Chronology of World War II
TF38 caught in typhoon
Monday, December 18, 1944 www.onwar.com

In the Philippine Sea... US Task Force 38 is caught in a typhoon while retiring to refuel and replenish. Three destroyers are sunk and 3 fleet carriers, 4 escort carriers and 11 destroyers sustain damage.

Over Japan... US B-29 Superfortress bombers raid Nagoya (nominally the Mitsubishi aircraft assembly works).

Over Occupied China... Some 200 US 14th Air Force planes, and 84 B-29 bombers, attack the Japanese supply base at Hankow causing fires that burn for three days.

Over Occupied Poland... An RAF nighttime attack sinks the Schleswig-Holstein and 8 other ships at Gotenhafen (Gdynia).

In Liberated Greece... British troops begin an offensive against the rebellious Communist forces and capture on of the ELAS strong points on the Piraeus road.


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.