Chronology of World War II
German 11th Army captures Sevastopol
Saturday, July 4, 1942 www.onwar.com

On the Eastern Front... The siege of Sevastopol ends with massive Soviet losses. The Germans take 90,000 prisoners. The Germans have a total of 24,000 casualties.

In the Arctic... PQ-17, British convoy bound to Murmansk is fired upon by German forces. Admiral Pound, First Sea Lord of the British Navy orders the convoy to scatter and the close escorts to retire. He believes that the convoy can no longer be protected by the Home Fleet, as it is now within range of the German Luftwaffe and the German heavy ships are on their way to attack. The order is controversial and the commanders of the escort ships protest, but eventually obey the order. 

Over Holland... The first strikes by American Army Air Force planes over Europe take place, when six American planes join a RAF squadron attacking airfields in Holland.


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.