Chronology of World War II
US Marines advancing on Saipan
Sunday, June 18, 1944 www.onwar.com

In the Mariana Islands... On Saipan, elements of the US 5th Amphibious Corps continue to make progress. The 4th Marine Division reaches the west side of the island at Magicienne Bay. This advance divides the Japanese garrison. Elements of the 27th Division capture Aslito airfield. Japanese air strikes sink 1 American destroyers and 2 tankers as well as damaging the escort carrier Fanshaw Bay. Most of the American air and naval support has withdrawn to meet the approaching Japanese fleet.

In the Philippine Sea... The main US carrier forces rendezvous west of the Mariana Islands. Japanese scout planes sight the American fleet late in the day. The Japanese command intends to launch air strikes next morning, while still beyond range, and fly the aircraft to Guam to refuel and rearm.

In Italy... Elements of British 8th Army capture Assisi and continue to advance toward Perugia. Elements of the French Expeditionary Corps (part of US 5th Army), in the west, enter Radicofani.

On the Eastern Front... In the far north, Soviet forces of the Leningrad Front break through the Finnish defensive positions and advance toward Viipuri.


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.