Chronology of World War II
Saturday, January 1, 1944
In the Bismark Archipelago... American aircraft attack a Japanese convoy off Kavieng, New Ireland. The planes are from the carrier task group led by Admiral Sherman.
Sunday, January 2, 1944
In New Guinea... US Task Force 38 (Admiral Barbey) lands 2400 troops of the 126th Regiment (General Martin) of the 32nd Division at Saidor. Both the airfield and the harbor are secured. An Allied cruiser and destroyer force, led by Admiral Crutchley, provides cover for the landing. To the east, Australian forces advance to Sialum.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Radovel, west of Korosten, just 18 miles from the 1939 Polish border.
In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Britain, the American 7th Marine Regiment launches attacks to expand its beachhead near Cape Gloucester but fails to meet its objectives.
Monday, January 3, 1944
Over Germany... In an air raid on Berlin, the RAF loses 27 Lancaster bombers out of the 383 aircraft committed, plus 168 crew members. The damage to the German capital is negligible.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Olevsk and Novograd-Volynski, to the west and southwest of Korosten. Red Army troops are now within 24 km of the old Polish frontier.
In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Britain there is continued fighting in the Borgen Bay area (near Cape Gloucester) as the US 7th Marine Regiment continues its offensive. American forces lack armor support at this time.
Tuesday, January 4, 1944
Over Occupied France... The first mission of Operation Carpetbagger is flown from Tempsford, England during the night. Allied air forces begin regular airborne supply drops to various resistance groups in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy.
In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Ireland, American aircraft from Admiral Sherman's carrier task group attack Kavieng. The Japanese destroyer Fumitsuki is damaged.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces cross the prewar frontier with Poland near Olevsk. In the Ukraine, Soviet forces capture Byelaya Tserkov, about 64 km southwest of Kiev.
In Italy... US 5th Army forces (particularly the British 46th Division) launch attacks along a 10-mile front toward the southern end of the German defensive positions of the Gustav Line.
From London... The exiled King of Greece strips three former prime ministers of Greek citizenship for collaborating with the German occupation authorities.
Wednesday, January 5, 1944
On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 2nd Ukrainian Front (Konev) launches an offensive directed along a southwest axis toward Kirovograd in thick fog. Soviet 53rd Army (Galanin) and 5th Guards Tank Army (Rotmistrov) carry out the main attack while flanking attacks are carried out by the Soviet 4th Guards Army (Ryzhov), 5th Guards Army (Zhadov), 7th Guards Army (Shumilov) and 52nd Army (Koroteev). The attack falls on over-extended forces of the German 8th Army (Wohler), part of German Army Group South (Manstein). The 1st Ukrainian Front (Vatutin) captures Berdichev and Tarascha, southwest and south of Kiev.
In New Guinea... Elements of the US 32nd Division at Saidor encounter Japanese forces while patrolling westward from their positions. Australian forces advancing westward along the north coast of the Huon Peninsula capture Kelanoa.
Thursday, January 6, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Rakitino, a few miles beyond the 1939 Poland-USSR boundary.
In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Britain, the US 7th Marine Regiment extend their beachhead at Cape Gloucester southward to the Aogiri River.
In Burma... Brigadier General Merrill is designated to command a volunteer unit that becomes known as "Merrill's Marauders".
From London... A joint RAF-USAAF statement discloses the hitherto secret development of jet aircraft in Britain and the USA. Full details of the Whittle turbojet given to General Arnold (USAAF) in July 1941 are revealed.
Friday, January 7, 1944
In Italy... British and American elements of the US 5th Army capture Monte Chiaia and Monte Porchia. San Vittore is also taken.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces in the Ukraine continue advancing toward Kirovograd (2nd Ukrainian Front) and toward the former Polish town of Rovno.
In Occupied France... French resistance members sabotage the electricity supply to the Arsenal National at Tulle in the first of many such attacks.
Over Germany... A British Mosquito reconnaissance bomber is shot down by German anti-aircraft fire and its Oboe navigational aid is captured intact. This enables the Germans to devise counter-measures.
Saturday, January 8, 1944
On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 2nd Ukrainian Front (Konev) surround Kirovograd, along with three German divisions. During the night (January 8-9) the Soviet 67th Tank Brigade carrying infantry on its tanks disperses the headquarters of German 47th Panzer Corps (General von Vormann) with losses to men and equipment.
