Chronology of World War II

Thursday, June 1, 1944

In Italy... Forces of the US 5th Army advance toward Rome. The US 2nd and 6th Corps, exploiting the capture of Velletri, attack through the Alban Hills toward Albano and Valmonte. With the breach of the Caesar Line, German Army Group C (Kesselring) orders a withdrawal north of Rome. Rearguards delay the American advance.

On the Eastern Front... German forces continue to attack near Jassy. Elements of the Soviet 2nd Ukrainian Front counterattack and regain possession of the ground lost during the recent fighting.

In the Mediterranean... A German convoy bound for Crete from occupied Greece is attacked by RAF planes. Several ships are sunk.

From London... In the evening, the BBC broadcasts the first code message intended as a warning to the French resistance that a invasion is imminent. The Germans appreciate the significance of the message and alert some units in occupied France.

In New Guinea... On Biak Island, American forces resume their offensive and the infantry gain some ground with armored support. On the mainland, Japanese forces continue their attacks around the Aitape beachhead and the American defenders continue to fall back.

Friday, June 2, 1944

In Burma... The last siege of Myitkyina begins.

In Algiers... The French Committee of National Liberation proclaims itself the Provisional Government of the French Republic.

In Italy... As the forces of German Army Group C (Kesselring) fall back, the Allied armies advance along the entire front. The forces of the US 5th Army reach Route 6 at Valmontone, which is captured, as well as making progress in the Alban Hills.

In New Guinea... Fighting continues on Biak Island. American forces aim to capture the airfields in the center of the island. These airfields have been used as the base for Japanese attacks on Wadke.

Saturday, June 3, 1944

In Italy... Forces of the US 5th Army continue advancing toward Rome. US 6th Corps captures Albano and Frascati. The US 2nd Corps and the French Expeditionary Corps advance along Route 6. To the southeast, the Canadian 1st Corps (now part of British 8th Army) captures Anagni. German forces withdraw from Rome, respecting its status as an "open city" in return for a temporary truce with Italian partisans.

In New Guinea... Japanese forces make an unsuccessful attempt to ship reinforcements to the garrison on Biak Island. US forces on Biak advance against heavy resistance.

Sunday, June 4, 1944

In Italy... Elements of the US 5th Army (Clark) reach Rome. In the evening, elements of the US 88th Division enter Rome.

From London... The Allied Expeditionary Force convoys, bound Normandy, are called back to port because of poor weather conditions expected for June 5th. Eisenhower decides, however, that the invasion can take place on June 6th. The poor weather has also encourage the German defenders in occupied France. Rommel, commanding Army Group B, decides to go to Germany for his wife's birthday on June 6th and to meet with Hitler. Other German commanders in the Normandy area are at a training exercise in Brittany.

Monday, June 5, 1944

On the Western Front... Allied airborne troops embark for Normandy just before midnight. The convoys carrying the Allied Expeditionary Force are nearing France.

From London... The BBC broadcasts a second message, intended for the French Resistance, warning of the imminent invasion. Again, the significance of the message is noted by German authorities but the 7th Army in Normandy is not alerted.

In Italy... The US 5th Army enters Rome in force and continues to advance in pursuit of the retreating German forces. Traffic congestion on the limited road network hinders the advance, as does the German rearguards.

In New Guinea... On Biak, elements of the US 41st Division continue to advance, reducing pockets of Japanese resistance. On the mainland, near Aitape, American forces evacuate one of their beachheads because of continuing Japanese attacks. The Japanese forces are sustaining heavy losses.

In Burma... A British flank attack at Kohima forces the Japanese forces off the Aradura Spur and into retreat. The road to Imphal remains blocked by Japanese forces.

