Chronology of World War II
RAF bombs Gelsenkirchen
Sunday, November 17, 1940 www.onwar.com

Over Germany... British bombers conduct a raid on the Gelsenkirchen oil plant, in the Ruhr, during the night.

Over Britain... There is a nighttime raid on Southampton by 150 German aircraft.

In London... Air Marshal Dowding is replaced at Fighter Command by Air Marshal Sholto Douglas. Dowding is sent to work for the Ministry of Aircraft Production in the section dealing with orders for American planes. A new RAF Command for Army Cooperation is created, to be led by Air Marshal Arthur Barratt.
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.