Chronology of World War II

Monday, December 1, 1941

On the Eastern Front... There is a brief Soviet counterattack near Tula in the ongoing battle for Moscow.

In North Africa... The remaining New Zealand force at Sidi Razegh is forced to retreat. The attacking Axis forces are becoming exhausted and many senior officers have been killed or captured. Although the British 8th Army has been mauled, it remains ready for combat and, unlike Rommel's units, it is receiving generous supplies and replacement tanks.

In Malaya... British authorities declare a "State of Emergency" following reports of a pending Japanese attack.

Tuesday, December 2, 1941

On the Eastern Front... Small German forces reach the northern suburbs of Moscow and come within sight of the Kremlin, less than 20 miles away. Hitler orders a renewed push by Kluge's Fourth Army to the west of the city. The weather continues to grow colder with heavy snow and blizzards. Both Bock (Army Group Center) and Brauchitsch (Commander in Chief of the German Army) are ill and unable to fully perform their duties.

From Tokyo... A special code order "Climb Mount Niitaka" is transmitted by Japanese naval headquarters to their carrier force bound for Hawaii. This order confirms that negotiations have broken down and the attack on Pearl Harbor is to proceed.

In the East Indies... The British battleship Prince of Wales and the battle cruiser Repulse arrive in Singapore. They arrive to late to have the planned deterrent effect but the Japanese do note the British naval presence.

In North Africa... Heavy fighting in several areas. Rommel's forces continue the pressure against the Tobruk garrison in fighting around El Duda. British armor is engaged as they attempt to regroup farther south toward Bir el Bubi. They also attempt to send relief to the Axis garrisons at Bardia, Sollum and Halfaya Pass which are still resisting against 4th Indian Division of 13th Corps.

Wednesday, December 3, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet passenger ship Iosif Stalin (7500 tons), evacuating troops besieged at Hango (also spelled Hanko) since June, is wrecked by 4 mines. Approximately 2000 are killed. German forces later capture the wreck.

Thursday, December 4, 1941

In London... A new National Service Bill is passed by Parliament. Its provisions include compulsory direction and conscription for female labor.

In the South China Sea... The Japanese landing force sails from Hainan bound for Malaya.

Friday, December 5, 1941

On the Eastern Front... After a month of discussion with his Generals, Hitler finally agrees to halt the drive for Moscow.

From Berlin... Hitler orders the transfer of the whole of the Luftwaffe 2nd Air Corps from the Eastern Front to aid the Italian air force in control of the Mediterranean. The aim is to reduce the effectiveness of the attacks of the British Malta forces on the Axis supply convoys to North Africa.

In Moscow... Stalin and General Sikorski, the head of the exiled Polish government meet. A friendship and mutual aid agreement between the Soviets and the Poles is signed by the two leaders.

Saturday, December 6, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The Soviets launch a major counteroffensive all along the 500 miles of the Moscow front. Fresh troops and tanks have been added to the Soviet Kalinin, West and Southwest Fronts. Planned by and under the command of General Zhukov, the Soviets intend to cut through the panzer wings of Army Group Center and then to isolate and destroy it. The attacks meet with early successes.

From Washington... The final breakdown of deteriorating relations between the US and Japan. Roosevelt makes an appeal to the Japanese Emperor for peace. This direct approach violates Japanese cultural mores concerning the role of the Emperor and it goes unanswered. The US code breaking service has routinely intercepted and decoded all Japanese diplomatic messages and the most of the December 6th message is translated and sent to the President. It is clear from the message that war is imminent, but there are no specific details.

In the Pacific... Japanese forces leave Palau bound for the attack on the Philippines.

