1944 January


January 1st
In 1944, Gen Clark replaces Gen Patton as commander of seventh army.
January 2nd
In 1944, The first use of helicopters during warfare (British Atlantic patrol).
January 5th
In 1944, Final phase of Winter Line offensive begins in Italy.
January 7th
In 1944, the Air Force announces the production of the first U.S. jet fighter, Bell P-59 Airacomet.
January 12th
In 1944, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and French General Charles de Gaulle began a two-day wartime conference in Marrakesh, Morocco.
January 15th
In 1944, Operations against Winter Line are successfully concluded.
In 1944, Russians launch major surprise offensive on Leningrad front.
In 1944, the European Advisory Commission decides to divide Germany in to several occupational zones after the war.
January 16th
In 1944, Eisenhower assumes post as supreme commander of Allied Expeditionary Force.
January 20th
In 1944, RAF drops 2300 ton bombs on Berlin.
January 21st
In 1944, 447 German bombers attack London.
In 1944, 649 British bombers attack Maagdenburg.
January 22nd
In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces began landing at Anzio, Italy . The Battle of Anzio occurred. The Allies were stopped on the beach.
In 1944, Germans halt Russians around Vitebsk, though Russians continue gains elsewhere.
January 23rd
In 1944, Americans are repulsed in attempt to force Rapido River in Italy.
January 24th
In 1944, Allied troops occupy Nettuno Italy.
January 27th
In 1944, during World War II, the Soviet Union announced the end of the deadl y German siege of Leningrad, which had lasted for more than two years.
January 28th
In 1944, 683 British bombers attack Berlin.
In 1944, U-271 & U-571 sink off Ireland.
January 29th
In 1944, 285 German bombers attack London.
January 31st
In 1944, Opera tion-Overlord (D-Day) postponed until June.
In 1944, U-592 sinks off Ireland.
In 1944, during World War II, U.S. forces began invading Kwajalein Atoll and other parts of the Japanese-held Marshall Islands.

1944 February


February 1st
In 1944, US seventh Infantry/25th Marine Division lands on Kwajalein/Roi/Namur.
February 2nd
In 1944, fourth US marine division conquerors Roi, Marshall Islands.
February 3rd
In 1944, German counteroffensive against Anzio beachhead begins during night; Allies on main Italian battlefront stall in front of Cassino.
February 4th
In 1944, US seventh Infantry Division captures Kwajalein.
February 6th
In 1944, Soviet offensive in the Ukraine makes great progress near Nikopol.
February 7th
In 1944, during World War II, the Germans launched a counteroffensive against allied troops at Anzio, Italy.
February 11th
In 1944, German troops reconquer Aprilia Italy.
February 15th
In 1944, 891 British bombers attack Berlin.
In 1944, Bombing & shooting at Monte Cassino convent Netherlands, begins.
In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces heavily bombed the monastery atop Monte Cassino in Italy.
February 18th
In 1944, Anzio beachhead is under extreme pressure.
February 19th
In 1944, 823 British bombers attack Berlin.
In 1944, Allied counterattack checks German Anzio offensive.
In 1944, U-264 sinks off Ireland.
February 20th
In 1944, during World War II, U.S. bombers began raiding German aircraft manufacturing ce nters in a series of attacks that became known as "Big Week.".
February 22nd
In 1944, US eighth Air Force bombs Enschede, Arnhem & Nijmegen.
February 26th
In 1944, first female US navy captain, Sue Dauser of nurse corps, appointed.
February 29th
In 1944, The invasion of the Admiralty Islands began on this date as U.S. General Douglas MacArthur led his forces in "Operation Brewer". Troops surged onto Los Negros, following a month of Allied advances in the Pacific.

