Chronology of World War II
Panzers escape encirclement in Caucasus
Thursday, November 12, 1942 www.onwar.com

On the Eastern Front... At Stalingrad, fierce fighting, sometimes house to house continues as some of General Paulus' forces reach the Volga while others remain trapped in the city. Communications have been severed and the Germans are effectively fighting in independent groups. In the Caucasus, the Germans rescue the 13th Panzer Division from encirclement south of Terek, but still face heavy fighting. 

In Algeria and Tunisia... An Allied combined sea and air assault take the port at Bone and the nearby airfield. The first German supply ships dock at Bizerta despite the resistance of the local French commanders.

In New Guinea... Heavy fighting continues as the Australians attempt to prevent the Japanese from withdrawing across the Kumusi River.

In the Solomon Islands... Near Guadalcanal, a large American convoy carrying supplies and reinforcements retreats upon the approach of a large Japanese naval force. The Japanese carry out air attacks on the American land positions as well as their shipping.

In North Africa... Units of the British 1st and 7th Armored Divisions enter Tobruk, in Libya.

From Washington... The age for selective service is lowered from 20 to 18. President Roosevelt estimates that the American armed forces will reach 10,000,000 men by the end of 1943.


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.