Chronology of World War II

Sunday, November 1, 1942

In North Africa... The Battle of El Alamein. Operation Supercharge, planned by British General Montgomery gets under way. The infantry attacks to clear the last of the minefields are held up and when the British armor advances, the 15th Panzer is prepared and inflicts heavy losses. The British can afford these losses. Rommel cannot. After 21st Panzer joins the attack, he is left with only 35 operational vehicles and little fuel or ammunition. Rommel sends word to Hitler that a British breakthrough is inevitable and withdrawal necessary.

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, two Marine regiments begin an attack west across the Matanikau River. American engineers have built bridges to aid supplying the attacks. There is heavy fighting. East of the American positions, American troops advance toward Koli Point to preempt an expected Japanese landing.

Monday, November 2, 1942

In New Guinea... Kokada is recaptured by the Australian 25th Brigade. The reacquisition of the airfield here is especially important as it means supplies can be ferried in by air rather than lugged over the poor terrain of the Kokada Trail.

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, the "Tokyo Express," the flotilla of Japanese destroyers supplying their forces, begins to be very active. The American advance in the west continues slowly with some successes.

Tuesday, November 3, 1942

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, the expected Japanese landing at Koli Point occurs with a force of 1500 landing to the east of the point. The American forces engage, but soon must pull back. The Americans then halt their advances to the west, to supply reinforcements against the landings.

From Berlin... Hitler orders Rommel not to retreat despite his shortages of fuel and materiel.

In North Africa... Battle of El Alamein. Axis forces begin to retreat but are stopped when Hitler's order is received. The Italians are already in the process of withdrawal. The British are unable to continue to pressure the beleaguered troops, much to Rommel's surprise. They are having difficulty moving men and equipment through the minefields at a rapid pace.

In Washington... Results of the American Congressional and Gubernatorial Elections, the Republicans make gains in both the House (42 seats), the Senate (9 seats) and the elections of state governors (4 additional). President Roosevelt is a Democrat and these wins foretell difficulties in American domestic politics as well as a dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party.

Wednesday, November 4, 1942

In North Africa... Battle of El Alamein. The British 10th Corps (Armored) reaches open ground. Heavy fighting with the Italian Ariete, German 90th Light and even German headquarters units leads to great losses on the Axis side. They break off to retreat. German General Von Thoma is captured while leading an advance. During the night, while Rommel's forces are retreating to Fuka, the British 8th Army does not follow despite orders from General Montgomery to do so. The battle as been a great success for the British as they have taken 30,000 Axis prisoners, over 1000 guns and the remain of 450 tanks. The once proud German divisions are to regimental level strength and the Italian formations are destroyed. The victory has a cost however, 13,500 British and Commonwealth casualties, 150 tanks destroyed and 300 damaged.

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, American forces land in regimental strength at Aola, 25 miles east of the main American position. They bring engineers to attempt to build a second airstrip on the island. This idea has been dismissed as futile by local commanders because of the difficult terrain. They are correct. Raiders from this landing move out in an attempt to connect with the main position.

From London... The first meeting of the Cabinet Anti-U-boat Warfare Committee. Prime Minister Churchill is the Chairman. Other members include the service chiefs, government ministers and scientists from the fields of radar and operational research. This single decision making body gives the Allies a great advantage for the sharing of information and operational planning and is representative of the type of working relationship which the two nations have built for the war effort.

In the Mediterranean... 19 German and 21 Italian submarines begin to patrol around Gibraltar due to the increase of Allied shipping traffic in preparation for Operation Torch. They will achieve some success, but 6 submarines will be sunk and the destination of the transports will not be discovered.

Thursday, November 5, 1942

On the Eastern Front... In the Caucasus, the German advances are slowing, but they have almost reached Ordzhonikidze.

In the Solomon Islands... Admiral Tanaka takes command of the "Toyko Express," the destroyer flotilla supplying Japanese forces on Guadalcanal.

From Gibraltar... American General Eisenhower arrives to set up his headquarters for Operation Torch, the invasion of French North Africa. American General Doolittle and British Air Marshall Welsh will command the air forces. British General Anderson will lead the British 1st Army which comprises the main ground force.

