Chronology of World War II

Saturday, July 1, 1944

On the Western Front... The German 1st SS Panzer Corps (part of 7th Army) mounts an armored attack around Grainville. British 2nd Army holds the German assault.

In Italy... Elements of the US 5th Army capture Cecina on the west coast while Pomerance falls, further inland, in the advance to Volterra. German for

On the Eastern Front... Forces of the 3rd Belorussian Front complete the capture of Borisov.ces opposite the British 8th Army begin to withdraw.

In the United States... At Bretton Woods, an international monetary conference begins with a speech by US Secretary of the Treasury, Morgenthau. There are 44 countries represented.

Sunday, July 2, 1944

In New Guinea... There are Allied landing on Numfoor Island. About 7100 troops, including elements of the US 168th Infantry Division and Australian forces, under the command of US General Patrick establish a beachhead on the north coast near Kamiri Airfield. There is no Japanese resistance. Admiral Fechteler commands the naval support with US Task Force 74 and TF75 providing escort and a preliminary bombardment. On Biak Island, remnants of the Japanese force continue to resist.

In the Mariana Islands... On Saipan, American forces conduct a general advance. Garapan village is overrun.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces cut several rail lines leading west from Minsk.

In Italy... Allied forces advance in the west and the center. Foiano is captured by elements of the British 8th Army.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Monday, July 3, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces of the 1st and 3rd Belorussian Fronts complete the capture of Minsk. German forces of the 4th Army, which has been pinned by 2nd Belorussian Front, are now trapped east of the city. German casualties and equipment losses are severe. Most of the forces of German Army Group Center are in disarray.

From Berlin... General Freissner replaces General Lindemann as commander of Army Group North.

On the Western Front... Forces of the US 1st Army launch an offensive drive south from the Cotentin Peninsula with the objective of reaching a line from Coutances to St. Lo. The difficult terrain and poor weather contribute to a limited advance during the day toward St. Jean de Daye and La Haye du Puits. German forces resist.

In Italy... Troops of the French Expeditionary Corps (part of US 5th Army) capture Siena. Other elements of the 5th Army reach Rosignano. Forces of the British 8th Army take Cortona.

In New Guinea... On Numfoor, the Allied forces expand their beachhead. A parachute battalion is dropped at Kamiriz Airfield which is captured with heavy casualties.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Tuesday, July 4, 1944

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 1st Baltic Front launches attacks on the right flank of German Army Group North. Polotsk is captured.

On the Western Front... Attacks by the US 7th and 8th Corps (parts of US 1st Army) continue. The Canadian 3rd Division (part of British 2nd Army) captures the village of Carpiquet, west of Caen, but cannot secure the airfield.

In the Mariana Islands... Elements of US Task Force 58 attack Guam Island with carrier aircraft.

In the Volcano Islands... Elements of US Task Force 58 attack Iwo Jima Island with carrier aircraft.

In the Bonin Islands... Elements of US Task Force 58 attack Chichi Jima Island with carrier aircraft.

In New Guinea... On Numfoor Island, the Kornasoren airfield is captured by Allied forces. A second parachute battalion is dropped and suffers heavy casualties.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Wednesday, July 5, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviets forces begin the destruction of the trapped German 9th and 4th Armies (an estimated 100,000 troops) in Belorussia. Other Red Army forces continue to exploit westward. On the Western Front... Elements of US 1st Army capture La Haye du Puits. In New Guinea... On Numfoor, the Japanese garrison counterattacks the Allied beachhead but fails to make progress. American forces prepare to assault the third airfield on the island, at Namber. In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Thursday, July 6, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces of 1st Belorussian Front capture Kovel, 70 east of Lublin. German forces are retreating. Southwest of Minsk, Svir is captured.

From Berlin... It is announced the Field Marshal Kluge has replaced Field Marshal Rundstedt as Commander in Chief West.

In Italy... Elements of British 8th Army advance. The Polish 3rd Division (part of Polish 2nd Corps) captures Osemo, south of Ancona, on the Adriatic. German forces are conducting a gradual withdrawal, from river line to river line.

