Chronology of World War II
Luftwaffe batters RAF on the ground 
Friday, August 30, 1940 www.onwar.com

Gun camera picture of Luftwaffe bombing of RAF airfieldsOver Britain... The Germans attack airfields in Kent and an aircraft factory at Luton. The important Biggin Hill sector station is severely hit as is the Luton airport. The Germans lose 36 planes and the RAF 26. 

In Germany... A German sponsored conference concludes in Vienna. Hungary and Bulgaria have been recently trying to pick quarrel with Romania so that, following the example of the USSR, they can seize portions of Romanian territory. The Germans do not wish their grain and oil supplies to be threatened by a Balkan war and, therefore, intervene to adjudicate the dispute. A conference is called at Vienna and by the Vienna Award Hungary is given a large part of Transylvania and Bulgaria is given southern Dobruja. Romania can only acquiesce.

In Berlin... Hitler announces that he will make a decision on Operation Sealion (the invasion of England) about September 10th. This will mean that the landings will be on September 21st.


This chronological study of the Second World War provides a comprehensive day-by-day account of WWII. While focused on the military history of the war, with an emphasis on the battles and campaigns fought, the timeline includes social and political history as well. Some Holocaust related events are already recorded and additional updates are pending. In so far as possible, the images included in this presentation are pictures from the given days. Additional information and images are welcome through the feedback form found on the index.