WWII History

1939 After breaking off diplomatic relations, the Soviet Union attacks Finland by land and air without declaring war. During the Red Air Forces first raid on the Helsinki, only 91 civilians are killed due the capitals excellent air defence system. Stalin alleges provocation. The Admiralty announces the completion of a 300 square mile minefield from

1939 The USSR forces Soviet citizenship on all residents of Polish territory under their control. 1940 German High Command issues draft plan for invasion of Russia. British and New Zealand troops under General Freyberg occupy the whole of the Greek island of Crete in the Mediterranean. 1941 Depleted by continuous savage fighting, blizzards and sub-zero

1939 The Soviet Union denounces 1932 non-aggression pact with Finland. The Australian Cabinet agrees to the sending of Australian troops overseas. 1940 Anti-Semitic film Der Ewige Jude (The Eternal Jew) is released in Germany. 1941 Overextended and short of supplies, the III Panzerkorps evacuates Rostov and withdraws to the Mius river, 30 miles to the West. The

1939 The Scharnhorst and Gneisenau put in to Wilhelmshaven after returning from their successful sortie in to the North Atlantic. Australia and Britain establish the Empire Air Training Scheme. 1940 Romanian extremists, “Iron Guard”, begin a murder campaign with 64 executions. The British Admiralty decides to send the Battleship Ramillies and 2 Cruisers from the

1938 Poland renews nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union to protect against a German invasion. 1939 The Soviet Union charges Finland with artillery attack on border. 1940 The Western Desert Force, begins Training Exercise No.1. This was a dress rehearsal for ‘Operation Compass’. Surprise was vital and so not even the troops involved were told

1939 Germany reports four British ships sunk in the North Sea, but London denies the claim. 1940 Zionist group Irgun blows up British liner Patria at Haifa to prevent removal of Eastern European Jewish refugees from Palestine to Mauritius (213/1771 refugees killed, 50/130 crew). First flight of British De Havilland Mosquito bomber. First flight of US Martin

1939 Germany warns all neutral shipping to stay clear of British and French coasts, or risk being sunk. This had already happened to a number of neutral ships, particularly at night when it was difficult to identify them. U-boat skippers were now given the go ahead to sink any ship not showing lights at night.

1939 RAF shoots down seven German aircraft over France. The Nazis in control of Poland issue a decree requiring all Polish Jews over the age of twelve to wear white armbands emblazoned with a blue Star of David. The Scharnhorst and Gneisenau intercept a convoy, which is escorted by the merchant cruiser Rawalpindi. The Scharnhorst

1939 German aircraft parachute mines into the Thames Estuary. 1940 The Luftwaffe’s heaviest raid on Birmingham; 11-hr raid causes 600 fires. 1941 All operational U-boats ordered to proceed to the Mediterranean or its approach. A confused battle continues around Sidi Rezegh, with XXX Corps being forced to stop it advance towards Tobruk after the loss