Chronology of World War II

Tuesday, July 1, 1941

On the Eastern Front... In the Baltics, units of the German Army Group North take Riga in Latvia while to the south other German troops are already well beyond the Dvina River, making for Ostrov. Farther south, to the east of Minsk the Berezina River has been crossed and the advance continues.

From London... General Auchinleck is appointed to command the British forces in the Middle East. General Wavell takes Auchinleck's old post as Commander in Chief in India. Churchill blames Wavell for the failure of the Battleaxe offensive. The British government also recognizes that the Commander in Chief, Middle East, has had substantial political responsibilities in addition to his military duties and to avoid the distraction this has caused in the past Oliver Lyttleton is appointed minister of state, resident in the Middle East.

In Syria... Troops from General Slim's 10th Indian Division move into northern Syria from Iraq.

In the North Atlantic... Aircraft from the United States Navy start antisubmarine patrols from bases in Newfoundland.

Wednesday, July 2, 1941

In Tokyo... An Imperial Conference (a meeting of Japanese government and military leaders and the Emperor to explain policy to the Emperor and nominally to take important decisions -- in practice these are already taken at the Liaison Conferences between the politicians and the military leaders) records the decision that attempts should be made to take bases in Indochina even at the risk of war.

In the United States... The US authorities very soon know of this determination through their code-breaking service which has managed to work out the key to the major Japanese diplomatic code and some other minor operational codes. The information gained from the diplomatic code is circulated under the code name Magic.

On the Eastern Front... After a rapid concentration and regrouping Hoeppner's Panzer Group 4 attacks with renewed vigor toward Ostrov. In the south, the forces of German Army Group South, based in Romania and including the Romanian 3rd and 4th Armies and the German 11th Army, begin full-scale attacks.

Thursday, July 3, 1941

On the Eastern Front... In the area of German Army Group North, clear weather permits the Luftwaffe to provide close air support again. The German 41st Panzer Corps (Panzer Group 4) makes good progress against the relatively weak forces of the Soviet 1st Mechanized Corps, and two reserve rifle corps, of the Soviet Northwest Front (Sobennikov). Meanwhile, in the area of Army Group Center, elements of German 9th and 2nd Armies eliminate the resistance of Soviet forces trapped in the Bialystok pocket.

In the Soviet Union... Stalin broadcasts for the first time since the German invasion. The reason for his delay in responding is not clear. He calls for total effort and a policy of scorched earth before the German advance, and guerilla warfare in their rear. He also defends the 1939 non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany on the grounds of his desire for peace. The broadcast is the first of many to emphasize patriotic nationalism.

In East Africa... In southern Abyssinia the Italian resistance comes to an end with the surrender of General Gazzera and 7000 troops to a Belgian unit. In the northwestern Gondar area there are more Italian surrenders around Debra Tabor.

In Syria... Deir el Zor falls to the troops from 10th Indian Division. The Vichy French fort at Palmyra surrenders to Habforce after a long defense.

Friday, July 4, 1941

On the Eastern Front... In the north, Ostrov (southeast of Lake Peipus in Russia) falls to forces of the German 41st Panzer Corps (Panzer Group 4).

In the United States... In an Independence Day broadcast Roosevelt says that the United States "will never survive as a happy and fertile oasis of liberty surrounded by a cruel desert of dictatorship."

Saturday, July 5, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The German 6th Army breaches the Soviet defense line west of Zhitomir. Panzer Group 1 (Kleist) begins to move through the gap but is somewhat held back by orders from Hitler. Farther north in the attacks east of Minsk the German advance reaches the Dniepr.

Sunday, July 6, 1941

On the Eastern Front... Romanian forces take Chernovtsy and are welcomed by the civilian population on entering the city. The Soviets claim to have carried out successful counterattacks in Latvia and in Belorussia.

