Chronology of World War II
Red Army occupies Sofia
Saturday, September 16, 1944 www.onwar.com

Citizens of Sofia welcome the Soviet soldiersOn the Eastern Front... In the Baltics, Soviet forces launch an offensive toward Riga and Tallinn. In the Balkans, elements of 3rd Ukrainian Front occupy Sofia in Bulgaria which now turn west in an attempt to block the retreat of German forces in Greece.

In the Palau Islands... The US marine forces consolidate their beachhead and are engaged in a battle for control of the airfield on the island.

In the Occupied Dutch East Indies... The British Eastern Fleet sends 2 carriers and 1 battleship to raid Sigli in northern Sumatra.

In Occupied Denmark... A general strike begins in protest of recent deportations by German authorities.

In Canada... The Octagon Conference ends. Churchill and Roosevelt and their staffs conclude their meeting in Quebec to discuss strategy. There is general agreement on continuing the campaigns underway in Europe. A campaign in Burma is agreed upon. There is also agreement on British forces joining the American forces in the final campaigns in the Pacific.


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.