Chronology of World War II
Americans strike at Bologna
Tuesday, October 17, 1944 www.onwar.com

In Italy... To the west, the US 2nd Corps (part of US 5th Army) continues attacks toward Bologna. To the east, the Polish 2nd Corps (part of British 8th Army) begins attacks from south of Forli.

On the Western Front... Troops of the British 2nd Army capture Venray in attacks toward Venlo. To the south, the US 7th Army continues its offensive around Luneville and Bruyeres.

In Liberated France... The French Ministry of War and the National Council for the Resistance reach agreement on the process by which resistance forces, FFI, will be integrated into the regular army. 

In the Nicobar Islands... As a diversion for the American attack on Leyte, the British Eastern Fleet sends 2 carriers, 1 battle cruiser and lighter ships on a raid of the islands. Air strikes and shelling are carried out, causing damage.

In the Philippines... US Task Group 77.4 (Admiral TF Sprague) continues air strikes on Leyte, Cebu and Mindanao. US Task Group 38.4 (Admiral Davison) arrives with 4 carriers and launches air strikes on Luzon. Also, American minesweeping in Leyte Gulf begin and there are minor landings, by elements of the US Rangers, on the islands of Suluan and Dinagat at the entrance to Leyte Gulf.


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.