Monday, July 7, 1941

In Iceland... American forces land on the island to take over the task of garrisoning it and protecting nearby shipping from submarine attack. The US troops are from General Marston's 1st Marine Brigade and the transport ships are form Admiral Breton's TF-19, which also includes two battleships, two cruisers and 12 destroyers.

Tuesday, July 8, 1941

In Occupied Yugoslavia... The Germans and Italians formally announce their plans for the dismemberment of Yugoslavia. Croatia is to be independent. The province of Ljubljana, part of Dalmatia and some of the Adriatic islands are to be annexed by Italy. Bosnia is to be under Italian protection. Germany takes Montenegro, Carinthia and Cariola. Hungary also takes some territory.

On the Eastern Front... In the advance on Leningrad, Hoeppner's Fourth Panzer Group takes Pskov.

In Syria... A series of battles just inland from Sidon at Jezzine and Mazzrat-ech-Chouf take place (July 8-10th).

Wednesday, July 9, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The pockets earlier surrounded by Army Group Center have now all been cleared. At least 300,000 prisoners have been taken and more than 40 divisions have been eliminated from the Soviet Order of Battle. The panzer forces of Army Group Center are reorganized and have now crossed both the Dniepr and the Dvina, aiming to encircle Smolensk. Meanwhile, in the Ukraine, Zhitomir, less than 90 miles from Kiev, falls to forces of German Army Group South.

In Syria... The Australian troops advancing north along the coast take Damour. There is now no obstacle blocking their approach to Beirut. Homs also falls to the Allied advance. General Dentz, the Vichy French commander in chief in Syria, asks for an armistice on behalf of the Vichy forces.

Thursday, July 10, 1941

In Italy... Four Italian divisions leave Italy bound for the Eastern Front.

On the Eastern Front... Units of the Soviet Fifth Army counterattack southwest of Korosten. Kleist's Panzer Group 1 holds the attack amid heavy fighting.

In Washington... Roosevelt submits new appropriations measures to Congress. He asks for $4,770,000,000 for the army.

Friday, July 11, 1941

On the Eastern Front... Panzer Group 1 renews its advance toward Kiev and reaches to within 15 miles of the city. The Soviet State Defense Committee establishes three new command areas for the Red Army. Marshal Voroshilov is to command in the North (Northwest Front), Marshal Timoshenko the central West Front, and Marshal Budenny the Southwest Front.

In Washington... Roosevelt asks Congress for $3,323,000,000 for the navy and the Maritime Commission. He also appoints William Donovan to head a new civilian intelligence agency with the title "coordinator of defense information." This appointment will lead to the creation of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) which in turn will develop into the modern CIA.

In Syria... Despite instructions from Vichy France forbidding him to do so, General Dentz accepts the Allied armistice terms. The cease-fire begins at 2100 hours. The casualties in the campaign have been about 2500 on the Allied side and 3500 among the Vichy French forces. In addition the Vichy authorities have had a number of prisoners flown out to Europe including a few after the armistice terms forbidding this have been agreed.

Saturday, July 12, 1941

In Moscow... Britain and the Soviet Union sign an agreement in Moscow providing for mutual assistance and forbidding the making of a separate peace.

On the Eastern Front... Moscow is bombed for the first time.

In North Africa... General Bastico replaces General Gariboldi as Commander in Chief of the Italian, and nominally the German, forces in North Africa.

Sunday, July 13, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The German Luftwaffe bombs Kiev.

In the Baltic... Soviet naval forces consisting of destroyers and motor torpedo boats as well as bombers make a concerted effort to destroy a German convoy off the coast of Latvia. One ship is sunk.

Over Romania... Soviet bombers attack the Ploesti oilfields.

Monday, July 14, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The German advance continues and the Luga River is reached in the northern front. Meanwhile, near Orsha, Red Army artillery forces launch a salvo of katyusha rockets, for the first time, against the German held railhead causing substantial damage and panick.

In the Mediterranean... A force of German Ju88 bombers attacks Suez from bases in Crete causing damage to harbor installations and to ships unloading.