In Occupied Italy... In Verno, the Italian Socialist Republic tries members of the Fascist Grand Council who had earlier deposed Mussolini (January 8-11). Several members are convicted in their absence. Others, including Ciano and Bono, are tried, convicted and executed.
Sunday, January 9, 1944
In Burma... Allied forces overrun Maungdaw on the Arakan front.
In the Solomon Islands... On Bougainville, American engineers complete a second airfield at Piva.
In Italy... Two divisions of the US 2nd Corps (part of 5th Army) attack Cervaro and Monte Trochio, to the east of Cassino.
On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front (Vatutin) captures Polonnoye, halfway between Berdichev and Rovno. To the south, the 2nd Ukrainian Front (Konev) captures Aleksandrovka.
Monday, January 10, 1944
In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Britain, Americans send reinforcements to Arawe. There is a small advance by US regimental forces along the Aogiri Ridge, despite Japanese resistance.
Tuesday, January 11, 1944
Over Germany... The US 8th Air Force carries out a fighter escorted daylight raid on Oschersleben. A quarter of the 238 bombers are lost. The attrition effect on the defending German fighters is not reflected in this loss.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces launch new attacks on Mozyr.
In Washington... President Roosevelt asks Congress for a new national service law to prevent damaging strikes and to mobilize the entire adult population for war.
In New Guinea... Elements of the US 32nd Division, at Saidor, complete repairs to the airfield.
Wednesday, January 12, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces capture Sarny within former Polish territory.
In Italy... US 5th Army forces (particularly 34th Division) capture Cervaro and advance toward Cassino. To the north, the Free French Corps begins attacks toward Sant'Elia.
Thursday, January 13, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Forces of the Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front capture Korets between Novograd-Volynskiy and Rovno.
Friday, January 14, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces take Mozyr and Kalinkovichi. In the north, the Soviet Leningrad, Volkhov and 2nd Baltic Fronts begin an offensive aimed at relieving Leningrad.
In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Britain fighting continues around Cape Gloucester, held by the US 1st Marine Division (Rupertus). Japanese counterattacks delay American plans to expand the beachhead.
In the United States... The union representing railroad workers accepts contract terms suggested by President Roosevelt, avoiding a major strike action.
Saturday, January 15, 1944
In Italy... The forces of US 2nd Corps (Keyes) capture Monte Trocchio. This completes the US 5th Army advance to the German defenses of the Gustav Line. In part, the operations serve to keep engaged German forces that might otherwise be available to respond to the planned landing at Anzio (January 22).
On the Eastern Front... In the north, around Leningrad, there is heavy fighting in the area to the south of the city and north of Lake Ilman.
In New Guinea... Australian forces advancing along the north coast of the Huon Peninsula attack and take Sio. The Japanese withdraw from their positions.
Sunday, January 16, 1944
In London... American General Eisenhower formally assumes the duties of Commander in Chief of the Allied Expeditionary Forces.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces break through German defenses north of Velikiye Luki.
In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Britain, Japanese counterattacks toward the American beachhead at Cape Gloucester are defeated.
Monday, January 17, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Forces of the Soviet 1st Ukrainian Front capture Slavuta and continue advancing toward Rovno.
In Australia... Meat rationing is introduced.
In Italy... The British 10th Corps (part of the US 5th Army) launch attacks on the defensive positions of the General Senger's German 14th Panzer Corps (part of the 10th Army), along the Garigliano River. Two of the three British divisions gain bridgeheads over the river.
Tuesday, January 18, 1944
In Italy... The British 5th and 56th Divisions (elements of the British 10th Corps, US 5th Army) have established bridgeheads over the Garigliano River and continue attacking. General Vietinghoff, command German 10th Army, gets permission from Field Marshal Kesselring, the German Supreme Commander in Italy, to begin moving reserves from the area around Anzio to the battle.
In the United States... Railroads are returned to private ownership and operation.
Wednesday, January 19, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Forces of the Soviet Leningrad Front capture Krasnoye Selo, Popsha and Peterhof. A link is thereby established between the 42nd Army and the 2nd Shock Army. About 100 miles south, forces of the Soviet Volkhov Front threaten to encircle German forces near Novgorod.
In Italy... The British 10th Corps (part of US 5th Army) continues attacking. The British 5th Division captures Minturno.
Thursday, January 20, 1944
On the Eastern Front... The Soviet 59th Army (part of the Volkhov Front) completes the occupation of Novgorod.