Tuesday, June 6, 1944

On the Western Front... Operation Overlord begins. In Normandy, France, during the predawn hours, the US 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions are dropped inland from the right flank beach. The British 6th Airborne Division is landed inland from the left flank beach. These forces achieve their objectives and create confusion among the German defenders. The Allied Expeditionary Force lands in Normandy at dawn. Forces of the 21st Army Group (Field Marshal Montgomery) commands the US 1st Army (General Bradley) on the right and the British 2nd Army (General Dempsey) on the left. There are five invasion beaches: Utah on the right flank, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, on the left flank. At Utah, the US 7th Corps (General Collins) lands with US 4th Division spearheading the assault. The troops advance inland against light resistance. Admiral Moon provides naval support. At Omaha, the US 5th Corps (General Gerow) lands. There is heavy resistance and by the end of the day the American forces have advance less than one mile inland. Admiral Hall provides naval support. At Gold, the British 30th Corps (General Bucknall) lands with 50th Infantry Division and 8th Armored Brigade leading the assault. There is reasonable advance inland although the assigned objectives are not met. At Juno beach, the British 1st Corps (General Crocker) lands with the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division and the Canadian 2nd Armored Brigade leading the assault. The tanks and infantry quickly push inland. Naval support is under the command of Commodore Oliver. At Sword beach, other elements of the British 1st Corps land. The British 3rd Infantry Division, 27th Armored Brigade and several Marine and Commando units lead the assault. The beach is quickly secured and bridges over the Orne River are captured but the first day objectives are not reached. The German 21st Panzer Division counterattacks in the late afternoon but does not dislodge the British defenders. Overall, the Allies land almost 150,000 men. Naval support and massive aerial interdiction prevents the German defenders from concentrating forces for a decisive counterattack.

In Italy... The French Expeditionary Corps (part of US 5th Army) completes the capture of Tivoli. Recent combat has depleted 4 German infantry divisions and reduced six of their panzer and panzer grenadier divisions.

From Berlin... General Lemelsen replaces General Mackensen as commander of the German 14th Army in Italy.

In New Guinea... On Biak, elements of the US 41st Division prepare to advance on Mokmer Airfield while other elements are engaged near Ibdi.

Wednesday, June 7, 1944

On the Western Front... Allied forces attempt to link up the beachheads. Gold and Juno beach are already joined. Elements of US 7th Corps, on Utah beach, attempts to link up with the paratroops of 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions and advances toward Carentan and Montebourg. The US 5th Corps, on Omaha, advances toward Isigny and Bayeux. Elements of the British 30th Corps cut the Caen-Bayeux road. The 50th Division captures Bayeux. Meanwhile, German reserves are concentrating on the right flank of the invasion against the British forces threatening Caen.

In Italy... Elements of US 5th Army capture Bacciano and Civitavecchia. The port facilities are serviceable. Elements of British 8th Army advance as well. Subiaco is taken. The South African 6th Armored Division captures Civita Castellana and advances to Orvieto.

In New Guinea... On Biak Island, elements of US 41st Division capture Mokmer Airfield. Japanese resistance continues.

Thursday, June 8, 1944

On the Western Front... A second wave of Allied troops has landed. Elements of the US 7th Corps, from Utah beach, advance toward Cherbourg. The 4th Division engages in heavy fighting near Azeville. Elements of the US 5th Corps, on Omaha beach, capture Isigny but cannot establish a link with the American forces on Utah. A link is established between Omaha and Gold beach once British Marines, part of the 30th Corps, take Port-en-Bessin.

In Italy... German rearguards slow the advance of the US 5th Army and British 8th Army.

In New Guinea... Fighting continues on Biak Island. A Japanese attempt to ship reinforcements to Biak is intercepted by the cruiser squadron commanded by Admiral Crutchley. It is forced to retreat. On the mainland, at the American beachhead around Aitape, US forces begin counterattacking.

Friday, June 9, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces launch a massive offensive on the Finnish front. The Soviet 21st and 23rd Armies attack with air support along the 14 km coastal frontage of the Karelian Isthmus. About 3000 Soviet artillery pieces obliterate the Finnish front lines but Soviet armor fails to achieve a breakthrough by nightfall.

On the Western Front... On the right flank of the invasion beaches, elements of the US 7th Corps capture Azeville in its northward drive toward Cherbourg. Other elements are moving west toward Carentan. The US 5th Corps, from Omaha beach, capture Trevieres. The British and Canadian forces of the British 2nd Army are heavily engaged by growing German reserves around Caen. Allied aircraft are now operating from forward landing strips in France.

In Italy... Forces of the US 5th Army capture Tarquinia, Viterbo and Vetrella. Elements of British 8th Army advance toward Terni and Orvieto. A small amphibious force lands at Santo Stefano. Meanwhile, there is a substantial reorganization of Allied forces. Elements of British 10th and 13th Corps are regrouped while elements of the US 6th Corps, mostly, are withdrawn from the line for the invasion of southern France.