On Madagascar... The Vichy French forces ask for an armistice.

In New Guinea... The Australians attack Oivi. The Japanese decided to fight a rear guard action here to enable the rest of their forces to retire across the Kumusi River.

Friday, November 6, 1942

In North Africa... Disaster continues for the Afrika Korps, the British 7th Armored Division catches and destroys the remainder of 21st Panzer Division which is stranded, out of fuel. The British pursuit does not proceed as quickly as it should because of the problems getting fuel through from Ek Alamein. German minefields and booby traps delay them. A heavy rainfall late in the day makes the coastal road the only viable route of advance.

Saturday, November 7, 1942

From Gibraltar... French General Giraud is brought from Vichy France, by the British submarine Seraph, for talks with American General Eisenhower. The Allies wish his support to minimize the resistance of locals loyal to Vichy France after the invasion. General Giraud is under the impression that command of the operation will be given to him.

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, American Marines, begin attacks to the east toward Koli Point. The Japanese stage landings after dark to the west of American holdings bringing elements of the 38th Infantry Division to shore.

Sunday, November 8, 1942

In Algeria and Tunisia... Operation Torch. The Allies land in French North Africa. There are three main task forces: The Western Task Force, commanded by General Patton, is comprised of 35,000 troops. It is supported by naval forces under Admiral Hewitt (two battleships, one fleet carrier, four escort carriers and numerous cruisers and destroyers); the Central Task Force, commanded by General Fredendall is comprised of 39,000 American troops. Commodore Toubridge commands its naval support force (two escort carriers and many smaller ships); the Eastern Task Force, contains 52 warships and 33,000 soldiers, led by General Ryder and Admiral Burroughs. The British contingent, 87th Division is supported by Admiral Syfret commanding British Force H, comprised of three battleships, three fleet carriers and a strong force of cruisers and destroyers. The Western Task force lands at three places along a 200 mile front around Casablanca. The Central is to land in and around Oran and the Eastern Task force lands in Algiers. The Eastern force at Algiers makes good early progress and quickly captures the town. A prize prisoner is found in Admiral Darlan, a prominent leader of the Vichy government, who is there on private business. At Oran, the Central Force is not as quickly successful and two destroyers are lost in an attempt to rush the harbor. By night, however the landings are well established and the airfield at Tafaraiu is in Allied hands. An American manned Spitfire force is ready to begin operations. The Western Task force at Casablanca runs into the greatest opposition. The French battleship Jean Bart, at anchor but armed fights a gun battle with the USS Massechusetts. The French destroyer flotilla in the port fights as well but are driven off or sunk. Landings at Port Lyautey face fierce fighting, those at Safi go well. In total there are 1800 casualties. The landings receive some help from Free French supporters. This is most effective at Algiers where General Mast limits the French reaction so that the landings are not hindered. Both Mast and the Allied leaders are surprised to find Admiral Darlan a prisoner and negotiations for an armistice begin with him immediately. In Casablanca the pro-Allied General Bethouart is less successful in stemming resistance. Support for the invasion is lower as General Nogues is less sympathetic to the Allied cause and Admiral Michelier, head of the naval forces there, is virulently anti-British. The Allies take care to present Operation Torch to the French as an American operation to minimize the anti-British feeling prevalent with many French officials. The British have been responsible for allaying Spanish fears to enlist their support against a possible German move through Gibraltar. Both the American and the British assure Spain her neutrality will be respected.

From Berlin... Upon hearing news of the invasion, all U-boats capable are ordered to North Africa. There are 25 in all. They have some successes in strikes on the escort forces.

On the Eastern Front... In the Caucasus, Soviet forces go on the offensive on the Terek front and threaten to cut off some units of 3rd Panzer Corps.

Monday, November 9, 1942

From Vichy France... Prime Minister Laval gives permission to the Germans to use airfields in Tunisia. Marshal Petain, while publicly denouncing the invasion, privately sends encouragement to Admiral Darlan to negotiate with the Allies.

