WWII History

1937 The Japanese army occupies Nanking, China. 1939 In the south Atlantic, the pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee, fights an action against three British cruisers, HMS Achilles, HMS Ajax and HMS Exeter, which results in serious damage to both sides. HMS Exeter is rendered a blazing hulk and the Graf Spee withdraws to the neutral […]

1937 The Japanese fire on British and U.S. ships on the Yangtze River in China, sinking the American ship Panay. The Japanese apologize to the United States and pay reparations; the British refuse to accept any Japanese apology. 1939 Finnish have some success against Russian troops at Tolvajrvi, inflicting heavy casualties. Two German cruisers which

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.

1939 France bans sale of meat on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. 1940 Sidi Barrani is surrounded. Italian troops from the camps at Sofafi and Rabia flee west as the 7th Armoured divisions thrust threaten to encircle them. 1941 Karel Richter, a German spy who parachuted into Hertfordshire is executed at Wandsworth Prison. British forces that

1939 In friendly fire incident near Metz, France, Cpl. Thomas Priday becomes the first British soldier killed in WWII. 1940 The Western Desert Force which is 30,000 strong and under the command of Wavell takes to the offensive ‘Operation Compass’. The 4th Indian division captures the Italian camps at Nibeiwa, Tumar East and West, while

1939 Two more U-boats are reported to have been destroyed as the British campaign to destroy three a week continues. 1940 Franco says Spain is not prepared to enter war. Italian Naval Chief resigns, to be replaced by Admiral Campioni. The Western Desert Force is now fully concentrated for ‘Operation Compass’. Greeks take Argyrokastro and

1939 Norway, Denmark and Sweden declare their neutrality. The Soviet Ninth Army launches an offensive in central Karelia. Britain and France agree to send troops and material to help Finland fight against the Soviet Union. However, there is virtually no way to get these forces to Finland and so the promises mean little. Italy reaffirms

1938 France and Germany sign a treaty of friendship. 1939 Soviet attacks against the Mannerheim line are beaten back by the Finns with heavy Red Army casualties. Germany warns neutral ships to resist the  British blockade. 1940 The Western Desert Force begins Training Exercise No.2. This was a 60 mile approach march to their concentration

1939 Heavy fighting in Karelia, Finland. Two Polish submarines escape from the Baltic Sea to join Royal Navy. 1940 McGovern’s ILP peace amendment is rejected by House of Commons, 341 votes to 4. The German draft plan for the Invasion of Russia Operation ‘Otto’ is presented to Hitler. Admiral William Leahy takes oath of office

1939 The German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee sinks the liner Doric Star off the western coast of South Africa. 1940 Greeks capture Premeti, Pogradec and the Albanian port of Sarande. F4F-3 Wildcat fighter enters service with US Navy. 1941 Temperature falls to -31°F (-37°C) on Russian Front. The Japanese Embassy in Washington begins to