Chronology of World War II
US Marines land near Cape Esperance 
Monday, February 1, 1943 www.onwar.com

American Marines land on GuadalcanalIn the Solomon Islands... On Guadalcanal, US forces land at Verahue near Cape Esperance where the Japanese evacuation begins. The Americans are aware of Japanese naval activity but they believe it to be Japanese reinforcements arriving for a new offensive. In fact, 20 Japanese destroyers remove about 5000 troops. One of the destroyers is sunk by an American air attack.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet offensive toward Kharkov continues. They capture Svatovo between Kupyansk and Starobelsk.

In Burma... British forces renew the attack on Donbaik, in the Arakan, but they do not make any gains.


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.