Chronology of World War II
Japanese losing on Leyte
Sunday, December 31, 1944 www.onwar.com

Japanese dead on Leyte with US troops in backgroundIn the Philippines... On Leyte, various Japanese counterattacks in the northwest are repulsed by American forces. Up to this point, the Japanese have suffered about 70,000 casualties, almost all killed, in the battles on Leyte. American casualties number 15,500 dead and wounded. The US 6th Army is being withdrawn from the island, in preparation for the invasion of Luzon, and the US 8th Army is replacing it.

In Liberated Poland... The Soviet backed Polish communists of the Committee of National Liberation, based in Lublin, assumes the title of Provisional Government.

In London... The Polish government in exile protests the claim of the Lublin Committe Poles to the status of Provisional Government.

In Liberated Greece... Archbishop Damaskinos of Athens is sworn in as regent and the Prime Minister Papandreou resigns.

On the Western Front... The British 30th Corps (part of US 1st Army) captures Rochefort on the western tip of the German-held Ardennes salient.

In Liberated Hungary... The Soviet backed provisional government of Hungary, located in Drebrecan, declares war on Germany.

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.