Chronology of World War II
Japanese POWs attempt breakout
Saturday, August 5, 1944 www.onwar.com

In Australia... Japanese prisoners of war attempt a mass breakout from a camp in the New South Wales during the night. A total of 231 Japanese and 3 guards are killed.

On the Western Front... Elements of US 8th Corps (part of US 3rd Army) take Vannes. Other elements attack toward St. Malo and Brest. The US 15th Corps (also part of US 3rd Army) is advancing southeast from the Selune River, reaching Mayenne and Laval. To the left, US 7th Corps (part of US 1st Army) is advancing beyond Mortain.

Over Occupied France... RAF bombers destroy the German U-boat pens at Brest with 12,000 pound bombs.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 4th Ukrainian Front (Petrov) is activated in the line in southern Poland and northern Hungary.
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.