In Italy... The US 2nd Corps (part of 5th Army) begins attacks across the Rapido River toward the Liri valley and Monte Cassino. German forces successfully hold. To the south, the British 10th Corps (also part of 5th Army) captures Tufo in its continuing attacks.
Friday, January 21, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces opposite German Army Group North continue offensive operations near Leningrad. Southeast of the city, Mga is captured.
In Italy... The US 2nd Corps (part of 5th Army) continues attacking across the Rapido River. The American 36th Division suffers heavy losses in these river crossings. Meanwhile, the Allied invasion force, heading for Anzio, sails from Naples.
Saturday, January 22, 1944
In Italy... Allied forces establish a beachhead at Anzio. The assaulting forces are drawn from the US 6th Corps (Lucas). To the north of the town the US 3rd Division lands. Naval support is provided by forces under the command of Admiral Lowry. To south, the British 1st Division comes ashore. Naval support in the south is provided by forces commanded by Admiral Troubridge. The landings meet light resistance. By the end of the day, 36,000 troops have been deployed and only 13 are killed. The port of Anzio is captured intact. The German commander in chief in Italy, Field Marshal Kesselring requests reserves from OKW while organizing a defensive cordon around the beachhead with improvised units.
Sunday, January 23, 1944
In New Guinea... Australian forces in the Ramu valley advance up the Finisterre Range toward Shaggy Ridge, taking Maukiryo. Allied air superiority in the area influences the battle.
In Italy... There are now about 50,000 Allied troops concentrated in the Anzio beachhead. General Lucas commands. German resistance is light but the Allied forces advance slowly. Meanwhile, Kesselring believes it is possible to maintain the Gustav Line defenses at the same time as containing the Anzio landings. The commander of the German 10th Army, von Vietinghoff favors a withdrawal from the southern defensive line.
From Berlin... The German High Command allots German reserves from France, northern Italy and the Balkans as well as the German 14th Army headquarters to organize defenses around Anzio. Within a week a total of 8 German divisions are concentrated in the area.
Monday, January 24, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Near Leningrad, Soviet forces capture Pushkin and Pashovsk and cut the Narva-Krasnogvardeisk rail line. In the south, the Soviet 1st and 2nd Ukrainian Front launch a pincer attack to encircle and destroy the Korsun-Sevchenovsky salient held by forces of German 1st Panzer Army (part of Army Group South). The pincers are intended to converge at Zvenigorodka.
In Italy... The Anzio beachhead continues to expand, albeit, slowly. To the south, along the German defenses of the Gustav Line, the Free French Corps (part of US 5th Army) attacks Monte Santa Croce. The US 2nd Corps (also part of 5th Army) continues attacking over the Rapido River, toward Caira.
Tuesday, January 25, 1944
On the Eastern Front... Around Leningrad, Soviet forces assault Krasnogvardeisk late in the day. Meanwhile, in the Ukraine, the northern pincer around Korsun-Sevchenovsky, spearheaded by the 6th Tank Army (part of 1st Ukrainian Front), progresses throughout the day, despite resistance from German forces of Army Group South. The southern pincer, spearheaded by 4th Guards Army and 5th Guards Tank Army (both parts of 2nd Ukrainian Front), is pinned down for most of the day by concentrated German artillery fire as well as anti-tank defenses and armor. Elements of the Soviet 5th Guards Tank Army achieve a limited breakthrough around dusk and begin to advance toward their objective of Zvenigorodka.
In New Guinea... Australian forces capture Shaggy Ridge, overlooking the Ramu valley.
In Italy... Forces of the US 5th Army continue attacks on the German-held Gustav Line. The Free French Corps makes some gains on Colle Belvedere. At Anzio, Allied efforts to expand the beachhead make slow progress.
Wednesday, January 26, 1944
In Italy... The forces of US 5th Army continue their offensive. The Free French Corps captures Colle Belvedere and advance toward Monte Abate. The US 2nd Corps establishes a bridgehead over the Rapido River.
On the Eastern Front... Near Leningrad, Soviet forces capture the town of Krasnogvardeisk during the early morning.
In the Bismark Archipelago... On New Britain, there is a heavy bombing raid on the Japanese base at Rabaul, by US aircraft. Many Japanese planes are claimed to be shot down.
Thursday, January 27, 1944
On the Eastern Front... General Govorov, commanding the Leningrad Front, announces the end of the siege in a special order of the day. Nearby, Tosno and Valosovo are captured by Soviet forces. In the Ukraine, the south pincer forces of 2nd Ukrainian Front (Konev) take Shpola as the offensive to encircle the Korsun-Sevchenovsky salient continues.