Sunday, December 7, 1941

In Hawaii... The Japanese attack launched from six carriers, Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu, Soryu, Zuikaku and Shokaku, carrying a total of 423 planes, begins at 0755 local time. Its target: the main base of the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. There is complete tactical and strategic surprise. The Japanese task force, under the command of Admiral Nagumo, also contains 2 battleships, 2 heavy cruisers as well as destroyers and support vessels including tankers. Two attacking waves strike the naval base. The first lead by Commander Fuchida is comprised of 40 torpedo bombers carrying special shallow running torpedoes, 51 dive bombers, 50 high level bombers and 43 fighters. The second wave is comprised of similar numbers with more dive bombers replacing the torpedo planes. All eight of the US battleships in port are damaged. The Arizona sinks to the bottom with most hands onboard, the Oklahoma sinks but its later raised and scrapped. The California, Nevada and West Virginia are later rebuilt and rejoin the fleet. Three cruisers and three destroyers are also sunk. The Americans lose 188 aircraft; the Japanese 29. Admiral Nagumo, despite the task forces's capacity and against advice, does not send a third wave against the base. The three American aircraft carriers serving in the Pacific are not in port and escape unharmed as does much of the infrastructure of the port, including the oil storage tanks. However, the attack leaves the Allies with only the three US carriers and two British battleships as active capital ships in the theater. The cruisers destroyers and submarines available from the Dutch and Free French reduce the numerical inferiority against the Japanese navy, however, the Allied craft are widely dispersed and under multiple commands.

In Washington... The last part of the Japanese signal, stating specifically that relations are being broken is intercepted and decoded by the Americans. Delays in decoding of the message and difficulty in securing an appointment with Secretary Hull ensure that the Japanese delegation do not meet their country's deadline for presentation of official note breaking of diplomatic ties until after the attack upon Pearl Harbor is launched.

In Tokyo... The British receive official indication from the Japanese three hours later, when their Ambassador in Tokyo is given a copy of the Japanese note. Both the British and US ambassadors in Tokyo are given declarations of war a further three hours later.

In the Pacific... Japanese forces bomb Guam and Wake and Midway is bombarded by Japanese destroyers.

On the Eastern Front... Field Marshal Brauchitsch, citing illness, offers his resignation to Hitler after the successful counterattack. It is not formally accepted but Brauchitsch is removed from important command decisions.

In Ottawa... The Canadian government declares war on Japan.

Monday, December 8, 1941

In Washington... President Roosevelt addresses Congress, declaring December 7 "a date which live in infamy" . War is declared upon Japan by both the Americans and British. Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the Free French, several South American countries also declare war upon Japan. China declares war upon Germany, Italy and Japan. The latter is a formal declaration only as a de facto state of war has existed between China and Japan for 7 years.

In the Philippines... The Japanese attack begins with the capture of Bataan Island and the creation of an airstrip for plane refueling. Japanese invasion troops leave Paulau for the Philippines. The main attack begins with massive air bombardment which reduces the American defenses to 17 B-17's and less than 40 fighters. Most of the planes are destroyed on the ground. American General Douglas MacArthur has under his command 130,000 troops (20,000 Americans). His plan to defend the island becomes nonviable after the destruction of the main portion of the his air force and the losses at Pearl Harbor.

In Malaya... Japanese troops (18th Division) begin landings at Kota Bharu protected by two battleships and six heavy cruisers under the command of Admiral Kondo. The following morning, troops (5th Division) as well as tank units are landed at Singor and Patini in Thailand. The British defenders under command of General Percival, have 3 divisions in Malaya but almost no tanks. Only one division is not committed to static defensive positions around air fields and possible landing sites. Of the 158 RAF planes, most are destroyed on the ground and the airfield at Kota Bharu is captured intact by the Japanese.

In Singapore... The British battleship Prince of Wales, the battle cruiser Repulse and four destroyers sail from Singapore to aid in the fighting in Malaysia.

In Thailand... Fears of offending American public opinion by violating Thailand's neutrality have prevented the British from preparing defenses in Thailand and difficulties with Thai border guards prevent a quick response to the Japanese landings further north.

On Wake Island... Air attacks by the Japanese continue. A small landing force leaves Kwajalein escorted by a cruiser and two destroyers.

In Hong Kong... The Japanese 38th Division attacks the British garrison with only six battalions and 28 guns. British and Canadian troops begin a retreat to the "Gindrinkers Line."

In Shanghai... Japanese troops occupy the city and capture a small US garrison in the foreign section.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet counteroffensive continues to press the Germans westward; Red Army is also advancing in the Leningrad sector.

In North Africa... Rommel begins the withdrawal from the siege of Tobruk in an orderly retreat. German strength in the area has been reduced to 40 tanks and the 90th Light division to the strength of two battalions.

Tuesday, December 9, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet drive against Guderian's forces reaches and captures Elets. In the north, under General Meretskov, the Red Army retakes Tikhvin but cannot relieve the siege at Leningrad. The situation inside the city is desperate, rations are below the starvation level.