In Rome... Marshal Badoglio resigns and Ivanoe Bonomi forms a new government. The cabinet includes Count Sforza, Professor Croce and Togliatti, the Communist Party leader.

Saturday, June 10, 1944

In Occupied France... A detachment of the German 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich kills 642 inhabitants of the village Oradour-sur-Glane, near Limoges. The dead include about 200 women and children burned to death in the church.

On the Western Front... Field Marshal Montgomery establishes 21st Army Group headquarters in Normandy, France. The Utah and Omaha beaches are linked up by an advance of the US 2nd Armored Division (part of 5th Corps). The US 101st Airborne Division continues to be engaged around Carentan. On the left, elements of British 30th Corps are heavily engaged. The 7th Armored Division battles the German Panzerlehr Division near Tilly-sur-Seulles.

In Italy... British 8th Army forces advance along the Adriatic coast. Elements of 5th Corps (Keightley) capture Pescara and Chieti. Inland, the New Zealand 2nd Division penetrates into Avezzano where fighting continues.

In the Dutch East Indies... In a diversionary action, British aircraft from Illustrious and Atheling raid Japanese positions on Sabang. The intent is to distract Japanese attention from American forces approaching the Mariana Islands.

On the Eastern Front... To the north of Leningrad, the Soviet 23rd Army (Cherepanov), part of the Leningrad Front, launches attacks against Finnish positions on the Karelian Isthmus. Terijoki and Yalkena are captured.

Sunday, June 11, 1944

On the Western Front... On the right, forces of the US 1st Army (Bradley) are primarily engaged at Carentan, which is captured during the day as is Lison. On the left, the British 2nd Army (Dempsey) encounters heavy German resistance at Tilly and elsewhere along the front.

In Italy... Elements of the French Expeditionary Corps (part of US 5th Army) capture Montefiascone, west of Viterbo. Force of the British 8th Army, inland, are engaged near Cantalupo and Bagnoregio.

Over Romania... The US 15th Air Force, operating from bases in Italy, raids the airfield at Focsani. The aircraft fly on to Soviet held territory in the first "shuttle" run of this sort.

In the Mariana Islands... US Task Force 58 (Admiral Mitscher) begins raids against Japanese bases on Saipan, Tinian and other islands. TF58 has 9 fleet carriers and 6 light carriers. Task Group 58.7 (Admiral Lee) provides escort. An estimated 36 Japanese planes are shot down. Task Group 58.4 attacks shipping in the area. The Japanese lose 3 minor warships and about 30,000 tons of merchant transport by the aircraft. The operations are overseen by Admiral Spruance, commanding the Central Pacific Area, on board the cruiser Indianapolis.

Monday, June 12, 1944

On the Western Front... A third wave of Allied forces has landed. There are now 326,000 troops, 104,000 tons of supplies and 54,000 vehicles deployed in Normandy, France. Elements of US 7th Corps advance across the Cotentin Peninsula and southwest. Also, the 4th Division is engaged at Montebourg, Crisbecq and near Azeville to the northward drive on Cherbourg. The 5th Corps assists 7th Corps and advances toward St Lo. Caumont is captured and Foret de Cerisy and the Bayeux road are reached.

In Italy... The British 8th Army reaches Popoli along the Adriatic coast.

In the Mariana Islands... US naval forces continue attacks on Japanese positions in the island group. They concentrate on Tinian, Saipan and Guam. The Japanese fleets located at Tawitawi and Batjan set sail to counterattack. Admiral Kurita commands a vanguard force while Admiral Ozawa leads the main force. The main force from Tawitawi is sighted and reported by an American submarine. The Japanese have 5 fleet carriers, 2 light carriers, 2 seaplane carriers, 5 battleships as well as several cruisers and destroyers in support. The commander of the Combined Fleet, Admiral Toyoda, realizes that the American forces are numerically superior but he also expects support from the land-based aircraft on the islands. These air assets, however, are being depleted by American attacks.

Tuesday, June 13, 1944

Over Britain... The first German V1 "Flying Bomb" lands in England. Of the 10 V1 cruiser missiles fired, 4 cross the English Channel and 1 lands in London, killing 6 people.

