Chronology of World War II
Warships sunk by Japanese planes
Wednesday, December 10, 1941 www.onwar.com

In the South China Sea... Admiral Phillips, commanding the British ships, Prince of Wales and Repulse receives information of a Japanese landing at Kuantan and alters course to reach it, believing that air support from Singapore will join them. The ships' position is discovered and reported by a Japanese. The report of the landing proves to be false, no air support is sent and Japanese aircraft find and attack the battleships. Approximately 90 planes are involved in the attack and both ships are sunk within two hours. There is no longer an active Allied battleship in the entire theater.

In North Africa... The siege of Tobruk is completely raised

In Thailand... The British advance from Malaya, to meet the Japanese, reaches "The Ledge" to find that the Japanese have secured the area first. The British are forced back.

In Hong Kong... British and Canadian defenders at the "Gindrinkers Line" continue to slow the Japanese attack.

In the Philippines... Japanese air attacks and troop landings on Luzon. Attack on the naval base at Caite destroys weapons stocks. At Aparri, on the north coast, 2000 troops of the Tanaka Detachment land, while troops of the Kanno Detachment land at Vigan in the northeast. Both landings are well supported by naval forces.

In the Mariana Islands... Admiral Goto commands a Japanese force which captures the 300 man US garrison on Guam.


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.