Chronology of World War II
Germans bombard Sevastopol
Tuesday, June 2, 1942 www.onwar.com

On the Eastern Front... The German bombardment of Sevastopol is renewed. German artillery gathered for the effort is comprised of 1300 guns, including the two 60cm "Karl" mortars and the 80cm "Dora" railway gun. The attack is supported by 7th Air Corps.

In North Africa... Battle of Bir Hacheim. The German 90th Light Infantry Division and the Italian Trieste Division, move south to take Bir Hacheim and free their flank. The units of Free French defending here continue to hold even after the 15th Panzer Division and heavy artillery is brought to bear. 

In the Pacific... The US carriers from Pearl Harbor join northeast of Midway. In total, the American force has approximately 250 planes, equal to the number in the approaching Japanese force.

From the United States... US Secretary of State Hull and Chinese Foreign Minister Soong sign a Lend-Lease agreement.

In the Aleutian Islands... Japanese Admiral Katuta's light carrier force attacks Dutch Harbor as a diversion. The Americans, aware of the Japanese plans for the invasion of Midway do not react as predicted.


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.