In Algeria and Tunisia... The US forces at Casablanca secure their beachheads. At Port Lyautey there is heavy fighting between French tanks and General Truscott's troops. Oran, target of the Center Task Force is still holding out, however General Anderson, who has landed to take command of 1st Army at Algiers in the east, is able to send armored columns rushing to the area for support. German troops begin to be flown into Tunisia. General Giraud arrives in Algiers. However, the Allies realize that Admiral Darlan will be better able to change French loyalty to the Allied cause and they continue to pressure him.

In North Africa... The New Zealand Division enters Sidi Barrani in pursuit of Rommel's forces.

In New Guinea... The Australian 25th Brigade takes Gorari after heavy fighting. This action isolates the Japanese forces at Oviv, Japanese General Horii is with them.

Tuesday, November 10, 1942

In Algeria and Tunisia... Oran falls to the American attack. In the east, troops under General Patton begin to move into the town. Admiral Darlan, takes up the Allied cause and broadcasts orders for all the French forces to cease fighting and join the Allies. A similar appeal is sent to the powerful French Fleet at Toulon.

In Germany... Hitler, Vichy France President Laval and Italian Foreign Minister Count Ciano meet in Munich to discuss developments in Africa.

In London... British Prime Minister Churchill describes the events in North Africa as the "beginning of the end."

On the Eastern Front... In response to reports of a Soviet build-up on the flanks of Stalingrad, units from German 48th Panzer Corps are sent to reinforce the Romanian 3rd Army, north of the city.

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, the Japanese forces around Koli Point are dispersed by the American attacks. American attacks to the west are renewed.

Wednesday, November 11, 1942

On the Eastern Front... In Stalingrad, German General Paulus begins his last major attack on the city. Vicious fighting ensues with heavy casualties on both sides. The Soviets continue to have the upper hand in the street fighting as they are able to disrupt the German attack and their communications, reducing the attack to individual groups without coordinated actions. Ice on the Volga River is making supply transportation difficult for the Soviets.

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, the American attacks to the west are halted when news of Japanese supply convoys comes in.

In Algeria and Tunisia... French officials sign an armistice. Casablanca is occupied. The British 11th Brigade moves east from Algiers and the harbor at Bougie is taken in a landing by the 36th Brigade. Unfortunately, these forward forces have little or no air cover and the Luftwaffe begins sinking ships carrying important equipment. The Germans have now amassed 1000 troops in Tunisia.

From Berlin... Hitler orders German troops to advance into Vichy France.

In North Africa... Units of the British 8th Army reach Halfaya Pass. They cross into Libya and capture Bardia without opposition. The advance of the New Zealand Division is halted on the Egyptian border for reorganization.

In the Indian Ocean... A notable mismatched sea battle takes place when two Japanese merchant raiders attack the Indian minesweeper Bengal and the tanker Ondina. The Bengal armed with only one 3 inch gun, sinks the Hokoku Maru and drives the other ship, Aikoku Maru off. Both Japanese ships are armed with six 6 inch guns.

In New Guinea... The Australians face heavy fighting around Gorari.

Thursday, November 12, 1942

On the Eastern Front... At Stalingrad, fierce fighting, sometimes house to house continues as some of General Paulus' forces reach the Volga while others remain trapped in the city. Communications have been severed and the Germans are effectively fighting in independent groups. In the Caucasus, the Germans rescue the 13th Panzer Division from encirclement south of Terek, but still face heavy fighting.

In Algeria and Tunisia... An Allied combined sea and air assault take the port at Bone and the nearby airfield. The first German supply ships dock at Bizerta despite the resistance of the local French commanders.

In New Guinea... Heavy fighting continues as the Australians attempt to prevent the Japanese from withdrawing across the Kumusi River.

In the Solomon Islands... Near Guadalcanal, a large American convoy carrying supplies and reinforcements retreats upon the approach of a large Japanese naval force. The Japanese carry out air attacks on the American land positions as well as their shipping.

In North Africa... Units of the British 1st and 7th Armored Divisions enter Tobruk, in Libya.