1944 March


March 2nd
In 1944, Gen. MacArthur returns to his headquarters on Leyte.
In 1944, Fumes from locomotive stalled in a tunnel suffocated 521 people near Salerno, Italy.
March 4th
In 1944, 1st US bombing of Berlin.
In 1944, Anti-Germany strikes in North Italy.
In 1944, first American air raid is made on Berlin.
In 1944, German forces around Anzio beachhead go over to the defensive.
March 6th
In 1944, U.S. heavy bombers staged the first American raid in daylight against Berlin during World War II. (A second raid took place two days later.).
March 7th
In 1944, Japans begins offensive in Burma.
March 8th
In 1944, U.S. bombers resumed bombing Berlin during World War II.
March 13th
In 1944, Soviet troops force Dnieper River and take Kherson.
March 15th
In 1944, during World War II, Allied bombers again raided German-held Monte Cassino, an Italian town.
= Allies make third assault on Cassino
In 1944, Russians break through German defenses along Bug River.
March 21st
In 1944, Gen Eisenhower installs landing in South-France for Normandy.
March 22nd
In 1944, 600+ 8th Air Force bombers attack Berlin.
March 23rd
In 1944, Nicholas Alkemade fell 5,500 meters without a parachute & lived. Kids, don't try this at home.
March 24th
In 1944, 811 British bombers attack Berlin.
In 1944, the greatest mass escape of WW II occurs at Stalag Luft III when 76 allied airmen tunneled out (on ly 3 made it home).
In 1944, in occupied Rome, the Nazis executed more than 300 civilians in reprisal for an attack by Italian partisans the day before that killed 32 German soldiers.
March 25th
In 1944, RAF Sgt. Nickolas Alkemade survives a jump from his burning Lancaster bomber from 18,000 feet without a parachute.
March 26th
In 1944, 705 British bombers attack Essen.
March 30th
In 1944, Royal Air Force bombing raid on Nurnberg suffers extremely heavy losses.

1944 April


April 5th
In 1944, 140 Lancasters bomb airplane manufacturer in Toulouse.
April 10th
In 1944, Russians recover Odessa.
April 15th
In 1944, Soviet offensive into Poland captures Ternopol.
April 22nd
In 1944, Hitler & Mussolini meet at Salzburg.
In 1944, during World War II, U.S. forces began invading Japanese-held New Guinea with amphibious landings near Hollandia.
April 26th
In 1944, first B-29 attacked by Japanese fighters, one fighter shot down.

1944 May


May 9th
In 1944, Russians recapture Sevastopol.
In 1944, United States Eighth Air Force begins attacks on German airfields in northern France.
May 10th
In 1944, Chinese offensive in West-Yunnan.
May 11th
In 1944, Allied forces launched a major offensive in central Italy.
= Allies launch major offensive against Gustav Line in drive for Rome.
May 12th
In 1944, United States Eighth Air Force attacks oil plants in central Germany.
May 13th
In 1944, French Expeditionary Corps penetrates Gustav Line.
May 14th
In 1944, 91 German bombers harass Bristol.
In 1944, British troops occupy Kohima.
In 1944, Gen Rommel, Speidel & von Stulpnagel at tempt to assassinate Hitler.
May 15th
In 1944, Eisenhower, Montgomery, Churchill & George VI discuss D-Day plan.
May 17th
In 1944, -18] Allied air raid on Surabaja, Java.
In 1944, General Eisenhower sets D-Day for June 5th.
In 1944, Operation Straightline: Al lies land on Netherland's New-Guinea (operation Straightline).
May 18th
In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces finally occupied Monte Cassino in Italy after a four-month struggle that claimed some 20,000 lives.
= Allies capture Cassino.
May 19th
In 1944, the Gustav line, the German defense line in Italy, collapses under heavy assault by Allied troops.
May 21st
In 1944, Allied fighter aircraft begin operations against enemy railroads in France and Germany.
In 1944, Hitler begins attack on English/US "terror pilots"
May 23rd
In 1944, Allied forces in Anzio beachhead begin breakout offensive.
In 1944, British/Canadian troops occupy Pontecorvo Italy.
May 29th
In 1944, British troops occupy Aprilia Italy.
May 30th
In 1944, Loading of Allied assault forces for Operation Overlord is begun.
May 31st
In 1944, Allied breakthrough in Italy.