In New Guinea... On Numfoor, American forces capture Namber airfield. Allied fighter aircraft are flown in.

In Washington... Free French President de Gaulle arrives for talks on the status of his administration and aid for his forces.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Friday, July 7, 1944

In Italy... US 5th Army forces advance along the coast. The US 34th Division captures Pignano.

On the Western Front... The US 1st Army continues its offensive toward Coutances and St. Lo. The US 8th, 7th and 19th Corps attack along a line from La Haye du Puits to Vire. German forces resist effectively. The British 2nd Army prepares to reach the objective of Caen. The battleship HMS Rodney shells German positions around the city.

In Occupied France... Former cabinet minister and outspoken anti-collaborationist, Georges Mandel, is executed at Fontainbleu on the orders of the Vichy police chief, Darnand.

On the Eastern Front... North of Ladoga Lake, the Finnish forces complete the withdrawal to the U Line. In Belorussia, encircled elements of the German 9th and 4th Armies are being reduced.

In the Mariana Islands... On Saipan, most of the remaining Japanese garrison, about 3000 men, assault American lines south of the village of Makunsha. The Japanese are forced to retreat with heavy losses.

In Washington... Free French President de Gaulle continues talks with American representatives.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Saturday, July 8, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Forces of the Soviet 1st Belorussian Front capture Baranovichi, halfway between Minsk and Brest-Litovsk.

On the Western Front... The British 2nd Army attacks towards Caen. A preliminary bombardment by 450 RAF Lancaster bombers drops 2500 tons on the city. British and Canadian troops reach the outskirts of the city. The US 1st Army is reinforced with 2 divisions arriving from Britain. There is heavy fighting along the road from Carentan to Periers.

In the Mariana Islands... American battleships shell targets on Guam.

In Washington... Free French President de Gaulle continues talks with American representatives.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Sunday, July 9, 1944

On the Western Front... Forces of British 2nd Army penetrate Caen. Forces of Canadian 3rd Division and British 1st Division capture most of the city north of the Orne River. Canadian forces also take Carpiquet Airfield. The US 1st Army continues attacks toward St. Lo.

In Italy... Elements of US 5th Army advance. The US 88th Division captures Volterra and elements of the French Expeditionary Corps reach Poggibonsi.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces of 3rd Belorussian Front capture Lida, 50 mile east of Grodno. Farther north, Soviet forces reach the outskirts of Vilna in Lithuania.

In the Mariana Islands... On Saipan, US forces reach Point Marpi and the last organized Japanese resistance is overcome. An estimated 27,000 Japanese have been killed and 1780 are prisoners, both figures include civilians. US forces have lost 3400 killed and 13,000 wounded.

In Washington... Free French President de Gaulle continues talks with American representatives.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Monday, July 10, 1944

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 2nd Baltic Front (Yeremenko) launches an offensive along a 90-mile frontage, east of Idritsa. Soviet forces capture Slonim from German forces of Army Group Center.

From Berlin... Hitler refuses a request by Field Marshal Model, commanding the shattered Army Group Center, to allow Army Group North to withdraw behind the Dvina. The intent is to bolster the defenses of Army Group Center and prevent Army Group North being cut off by the Soviet drive into the Baltics.

On the Western Front... British 8th Corps (part of 2nd Army) begins new attacks toward Evrecy. Eterville is captured.

In New Guinea... Around Aitape, Japanese forces begin new attacks along the line of the Driniumor River.

In Washington... Free French President de Gaulle continues talks with American representatives.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Tuesday, July 11, 1944

On the Western Front... German forces counterattack the US 1st Army. The German Panzerlehr Division spearheads the assault against US 9th Division southwest of St. Jean de Daye. US forces hold. The British 2nd Army continues a slow advance. The 8th Corps captures Hill 112, southwest of Caen. Naval gunfire supports operations around the city.

On the Eastern Front... Other Soviet forces eliminate German resistance east of Minsk.