From Washington... The age for selective service is lowered from 20 to 18. President Roosevelt estimates that the American armed forces will reach 10,000,000 men by the end of 1943.

Friday, November 13, 1942

In the Solomon Islands... Off the coast of Guadalcanal, a Japanese convoy of 11 transports carrying 11,000 men and equipment escorted by Admiral Tanaka's "Tokyo Express" approaches the island. Admiral Abe command two battleships, two cruisers and 14 destroyers to give cover and to bombard Henderson Field airstrip to prevent American attacks. To the north, two further Japanese carriers are within striking range. American Admiral Callaghan, commanding a force of five cruisers and eight destroyers plots an interception course. In the early morning hours, Admiral Callaghan's force comes upon the Japanese force led by Admiral Abe. In an action lasting about half an hour, two Japanese cruisers are sunk and almost all other vessels suffer damage. The Americans lose two cruisers and four destroyers. The Japanese transport convoy turns back. Later in the day, the battleship Hiei, already badly damaged, is torpedoed by American aircraft and scuttled. After the battle, criticism concerning the effective use of the American radar is leveled. Problems are blamed on mismatched equipment and poor communication between the ships.

In New Guinea... The Japanese force at Gorani manages to retreat across the Kumusi River. General Horii drowns during the retreat. When the Australian forces secure the area, they find 600 dead. This retreat marks the end of organized Japanese resistance outside their beachheads at Gona and Buna.

On the Eastern Front... Bloody fighting continues in the streets of Stalingrad. To the South in the Caucasus, the Germans continue to face Soviet pressure in the Terek area.

In Algeria... Allied troops at Bone are reinforced. The British 36th Division continues advancing past Djidejelli.

In Casablanca... A formal agreement is signed between the Allies and Vichy. It recognizes Admiral Darlan as the head of French civil government in North Africa.

From Gibraltar... General Eisenhower, commander of Operation Torch, and Vichy Officials ratify the agreement signed in Casablanca. General Giraud is placed in command of the French armed forces.

Saturday, November 14, 1942

In the Solomon Islands... Off the coast of Guadalcanal, Admiral Tanaka turns south with his destroyers and transports and comes under heavy air attack from both Henderson Field and planes from the USS Enterprise. Seven of the transports and two warships are lost. He continues his advance throughout the night and manages to sail his remaining transports to Tassafaronga. However, more of the Japanese troops are killed by air attack while disembarking. Meanwhile, the second battle of Guadalcanal gets underway shortly before midnight. The Japanese covering force supporting the convoy, led by Admiral Kondo ( with the battleship Kirishima, four cruisers and nine destroyers), encounters US Task Force 64, under the command of Admiral Lee ( with the battleships Washington and South Dakota and four destroyers). The battle begins with damage to the South Dakota. It is forced from the battle. A seven minute burst of fire from the USS Washington sinks the Kirishima. Control of the seas around Guadalcanal is passing to the Americans. Supply problems are mounting for the Japanese, who will now be forced to make considerable use of submarines to transport supplies. Already many of the Japanese troops are ill and hungry.

In Tunisia... French General Barre, begins the movement of his troops away from the coastal towns in preparation for switching to the Allied side.

Sunday, November 15, 1942

In Tunisia... German build up continues to mount and there are now 10,000 troops taking up positions. They have over 100 combat planes and a advantage in the airstrips. They were French regular bases and have all weather runways.

In Algeria... The British 36th Brigade captures Tabarka on the coast road to Bizerta. US Paratroops take the airfield at Youks les Bains near Tebessa.

In New Guinea... The construction of rudimentary bridges on the Kumsumi River allows an Australian advance to take Wairopi and Ilimow.

Monday, November 16, 1942

In North Africa... The British 36th Division takes Djebel Abiod. Late in the day, they have reached nearly to Beja. A British paratroop battalion farther south takes Souk el Arba.

From London... Free French General de Gaulle announces he and his Free French supporters will not accept Admiral Darlan's rule. Many of the British politicians have doubts about cooperating with a former member of the Vichy government. The Americans however, see nothing wrong with the arrangement.

