Chronology of World War II
Allies massing in southern France
Saturday, September 2, 1944 www.onwar.com

Allied vehicles and supplies for the landingsIn Southern France... Allied landings amount to 190,000 men with 41,000 vehicles and 220,000 tons of supplies. American elements of US 7th Army approach Lyons. French forces are brought forward to be the first into the city.

On the Western Front... The Allied Expeditionary Forces continue to advance. Douai, St. Valery and Lens are captured. British elements of British 21st Army Group enter Belgium. The US 12th Army Group experiences shortages as a result of supply problems.

In Italy... Canadian forces in British 8th Army advance several miles to the Conca River, west of Cattolica. San Giovanni is captured. Polish 2nd Corps continues to battle German defenders in Pesaro. The eastern end of the Gothic Line been broken through despite the arrival of some German reserves.

In Helsinki... Finnish Prime Minister Antii Hackzell announces the Finland is breaking diplomatic relations with Germany and demands that all German troops are withdrawn.


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.