Timeline of campaigns and battles of World War II

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The Timeline of campaigns and battles of World War II lists significant military operations and engagements of World War II in chronological order. For events where specific dates are not known or applicable, listings are added at the end of the relevant month or year. Listings include a location or theatre in bold and campaign name in italics followed by a brief description of the event or battle. No attempt is made to fully describe the event, but a link to the appropriate article should be provided. The chronology begins on September 1, 1939. For events preceding this date, see the timeline of events preceding World War II.

Contents 1 1939 1.1 September 1.2 October 2 Notes

[edit] 1939

[edit] September

1: Poland: Invasion of Poland: World War II begins with the invasion of Poland by Germany. The resulting Invasion of Poland lasts until October 6, 1939¹, when the final significant Polish military forces surrender at Kock. German operations are conducted under the operational plan Fall Weiss while in Poland, the campaign is referred to as the Polish Defense War of 1939. See Timeline of the Polish September Campaign for more details.

3: Atlantic Ocean: Battle of the Atlantic: German submarine U.30 sinks the SS Athenia near Ireland.

4: Germany: Allied strategic bombing campaign in Europe: Royal Air Force Bomber Command attacks the Admiral Scheer in Heligoland Bight.

4: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The Battle of Mława concludes as the Polish Modlin Army begins to retreat.

6: Poland: Invasion of Poland: Polish forces attempt to regroup along the Narew, Vistula, and San Rivers.

7: Atlantic Ocean: Battle of the Atlantic: The United Kingdom's first Atlantic convoy sets out. Escorts are provided to 12.5 degrees West.

7: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The siege of Westerplatte concludes with the surrender of its remaining garrison.

8: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The Siege of Warsaw begins the land phase with the arrival of German units in the suburbs. The air bombardment had begun at the start of the Campaign.

9: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The Battle of Bzura begins with a counter-attack against the German 8th Army.

10: France: Phony War: The British Expeditionary Force begins to arrive in France.

13: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The Vistula defenses are penetrated as German forces cross the river south of Warsaw.

14: Poland: Invasion of Poland: Germany captures Gdynia and Brest-Litovsk.

15: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The heaviest fighting of the Battle of Bzura concludes with the Germans having gained the advantage.

16: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The envelopment of Warsaw is completed.

17: Atlantic Ocean: Battle of the Atlantic: German submarine U.29 sinks the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Courageous near Ireland.

17: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The eastern front of the Campaign opens with the invasion of Poland by the Soviet Union.

19: Poland: Invasion of Poland: Soviet forces capture Wilno.

22: Poland: Invasion of Poland: Soviet forces capture Lwów.

27: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The Siege of Warsaw comes to an end as Polish forces surrender. German forces enter the city on October 1, 1939.

28: Poland: Invasion of Poland: Modlin surrenders to German forces.

[edit] October

1: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The Hel Peninsula garrison surrenders to German forces.

2: Poland: Invasion of Poland: The Battle of Kock begins with a German advance. The defending forces surrendered on October 6th, ending the Polish September Campaign.

3: France: Phony War: The British I Corps assumes operational duties on the border between France and Belgium.

[edit] Notes

Note 1: Invasion of Poland; some sources cite the end of the Polish September Campaign as October 3, 1939, when the last significant military forces surrendered near Łuck.