Chronology of World War II
German attacks on PQ-17 unsuccessful
Thursday, July 2, 1942 www.onwar.com

The ill fated PQ-17In the Arctic... The two British outbound convoys, QP-13 from Murmansk and PQ-17 from Iceland pass each other, leading to some confusion for the Germans. They attack PQ-17 unsuccessfully with both submarines and the aircraft. 

From Norway... The German battleship Tirpitz, and cruiser Admiral Hipper as well as six destroyers leave their base to join in the attack on the convoys.

In London... Public dissatisfaction with the direction of the war is expressed in the House of Commons with a Motion of Censure being presented against the government. Prime Minister Churchill is criticized for attempting to manage both the war and the government simultaneously. Churchill's response is that Parliament should either change the government or support it. The Motion of Censure is defeated 476 to 25. However, many Members of Parliament are not reassured that the war effort is going well. Also, the British Board of Trade announces an agreement to control the supply of wheat which involves grain from the USA, Britain, Argentina, Australia and Canada.


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.