WWII Today in History. On these pages you will find of some of the most important events that shaped World War 2.
1939The official beginning of World War 2: After Germany rejects the Anglo-French ultimatum of September 1st, which called for the withdrawal of all German forces from Poland, Britain and France declare war on Germany at 11am. The Kriegsmarine begins its campaign against British merchant shipping with 17 U-boats putting to sea out of a total […]
World War II Today: September 3 Read More »
1939 National Service Act passed in Britain. Hitler indicates to the Britain and France that he would withdraw from Poland provided that he was allowed to retain Danzig and the Polish Corridor. This was dismissed and a joint ultimatum was given to Germany to withdraw her troops from Poland within twelve hours or find herself
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1939 World War II Begins Three German Army Groups begin the invasion of Poland at 4:45am. Massive strikes by the Luftwaffe destroy vital communications and assembly areas, decimating the Polish air force on the ground. Panzer and motorised divisions make deep penetrations into the Polish defences, using tactics soon to be known as the Blitzkrieg. Officially, the first
World War II Today: September 1 – Germany Invades Poland Read More »
1939 The British fleet is put on full alert. 1940 RAF’s worst day in Battle of Britain: most bases out of action, 41 planes lost. RAF 303 Squadron (Polish) flies first patrol and makes first kill. Weekly rations in Vichy France now 4oz of sugar, 6oz spaghetti, 1.5oz rice and 3oz margarine per person. 1941
World War II Today: August 31 Read More »
1940 The British Battleship Valiant, the Aircraft Carrier Illustrious and two Cruisers leave Gibraltar bound for Alexandria to reinforce Admiral Cunningham’s Mediterranean fleet. In an effort to avert war between her allies Romania and Hungary and to secure his southern flank prior to attacking the Soviet Union, Germany and Italy under the second Vienna Award
World War II Today: August 30 Read More »
1940 Germany apologizes to Eire for Wexford bombing. Intense dogfights over London and Home Counties. Britain refuses German proposal to use 64 Red Cross ships to rescue airmen from the English Channel. Vichy France agree to Japanese demands that they be allowed to station forces in northern Indochina. First mass jump by US paratroopers, at
World War II Today: August 29 Read More »
1940 Vichy French radio announces that laws protecting Jews in France have been dropped. Alter the ‘voluntary dissolution of all political parties’, President Konoye of Japan announces structure to ‘unite the total energies of the state and people.’ Luftwaffe makes first night bombing raid over Britain. RAF bombs Berlin, killing ten, the first Germans killed
World War II Today: August 28 Read More »
1939 Britain and France try to persuade Poland to negotiate with Germany, but she refuses. 1940 Raids continue on London, Midlands, Southwest England and Wales. Armed merchant-cruiser Dunvegan Castle sunk by U46 off Ireland. President Roosevelt authorizes call into service of Army Reserve and National Guard for 12 months. 1941 British government takes over railways
World War II Today: August 27 Read More »
1939 Hitler cancels the order for the invasion of Poland on this day. He sets a new date of the 1st September. 1940 First Canadian fighter pilot in RCAF squadron is killed in combat in the Battle of Britain. Eire government protests to Berlin over bombs dropped in County Wexford, killing three girls. London raided
World War II Today: August 26 Read More »
1939 A mutual assistance treaty is signed by Poland and Britain. Mussolini complains to Hitler that he is not yet ready for war. 1940 Luftwaffe attacks continue against the RAF’s airfields in southeast England. The first night-attack by RAF on Berlin’s industrial targets is made by 43 aircraft from RAF Bomber Command in retaliation for
World War II Today: August 25 Read More »