Tuesday, November 17, 1942

In New Guinea... A Japanese convoy successfully lands 1000 troops at Buna. The Japanese strongholds at Gona, Buna and Sanananada are well fortified and now well garrisoned.

In North Africa... The vanguard of the British 8th Army reaches Derna on the coast and Mechili inland.

In Burma... General Wavell cancels a proposed major amphibious operation against Akyab.

In the Mediterranean... A supply convoy, code named Stonehenge, sails from Gibraltar to the island of Malta (arriving on November 20th) without major incident.

Wednesday, November 18, 1942

In the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, US forces once again begin moving west with reduced opposition.

In North Africa... The British brigade at Djebel Aboid repels a German attack. The British paratroop battalion is now at Sidi Nsir.

In Vichy France... Marshal Petain grants law-making power to Prime Minster Laval, enabling him to issue decrees solely on his own authority. Petain is becoming less important in the government although his influence and prestige remain.

Thursday, November 19, 1942

On the Eastern Front... Operation Uranus. After weeks of planning and preparation, General Zhukov's offensive begins. The intention is to extend a pincer movement with armies from the Southwest Front (Army Group) lead by Vatutin and the Don Front, lead by Rokossovsky, attacking southward from the Don concentrating between Kletskaya and Kotovskiy. The Stalingrad Front (Army Group) under the command of Yeremenko, is to attack westward from the south of the city. The Soviets have assembled more than half a million men, 900 new T34 tanks, masses of artillery and over 1,000 planes. The northern arm of the pincer strikes first. The 5th Tank Army, 21st Army and part of the 1st Guards Army breakthrough near Kletskaya held by seven divisions of the Romanian 3rd Army. The attacks is intense and rapid and the Romanians have no chances of withstanding the onslaught. Meanwhile in the Caucasus, the Soviet win an important battle near Ozdzhonikidze. Bad weather in the area ends most major operations, but Soviet small gains continue.

In Tunisia... French forces at Medjez el Bab hold off the German attacks and are reinforced by British and American troops. The German are now led by General Nehring. French General Barre as planned turns his forces over to the Allies. Meanwhile in Libya, The British 8th Army enters Benghazi.

In New Guinea... US troops from Pongani begin their attack on the well fortified Japanese positions at Buna, believing that it is lightly held. The Australians are closing on Gona and a mixed Allied force is moving toward the Japanese positions at Sanananda.

From London... Admiral Horton takes over the British Western Approaches Command from Admiral Noble. Horton brings a more forceful attitude to the job. German U-boat commanders soon notice the difference.

Friday, November 20, 1942

In Vichy France... Prime Minister Laval once again broadcasts his support of Nazi Germany. He says that Germany will win the war and that the alternative is to be ruled by "Jews and Communists"

On the Eastern Front... Near Stalingrad, the southern arm of the Soviet offensive comprised of the 51st, 64th and 57th Armies strike the Romanian 4th Army and elements of the German 4th Panzer Army. The other part of the Panzer 4th Army is engaged inside the city of Stalingrad. There is greater resistance against the Soviet onslaught in this area, mainly from counterattacks staged by the 29th Panzergrenadier Division.

In New Guinea... An Austalian advance breakthrough the Japanese defences at Gona, but is later driven out.

Saturday, November 21, 1942

On the Eastern Front... The Soviets have broken through on a 50 miles long front with 34 divisions. Tanks units from General Rokossovsky's Don Front are advancing rapidly toward Kalach. The German response is somewhat disorganized as 6th Army's headquarters has been forced to move due to the Soviet advances. As well, General Manstein, newly appointed, is in transit from Leningrad to take up his position as commander of the new Army Group Don.

Sunday, November 22, 1942

In Occupied Poland... The Nazis liquidated the Jewish ghetto in Dunilowicze, Poland. They herded the Jews into a large barn and proceeded to murder all 888 men, women, and children.

