa to diplomatic appeals in Washington, these events reveal a world on the brink of major turning points in World War II.

On December 5, World War II unfolded across frozen battlefields, troubled seas, and shifting front lines. Finnish troops fought bitterly in Karelia, Britain rejected peace proposals, and Germany prepared for its invasion of Russia. In 1941, the U.S. fleet unknowingly moved into position before Pearl Harbor as Hitler’s drive on Moscow stalled and Zhukov struck back.