Chronology of World War II
Monday, November 1, 1943
In the Solomon Islands... The US 3rd Marine Division (General Turnage) lands on Bougainville, in Empress Augusta Bay at Cape Tarokina. By the end of the day 14,000 American troops are ashore. Task Force 31 (Admiral Wilkinson) provides transport, Task Force 39 (Admiral Merrill) provides support with 4 cruisers and 8 destroyers and Task Force 38 (Admiral Sherman) with the carriers Saratoga and Princeton conduct raids against Buka and the Buna airfields. The local garrison of about 200 Japanese are overcome quickly. However, the island is defended by the Japanese 17th Army (General Hyakutake) with 40,000 troops and 20,000 naval personnel concentrated in the south. After unsuccessful air attacks on the landings the Japanese dispatch Admiral Omori from Rabaul in New Britain with 4 cruisers and 6 destroyers. Nearby a marine battalion occupies Puruata Island after defeating Japanese resistance. Meanwhile, the US 2nd Marine Parachute Battalion on Choiseul continues to engage Japanese forces. This is a diversion from the attack on Bougainville.
In Washington... President Roosevelt the Solid Fuels Administration, headed by Ickes, to take over the operation of coal mines. There are 530,000 miners on strike at this time. Roosevelt also urges Congress to continue food subsidies to encourage production and prevent inflation.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Perekop and advance to Armiansk. The Crimea is thus isolated. Elements of the Soviet 56th Army make an amphibious landing in the Crimea, near Enikale. Around Krivoy Rog forces of German Army Group South (Manstein) being counterattacks to hold the advancing Soviet forces.
In the Arctic... The first of a new series of Arctic convoys sails from Kola Inlet to Loch Ewe.
In Italy... The British 10th Corps (part of the US 5th Army) continues attacks on German defenses between Monte Massico and Monte Santa Croce. Roccamonfina is captured in the advance. Forces of the British 8th Army continue to battle along the Trigno River.
Tuesday, November 2, 1943
In the Solomon Islands... US Task Force 39 detects the approach of the Japanese cruiser squadron led by Admiral Omori (steaming from Rabaul in New Britain Island to Bougainville), shortly after midnight. In the engagement that follows the Japanese lose 1 cruiser and 1 destroyer and most of the other ships are damaged. The Americans suffer damage to 2 cruisers and 2 destroyers. However, the Japanese force abandons its mission. On Bougainville, the US 3rd Marine Division expands its beachhead. During the day, Japanese aircraft attack the ships of US Task Force 39 without success. Aircraft from US Task Force 38 raid Buna and Buka. Meanwhile, the US 2nd Marine Parachute Battalion on Choiseul continues to engage Japanese forces. This is a diversion from the attack on Bougainville.
In the Bismarck Archipelago... The Japanese base at Rabaul on New Britain is raided by about 160 land-based aircraft of the US 5th Air Force. About 20 planes on each side. Three ships are sunk in the harbor.
From Washington... General Spaatz assumes command of all American air forces in the Mediterranean.
In Italy... The British 8th Army launches a full-scale attack from its bridgehead over the Trigno River. Naval bombardments assist the advance on the eastern coast. On the west coast, the US 5th Army continues its slow advance. Elements of the British 10th Corps reach Garigliano.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Kakhovka on the lower Dniepr and hold German counterattacks around Krivoy Rog.
Wednesday, November 3, 1943
In Italy... Elements of the British 8th Army encounter heavy resistance from the German 16th Panzer Division near San Salvo but succeed in penetrating into the main defensive positions. Elements of US 5th Army capture Sessa Aurunca.
In the Solomon Islands... The US 2nd Marine Parachute Battalion withdraws from Choiseul.
Thursday, November 4, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces commanded by Vatutin break out of their bridgeheads over the Dniepr River, near Kiev. To the south, Soviet forces are attacking near Kherson.