Monday, November 23, 1942

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet offensive in the south continues. The bridge over the Don River at Kalach is captured by Soviet forces from the north. After crossing the bridge, the advance units link with the tanks forces of 51st Army and the Soviet encirclement of the German forces, in front of Stalingrad, 6th Army and most of 4th Panzer Army, begins. At this time, the Soviet's believe that the German forces are about 85,000. In fact an army of 300,000 has been encircled. Near Raspopinskaya, five division from the Romanian 3rd Army surrender.

In North Africa... After heavy fighting near Agedabia, the Axis troops fall back to El Aghelia. General Montgomery halts his forces advance for reorganization. They have chased Rommel's troops almost 600 miles in 14 days. The British are criticized for over caution in the operation, however, German booby traps and demolition's have caused delays.

Tuesday, November 24, 1942

From Berlin... Hitler orders General Paulus and 6th Army, encircled in front of Stalingrad to stand. Reichmarshal Goring has promised that his Luftwaffe can supply them by air until they can be relieved.

On the Eastern Front... Manstein arrives at Army Group A Headquarters. The forces allocated to him to create Army Group Don are either severely under strength or trapped near Stalingrad. The only significant force available to him is a division which is needed need to hold the position at Elista, which maintains the link with Army Group A in the Caucasus. Cooperation from the other Army Group commanders on the Eastern Front and the German Army High Command is reluctant when Manstein requests reserves. His build up is therefore slow. In the area west of Moscow... Soviet attacks advance around Rzhev and Velikiye Luki.

Wednesday, November 25, 1942

In Occupied Greece... Greece resistance workers from two rival Greek organizations led by British SOE agents blow up a viaduct on the Athen-Salonika railway at Gorgopotamos. Many of the supplies sent to Rommel in the past used this route.

Thursday, November 26, 1942

On the Eastern Front... The Soviets take Krasnoye, Generalov and Selo on the Don River as the advance continues. Pressure on German forces inside the Stalingrad pocket continue. The Germans attempt to prepare a counterattack.

In Tunisia... The British 78th Division drives the Germany from Medjez el Bab. The German held airfield at Djedeida is raided by a US tank battalion.

In New Guinea... Despite the lose of a destroyer to air attack, the Japanese provide reinforcement of their troops at Buna.

Friday, November 27, 1942

In Vichy France... The German 2nd Panzer Corps occupies Toulon, but the French fleet is scuttled by order of Admiral Labrode before it can fall into German hands. Three battleships, seven cruisers and 62 other craft including 16 submarines go down.

In North Africa... Tunisia, Allied forces capture Tebourba, 15 miles west of Tunis. Another Allied column is approaching Bizerta.

Saturday, November 28, 1942

On the Eastern Front... Soviet advances continue in the area around Rzhev in the Moscow area.

In North Africa... British and American forces of the brigade strength take Djedeida. However German forces are advancing from St. Cyprien at their rear.

In the Indian Ocean... Free French forces occupy the island of Reunion.

Sunday, November 29, 1942

In Tunisia... A British paratroop battalion land at Depienne and moves toward Oudna. The British and French forces at Djedeida come under heavy pressure and fall back.

From London... British Prime Minister Churchill warns the Italian people that they must chose between a revolt against Mussolini and a full scale Allied attack.

Monday, November 30, 1942

In the Solomon Islands... The Battle of Tassafaronga. American attempts to stop the regular night supply run of the "Tokyo Express" under Admiral Tanaka again develops into a major battle. Tanaka has 8 destroyers and Admiral Wright has 5 heavy cruisers and 7 destroyers. Wright uses radar to find the Japanese force and fire the first salvo. However, the American attack is ineffective with only one hit on a Japanese destroyer which sinks later. The Japanese sink one cruiser and damage 3 very seriously. Despite this success, Admiral Tanaka is reprimanded for failing to deliver the supplies needed by the starving Japanese forces on the island.

In New Guinea... The American forces attacking Japanese positions at Buna make their first real headway.

In Burma... The advance of the British 123rd Brigade in the Arakan has now reached Bawali Bazaar. Extremely bad weather slows the advance and makes road building very difficult.

In Japan... The German raider Thor is destroyed by fire in Yokohama harbor ending a cruise which sank 10 ships totaling 56,000 tons of shipping in 10 months.