1944 June


June 1st
In 1944, Gen Montgomery/Patton/Bradley/Dempsey/Crerar meet in Portsmouth.
June 2nd
In 1944, United States Fifteenth Air Force begins shuttle bombing between Italian and Soviet bases.
June 3rd
In 1944, Combat loading of troops for Operation Overlord is completed.
In 1944, Nazis pull out of Rome.
June 4th
In 1944, at 9:30 p.m., Group Captain James Stagg, chief meteorologist for the R.A.F., makes what some historians believe "the most important weather prediction in history" - gradual clearing on June sixth in Norman dy. (****)
In 1944, Allied forces enter Rome (out of respect for the religious holiday, Trinity Sunday, the American and British armies did not occupy the city until the next morning).
In 1944, D-day for Operation Overlord is postponed from June 5 to June 6.
In 1944, Field Marshall Rommel decides to drive home for his wife's birthday, and misses the D-Day invasion.
In 1944, French general De Gaulle arrives in London.
In 1944, the "hunter-killer" battle task force headed by the aircraft carrier Guadalcanal captures the German sub U-505 (4th sub snared and the first enemy ship to be boarded on the high seas by the U.S. Navy since the War of 1812) off the coast of French West Africa. (Now displayed in Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry.).
In 1944, the U.S. fifth Army entered Rome, beginning the liberation of the Italian capital from Mussolini's Fascist armies during World War II.
June 5th
In 1944, Allies march into Rome.
In 1944, Fieldmarshal Rommel goes on vacation.
In 1944, General Eisenhower decides invasion set for June 6.
In 1944, the first B-29 bombing raid; 1 plane lost due to engine failure.
June 6th
In 1944, U-955, U-970, U-629, U-373 sink in Gulf of Biskaje.
In 1944, Allies land on coast of Normandy.
In 1944, the "D-Day" invasion of Europe took place during World War II as 150,000 Allied Expeditionary forces sto rmed the beaches of Normandy, France. It was the largest invasion in history. Their objective: to open a second major European front in the battle against the Nazis. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, commander of these united forces (and, who later became President of the United States) said, "This landing is but the opening phase of the campaign in Western Europe. Great battles lie ahead. I call upon all who love freedom to stand with us."
= Operation Overlord begins.
June 8th
In 1944, American and British beachheads establish contact.
June 9th
In 1944, Russians launch offensive against Finns on Karelian Isthmus.
June 11th
In 1944, 15 US aircraft carriers attack Japanese bases on Marianas.
June 12th
In 1944, Allies capture Carentan in Normandy.
June 13th
In 1944, In World War II, Nazi Germany began launching flying-bomb attacks against Britain with the V-1 (Fieseler Fi-103).
June 14th
In 1944, the first B-29 raid against Mainland Japan takes place.
June 15th
In 1944, American forces began their successful invasion of Saipan in the Central Pacific in World War II. Meanwhile, B-29 Superfortresses made their first raids on Japan, attacking a plant on Kyushu.
June 16th
In 1944, US bombs Kyushu, Japan.
June 17th
In 1944, French force lands on Elba.
June 18th
In 1944, Cherbourg, France becomes the first French port to be captured by the Americans in World War II.
June 19th
In 1944, 300 Japanese aircraf ts shot down.
In 1944, during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, called the "Marianas Turkey Shoot," 280 Japanese planes are shot down by U.S. carrier- based planes and anti-aircraft fire from U.S. ships.
June 20th
In 1944, US attacks Japanese fleet in Philippines Sea.
June 21st
In 1944, Very heavy bombing on Berlin.
June 22nd
In 1944, Russians began BAGRATION. In 6 weeks advanced 300 mi. to the Vistula.
In 1944, President Roosevelt signed the "GI Bill of Rights," authorizing a broad package of benefits for World War II veterans.
June 27th
In 1944, during World War II, American forces completed their capture of the French port of Cherbourg from the Germans.
June 29th
In 1944, US seventh army corp conquers Cherbourg.
June 30th
In 1944, Allies land on Vogelkop, New Guinea.
In 1944, French Cotentin Peninsula in allied hands.
In 1944, Universal strike against nazi terror in Copenhagen.