In New Guinea... American forces around Aitape pull back from the Driniumor River under pressure from Japanese forces.

In Washington... President Roosevelt announces that the US will recognized the French Provisional Government, led by de Gualle, as the de facto authority for the civil administration of liberated territory in France. Roosevelt also tells a press conference that he will run for president again if the Democratic Party nominates him. He say, "If the people command me to continue in office... I have as little right as a soldier to leave his position in the line."

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Wednesday, July 12, 1944

In Italy... Allied air attacks against the Po bridges begin. Elements of the US 5th Army advance. The US 88th Division takes Lajatico.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet 2nd Baltic Front forces capture Idritsa.

On the Western Front... The US 1st Army offensive toward St. Lo reaches within 2 miles of the town but faces heavy resistance from German forces. Hill 192, east of the town, is captured.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Thursday, July 13, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces occupy Vilna, in Lithuania after several days of street fighting.

On the Western Front... The US 1st Army makes no progress in its attack toward St. Lo. A formal assault on the German defenses to the east of the town is now considered.

In Italy... The French Expeditionary Corps (part of US 5th Army) is attacking around Poggibonsi and Castellina, about 20 miles south of Florence.

In New Guinea... Around Aitape, the US 128th Regiment falls back to the Driniumor River. On Numfoor the final pockets of Japanese resistance are being cleared.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Friday, July 14, 1944

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front (Konev) begins a new offensive in the south. The forces of the 1st Belorussian Front capture Pinsk.

In Italy... The French Expeditionary Corps (part of US 5th Army) captures Poggibonsi.

In New Guinea... Task Force 74 (Commodore Collins) bombards Japanese positions near Aitape, between Yakamul and But.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Saturday, July 15, 1944

On the Western Front... Elements of the US 1st Army reach the outskirts of Lessay. From here to the Taute River, the advance is halted for regrouping. Heavy fighting takes place near St. Lo.

In Italy... Divisions of British 8th Army launch attacks against German positions at Arezzo. To the west, the US 5th Army advances toward Leghorn. The French Expeditionary Corps capture Castellina.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 2nd Baltic Front captures Opochka, 30 miles north of Idritsa. Other Soviet forces cross the Niemen River in several places west and southwest of Vilna.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Sunday, July 16, 1944

In London... The Polish government in exile publishes a paper claiming German territory in East Prussia, Danzig and the Polish Corridor for postwar Poland.

On the Western Front... Forces of US 1st Army continue attacking near St. Lo. Elements of British 2nd Army advance toward Hottot-les-Bagues and Evrecy.

In Italy... British 8th Army forces capture Arezzo. Elements of the British 13th Corps cross the Arno River as the German forces fall back.

On the Eastern Front... Southwest of Vilna, Soviet forces storm Grodno. To the south, the 1st Ukrainian Front advances toward Lvov on a 300-mile frontage.

In New Guinea... Around Aitape, the Japanese forces along the Driniumor River weaken.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Monday, July 17, 1944

In Occupied France... German Field Marshal Rommel is severely wounded in a strafing attack on his staff car by an Allied fighter aircraft. Rommel was returning to his headquarters from an inspection tour.

From Berlin... Field Marshal Kluge assumes temporary command of Army Group B (Rommel).

On the Western Front... Forces of US 1st Army penetrate into the town of St. Lo.

In Occupied Norway... The British carriers Formidable, Indefatigable and Furious escorted by the battleship Duke of York launch air attacks against German battleship Tirpitz at anchor at Kaafiord. The incoming strike is detected and a smoke screen effectively conceals the target.

In Tokyo... Admiral Nomura replaces Shimada as the Minister of the Navy.

