Chronology of World War II
The Warsaw Uprising
Tuesday, August 1, 1944 www.onwar.com

In Occupied Poland... In Warsaw, the Polish Home Army initiates an uprising against the German occupation. These forces are formally under the direction of the Polish government in exile located in London. The timing of this action is intended to liberate Warsaw, by Polish forces, prior to the arrival of Soviet forces (which is, however, expected to take place shortly).

On the Eastern Front... Soviet troops of 3rd Belorussian Front (Chernyakhovsky) capture Kaunas, capital of Lithuania. Many of the routes leading to East Prussia from the Baltics have been cut, trapping the sizeable German forces of Army Group North. Meanwhile, Red Army forces approach the Vistula River on a broad front.

In Helsinki... President Ryti resigns and Marshal Mannerheim is selected as his replacement.

On the Western Front... The US 3rd Army (General Patton) becomes operational on the right flank and is tasked with clearing Brittany. American forces are now organized under US 12th Army Group (Bradley) and include US 1st Army (Hodges) as well as 3rd Army. The British 21st Army Group (Mongomery) command British 2nd Army (Dempsey) and Canadian 1st Army (Crerar). Field Marshal Montgomery retains overall command of Allied ground forces and General Eisenhower remains Commander in Chief of the Allied Expeditionary Forces.

In the Mariana Islands... Organized Japanese resistance on Tinian comes to an end. Most of the garrison, over 6000, have been killed and 250 have been captured. American forces have suffered 390 killed and 1800 wounded.


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.