1944 July


July 1st
In 1944, 2500+ killed in London/SE England by German flying bombs.
In 1944, Von Rundstedt against Keitel: "Signs peace, idiots!"
July 3rd
In 1944, during World War II, Soviet forces recaptured Minsk in 'Battle of the Hedgerows' in Normandy.
In 1944, United States First Army attacks southward from beachhead (battle of the hedgerows).
July 4th
In 1944, 1,100 US guns fire fourth of July salute at German lines in Normandy.
In 1944, Allied assault on Carpiquet airport at Caen.
In 1944, first Japanese kamikaze attack, US fleet near Iwo Jima.
July 6th
In 1944, Army Lieutenant Jack Roosevelt Robinson, when boarding a military bus at Fort Hood, is told to sit in the back of the bus. He refuses. (He is later court martialed, but is acquitted.).
In 1944, US general Patton landed in France.
In 1944, "The Day the Clowns Cried" occured in Hartford, Conn., when a fire engulfed a Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus big top; the fire and an ensuing stampede in the main tent combine to a hazardous situation; it killed 169, injured 487.
July 7th
In 1944, Bomber Command drop 2,572 tons of bombs on Caen, France.
July 8th
In 1944, British enter Caen.
July 9th
In 1944, U-740 sinks.
In 1944, during World War II, American forces secured Saipan as the last Japanese defenses fell. Saipan is secured after 24 days of fighting, c osting 3,100 U.S. troops.
July 10th
In 1944, U-821 sinks.
July 12th
In 1944, The RAF becomes the first air force to use jet aircraft in operational service.
July 13th
In 1944, Russians capture Vilnyus.
July 14th
In 1944, attempt to liberate prisoners in Amsterdam fails, John Post arrested.
July 15th
In 1944, Greenwich Observatory is damaged by World War II flying bomb.
July 17th
In 1944, the worst military loss of life within the continental U.S. in World War II occurs during an explosion of a n ammunition dump in Port Chicago, California (now Concord Naval Weapons Station), destroying two ammunition ships, leveling much of the town, and killing 320, including 202 blacks.
July 18th
In 1944, Soviet offensive is checked at Augustow, but still advances elsewhere.
In 1944, United States First Army captures St.-Lo.
July 19th
In 1944, 1,200+ eighth Air Force bombers bomb Germany.
In 1944, 500 15th Air Forc e-Liberators surround Munich.
In 1944, United States Fifth Army captures Leghorn.
July 20th
In 1944, Canadian troops occupy Fleury Normandy.
In 1944, Flying Fortresses of US eighth Air Force attack Leipzig/Dessau.
In 1944, German assassination attempt on Hitler fails.
In 1944, Japanese aircraft carrier Hijo sinks by US air attack.
In 1944, Liberators of US eighth Air Force attack Gotha Russelsheim/Eisenach.
In 1944, US 15th Air Force attacks Friedrichshaven Memmingen.
In 1944, US invades Japanese-occupied Guam in WW II.
In 1944, US ninth AF bombs railroad at Chaulnes Sable-sur-Sarthe/Dreux.
In 1944, a bomb was placed under Adolph Hitler's conference table by a top officer of the Whehrmacht in an attempt to overthrow the government. An oak support shielded Hitler, who survived. Thousands of officers were arrested, tortured, and executed.
In 1944, Heavy storm hampers British offensive at Caen.In 1965, 18.18" (46.18 cm) of rainfall, Edgarton, Missouri (state 24-hr record).
July 21st
In 1944, A merican forces landed on Guam during World War II.
In 1944, Soviet offensive crosses Bug River.
July 23rd
In 1944, Majdanek near Lublin, Poland becomes the first Nazi death camp liberated by the Allies (Russians).
In 1944, US forces invade Japanese-held Tinian in WW II.
In 1944, US troop s occupy Pisa Italy.
July 24th
In 1944, the first concentration camp is liberated, Maidenek (by the Russians).
July 25th
In 1944, (thru the 30th), Operation Cobra begins in Normandy; U.S. troops break out west of St. L(.
In 1944, United States First Army launches major breakout offensive (Operation Cobra).
July 27th
In 1944, US regains possession of Guam from Japanese.
July 28th
In 1944, Soviet troops take Brest-Litovsk. U.S. troops take Coutances.
July 29th
In 1944, Allied air force bomb Germany for 6 hours.
July 31st
In 1944, US troops occupy Sansapor New-Guinea.

