Chronology of World War II
Bastogne relieved by Americans
Tuesday, December 26, 1944 www.onwar.com

US 4th Armored Div. troops greet the defenders of BastogneOn the Western Front... The US 4th Armored Division (an element of US 3rd Army) relieves the American forces in Bastogne. Meanwhile, British Bomber Command makes a daylight raid on the German held transportation hub of St. Vith. The Allies claim to have captured 13,273 German prisoners while the Germans claim over 30,000 Allied POWs and the destruction of 700 American tanks.

In Italy... The British 8th Army now hold a 17 mile frontage on the east bank of the Senio River from Alfonsine to south of Castel Bolognese.

On the Eastern Front... In Hungary, the advancing Soviet 3rd Ukrainian Front has nearly encircled Budapest. Several of the western suburbs are claimed to have been captured by the Soviets.

In Athens... British Prime Minister Churchill opens the mediation conference with a brief speech. All Greek political parties, including the Communists, attend in an effort to end the Greek civil war.

In the Philippines... Japanese naval force arriving from Indochina bombards the American beachhead on Mindoro. The force consists of 2 cruisers and 6 destroyers. An American PT Boat sinks one of the destroyers. This is the last sortie by a Japanese naval force in the Philippines.


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.