Chronology of World War II
Polish AK seizes Warsaw
Tuesday, August 8, 1944 www.onwar.com

Germans captured by the AK in the Warsaw uprisingIn Occupied Poland... In Warsaw, the Polish Home Army (AK) has seized control of most of Warsaw. Significant quantities of German weapons and equipment have been captured by the AK.

From Berlin... SS General Erich Bach-Zelewski is appointed to command German forces assigned to defeating the Warsaw uprising. The units available are drawn from the SS, police and punishment battalions.

In Germany... Field Marshal Erwin von Witzleben and seven other German officers, convicted and sentenced to death by the "People's Court" for their part in the July Plot against Hitler are executed by strangulation with piano wire at Plotzensee Prison in Berlin. The executions are filmed.

On the Western Front... The German offensive toward Arromanches continues with heavy fighting around Mortain. Despite the threat posed by the German attack, US 3rd Army continues attacking south and southwest. Elements of US 15th Corps penetrate Le Mans while the new US 20th Corps advances toward Nantes and Angers. In Brittany, US 8th Corps continues attacks on the German-held ports.

In the Mariana Islands... On Guam, American troops overrun Mount Santa Rosa. The remaining Japanese garrison is compelled to withdraw to the north end of the island.


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.