Chronology of World War II
Luftwaffe raids on Crete continue 
Saturday, May 17, 1941 www.onwar.com

German fighter-bomber with and Italian escortIn the Mediterranean... The German air attacks on the island Crete continue. 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.

In Baghdad... The USSR concludes an agreement with the Iraqi government of Raschid Ali.
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.