Tuesday, July 15, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The Soviets launch a counterattack (lasting until July 17th) in the Lake Ilmen area to gain time for the building of further fortifications around Leningrad. The attacking forces lose heavily in their efforts because the troops are very inexperienced.

Wednesday, July 16, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The Finnish attacks north of Lake Ladoga take Sortavala and reach the Lake to the southeast of the town, cutting off Soviet forces to the west. The Soviets will be able to get some of their troops away by boat. Attacks by German Army Group South surround a Soviet force south of Uman.

In Berlin... At an important meeting Hitler, Goring, Bormann and Rosenberg decide on plans for the exploitation of the territory begin captured from the Soviets. Rosenberg is put in charge of a new ministry with the task of organizing the new lands for Germany's economic benefit and eliminating Jews and Communists.

In Vichy France... General Weygand is appointed Governor General of Algeria.

In Tokyo... In order to remove Masuoka from the Foreign Ministry, Prince Konoye resigns.

Thursday, July 17, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The Germans develop an important bridgehead over the Dniepr River near Mogilev.

From Moscow... In an attempt to stiffen resistance the political commissars are restored to the Soviet army and navy units.

Friday, July 18, 1941

In Tokyo... Prince Konoye re-forms his Cabinet with Baron Hiranuma as deputy prime minister and Admiral Toyoda as foreign minister. Already personally unpopular, Matsuoka is removed because he has been urging that the Neutrality Agreement with the Soviets should be abandoned and that Japan should join with Germany in the attack on the USSR. The other Japanese leaders do not wish to take such a decisive step, and have decided that without Matsuoka and his known liking for Hitler they have a better chance of reaching an agreement with the US over the pressing problem of oil resources.

In London... Britain formally recognizes the Benes government as the legal provisional government of Czechoslovakia. A friendship and mutual assistance agreement between the Czechs and the Soviets is signed in London.

Saturday, July 19, 1941

From London.. At midnight there is a BBC broadcast by "Colonel Britton" urging the creation of resistance forces with the slogan "V for Victory." The BBC has been introducing programs to Europe with the Mose signal for V for some time. Following this resistance members paint V signs on walls and German posters and it becomes a symbol for all Western European resistance movements.

On the Eastern Front... Guderian receives orders that after the Smolensk battle is over he is to move his force south to join the Kiev battle. This proposal is very much Hitler's idea. Guderian objects strongly, arguing that it will be far better to continue the attack toward Moscow.

In the North Atlantic... The United States Atlantic Fleet forms TF-1 for the protection of the American forces on Iceland and support for convoys bound there. The carrier Wasp flies a cargo of P-40 fighters to the island. A naval buildup begins. The US Navy has instructions to provide escorts for ships of any nationality sailing to and from Iceland.

In Tokyo... In line with the Imperial Conference decision of July 2nd, the Japanese present an ultimatum to the representatives of the Vichy French government demanding bases southern Indochina.

Sunday, July 20, 1941

In Moscow... Stalin takes the title of People's Commissar for Defense.

Monday, July 21, 1941

On the Eastern Front... There are more German air attacks on Moscow. The Soviet authorities announce that they have withdrawn their forces from the line of the Dniestr River.

In Washington... Roosevelt asks Congress to extend the draft period from one year to 30 months and to make similar increases in the terms of service for the National Guard. There is considerable debate on the proposal.

In the Mediterranean... A major operation, code named Substance, is launched by the British Gibraltar forces to bring supplies to Malta. There are seven transports in the convoy and they are covered by Force H which has been reinforced for the operation. In addition to Renown, Ark Royal, a cruiser and eight destroyers, the Home Fleet has sent Nelson, three cruisers and nine destroyers.

Tuesday, July 22, 1941

In the Mediterranean... Part of the Operation Substance convoy is located by Italian planes but the Italian fleet stays in port, expecting only a repeat of the previous carrier operations to fly planes to Malta.