1944 August


August 1st
In 1944, an uprising against Nazi occupation broke out in Warsaw, Poland, a revolt that lasted two months before collapsing.
= Polish underground forces revolt as Soviet advance nears Warsaw.
In 1944, General Montgomery takes command of 12th & 21st a rmy.
In 1944, This was the day 13-year-old Anne Frank made the last entry in her diary; a diary she had kept for two years while hiding with her family to escape Nazi deportation to a concentration camp. Three days later the Grune Polizei raided the secret annex in Amsterdam, Holland, where the Jewish family was in hiding. Anne died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at age 15.
In 1944, US troops enter Tessy-sur-Vir.
In 1944, United States Twelfth Army Group becomes operational in France;
August 2nd
In 1944, Joseph P. Kennedy, Navy pilot and brother of John F. Kennedy, was killed when his plane exploded over the Belgian coast.
In 1944, Turkey breaks diplomatic relationship with nazi-Germany.
August 4th
In 1944, Allied forces in Italy halt along Arno River to regroup for offensive against Gothic Line.
In 1944, British eighth army reaches suburbs of Florence Italy.
In 1944, Nazi police raided the secret annex of a building in Amsterdam and arrested eight people -- including 14-year-old Anne Frank, whose diary became a famous account of the Holocaust . Anne died the following March at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Her diary, published after her death, became a classic depiction of the Holocaust.
August 7th
In 1944, Germans launch major counterattack near Mortain.
In 1944, Soviet offensive is generally checked.
In 1944, United States Third Army reaches Brest.
August 9th
In 1944, 258 black America n sailors based at Port Chicago, Calif., refused to load a munitions ship following the explosion of another ship that killed 320 men, two-thirds of them black. (The sailors were court-martialed, fined and imprisoned for their refusal.).
August 10th
In 1944, Having halted German Mortain counteroffensive, United States First Army resumes advance.
August 12th
In 1944, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the eldest son of Joseph and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, was killed with his co-pilot when their explosives-laden Navy plane blew up over England.
August 13th
In 1944, Allied forces begin closing Falaise-Argentan pocket.
August 15th
In 1944, Allied troops land in Provence (operation Dragoon).
In 1944, during World War II, Allied forces landed in southern France.
In 1944, Operation Anvil: Allies land on French Mediterranean sea coast.
In 1944, Operation Dragon: Allied troops land in Provence.
In 1944, US 12 Army corp enters Le Mans through Orleans.
In 1944, United States Seventh Army lands in southern France (Operation Dragoon).
August 16th
In 1944, United States Third Army captures Orleans.
August 19th
In 1944, French underground forces begin Paris uprising.
In 1944, Last Japanese troops driven out of India.
August 20th
In 1944, Falaise-Argentan pocket is completely closed.
In 1944, Russians open offensive against Romania.
In 1944, U.S. and British forces destroyed the German Seventh A rmy at Falaise-Argentan Gap, west of Paris, capturing 50,000 Germans.
In 1944, United States Third Army crosses Seine near Mantes-Gassicourt.
August 21st
In 1944, Germans storm up Hill 262 (Mont Ormel) Normandy.
In 1944, the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and China opened talks at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington that helped pave the way for establishment of the United Nations.
August 22nd
In 1944, Hitler orders Paris to be destroyed [or 23rd].
August 23rd
In 1944, Allied troops in France captured Marseilles in World War II.
In 1944, Romania surrenders unconditionally.
August 25th
In 1944, Allied forces enter Paris; attack on Gothic Line begins in Italy.
In 1944, in World War II, Allied forces liberated Paris, ending four years of German occupation. German Maj. Gen. Dietrich von Choltitz surrendered to French Brig. Gen. Jacques Philippe Leclerc without carrying out Hitler's order to level the French capital. The surrender of Major General Dietrich von Cholitz - who had disobeyed Adolf Hitler's order to level the city, set off wild celebrations (Freedom Tuesday).
In 1944, Romania declared war on Germany.
August 25th
In 1944, French complete capture of Toulon-Marseille area.
August 29th
In 1944, 15,000 American troops marched down the Champs Elysees in Paris as the French capital continued to celebrate its liberation from the Nazis.
August 30th
In 1944, Soviet troops enter Bucharest Romania.
August 31st
In 1944, Allied offensive at "Gothen-linie," Italy.
In 1944, French provisional government moves from Algiers to Paris.
In 1944, French troops liberate Bordeaux.
In 1944, Russian-Romanian troops march into Bucharest.