On the Western Front... On the left of the Allied line, the British 2nd Army continues to attack. The 30th Corps regroups its forces. The 7th Armored Division is shift to the right flank and advances to Villers Bocage. A German counterattack forces the division to fall back. To the left, the US 1st Army makes progress towards St Lo and across the Cotentin. Pont l'Abbe is capture in the peninsula. A German counterattack, spearheaded by 17th Panzer Division, toward Carentan is held.

In Italy... Forces of British 8th Army continue to advance. Narni, between Orte and Terni, is captured. South African forces take Bagnoregio, east of Lake Bolsena.

In New Guinea... On Biak, American forces reduce the scattered Japanese resistance from caves in the east of the island. US aircraft are operating from Mokmer Airfield.

In the Kurile Islands... Admiral Small leads a cruiser and destroyer group to bombard Japanese positions on Matsuwa.

Wednesday, June 14, 1944

Over Japan... The first raid by American B-29 Superfortress bombers is carried out. A total of 48 planes (of which 4 are lost) make an ineffective strike on the Yawata iron and steel works during the night from bases in China.

In the Mariana Islands... US naval forces conduct bombardments of Saipan and Tinian in preparation for landings on these islands. The two American naval groups, commanded by Admiral Ainsworth and Admiral Oldendorf, include 7 battleships and 11 cruisers as well as 8 escort carriers in support. The battleship USS California is hit by a Japanese shore battery. Extensive mine-sweeping operations are also conducted by American forces.

On the Western Front... A third corps, the US 19th Corps, is becomes operational between the 5th and 7th Corps. Free French leader, General de Gaulle, visits the beachhead and takes steps to restoring French civilian government in captured territory.

Over Occupied France... During the night, RAF Bomber Command conducts a raid on Le Havre with 325 Lancaster bombers. The German naval forces on the English Channel suffer considerable loss -- 35 small vessels.

In Italy... Elements of British 8th Army capture Orvieto, Terni and Todi. Forces of the US 5th Army also advance. The US 4th Corps moves up the Mediterranean coast.

From London... Admiral Moorse is appointed the new Commander of the British Home Fleet.

Thursday, June 15, 1944

In the Mariana Islands... American landing on Saipan (Operation Forager) begin with a three hour air and naval bombardment (by Task Force 52). Elements of the US 5th Amphibious Corps (General H M Smith) come ashore with a force of 67,500 men, to the north and south of Afetna Point. The main American units engaged are the 2nd Marine Division (Watson) and 4th Marine Division (Schmidt). The two beachheads fail to link up immediately, but the American forces do advance inland. The Japanese garrison consists of the reinforced 43rd Infantry Division (General Saito), as well as naval contingents (Admiral Nagumo), numbering about 30,000 men.

In the Philippine Sea... Admiral Clark leads two groups of US carrier forces raiding Iwo Jima, Chichi Jima and Haha Jima. The Japanese carriers are sighted by US patrols heading through the San Bernardino Strait while some of the Japanese battleships are seen east of Mindanao.

On the Western Front... A fourth American corps is add to the US 1st Army. The US 8th Corps becomes operations on the Cotentin Peninsula. Meanwhile, elements of the US 7th Corps capture Quineville.

Over Occupied France... RAF Bomber Command attacks Boulogne with 300 Lancaster bombers, sinking 14 small warships and other vessels.

In New Guinea... On Biak Island, the Japnese conduct an unsuccessful counterattack. On the mainland, farther east, Australian forces occupy Hansa Bay.

On the Eastern Front... The Finish 4th Corps falls back, to positions before Viipuri, under pressure from the Soviet 21st and 59th Armies (both part of the Leningrad Front).

Over Japan... The first B-29 Superfortress raid on Japan is conducted. Bombers from the US 20th Air Force in China attack Yawatta on Kyushu.

Friday, June 16, 1944

In Italy... British 8th Army forces continue to advance. The 10th Corps captures Spoleto and penetrates to Spoligno. Forces of the US 5th Army take Grosseto.

On the Western Front... The forces of British 21st Army Group continue to advance along the entire front. Elements of the US 1st Army, advancing westward, cross the Douvre River and capture St. Saveur in the Cotentin Peninsula. British King George VI visits the troops in Normandy.