In Malaysia... Japanese troops continue to land at Kota Bharu, Singora and Patani. Japanese forces occupy Bangkok.

In the South China Sea... The British battleship Prince of Wales and the Repulse, on their way to Japanese landing sites in Malaysia, are spotted by Japanese submarines. The ships continue until sighted by Japanese aircraft and then turn back.

In the Pacific... Gilbert Islands, Tarawa and Makin are occupied by the Japanese.

Wednesday, December 10, 1941

In the South China Sea... Admiral Phillips, commanding the British ships, Prince of Wales and Repulse receives information of a Japanese landing at Kuantan and alters course to reach it, believing that air support from Singapore will join them. The ships' position is discovered and reported by a Japanese. The report of the landing proves to be false, no air support is sent and Japanese aircraft find and attack the battleships. Approximately 90 planes are involved in the attack and both ships are sunk within two hours. There is no longer an active Allied battleship in the entire theater.

In North Africa... The siege of Tobruk is completely raised

In Thailand... The British advance from Malaya, to meet the Japanese, reaches "The Ledge" to find that the Japanese have secured the area first. The British are forced back.

In Hong Kong... British and Canadian defenders at the "Gindrinkers Line" continue to slow the Japanese attack.

In the Philippines... Japanese air attacks and troop landings on Luzon. Attack on the naval base at Caite destroys weapons stocks. At Aparri, on the north coast, 2000 troops of the Tanaka Detachment land, while troops of the Kanno Detachment land at Vigan in the northeast. Both landings are well supported by naval forces.

In the Mariana Islands... Admiral Goto commands a Japanese force which captures the 300 man US garrison on Guam.

Thursday, December 11, 1941

In Washington... Germany and Italy declare war on the United States. Shortly afterward, the US Congress issues a declaration of war against Germany and Italy.

On the Eastern Front... Soviet advances in the Moscow counteroffensive continue with the recapture of Stalinogorsk.

In North Africa... Rommel's forces retreating from Tobruk reach Gasala

In the Pacific... Japanese attempts to occupy the island are thrown back. Two Japanese destroyers are also sunk by the 450 US Marines stationed on the island. Relief is promised by Admiral Kimmel.

In Malaya... The 11th Indian Division at Jitra is attacked by advancing Japanese units from Singora.

Friday, December 12, 1941

In the Philippines... Kimura Detachment and 2500 men of the Japanese 16th Infantry Division, land in south Luzon at Legaspi. Air attacks continue against any remaining American aircraft.

In Malaya... Jitra is abandoned by the 11th Indian Division to advancing Japanese forces.

Saturday, December 13, 1941

In the Mediterranean... Two Italian cruisers carrying fuel are sunk off Cape Bon by three British and one Dutch destroyer. Italian navy begins a major convoy to bring supplies to Benghazi supported by their main fleet. Two transports are sunk by a British submarine.

In Hong Kong... British and Canadian forces withdraw from the mainland to Hong Kong Island.

In Burma... British abandon their airfield at Victoria Point on the Kra Isthmus. Japanese occupy it.

In North Africa... British forces close in Gazala but are held temporarily by German counterattacks. Rommel plans further withdrawal due to reduced supplies.

Sunday, December 14, 1941

In Malaya... Japanese forces continue advances from "The Ledge" to Kroh.

In the Mediterranean... The Italian battleship Vittorio Venito, part of a convoy to Benghazi is sunk. Italians turn convoy back.

In the North Atlantic... Convoy HG-76 containing 32 ships sails from Gibraltar for Britain. Its escort is commanded by Commander Walker and his force includes the escort carrier Audacity and twelve other ships.

Monday, December 15, 1941

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces attacking northwest of Moscow reach Klin and Kalinin and retake both towns.

In the Mediterranean... U-557 sinks a cruiser off Alexandria. The British launch a convoy to bring supplies from Egypt to relieve Malta. Six cruisers and 16 destroyers set out from Malta (Force K) to meet the convoy from Alexandria under the command of Admiral Vian (Force B).

In North Africa... British attacks continue around Gazala as Rommel prepares to withdraw to El Agheila.

In Malaya... British forces retreat to Gurun and suffer heavy losses defending against the Japanese attack. Gurun however, holds.

