Chronology of World War II
Luftwaffe conducts the last night Blitz 
Friday, May 16, 1941 www.onwar.com

Over Britain... German fighter-bombers raid southeastern England. The last bombing of the "night Blitz" on British cities is carried out by 111 Luftwaffe aircraft striking Birmingham and West Midlands.

In the Mediterranean... There are powerful German air attacks on the island of Crete. These are in preparation for the coming landing and are designed to subdue the garrison and compel the RAF to withdraw its few aircraft from Crete.

Over Germany... The RAF attacks Cologne, causing fires on both banks of the Rhine.

Over Occupied Europe... RAF raids targets in France and Holland.

Over Iraq... German He111 bombers strike Habbaniyah, causing serious damage.

In Bolivia... The government nationalizes the German-owned airline Lloyd Aero Boliviano.

From Berlin... Rommel is instructed to concentrate the German Afrika Korps against the British at Sollum and leave Italians to guard Tobruk.

In Occupied Denmark... The Icelandic Parliament issues a formal declaration of independence from Denmark.
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.