WWII History

1939 Finnish troops at Suomussalmi, completely destroy the Russian 163rd Infantry Division. 1940 California’s first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway, opens between Los Angeles and Pasadena. U.S. Vice Admiral Claude C. Bloch writes a letter to the Navy Department complaining of inadequate defenses at Pearl Harbor 1941 The Russian success in the Crimea continues as […]

1939 Finnish forces launch a successful counter attack to the North of Lake Ladoga. Finnish ski troops tear up the Leningrad-Murmansk rail line. 1940 The worst Luftwaffe raid on London causes 1500 fires in the “Second Great Fire of London,” but St. Paul’s Cathedral survives. President Roosevelt makes “Arsenal of Democracy” radio address in a

1939 First flight of the XB-24 Liberator, at Lindbergh Field, San Diego, the prototype for what will be America’s most-produced four-engine bomber of the war. The German submarine U-30 spotted the British battleship HMS Barnham west of the Butt of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and hit it with a torpedo. Four crew members were

1939 The Finnish 9th Division attacks towards Suomussalmi, recapturing the village and forcing the Russian 163rd Division to retreat in panic. US State Department protests British removal and censorship of US mail from neutral ships. 1941 Japanese bomb Manila despite “open city” declaration. Australian Prime Minister John Curtin proclaims, “Australia looks to America.” Japanese sub I-25 shells

1939 The first squadron of Australian airmen arrives in Britain. 1941 Japanese troops cross the river Perak. The Japanese commander General Yamashita senses that British resistance is weakening in Malaya and is determined to push home his advantage and not allow the British any time to reorganize themselves. This he does by forcing the British

1939 A fresh Russian division is thrown into the attacks at Taipale. The Russian air force bombs 11 towns and villages. Soviets attempt to break out at Suomussalmi, Finland, but fail. The admiralty announces the completion of a minefield, 500 miles long and 35 wide, down the East coast. 1940 The Admiral Hipper intercepts a

December 24 in World War II saw a papal plea for peace, the fall of Benghazi, MacArthur’s withdrawal to Bataan, Soviet advances around Stalingrad, Allied invasion commanders named, the tragic sinking of SS Leopoldville, and the heroic sacrifice of Brigadier General Frederick Castle.

December 23 in World War II saw the creation of Britain’s MI9, the arrival of Canadian troops in Britain, Japanese attacks across the Pacific, the safeguarding of America’s
founding documents, the faltering German relief effort at Stalingrad, Soviet breakthroughs near Budapest, and the confirmation of Private Eddie Slovik’s death sentence.

December 21 in World War II includes Hitler’s message to Stalin, RAF raids on Berlin, the sinking of HMS Audacity, renewed fighting at Malta, the siege of Bardia and Bastogne, Hitler’s refusal to allow a Stalingrad breakout, and the death of General George S. Patton.