In Hong Kong... Japanese attempt to land a small force from Kowloon on Hong Kong island, they are repelled.

Tuesday, December 16, 1941

In North Africa... Rommel begins his withdrawal to El Agheila through Cyrenaica.

In the Mediterranean... Italians under the command of Admiral Iachino launch the convoy to Africa for a second time, 4 battleships, 5 cruisers and 21 destroyers are in the escort.

In Borneo... Japanese troops from the 16th Infantry Division land at Miri, Seria and Lutong. The small British and Dutch forces fire the oil plants before retreating.

In Malaya... The second wave of Japanese invasions as the 5th and 18th divisions will are brought to full strength. British forces withdraw from Penang on the west coast

Wednesday, December 17, 1941

On the Eastern Front... In the Crimea, German attacks by 54th Corps begin against the city of Sevastopol despite continuing Soviet offensives in other areas.

In Malaya... The British withdraw from Gurun. Japanese begin landing the Imperial Guard Division

In the Mediterranean... British Force K from Malta and Force B from Alexandria join in convoy. Battle of Sirte Forces from the British convoy from Alexandria to Malta meet the Italian convoy to Egypt. They engage but the focus of the escorts is to ensure their convoy's safety and the battle is indecisive.

In the North Atlantic... British cruiser Dunedin is sunk by a U-boat.

From Washington... Admiral Nimitz to appointed to the command of the Pacific Fleet, replacing Admiral Kimmel who resigned as the result of Pearl Harbor.

Thursday, December 18, 1941

In Hong Kong... Japanese land forces during the night on Hong Kong Island between North Point and the Lei U Mun Channel. The landings are successful despite counterattacks by the undermanned British and Canadian forces on the island.

In the Mediterranean... British convoy reaches Malta with much needed supplies. Force B, part of its escort turns back to Egypt while Force K searches for the Italian convoy it engaged the day earlier. Force K runs into a mine field which sinks one destroyer and one cruiser. Both of the other cruisers are damaged. Also, Italian midget submarines penetrate the British fleet's anchorage at Alexandria, while the net defenses have been lowered to allow Force B's return to port. They place explosives under the battleships Queen Elizabeth and Valiant. Both sink to the bottom of the harbor. The British have lost their striking force from Malta and the Mediterranean Fleet has lost its only battleships. Coupled with the loss the American ships at Pearl Harbor and the British ships in the east, the Allies now have a serious lack of capital ships.

On the Eastern Front... Field Marshal Bock is replaced by Kluge as part of change of command due to German set backs. Like Brauchitsch, the reason given for the replacement is illness.

Friday, December 19, 1941

In Berlin... Hitler formally removes Brauchitsch as Commander in Chief of the German Army, taking the position himself.

On Eastern Front... Germans continue the attack on Sevastopol, Soviets bring 14,000 men and supplies into the area as reinforcements.

In the Philippines... Japanese land 500 men from the 56th Infantry Regiment near Davao on Mindanao.

Saturday, December 20, 1941

On the Eastern Front... Around Moscow, Soviet advances continue. To the northwest, Volokolamsk is recaptured.

In Hong Kong... Counterattacks by the small British and Canadian garrison against the Japanese landing forces fail with heavy losses.

From Washington... Admiral King is appoint Commander in Chief, US Fleet.

From Germany... Goebbels broadcasts an appeal for contributions of warm, winter clothing for German troops on the Eastern Front.

Monday, December 21, 1941

In Malaya... Japanese troops from the 48th Infantry division, augmented with tanks land on Luza at Lingayen Gulf. They meet little opposition and establish a strong beachhead.

In the North Atlantic... Convoy HG-76 loses the escort carrier, Audacity under the command of Commodore Walker. Despite the loss of an additional destroyer and two merchant ships, the convoy is responsible for the sinking of 5 of the 12 U-boats involved in the attack as well as 2 Condor aircraft.

Monday, December 22, 1941

In Washington... The Arcadia Conference is being held. The purpose of the meeting is war planning by the British leader, Churchill and the American President Roosevelt as well as their Chiefs of Staff and other political leaders from both countries. Decisions made at the conference included a confirmation of policy to Germany First as well as the establishment of a Combined Chiefs of Staff to direct the entire Allied military endeavor. British General Wavell is appointed to control operations in the East. Plans are also made for a buildup of US forces in Britain prior to a land invasion of Europe, and the continuation of bombing offensive in Europe.