In Washington... President Roosevelt announces that he will leave the choice for Vice President to the Democratic Party convention.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Tuesday, July 18, 1944

In Tokyo... Tojo resigns his posts as prime minister and Chief of Staff of the Army. General Kuniaki Koiso and Admiral Yonai are chosen to form a new cabinet. General Umezu becomes the new Chief of Staff of the Army. These changes reflect the growing strength of Japanese statesmen seeking an end to the war.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces of 3rd Baltic Front strike toward Ostrov and Pskov. The 1st Belorussian Front attacks around Kovel. To the south, after being held by German forces for two days, the 1st Ukrainian Front makes progress toward Lvov and encircles the 5 German divisions of the German 13th Corps in what becomes known as the Brody pocket.

On the Western Front... Most of the town of St. Lo is occupied by elements of the US 19th Corps (part of US 1st Army). The British 2nd Army launches Operation Goodwood. A preparatory bombardment involves over 2200 aircraft including 1000 RAF heavy bombers dropping more than 7000 tons of bombs on the German defenses. British and Canadian forces push from east of the Orne River southward in the direction of the high ground beyond Caen. Initially, the Allied troops make good progress but no breakthrough is achieved. Field Marshal Montgomery, commanding British 21st Army Group, believes the attack is necessary to keep German forces pinned against British and Canadian forces, rather than the American forces. He also expresses some optimism about a breakout of Normandy.

In Italy... The US 4th Corps attacks Leghorn on the west coast while other elements of US 5th Army reach the Arno River at Pontedera. On the east coast, the Polish 2nd Corps (part of British 8th Army) captures Ancona.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Wednesday, July 19, 1944

On the Western Front... To the east of Caen, Operation Goodwood continues. British 2nd Army is heavily engaged and large numbers of tanks are used on both sides. The Caen suburb of Vaucelles is cleared by Canadian forces which also capture Louvigny and Fleury-sur-Orne.

On the Eastern Front... East of Dvinsk, Soviet forces enter Latvia.

In Italy... Elements of the US 5th Army capture Leghorn.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party convention at Chicago selects Roosevelt as their candidate for president by an overwhelming majority (Roosevelt 1086; Byrd 89; Farley 1). Harry Truman is chosen as his running mate (Truman 1031; Wallace 105).

Thursday, July 20, 1944

In Germany... Shortly after noon, a bomb explodes in the conference room at Hitler's headquarters at Rastenburg, in East Prussia. The bomb was planted by Colonel Count von Stauffenberg. The conspirators include General Beck, Carl Gordeler, Field Marshal Witzleben and General Halder. Most of them are either aristocrats or Roman Catholics. Many others know about the plot, including Rommel, Kluge and Canaris. After it becomes clear that Hitler has survived the plot falls apart. Several of the leading participants, including Stauffenberg, are arrested and shot in Berlin by the end of the day.

On the Western Front... The British 2nd Army continues attacks south and east of Caen. German forces, particularly antitank defenses, have reduced the Allied momentum.

In the Mariana Islands... The bombardment of Tinian is expanded as army artillery based on Saipan becomes available, in addition to the air attacks and naval shelling.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Friday, July 21, 1944

In the Mariana Islands... Troops of the US 3rd Amphibious Corps (Geiger) land on Guam. The 3rd Marine Division (Turnage) establishes a beachhead at Asan, west of Agana. The 1st Marine Division (Shephard) comes ashore at Agat. Eventually, 54,900 American troops are deployed. There is only moderate Japanese resistance on the beaches. Task Force 53 (Admiral Connolly) provides naval support with 6 battleships and 5 escort carriers. Three groups from Task Force 58 attack Japanese positions with carrier aircraft. The Japanese garrison numbers 19,000. The defense is based on the forces of the 29th Infantry Division (Takashima). General Obata, commanding the Japanese 31st Army, is present on the island.

In New Guinea... Japanese forces launch further attacks over the Driniumor River, near Aitape. American forces hold the offensive.

In Italy... The French Expeditionary Corps (part of US 5th Army) is withdrawn from the line. It is being redeployed as part of the preparation for the Allied invasion of southern France.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 3rd Baltic Front captures Ostrov in continuing attacks.

From Berlin... General Zeitzler resigns his post as Chief of the General Staff of OKH (the Army High Command, with responsibility for the Eastern Front). His replacement is General Guderian.

