Chronology of World War II
Germans making fighting withdrawals
Saturday, July 17, 1943 www.onwar.com

German column under attack by Soviet aircraftOn the Eastern Front... The Soviet offensive toward Orel is slowed by counterattacks by German armored units. To the south, the German fighting withdrawal from the Kursk salient continues. Farther south, the Soviet Southwest Front (Malinovsky) begins attacks around Voroshilovgrad.

In the Solomon Islands... Americans conduct a large air raid on Bougainville. Shipping offshore and airfields between Buin and Faisi are targeted. One Japanese destroyer is sunk.

In New Guinea... Elements of the Australian 3rd and American 41st Divisions move toward Salamaua in a holding action against the Japanese.

In Sicily... US forces capture Agrigento and Porto Empedocle.
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.