Chronology of World War II
Allies open the Ledo Road
Saturday, January 27, 1945 www.onwar.com
In Burma... The Ledo Road to China is finally cleared when Chinese troops from Burma and Yunnan province link up near Mongyu. General Sultan, who leads the British, American and Chinese in the area, has in fact announced the road as open on January 22nd. Sultan’s forces are now moving south toward Mandalay and Lashio by several routes.

In the Philippines... The US 32nd Infantry Division lands at Lingayen Gulf to reinforce the American troops there.

On the Eastern Front... Forces of the 1st Baltic Front captured the port of Memel and complete the liberation of Lithuania. In Poland, elements of the 1st Belorussian Front have swept around Poznan, where the garrison continues to holds out, and are maintaining their advance to the Oder River. The Soviets are about 100 miles from Berlin. Other elements are attacking near Torun and Bydgoscz. 

On the Western Front... Troops from US 3rd Army cross the Our River and take Oberhausen. The gains made by the German Ardennes offensive are now almost completely eliminated.

In France... In Lyons, Charles Maurras, editor of Action Francaise, is sentenced to life imprisonment for collaboration.


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.