In the United States... The Bretton Woods conference continues.

Saturday, July 22, 1944

In the United States... At Bretton Woods (Mount Washington Hotel, New Hampshire) the international conference concludes with agreement on the establishment of an International Monetary Fund and an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 3rd Belorussian Front captures Chelm as they advance toward Lublin.

In the Mariana Islands... On Guam, marines of US 3rd Amphibious Corps attempt to link up their two beachheads with converging attacks. The American forces each advance about one mile against heavy Japanese resistance.

Sunday, July 23, 1944

In Moscow... The formation of a Polish Committee of National Liberation is announced. The London based Polish government in exile calls it "the creation of a handful of unknown communists."

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Pskov. This was the last major town of the prewar USSR to have been held by German forces. To the south, troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front enter Lublin. German forces continue to resist in Lublin.

From Berlin... Field Marshal Schorner replaces General Friessner as commander of Army Group North.

In Italy... Elements of the US 4th Corps (part of US 5th Army) penetrate the outskirts of Pisa but are only able to occupy the area south of the Arno River.

In the Mariana Islands... On Guam, American marines on the northern beachhead reach Point Adelup. On the southern beachhead, the marines cross the neck of the Orote Peninsula, thereby cutting off the main Japanese airfield on the island.

On the Western Front... The Canadian 1st Army becomes operational in Normandy.

Monday, July 24, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces of the 1st Belorussian Front capture Lublin. Elements of the 1st Ukrainian Front overrun the site of the Majdanek Concentration Camp.

In the Mariana Islands... The US 5th Amphibious Corps (General Schmidt) lands on Tinian. The US 2nd Marine Division first conduct a feint landing in the southwest, while the 4th Marine Division establishes a beachhead in the northwest. The American force numbers 15,600 men. Task Force 52 (Admiral Hill) provides transport. Fire support is provided by battleship groups commanded by Admiral Oldendorf and Admiral Ainsworth. The Japanese forces on the island number 6200 under the command of Colonel Ogata and Admiral Kakuta. Napalm is used for the first time in the Pacific during the defense of the beachhead against Japanese attacks.

On the Western Front... Attacks of "Operation Cobra" by US 1st Army forces are scheduled to begin but are postponed due to poor weather and the consequent lack of air support.

Tuesday, July 25, 1944

On the Western Front... The US 1st Army begins "Operation Cobra". The main attack is made west of St. Lo by the US 7th Corps with 8th Corps on the right flank and 13th Corps on the left flank. A massive bombardment precedes the assault. More than 3000 planes are involved, including 1500 heavy bombers of the US 8th Air Force. Some American casualties result from the bombers releasing their loads short of their target. Regardless, the American forces make good progress. Attacks by the British 2nd Army around Caen have drawn away German armored forces and reserves. To the south of Caen, Canadian troops are attacking along the road to Falaise but meet heavy German resistance.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces penetrate Lvov and partially surround it.

In Berlin... Goebbels is appointed Reich Plenipotentiary for Total War and new decrees are issued canceling vacations for women involved in war-related work.

In Washington... British and American representatives begin talks concerning the control of oil production and trade in the postwar world.

In the Occupied Dutch East Indies... The British Eastern Fleet (Admiral Somerville) attacks Sabang Island. Aircraft from the carriers Victorious and Illustrious are sent against the airfield and then 4 battleships as well as cruisers and destroyers move closer to shell the harbor and oil installations.

In the Mariana Islands... On Guam the American marine forces are still unable to link up the two beachheads. On the southern landing, there is also fighting on the Orote Peninsula. On Tinian, the forces of US 5th Amphibious Corps advance cautiously southward after repulsing Japanese counterattacks.

In the Caroline Islands... Two carrier groups from Task Force 58 (Admiral Mitscher) attack Palau while a third attacks Yap, Ulithi, Ngulu, Tais and Sorol.