In Italy... US 5th Army continues attacks on the Gustav Line. The British 10th Corps attacks Santa Maria Infante. The US 34th Division (part of 2nd Corps) captures Monte Maiola and Caira to the north of Cassino. The Free French Corps near Monte Abate is pushed by by German counterattacks.
In the Bismark Archipelago... The Cape Gloucester beachhead, on New Britain, is expanded to the northwest by US marine regimental forces.
From Sydney, London and Washington... The governments of Australia, Britain and the United States protest the Japanese treatment of prisoners of war. They indicate a determination to investigate and punish those responsible.
Friday, January 28, 1944
On the Eastern Front... South of Leningrad, forces of the Soviet Volkhov Front capture Lyuban and other small towns to the south. Field Marshal von Kuchler, commanding German Army Group North orders the German 18th Army (Lindemann) to retire to the line of the Luga River in order to prevent it from being encircled by the advancing Soviet forces. In the Ukraine, elements of Soviet 6th Tank Army (Kravchenko), part of 1st Ukrainian Front, and 5th Guards Tank Army (Rotmistrov), part of 2nd Ukrainian Front, link up near Zvenigorodka and complete a double envelopment of elements two corps (German 11th and 42nd Corps) of the German 8th Army (Wohler), part of Army Group South (Manstein). Approximately 56,000 German troops are now cut off southwest of Cherkassy. Field Marshal Manstein immediately assembles armored forces from 1st Panzer and 8th Armies to relieve the trapped forces.
Saturday, January 29, 1944
From Berlin... Hitler appoints Model to command German Army Group North in place of Kuchler (who formally is retired).
In Italy... At Anzio the Allied forces now number 69,000 troops with 508 guns and 237 tanks. General Lucas makes preparations for an offensive to break out of the beachhead. Meanwhile, the German cordon now consists of 8 divisions under 14th Army. There are German air strikes which result in 1 cruiser and 1 transport sunk. To the south, along the German-held Gustav Line, forces of the US 5th Army continue attacking. The 34th Division makes some progress in expanding the bridgehead over the Rapido River.
In the Marshall Islands... US Task Force 58 (Admiral Mitscher) bombs and shells Japanese targets on Roi, Namur, Maloelap and Wotje. American land-based aircraft bomb Jaluit and Mille.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet offensives pressure on German Army Group North continues. Forces of the Volkhov Front (Meretskov) capture Chudovo; forces of 2nd Baltic Front (Popov) take Novosokolniki.
Sunday, January 30, 1944
In Italy... At Anzio the Allied offensive begins. There are heavy losses and no gains against the German defenses. To the south, along the German-held Gustav Line, the US 5th Army continues attacking. The British 5th Division (part of 10th Corps) breaks through the line and captures Monte Natale. Around Monte Cassino, the US 34th Division (part of 2nd Corps) holds its bridgehead on the west bank of the Rapido River.
In Ceylon... The British battleships Queen Elizabeth and Valiant, and the battle cruisers Renown with the aircraft carriers Illustrious and Unicorn arrive in Colombo. An additional battleship and carrier are already on station here, along with an increasing number of submarines.
In the Marshall Islands... US Task Force 58 continues the bombardment of Kwajalein, Roi, Namur and Eniwetok. There are 7 battleships involved and 400 bombing sorties are flown.
Monday, January 31, 1944
In the Marshall Islands... American landings begin on the islands of Kwajalein Atoll. Admiral Spruance is in overall command and General Holland Smith commands the various landing forces. Elements of US 4th Marine Division (Smith) land on Roi, Namur and nearby islets. Task Force 53 (Admiral Connolly) provides transport and naval support, including battleships and escort carriers. The landing on Roi makes rapid progress. On Namur there is heavy Japanese resistance. Meanwhile, there are also landings on Majuro Atoll by the US 27th Infantry Regiment. Admiral Hill's task force provides naval support. The Majuro Atoll is captured quickly and is immediately prepared to become a base for American forces. Also, the carriers of Task Force 58 (Admiral Mitscher) continue attacks on Eniwetok and Maleolap.
On the Eastern Front... Soviet forces advancing west from Leningrad reach the outskirts of Kingisepp.
In Italy... The US 5th Army continues offensive operations against the German-held Gustav Line. Caira is captured by forces of US 2nd Corps. The Free French Corps recaptures Monte Abate.
Copyright © 2018 Ralph Zuljan