Wednesday, July 23, 1941

On the Eastern Front... Around Smolensk, the forces of the Soviet 20th Army (Lieutenant General P.A. Kurochkin) counterattack forces of German Panzer Group 2 even though the army flanks are unsecured.

In the Mediterranean... One British destroyer is sunk and one cruiser and three destroyers are hit in Italian air attacks on the Operation Substance forces.

Thursday, July 24, 1941

Over Occupied France... The Scharnhorst is hit five times by bombs from a force of 15 Halifax bombers while lying in the port of La Pallice. The repairs required will not be complete until 1942. Since Prinz Eugen has been hit earlier in the month and Gneisenau is under repair, this means that none of the German heavy ships in and around Brest are fit for operations in the near future.

In the Mediterranean... One of the British transports engaged in Operation Substance is hit before entering Malta. Empty ships from previous trips join Force H for the return to Gibraltar.

In Tokyo... Vichy France agree to the Japanese demands for bases in southern Indochina.

Friday, July 25, 1941

In the Mediterranean... During the night, Italian "explosive boats" and "human torpedoes" attempt to attack shipping in Grand Harbor, Malta.

Saturday, July 26, 1941

In Britain and the United States... Japanese assets in the United States and Britain are frozen.

Sunday, July 27, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet forces around Smolensk are cut off by the German pincer movement. The German 39th Panzer Corps (of Panzer Group 3) links up with 47th Panzer Corps (of Panzer Group 2) east of Smolensk and surround large portions of the Soviet 16th, 19th and 20th Armies. Meanwhile, in the north the Baltic port of Kallinn is attacked by the Germans.

In the Mediterranean... Force H and empty transports from Malta arrive in Gibraltar without further loss.

Monday, July 28, 1941

In French Indochina... Japanese forces begin to occupy bases in southern Indochina. It is clear that the main use for such bases would be in an invasion of Malyasia, the East Indies or the Philippines.

In Japan... American and British assets in Japan are frozen in retaliation for similar measures in the USA and UK on July 26th. Japanese assets in the Dutch East Indies are frozen and the oil deals cancelled.

Tuesday, July 29, 1941

In Tokyo... Vichy France and Japan sign an agreement on the mutual defense of Indochina.

In Japan... Japan freezes Dutch assets. Almost 75 percent of Japan's foreign trade is at a standstill and 90 percent of its oil supplies have been cut off.

In Germany... General Ludwig von Schroeder, the former head of civil defense and president of the 13,000,000 membership of the "Air Raid Protection League," dies of injuries received in a plane crash near Belgrade.

Wednesday, July 30, 1941

In China... The US gunboat Tutiula is damaged by an attack by Japanese bombers in Chungking. Japan apologizes for the incident but it does nothing to ease the strained relations between the US and Japan.

In the Arctic... Planes from the British Home Fleet carriers Victorious and Furious attack German shipping and installations near Kirkenes and Petsamo. Little dame is done and 15 of the 57 attacking aircraft are lost to antiaircraft fire and German fighters.

Thursday, July 31, 1941

In Berlin... Goring orders Heydrich to make "all necessary preparations... for bringing about the complete solution of the Jewish question."

On the Eastern Front... German 16th Army, part of the German Army Group North, continues the advance reaching the south side of Lake Ilmen. In southern Finland, Finnish attacks toward Viipuri and Vuosalmi begin.

In North Africa... The Axis forces are reorganized. General Cruewell now command the German Afrika Korps (DAK) with Rommel in charge of the new Panzer Group Africa. The 5th Light Division is renamed as 21st Panzer Division and Rommel, therefore, has two panzer divisions and one German infantry division in his force. In addition there are seven Italian divisions.

In the Mediterranean... There is a small British supply operation launched from Gibraltar to Malta.

In Washington... Roosevelt establishes the Economic Defense Board under Vice-President Wallace.