In the Bismarck Archipelago... A new Japanese squadron led by Admiral Kurita arrives in Rabaul, New Britain Island. The Japanese force consists of 10 cruisers and 10 destroyers. American reconnaissance sights the squadron en route and Task Force 38 prepares to attack with its carrier aircraft.
In Italy... Forces of the US 5th Army continues. The British 10th Corps holds Monte Massico and Monte Croce and moves against Monte Camino with 78th Division. The US 6th Corps captures Venafro and Rocavirondola as it advances to the German defenses of the Reinhard Line. The British 8th Army has the Germans withdrawing to the Sangro River. The Allied armies now have full lateral communications through Isernia.
Friday, November 5, 1943
In the Bismarck Archipelago... US Task Force 38 (Admiral Sherman) with the carriers Saratoga and Princeton launches an attack on the Japanese naval squadron led by Admiral Kurita. A total of 107 American planes attack, resulting in damage to 4 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers and 2 destroyers. Only 10 American planes are lost. Later in the day, land-based Liberator bombers of the US 5th Air Force strike Rabaul and the Japanese squadron.
In the Solomon Islands... On Bougainville, the US 3rd Marine Division defeats a counterattack by the Japanese 23rd Regiment. Few of the large Japanese garrison (17th Army) oppose the landing because it is believed to be another diversion.
In Occupied France... Members of the French Resistance set off bombs in the Peugeot factory at Sochaux, destroying machinery used in the manufacture of tank turrets. This factory is described as the third most important target in France by the British Ministry of Economic Warfare.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces cut the Kiev-Zhitomir railroad, increasing the threat of encirclement to German forces in Kiev. Farther south, Soviet forces overrun the area between the lower Dniepr and the Crimea.
In Italy... The US 5th Army launches an assault on the German-held Reinhard Line. The German 14th Panzer Corps (Hube) defending here prevents significant gains. The defense is made easier by the difficult terrain and poor weather. Nonetheless, the offensive continues. Meanwhile, elements of the British 8th Army capture Vasto, Palmoli and Torrebruna.
Saturday, November 6, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces, under the command of Vatutin, capture Kiev -- the Soviet Union's third city. Only 6000 Axis prisoners are taken. Most of the German forces have successful withdrawn.
In Moscow... Stalin issues a special order of the day and makes a broadcast to celebrate the recovery of Kiev in the Ukraine.
In Italy... The US 5th Army continues assaulting the German-held Reinhard Line. No gains are achieved.
Sunday, November 7, 1943
In the Solomon Islands... US Task Force 38 with the carriers Saratoga and Princeton is attacked by 100 Japanese aircraft. The air attack fails to achieve any hits on the carriers. Meanwhile, on Bougainville Island, a Japanese battalion is landed to the north of the beachhead held by the US 3rd Marine Division. A battle ensues. The Japanese reinforce their garrison on Buka Island.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces attacking west of Kiev reach Fastov, 40 mile away, where German forces have formed a thin defensive line.
Monday, November 8, 1943
In Italy... The US 5th Army continues its assault on the German-held Reinhard Line without decisive results. To the east, left flank elements of the British 8th Army reach the Sangro River.
Tuesday, November 9, 1943
In the Solomon Islands... On Bougainville, the US 3rd Marine Division advances inland from their beachhead at Cape Tarokina, in Empress Augusta Bay. An encounter battle ensues with the main body of the Japanese 23rd Regiment on the jungle tracks. Meanwhile, a second wave of landings begin with the arrival of most of the US 37th Division.
In Algiers... General Giraud, Georges and three others resign from the Free French Committee of National Liberation. Giraud remains the military Commander in Chief.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces overcome German forces around Fastov, west of Kiev, and begin advancing toward Zhitomir.
In Italy... The 8th Indian Division (part of the British 8th Army) captures Castiglione.
Wednesday, November 10, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Soviet paratroops drop near Cherkassy, south of the Dniepr River and link up with partisan forces in the area. The Soviet 2nd Ukrainian Front is attacking towards Cherkassy and ferries tanks across the Dniepr River on rafts and pontoons. German forces launch counterattacks.