In the Mariana Islands... US battleships, under the command of Admiral Ainsworth, shell Guam. The invasion of the island is deferred, however, because of the approach of the Japanese fleet. On Saipan, the elements of US 5th Amphibious Corps link the two beachheads by capturing Charan Karoa and Afetna Point. There is substantial use of artillery by the Japanese and American counter battery fire in addition to the infantry combat.

In the Philippine Sea... Admiral Clark leads two groups of US carrier forces raiding Iwo Jima, Chichi Jima and Haha Jima. The Japanese fleets link up and refuel. US patrols make two sightings.

Saturday, June 17, 1944

On the Western Front... The US 1st Army cuts off the Contentin Peninsula. The US 9th Division (part of US 7th Corps) reaches the west coast to the north and south of Barneville. German divisions isolated to the north are not permitted to attempt to break out.

In Occupied France... Hitler meets with Rundstedt, Commander in Chief (West), and Rommel, commanding Army Group B. Both Field Marshals seek a withdrawal to more defensible positions inland. Hitler refuses to allow a retreat in Normandy. He suggests that the V1 bombing of Britain will force it out of the war.

In Italy... British 8th Army advance beyond the Chieti River along the Adriatic coast. The Polish 2nd Corps replaces the British 10th Corps in the line. Meanwhile, the French 9th Colonial (Senegalese) Division (General de Lattre) lands on Elba Island.

In the Mariana Islands... The US 27th Infantry Division lands on Saipan to reinforce the American beachhead.

In the Philippine Sea... The carriers led by Admiral Clark and the rest of the main US carrier forces sail for a rendezvous to the west of the Mariana Islands.

Sunday, June 18, 1944

In the Mariana Islands... On Saipan, elements of the US 5th Amphibious Corps continue to make progress. The 4th Marine Division reaches the west side of the island at Magicienne Bay. This advance divides the Japanese garrison. Elements of the 27th Division capture Aslito airfield. Japanese air strikes sink 1 American destroyers and 2 tankers as well as damaging the escort carrier Fanshaw Bay. Most of the American air and naval support has withdrawn to meet the approaching Japanese fleet.

In the Philippine Sea... The main US carrier forces rendezvous west of the Mariana Islands. Japanese scout planes sight the American fleet late in the day. The Japanese command intends to launch air strikes next morning, while still beyond range, and fly the aircraft to Guam to refuel and rearm.

In Italy... Elements of British 8th Army capture Assisi and continue to advance toward Perugia. Elements of the French Expeditionary Corps (part of US 5th Army), in the west, enter Radicofani.

On the Eastern Front... In the far north, Soviet forces of the Leningrad Front break through the Finnish defensive positions and advance toward Viipuri.

Monday, June 19, 1944

In the Philippine Sea... In the early morning hours Japanese reconnaissance finds US Task Force 58 while remaining undetected. The Japanese immediately launch 372 aircraft, in four waves, to strike the American fleet. Overall, the Japanese have about 550 planes (including those on Guam) while the Americans have roughly 950. Furthermore, US radar provides significant advance warning of the attack. There is enough time to launch an air raid on Guam before the Japanese can arrive over their target. American fighters begin intercepting the incoming Japanese planes while 50 miles away. Many of the attackers are shot down before reaching the American fleet; US anti-aircraft defenses accounts for many more. The only hit achieved by the Japanese is on the USS South Dakota which is damaged by one bomb. The Japanese lose 240 aircraft and the Americans lose 29. The attackers fly on to Guam where American aircraft strike and destroy another 50 Japanese planes. Meanwhile, the Japanese aircraft carriers Taiho and Shokaku are sunk by the US submarines Cavalla and Albacore. American participants refer to the day as "The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" because of the ease with which the Japanese forces have been suppressed.

In New Guinea... On Biak, the reinforced US 41st Division launches attacks against Japanese strongpoints in the west of the island.

In the Nicobar Islands... British aircraft from the HMS Illustrious attack Port Blair. Admiral Power commands the forces which include the HMS Renown and the Free French battleship Richelieu.

In Italy... The British 8th Army reaches the south and east side of Trasimeno Lake. This advance brings the army near the German-held Albert Line.

