Chronology of World War II
A German breakthrough at Kursk?
Thursday, July 8, 1943 www.onwar.com

German 6th Panzer Division column at KurskOn the Eastern Front... The battle of Kursk continues. The German advance in the north is less than one mile. To the south the German commanders remain hopeful of a breakthrough but the rate of attrition remains high. Soviet strong points prove difficult to overcome. Meanwhile, Red Army counterattacks, with armor, prevent substantial gains.

In the Solomon Islands... On New Georgia, US forces make some gains near the Barike River.

In the Atlantic... The British Home Fleet cruises off Norway but the Germans fail to notice them. The British intention is to draw attention away from the Mediterranean operations.


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.