In the Soviet Union... Two new military decorations are announced: the "Victory Order" for senior officers; and the "Order of Glory" for lower ranks.
Thursday, November 11, 1943
In the Solomon Islands.... On Bougainville, the Japanese 23rd Regiment is push back by the US 3rd Marine Division.
In the Mediterranean... An Allied convoy east of Oran is attacked by about 50 German aircraft. It loses 3 transports and 1 tanker.
In the Bismarck Archipelago... American Admiral Sherman and Admiral Montgomery lead two separate carrier task forces in an attack on the Japanese base at Rabaul on New Britain Island. Five carriers and 185 planes are involved. The Japanese lost almost 70 of their defending fighters as well as 1 light cruiser and 2 destroyers in the attack. A Japanese air strike on the carriers fails.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces advancing west of Kiev capture a crossing over the Teterev River and take Radomyshl as well as other towns on the approach to Zhitomer.
In Italy... Elements of the British 8th Army occupy Casalanguida in the general advance toward the German defenses along the Sangro River.
Friday, November 12, 1943
In the Mediterranean... The German 22nd Infantry Division (General Muller) invade the island of Leros in the Aegean Sea. There is British and Italian resistance.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Korostyshev, west of Kiev, and enter the rail center of Zhitomir. This is the last German-held lateral rail line east of the Pripet Marshes.
In the Bismarck Archipelago... The Japanese carrier aircraft stationed at Rabaul on New Britain are withdrawn. Of the 173 planes committed, 121 have been lost, with many pilots.
In Italy... The US 5th Army assault on the Reinhard Line fails to achieve any further progress. The British 56th Division (part of 10th Corps, US 5th Army) is forced to withdraw from some positions on Monte Camino.
Saturday, November 13, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces complete the capture of Zhitomir and advance northward toward Korosten.
In the Gilbert Islands... American B-17 Flying Fortresses bomb Tarawa atoll in preparation for the coming landings.
In the Solomon Islands... On Bougainville, the third wave of the US landing force comes ashore. This includes the rest of the US 37th Infantry Division and the 21st Marine Division. Task Force 39 (Admiral Merrill) provides cover. The cruiser Denver is hit by a torpedo during the landing operation. Some fighting takes place on the Numa-Numa trail.
In Italy... American General Clark, commanding US 5th Army, indicates to British General Alexander, Commander in Chief of Allied forces in Italy, that he believes attacks by his army should be halted for the present. The British 8th Army continues to advance toward the Sangro River and captures Atessa.
Sunday, November 14, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Army Group South (Field Marshal von Manstein) orders 7th Panzer Division (Manteuffel) to counterattack south of Zhitomir from around Berdichev.
In Italy... The British 8th Army continues its advances. It consists of 5 divisions and 2 armored brigades. Troops of the 8th Indian Division, supported by the New Zealand 2nd Division, capture Perano. The German 76th Panzer Corps is defending in this area. It consists of 2 divisions and elements of a third division.
In the Solomon Islands... On Bougainville the American divisions push back the Japanese along the jungle tracks. A few American tanks are available for support.
Monday, November 15, 1943
In Italy... British General Alexander calls off the US 5th Army assault on the German-held Reinhard Line. Casualties have been heavy. A determined German defense combined with rugged terrain and poor weather contribute to the decision to end the attack. To the east, elements of the British 8th Army achieve tenuous crossings over the Sangro River.
Tuesday, November 16, 1943
In New Guinea... Australian forces receive armored reinforcements and begin attacks on Japanese strongholds near Sattelberg.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces continue to advance northward from Zhitomir. The German 7th Panzer Division attacks toward Zhitomir, from the south, and gives the appearance of relatively greater strength by penetrating the Soviet defense at numerous locations.
In Italy... Elements of the British 8th Army consolidate positions on the north bank of the Sangro River.