On the Western Front... Elements of the US 1st Army clear Montebourg and Valognes.

Tuesday, June 20, 1944

On the Western Front... Elements of the US 1st Army advance to about 5 miles of Cherbourg and begin to encounter heavier resistance.

In Italy... The British 8th Army continues to advance. British 6th Armored Division captures Perugia.

On the Eastern Front... Forces of the Soviet Leningrad Front capture Viipuri.

In the Philippine Sea... The Japanese fleet withdraws to refuel, believing that their aircraft have landed safely on Guam. US Task Force 58 (Admiral Mitscher) launches an air strike on the Japanese fleet in the late afternoon. The 216 American aircraft encounter 35 defending fighters and sink the carrier Hiyo. Two other Japanese aircraft carriers are damaged as are a battleship and a cruiser. US loses amount to 20 planes shot down and 72 crashing while attempting to land on their carriers in the dark. During the night, the Japanese fleet withdraws and are not pursued.

In New Guinea... On Biak, there is fighting among the Japanese-held caves in the west of the island. The airfields and villages at Borokoe and Sorido are overrun by American forces.

In the Mariana Islands... The US 5th Amphibious Corps continues operations on Saipan. The US 27th Division clears the south of the island while the US 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions advance northward.

Wednesday, June 21, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces of the Karelian Front (Meretskov) launch new attacks toward Finland, north of Lake Ladoga. The 7th Separate Army (General Krutikov) advances against the Finnish 6th Corps. Soviet forces also occupy the islands off the Karelian Isthmus.

In Italy... The British 8th Army advance reaches the German-held Albert Line at Chiusi, to the west of Trasimeno Lake.

Thursday, June 22, 1944

On the Eastern Front... During the night the Soviet summer offensive (Operation Bagration) opens with a massive artillery barrage and intensive bombing raids on rear areas of the German Army Group Center (Busch). This day marks the third anniversary of the invasion of the Soviet Union. On the Western Front... After a preparatory air raid on Cherbourg, in which over 1000 tons of bombs are dropped, the divisions of the US 7th Corps (part of US 1st Army) begin assaulting the city of Cherbourg. There is heavy German resistance. In the United States... President Roosevelt signs the "GI Bill" which introduces a range of benefits to be given to returned veterans. In Occupied Denmark... Saboteurs damage a rifle manufacturing plant in Copenhagen. In New Guinea... On Biak, American forces conduct a series of attacks which are believed to clear Japanese resistance in the west but experience renewed Japanese activity during the night. On the mainland, fighting continues near Aitape and Sarmi. In the Mariana Islands... On Saipan, forces of the US 5th Amphibious Corps advance. The US 2nd Marine Division captures Mount Tipo Pole and fight for Mount Tapotchau. The US 4th Marine Division progresses east on the Kagman Peninsula. In Burma... Elements of the British 2nd Indian Division link up with the 5th Indian Division at Milestone 107 on the Imphal-Kohima road. The siege of Imphal has been broken. Japanese forces experience heavy losses both due to combat and supply shortages.

Friday, June 23, 1944

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet attack begins. There are four front-level commands engaged in the operation, under the STAVKA direction of Marshal Zhukov (the southern wing) and Marshal Vasilevsky (the northern wing). From left to right: 1st Belorussian Front (Rokossovsky); 2nd Belorussian Front (Zakharov); 3rd Belorussian Front (Cherniakhovsky); and, 1st Baltic Front (Bagramian). The Soviet combat forces directly engaged in the offensive amount to over 1,250,000 men (in 124 divisions), over 4000 tanks and self-propelled guns, over 24,000 artillery pieces and over 6300 aircraft. Soviet objectives include tactical encirclements at Vitebsk and Bobruisk while a deep encirclement would aim for Minsk. Soviet forces are then to drive west toward the Vistula River. The target of Operation Bagration is German Army Group Center (Busch) holding a salient centered on Minsk, and including most of Belorussia. Its forces, from right to left, include: 9th Army (Jordan), 4th Army (Tippelskirch); and, 3rd Panzer Army (Reinhardt). On the right flank of the army group is the German 2nd Army (Weiss) which is not targeted by the Soviet offensive. The German defenders amount to 800,000 men in 63 divisions with about 900 tanks and assault guns, 10,000 artillery pieces and 1300 planes. Advances of up 11 miles are recorded by Red Army troops of 2nd, 3rd Belorussian and 1st Baltic Fronts. The 1st Belorussian Front does not join in the assault during the day. Meanwhile in the far north, forces of the Soviet 7th Separate Army cross the Svir River.

