Chronology of World War II
Tirpitz survives British attack
Friday, September 15, 1944 www.onwar.com

The Tirptiz at anchor in NorwayIn Occupied Norway... A force of 28 British Lancaster bombers, from a Soviet airbase, attack the German battleship Tirpitz at its anchorage in Altafiord. Special 12,000-pound bombs are used. Only one bomb hit is achieved (on the bow) because of a German smoke screen obscuring the target.

In Liberated France... Francois de Menthon, Justice Commissioner in de Gaulle's administration, orders the arrest of Marshal Petain and all members of the Vichy French cabinet because of their alleged collaboration with the Nazis.

In the Moluccan Islands... Elements of the US 11th Corps (Hall) land on the Gila Peninsula on the southwest of Morotai. The initial landing force includes the US 31st Division with an additional regiment (about 19,960 men). There is no Japanese resistance. Naval support is provided by a force commanded by Admiral Barbey which includes 6 escort carriers and cruisers and destroyers. The US 5th Air Force provides additional air cover. General MacArthur is present for the landing. Priority is given to the construction of airfields.

In the Palau Islands... Elements of the US 1st Marine Division (Rupertus), part of 3rd Amphibious Corps (Geiger), land on the southwest coast of Peleliu. The naval force commanded by Admiral Oldendorf remains in support. The Japanese garrison is consists of a regiment of 14th Division under the command of Colonel Nakagawa. There is limited resistance on the beaches. American attempts to advance inland, however, meet strong resistance. By the end of the day, the beachhead is only a few hundred yards wide.

On the Western Front... The British 2nd Army (part of British 21st Army Group) secures a second bridgehead over the Meuse-Escaut canal. The US 1st Army (part of US 12th Army Group) captures Maastricht and Eisden while US 3rd Army takes Nancy and Epinal. Meanwhile, the US 7th Army (Patch) and French 1st Army (de Lattre), moving north from southern France, are placed under the authority of Eisenhower and SHAEF.

In Italy... The British 8th Army establishes a bridgehead over the Marano River.

In Canada... The Octagon Conference continues. Churchill and Roosevelt and their staffs meet in Quebec to discuss strategy.
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.