Chronology of World War II
USSR declares war on Bulgaria
Tuesday, September 5, 1944 www.onwar.com

In Moscow... The government of the Soviet Union declares war on Bulgaria.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces reach Turnu Severin, south of Iron Gates gorge (on the Danube River). The German allied Hungarian 2nd Army attacks the Soviet allied Romanian 4th Army.

From Berlin... Hitler reappoints Field Marshal Rundstedt as Commander in Chief West.

On the Western Front... Advances by the US 1st Army (part of US 12th Army Group) capture Namur and Charleroi. 

In Italy... In the east, British 8th Army attacks German positions on the Cariano and Gemmano ridges. Armored forces are brought up but fail to break through. To the west, elements of US 4th Corps (part of US 5th Army) capture Lucca.

In London... The governments in exile of Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg agree to the formation of the Benelux Customs Union. This is one of the first agreements that will eventually lead to the establishment of the European Economic Community.


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.