In the Mediterranean... The German 22nd Infantry Division completes the capture of the island of Leros in the Aegean Sea. They take 3500 British and 5350 Italian troops prisoner. In addition, a British destroyer has been lost offshore.
Wednesday, November 17, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces continue to advance Korosten and capture Novodichi. Farther north, Soviet forces advance near Gomel.
Thursday, November 18, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Korosten and Ovruch, farther north, to the west of Kiev. The German 7th Panzer Division attack toward Zhitomir continues. West of Gomel, Soviet forces capture Rechitsa and cut the rail line in that direction.
Over Germany... RAF Bomber Command begins its "Battle of Berlin" campaign. This is the third well publicized series of bombing raids launched by the forces of Air Marshal Harris.
Friday, November 19, 1943
On the Eastern Front... German forces retake Zhitomir as the Soviet forces realize their danger and withdraw.
In the Gilbert Islands... Carrier aircraft of US Task Force 50 (Admiral Pownall) raid Mili, Tarawa, Makin and Nauru as a prelude to landings. Four carrier groups are engaged in the operation. There are 11 carriers, 5 battleships and 6 cruisers in the American task force.
In Italy... In the east, the last German forces withdraw north of the Sangro River. Although the British 8th Army has also crossed the Sangro, it will prove necessary to mount a prepared assault to expand their foothold.
Saturday, November 20, 1943
In the Gilbert Islands... American forces begin amphibious assaults. On the Tarawa Atoll, the 2nd Marine Division (General J. C. Smith) lands on Betio Island. Task Force 53 (Admiral Hill) provides naval support with 3 battleships and 4 cruisers and air support from 4 escort carriers. Of the 5000 American troops in the initial landing 1500 become casualties. The Japanese garrison consists of 4800 troops under the command of Admiral Shibasaki, supported by 50 artillery pieces and 7 light tanks. On Makin Atoll, the US 27th Infantry Division (General RC Smith) lands on Butaritari. Task Force 52 (Admiral Turner) provides naval support with 4 battleships and 4 cruisers and air support from 3 escort carriers. Meanwhile, the USS Independence from Task Force 50 is hit by a submarine torpedo.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces cross the Dniepr near Cherkassy in a new offensive.
In the Solomon Islands... American divisions continue to advance inland along the Numa-Numa trail, parallel to the Piva River.
In Italy... Although the British 8th Army (Montgomery) had scheduled an assault on the German-held Sangro Line for today, poor weather results in a postponement. A limited probing attack instead is carried out.
In the Mediterranean... The British evacuate the island Samos in the Aegean Sea.
Sunday, November 21, 1943
On the Eastern Front... German forces, having captured Zhitomir, extend their attacks northward toward Korosten.
In the Gilbert Islands... On Tarawa Atoll, more American troops (of the 2nd Marine Divison) land on Betio Island. There are heavy casualties initially. However, by noon some progress is being made in successfully landing more troops. Other American units land on Bairiki Island. On Makin Atoll, elements of the US 27th Infantry Division begin to advance on Butaritari Island.
In New Guinea... Attacks of the Australian 9th Division around Sattelberg gradually gain their objectives.
Monday, November 22, 1943
In the Gilbert Islands... On the Tarawa Atoll, there is heavy fighting. The American marines are advancing. On Makin Atoll, the American infantry occupy most of Butaritari by nightfall. On Abimama Atoll, there are American landings.
In Italy... Elements of the British 8th Army have established a bridgehead over the Sangro River that is five miles wide and nearly 2000 yards deep. Supplying the bridgehead is tenuous because of the swollen state of the river which makes bridge building or crossings difficult.
In Egypt... The Cairo Conference begins. Roosevelt, Churchill and Chaing Kai-shek meet. Discussion center on plans for Burma and China.