1944 September


September 1st
In 1944, Gasoline shortage halts United States Third Army.
In 1944, Germans begin withdrawal from Greek mainland and adjacent islands.
September 2nd
In 1944, During WW II, Navy Pilot George Bush was shot down by the Japanese as he completed a bombing run against an enemy radio communications center in the Bonin Islands. Bush was rescued by the U.S. su bmarine Finback. His two crew members perished.
September 4th
In 1944, British enter Antwerp.
In 1944, Finland breaks diplomatic contact with nazi-Germany.
= Truce is established between the USSR and Finland.
September 6th
In 1944, during World War II, the British government relaxed bl ackout restrictions and suspended compulsory training for the Home Guard.
In 1944, United States Third Army attacks Moselle River line.
September 7th
In 1944, United States Third Army begins attacks on Metz.
September 8th
In 1944, Russians march into Bulgaria; Bulgaria declares war on Germany.
In 1944, the Nazis' new remote-controlled rockets, the V-2's, are first directed at London (the first strike in the suburb of Barnes) and Antwerp.
September 9th
In 1944, Allied forces liberate Luxembourg.
In 1944, Bulgaria liberated from Nazi control (National Day).
In 1944, Luxembourg Liberated.
In 1944, The USSR grants Bulgaria an armistice.
In 1944, thru Sept. 16, hurricane from North Carolina to New Egland: 4 6 deaths, and 344 deaths at sea.
September 10th
In 1944, Decision is reached to postpone opening Antwerp's port until effort (Operation Market-Garden) has been made to secure a Rhine crossing.
In 1944, Lt-gen Frederick Browning against Montgomery "But, sir, I think we might be going a bridge too far".In 1953, an underground explosion blows up 3/4 of a mile of West 117th Street. (The cause is never determined.).
In 1944, United States First Army captures city of Luxembourg.
In 1944, United States Third Army begins large-scale Moselle crossing.
September 11th
In 1944, Patrols from Overlord and Dragoon forces establish contact near Dijon.
September 12th
In 1944, German garrison of Le Havre surrenders.
In 1944, South China Sea: U.S. submarines torpedoed and sank two Japanese troop ships {2}, the Kachidoki Maru a nd the Rakuyo Maru. Unknown to the submarines, the Japanese, in disregard for the rules of treatment of prisoners of war, had forced 2,000 British, Australian, and American POWs into the holds of the ships which were designed to hold only 300 troops. Lat er, when the subs discovered the tragedy, they sought to rescue as many survivors as possible. Japanese vessels picked up most of Kachidoki Maru's prisoners but abandoned those from the Rakuyo Maru, taking only the Japanese survivors. Of the 1,300 POWs a board the Rakuyo Maru, 159 were rescued, but only seven lived.
In 1944, the first American engagement on German soil occurred as the U.S. Army troops entered Germany for the first time, near Trier (U.S. First Army pushed 5 miles into west centr al Germany).
In 1944, United States First Army reaches West Wall.
September 13th
In 1944, Shuttle bombing between Western and Soviet bases is discontinued.
September 14th
In 1944, Hurricane hits New England: 389 die.
In 1944, Russians capture Warsaw suburb of Praga, and begin offensive in Estonia and Latvia.
In 1944, United States First Army reaches suburbs of Aachen.
In 1944, United States Third Army surrounds Nancy.
In 1944, United States Fifth Army is repulsed in attacks on Gothic Line in Italy.
September 15th
In 1944, U.S. Marines land on Peleliu, and capture the island two months later at the cost of 1,800 American lives. (Historians now say the invasion was unnecessary.).
In 1944, United States First Army breaches West Wall.
September 17th
In 1944, an unsuccessful airborne invasion of Holland, code name Operation Market-Garden, is staged by British and U.S. forces (to capture five br idges across the Rhine).
In 1944, Operation Market-Garden is launched.
September 18th
In 1944, British submarine Tradewind torpedoes Junyo Maru: 5,600 killed.
In 1944, Germans counterattack British airborne troops at Arnhem, Netherlands.
In 1944, U.S. planes drop arms and supplies for partisans fighting the Nazis in Warsaw.
September 19th
In 1944, Finland & Russia agree to cease fire.
In 1944, United States Ninth Army completes mopping up in Brittany.
September 20th
In 1944, British force Germans to withdraw from Rimini Line in Italy.
September 23rd
In 1944, Russians break through German lines to Gulf of Riga.
September 25th
In 1944, United States Fifth Army completes penetration of Gothic Line in Italy.
September 26th
In 1944, Germans overrun last British units in Arnhem area, ending decisive phase of Operation Market-Garden.
September 30th
In 1944, Russians cross Danube in drive on Belgrade.

