Chronology of World War II
US Navy bombards Kwajalein Atoll
Wednesday, December 8, 1943 www.onwar.com

US warship bombards island in PacificIn the Marshall Islands... Kwajalein is bombarded by an American force consisting of 5 battleships and 12 destroyers commanded by Admiral Lee. One Japanese destroyer is damaged.

In New Guinea... Australian forces capture Wareo and advance toward Wandokai.

In Italy... Free French troops begin to come into the Allied line. The first unit is the 2nd Moroccan Infantry Division. Italian troops are also being mobilized. Meanwhile, veteran units are being withdrawn to Britain in preparation for Operation Overlord -- the invasion of western Europe. The US 5th Army continues attacking but little progress is achieved. To the east, the British 8th Army operations continue as well. The Canadian 1st Division begins attacking over the Moro River, a few miles from the east coast.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces continue to isolate Znamenka by cutting a second rail line to the town.


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.