Tuesday, November 23, 1943
In the Gilbert Islands... On Tarawa Atoll, the battle ends by noon. The US marines have suffered 1000 killed and 2000 wounded. The Japanese garrison of 4800 troops has been annihilated. A total of 17 wound Japanese troops and 129 Korean laborers are the only survivors. On Makin Atoll, the battle is also completed. American infantry have suffered about 200 dead and wounded. The Japanese have lost about 600 killed, wounded or captured. Meanwhile, the escort carrier Liscomb Bay is sunk offshore by a Japanese resulting in the loss of 600 sailors.
In Germany... The prototype of the Me262 jet airplane is demonstrated to Hitler. He orders it to be made capable of carrying bombs. This controversial decision delays the development and production of the aircraft.
In the Mediterranean... German forces land on the island of Samos in the Aegean Sea and disarm 2500 troops left on the island.
In Egypt... The Cairo Conference continues. Roosevelt, Churchill and Chaing Kai-shek meet.
Wednesday, November 24, 1943
In the Solomon Islands... Japanese forces mount a small attack on the American divisions on Bougainville. The US marines hold.
On the Eastern Front... German forces around Korosten push back the Soviet forces.
In Egypt... The Cairo Conference continues. Roosevelt, Churchill and Chaing Kai-shek meet.
Thursday, November 25, 1943
Over Formosa... Bombers of the US 14th Air Force, based in China, raid the Japanese island for the first time. An estimated 42 Japanese aircraft are destroyed on the ground at Shinchiku airfield.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces launch a new offensive between Mogilev and Gomel. Propaisk is captured.
In the Bismarck Archipelago... During the night, 5 Japanese destroyers, carrying troops to Buka in the Solomon Islands, are surprised by 5 American destroyers led by Captain Burke off Cape St George. Three Japanese ships are sunk.
In New Guinea... The Australian 9th Division captures the last Japanese positions at Sattelberg.
In Egypt... The Cairo Conference ends. Roosevelt, Churchill and Chaing Kai-shek meet. No major decisions are reached. No attempt is made to prepare a joint Anglo-American approach for the coming Teheran meeting with Stalin.
Friday, November 26, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Gomel.
In the Mediterranean... A British troop transport is sunk, off Bougie, by a German glider bomb. More than 1000 on board die; 8 of the attacking aircraft are shot down.
Saturday, November 27, 1943
In Italy... The British 8th Army brings an armored brigade into the bridgehead on the north bank of the Sangro River to support the forces fighting there.
Sunday, November 28, 1943
In Italy... The British 8th Army launches an offensive across the Sangro River. The assault begins with an air and artillery bombardment. A new bridgehead is established and the 8th Indian Division penetrates as far as Mozzogrogna. The defending German 65th Division is badly shaken by the offensive but German reserves have assembled behind it.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces make significant gains northwest of Gomel, near Zhlobin. To the south, German forces are threatening the Soviet hold on Korosten.
In Iran... The Teheran Conference begins. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin and their staffs meet for the first time. The Americans appear to be attempting to distance themselves from the British during the discussions.
Monday, November 29, 1943
In Italy... The British 8th Army continues to make progress along the Sangro River. Mozzogrogna is captured, as is Fossacesia later in the day.
In the Bismarck Archipelago... Four American destroyers bombard Japanese positions on the south coast of New Britain Island, near Gasmata.
In New Guinea... Australian forces take Gusika and Bonga in their advance from Finschafen. Sio, farther north, is shelled by Allied warships.
In Iran... The Teheran Conference continues. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin and their staffs meet for the first time. The Americans appear to be attempting to distance themselves from the British during the discussions.
Tuesday, November 30, 1943
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces pull out of Korosten under pressure from German forces.
In Iran... The Teheran Conference continues. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin and their staffs meet for the first time. The Americans appear to be attempting to distance themselves from the British during the discussions.
In Washington... General Vandegrift is appointed to become commandant of the US Marine Corps, effective January 1, 1944.
In Italy... The British 8th Army offensive clears the first ridge line beyond the Sangro River. To the west, the US 5th Army engages in diversionary attacks on the lower reaches of the Garigliano River.
Copyright © 2018 Ralph Zuljan