On the Western Front... American forces of the US 7th Corps (part of 1st Army) penetrate the outer defenses of Cherbourg. Elements of British 2nd Army also make gains. The British 5th Division captures St. Honorina, northwest of Caen.

In the Mariana Islands... On Saipan, US 5th Amphibious Corps remains engaged in fighting. The 2nd Marine Division contineus to battle for Mount Tapotchau.

Saturday, June 24, 1944

On the Eastern Front... The 1st Belorussian Front joins the offensive against German Army Group Center, launching a two-pronged assault aimed at the encirclement of Bobruisk. Red Army forces have now advanced as much as 25 miles and the Orsha-Vitebsk rail line is cut. Elements of the 1st Baltic Front and 3rd Belorussian Front are threatening to encircle the German 53rd Corps (part of 3rd Panzer Army) at Vitebsk. Orsha, to the south, is also threatened. The 2nd Belorussian Front presses on Mogilev. On the Western Front... The battle for Cherbourg continues. American forces of US 7th Corps (part of 1st Army) continue to make progress. The German garrison commander, General Schlieben, refuses to surrender. In the Mariana Islands... The battle for Saipan continues as US 5th Amphibious Corps makes progress. The 27th Division clears the southern part of the island and most of the division moves northward. The 2nd Marine Division continues to battle for Mount Tapotchau. In the Volcano Bonin Islands... Japanese bases on Iwo Jima and Chichi Jima are raided by American carrier aircraft. The planes are from Hornet, Yorktown, Bataan and Belleau Wood (a force commanded by Admiral Clark). Japanese losses are 66 aircraft.

Sunday, June 25, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Red Army attacks on the forces of German Army Group Center continue. Soviet 1st Baltic Front and 3rd Belorussian Front complete the encirclement of Vitebsk. The German 53rd Corps (part of 3rd Panzer Army) is now trapped with 5 divisions. Other forces of 1st Baltic Front cross the Dvina River; other elements of 3rd Belorussian front approach Orsha. Forces of 2nd Belorussian Front continue to attack around Mogilev, clearing the city. The German 4th Army is being forced back. The attacks of 1st Belorussian Fronts threaten to encircle Bobruisk, trapping elements of German 9th Army.

On the Western Front... The 3 divisions of the US 7th Corps (part of US 1st Army) penetrate into the suburbs of Cherbourg. Naval support includes 3 battleships, 4 cruisers and 11 destroyers. On the left wing of the Normandy front, elements of the British 30th Corps (part of British 2nd Army) attack toward Rauray.

In Italy... Elements of US 5th Army capture Piombino. Inland the French Expeditionary Corps (part of 5th Army) and the British 8th Army attack the German-held Albert Line west of Trasimeno Lake, around Chiusi.

In the Mariana Islands... The US 5th Amphibious Corps continues to battle for Saipan. Mount Tapotchau is captured. Heavy fighting is recorded in the Hagman Peninsula and near the southwest tip of the island.

Monday, June 26, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Operation Bagration continues. At Vitebsk, elements of 3rd Belorussian Front penetrate the defenses of the trapped German 53rd Corps. During the night, a breakout is attempted but most of the 28,000 German troops are either killed or captured. Other elements of 3rd Belorussian Front capture Orsha, to the south, during the night. Forces of 2nd Belorussian Front capture Mogilev. The attacks of 1st Belorussian Front encircle Bobruisk, trapping 40,000 troops of German 41st Panzer Corps (part of 9th Army). Meanwhile, the first German reinforcements for Army Group Center arrive in Minsk: elements of the German 5th Panzer Division with sPzAbt. 505 attached.

On the Western Front... Most of Cherbourg, except the port, is now occupied by US 7th Corps (part of US 1st Army). The German garrison commander, General Schlieben and the naval commander, Admiral Hennecke, are taken prisoner. Meanwhile, British 2nd Army forces attacking toward Caen recieve naval support from HMS Rodney, the monitor Roberts and 3 cruisers.