In Occupied Poland... A dismantled German V2 rocket is flown out on a Dakota transport plane and arrives London seven weeks before the first rocket attack occurs. The missile was captured by Polish resistance members on May 20th.

Wednesday, July 26, 1944

In Honolulu... Roosevelt meets with MacArthur and Nimitz to discuss strategy in the Pacific theater. MacArthur argues for an attack on the Philippines. Nimitz and the naval staff suggest the Philippines can be by-passed and Formosa should be the next major target.

On the Western Front... The attacks of US 1st Army continue. The US 7th Corps captures Marigny and St. Gilles. To the west, US 8th Corps crosses the Lessay-Periers road.

On the Eastern Front... Troops of the Soviet Leningrad Front capture Narva. To the south, the 1st Ukrainian Front reaches the Vistula River west of Lublin and takes Deblin.

In New Guinea... The fighting around Aitape continues. On the islands of Biak and Numfoor, Japanese resistance continues as well.

Thursday, July 27, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces advance. The 2nd Baltic (Yeremenko) captures Daugavpils in the north; 1st Baltic (Bagramyan) takes Siauliai; 2nd Belorussian (Zakharov) captures Bialystok; and 1st Ukrainian Front (Konev) takes Lvov and Stanislav 70 miles to the south.

On the Western Front... US 1st Army continues its offensive. The US 8th Corps breaks through between Lessy and Periers, capturing both towns.

In the Mariana Islands... On Guam, the US 77th Division prepares to attack Mount Tenjo. On Tinian, Americans being work on a new airfield at Ushi Point.

Friday, July 28, 1944

On the Western Front... The first objective of "Operation Cobra" is reached by elements of US 1st Army. The US 4th Armored Division enters Coutances.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Brest-Litovsk and Przemysl.

In the Mariana Islands... On Guam, American marines occupy much of the Orote Peninsula. Other US forces take Mount Chachao and Mount Alutom in the continuing effort to link up the beachheads.

Saturday, July 29, 1944

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 3rd Belorussian Front crosses the Niemen River.

On the Western Front... The advance of US 1st Army continues. On the left flank, the US 19th Corps approaches Torigny and Tessy. The 7th Corps reaches Percy. On the right flank, the 8th Corps crosses the Sienne River and moves toward Granville.

In the Mariana Islands... On Tinian, the American forces now occupy more than half the island. Japanese resistance is increasing.

On New Guinea... On Biak the last pocket of organized Japanese resistance, around Ibdi, is eliminated. On the mainland, near Aitape, American forces fall back at Afua under pressure from Japanese forces.

Sunday, July 30, 1944

On the Western Front... Advancing elements of US 1st Army seize Granville and enter Avranches, capturing bridges over the See River. The left flank is counterattacked by German forces of the 2nd Parachute Corps at Percy and Villedieu. British forces mount successful attacks near Caumount.

In the Mariana Islands... On Tinian, the main town of Tinian is captured by American forces. The southern half of Guam has been secured by US troops.

In the Philippine Sea... The US heavy cruiser Indianapolis is sunk by a Japanese submarine.

In New Guinea... The US 6th Division (Sibert) lands unopposed on the islands of Amsterdam and Middleburg, off Cape Sansapor. Task Force 78 (Admiral Berkey) provides naval support.

Monday, July 31, 1944

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 3rd Belorussian Front enters Kaunas, the capital of Lithuania, and advances toward Warsaw. Elements capture Siedlice and Otwock only 12 miles southeast of the city.

On the Western Front... American 1st Army continues to advance. The US 4th Armored Division captures crossings over the Selune River near Pontaubault. The German counterattack on the left flank continues around Tessy and Percy.

In New Guinea... An American battalion is landed west of Cape Sansapor from the offshore islands. At Aitape, American forces counterattack the Japanese forces along the Driniumor River.

In London... Admiral Fraser succeeds Admiral Somerville as commander of the British Eastern Fleet.

In the Mariana Islands... On Tinian, American forces begin attacks on the last center of organized Japanese resistance, in the south of the island.