On Wake Island... After continuing the bombardment of the island the Japanese land 200 men on the island to fierce resistance from the 450 US Marines stationed there.

Tuesday, December 23, 1941

In North Africa... Rommel's troops evacuate Benghazi. Allied troops enter Barce.

On Wake Island... The American troops surrender to the Japanese, the carriers sent to relieve them are still several hundred miles away.

In Burma... The first Japanese air attacks on Rangoon. The city's air defense consist of only two fighter squadrons, one from the RAF, the other an American Volunteer Group

In Borneo... Japanese land troops at Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. Dutch submarines provide some resistance sinking two troops transports and a Japanese destroyer. A small British force continues to resist at Kunching.

Wednesday, December 24, 1941

In the Philippines... About 7000 troops of the Japanese 16th Infantry Division land at Lamon Bay in southeast Luzon. In northern Luzon, the Allies have taken the first of five defensive positions designed to delay the Japanese movement toward the Bataan Peninsula. General Douglas MacArthur still commands the forces.

In the Sulu Archipelago... Japanese forces land on Jolo Island.

In the North Atlantic... Free French forces, using corvettes and a submarine occupy the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon off the coast of Canada.

Thursday, December 25, 1941

In Hong Kong...The British and Canadian manned garrison at Hong Kong surrender to the Japanese.

On Eastern Front... Soviet offensives continue to succeed before Moscow.

In North Africa... The advancing Allies reach Benghazi and Agebadia. The Axis forces continue to withdraw.

In the Philippines... The US defensive strategy continues with their withdrawal to the second line of defense at the Agno River. Japanese attacks continue.

Friday, December 26, 1941

On the Eastern Front... The Germans continue pressure on Sevastopol. Some units of the 11th Army are threatened by Soviet landings in the eastern Crimea at Kerch.

In Occupied Norway... The arctic islands of Lofoten are the subject of a 260 man commando raid. Their purpose is to destroy the fish oil factories on Moskenesoy.

Saturday, December 27, 1941

In the Philippines... The Americans declare Manila an open city. The defenders are now at their third of five lines of defense in their delaying action against the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. This line runs east and west from Paniqui.

In Occupied Norway... The British commando raids extend to Vaagso and Maaloy, landing nearly 600 troops to destroy communications and oil factories. Merchant and patrol craft are sunk. 243 volunteers are taken back to Britain to join Norwegian forces there.

From London... General Pownall replaces Air Marshall Brooke-Popham as Commander in Chief Far East. This command will shortly be assumed by Wavell's ABDA under the provisions of the Arcadia Conference. Pownall will become its Chief of Staff.

Sunday, December 28, 1941

In North Africa... The British 22nd Armoured Brigade take heavy losses as Rommel's retreating forces turn and counterattack. The Germans however, continue to withdraw.

On the Eastern Front... German attacks on Sevastopol led by the 22nd and 24th Division make gains in the Fort Stalin area. Germans announce they will soon take the city.

In the Philippines... American and allied troops continue to fall back. They are now at the Tarlac-Cabanatuan line. Japanese attacks continue.

In Malaya... British forces are retreating in the wake of the Japan advance to Ipoh.

In Burma... General Hutton is appointed to command the British forces in Burma.

Monday, December 29, 1941

On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces comprised of the 51st and 44th Armies, continue to arrive in the eastern Crimea at Feodosia. The German 11th Army is compelled to halt its attack on Sevastopol to neutralize the threat they pose.

Tuesday, December 30, 1941

On the Eastern Front... Red Army forces recapture Tula, south west of Moscow. The Soviet offensive continues.

In the Philippines... the Allied forces fall back to their final line of prepared defense above the Bataan Peninsula.

In Malaya... The Japanese advance continues, they have reached near Kampar in the west and Kuantan in the east.

Wednesday, December 31, 1941

In the Philippines... American and Filipino forces form a new defense line north of the Bataan Peninsula, on Luzon.

On the Eastern Front... The Soviet winter offensive continues, though without a breakthrough. The Soviet armed forces have now suffered at least 5,000,000 casualties, 3,000,000 prisoners, 20,000 tanks and 30,000 guns destroyed. Even so they remain capable of resisting the German-led Axis invasion.

From the United States... General Brett takes command of US forces in Australia.