Chronology of World War II
British attack in the Arakan
Tuesday, December 12, 1944 www.onwar.com

British troops advance in the ArakanIn Burma... In the Arakan, a new British offensive begins. Forces of the British 15th Corps advance toward Akyab.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture the railway junction and town of Godollo, 10 miles north of Budapest. The Soviets claim the fall of the Hungarian capital is imminent.

On the Western Front... Forces of the US 1st Army battle towards Duren, through the Hurtgen Forest. The US 3rd Army establishes another crossing of the German frontier east of the Saar. To the south, in Alsace, the US 7th Army is fighting in Seltz.

Over Germany... Bomber Command Lancaster bombers, escorted by Mustang fighters, attack Witten, the only city in the Ruhr industrial area that has not been bombed yet.

In Liberated Greece... After experiencing heavy losses in recent fighting, the Greek communists ask for terms for a cease fire. The government demands that the communists surrender their weapons.


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.