In Italy... The French Expeditionary Corps (part of the US 5th Army) advances north of Radicofani while South African elements of the British 8th Army, to the right, capture Chiusi.

In the Mariana Islands... The American 5th Amphibious Corps continues attacking on Saipan. A small Japanese reinforcement convoy heading for the island is met and forced away by US forces.

In the Kurile Islands... Admiral Small leads a cruiser and destroyer group to bombard Japanese positions on Matsuwa.

Tuesday, June 27, 1944

On the Eastern Front... The destruction of German Army Group Center continues. Soviet 1st Belorussian Front begins attacking the trapped German 41st Panzer Corps (part of 9th Army) in Bobruisk. To the north 2nd Belorussian pressures German 4th Army and 3rd Belorussian drives southwest toward the Berezina River. Vitebsk is occupied by elements of 1st Baltic Front.

From Berlin... The commander of German 9th Army, General Jordan, is relieved. The Germans announce that talks with Finnish representatives have been concluded with the promise of German help against the Soviet forces.

On the Western Front... American forces of 7th Corps (part of US 1st Army) complete the capture of Cherbourg. The port, however, is not presently operational. To the left, the British 2nd Army continues attacks. Forces of the British 30th Corps capture Rauray, near Caen, and British 8th Corps launches new attacks.

Wednesday, June 28, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet operations against German Army Group Center continue. Elements of the German 41st Panzer Corps break out of the Bobruisk encirclement during the night. Weak Soviet infantry forces of 1st Belorussian Front are unable to hold. About 15,000 of the roughly 40,000 manage to escape. Meanwhile, in the north, the Soviet Karelian Front forces reach Petrozavodsk and also cross the Murmansk rail line farther north.

From Berlin... The commander of German Army Group Center, Field Marshal Busch, is relieved. Field Marshal Model is designated his replacement.

On the Western Front... In the Cotentin Peninsula, American forces of US 1st Army prepare to eliminate German resistance in the direction of Cap de la Hague. The forces of British 2nd Army cross the Odon River on a 2 mile front near Mondrainville.

In Occupied France... The Vichy France Minister for Propaganda, Philippe Henriot, is assassinated in Paris.

In New Guinea... On Biak, the American divisional force, now commanded by General Doe, clears the Japanese-held caves in the western part of the island.

In the United States... Governor Thomas Dewey and Governor John Bricker win the Republican nominations for president and vice-president at the party convention in Chicago.

Thursday, June 29, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Initial objectives of the Soviet summer offensive are reached. The 1st Belorussian Front captures Bobruisk. The forces under Rokossovsky have destroyed over 350 armored vehicles, 2600 artillery pieces, killed 50,000 troops and captured 20,000 Germans in less than a week. The forces of 1st Belorussian now aim northwest toward Minsk with the aim of encircling German 4th Army, and the remnants of 9th Army, with forces of the 3rd Belorussian Front advancing southwest, while 2nd Belorussian pins down the German forces east of Minsk.

In New Guinea... Australian forces advancing from Wewak reach the Sepik River, 70 mile to the west. On Biak, American forces mop up lingering Japanese resistance.

Friday, June 30, 1944

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces clear the route to Minsk. Elements of 3rd Belorussian Front cross the Berezina River to the north and south of Borisov. There is heavy street fighting in the city by the afternoon and the defending German forces retreat from the city by evening. These are the last major obstacles before Minsk.

On the Western Front... German resistance in the Cotentin Peninsula ends. The US 1st Army continues to battle on the approach to St. Lo; the British 2nd Army continues to battle toward Caen. Since D-Day, the Allies have landed 630,000 troops, 600,000 tons of supplies and 177,000 vehicles in the Normandy beachhead. They have suffered 62,000 dead and wounded.

In Italy... Elements of US 5th Army are heavily engaged in Cecina. The main advance inland is slowed by a new German defensive line south of Siena and Arezzo.

In the Mariana Islands... The American 5th Amphibious Corps has captured over half of Saipan. Fighting north of Mount Tipo Pale and Mount Tapotchau continues. Death Valley and Purple Heart Ridge are cleared.

From Washington... The United States breaks diplomatic relations with Finland.

In Occupied Denmark... A general strike begins in Copenhagen.