1944 October


October 2nd
In 1944, Germans complete suppression of Warsaw revolt.
In 1944, Nazi troops cru shed the two-month-old Warsaw Uprising, during which 250,000 people were killed.
October 3rd
In 1944, British troops land in southern Greece.
In 1944, during World War II, U.S. troops cracked the Siegfried Line north of Aachen, Germany.
October 6th
In 1944, Soviets march into Hungary & Czechoslovakia.
October 8th
In 1944, Churchill met Stalin, carved up the Balkans.
October 12th
In 1944, German army retreats from Athens.
October 13th
In 1944, US first army begins battle of Aachen.
In 1944, British airborne troops are dropped near Athens.
In 1944, British and Greek advance units landed at Piraeus during World War II.
In 1944, during World War II, American troops entered Aachen, Germany.
In 1944, Germans begin V-1 attacks on Antwerp.
October 14th
In 1944, British and Greek troops li berated Athens, ending three years of World War II occupation by German troops.
In 1944, British troops enter Athens.
In 1944, during World War II, German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, suspected of conspiring against Adolf Hitler, was visited by a pair of Hitler's aides, who gave him a choice: suicide or trial and certain execution. Choosing suicide, Rommel swallowed poison.
In 1944, Russians and Yugoslavs encircle Belgrade.
October 15th
In 1944, United States First Army surrounds Aachen.
October 18th
In 1944, Soviet troops invaded Czechoslovakia d uring World War II.
= Russians break into eastern Czechoslovakia.
October 19th
In 1944, Canadian troo ps liberate Aardensburg.
In 1944, the U.S. Navy announced that black women would be allowed into Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES).
October 20th
In 1944, during World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur stepped ashore at Leyte in the Phil ippines, 2 1/2 years after he'd said, "I shall return." Said MacArthur: "I have returned."
In 1944, two tanks filled with liquid natural gas at the East Ohio Gas Co. No. 2 works explode, causing Cleveland's most disastrous fire. The fire engulf ed more than one-square mile, and nearly leveled 3 blocks near East 62nd, killing 130, and destroying 79 homes, 12 workplaces and 217 autos.
In 1944, the Yugoslav cities of Belgrade and Dubrovnik were liberated during World War II.
= Belgrade is captured.
October 21st
In 1944, Aachen garrison capitulates.
In 1944, Canadian troops occupy Breskens.
In 1944, during World War II, U.S. troops captured the German city of Aachen.
October 22nd
In 1944, Russians advance from Petsamo, Finland, to Norwegian frontier.
October 23rd
In 1944, Soviet army invades Hungary.
In 1944, during World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf began . The Japanese navy, unable to halt American landings on the island of Leyte, suffered the staggering loss of 34 ships in the battle.
October 24th
In 1944, British and Canadians begin clearing approaches to Antwerp port.
In 1944, South China Sea: The Arisan Maru {2} carrying 1,800 American prisoners was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine and sunk. The Japanese destroyer escort rescued Japanese military and civilian personnel and left the POWs to their fate. It is estimated that only ten prisoners survived the disaster.
In 1944, the Japanese battleship Musaski, one of the 2 largest battleships ever commissioned (sister-ship Yamato), is sunk.
October 25th
In 1944, Russians enter Kirkenes, Norway.
In 1944, Sea battle in Gulf of Leyte finishes, Japanse fleet destroyed.
October 26th
In 1944, Battle Of Leyte Gulf Won By U.S. Navy.
In 1944, the 4-day Battle of Leyte Gulf ends with the Japanese suffering heav y losses in attempting to halt the U.S. invasion of the Philippines (largest naval battle of the war).
October 27th
In 1944, the U.S. destroys the Japanese navy at the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history. (Japan first begin using kamikaze attacks on U.S. warships.).

1944 November


November 4th
In 1944, Channel to Antwerp is opened for minesweeping.
November 5th
In 1944, Allied troops reach Zoutelande Walcheren.
In 1944, Canadian & British troops liberate Dinteloord.
In 1944, German troops blow-up Heusden North Brabant city hall, 134 die.
November 8th
In 1944, Approaches to Antwerp are completely cleared.
In 1944, United States Third Army begins offensive toward the Saar.
November 12th
In 1944, during World War II, the German battleship "Tirpitz" was sunk off Norway.
November 16th
In 1944, United States First and Ninth armies begin attempt to clear area between Wurm and Roer rivers (Operation Queen).
In 1944, US ninth division & first Army attacks at Geilenkirchen.
November 19th
In 1944, United States Third Army surrounds Metz.
November 20th
In 1944, first Japanse suicide submarine attack (Ulithi Atol, Carolines).
In 1944, French First Army breaks into Belfort.
November 23th
In 1944, French troops with United States Seventh Army take Strasbourg.
November 24th
In 1944, during World War II, U.S . bombers based on Saipan attacked Tokyo in the first raid against the Japanese capital by land-based planes.
November 26th
In 1944, 1st allied marines move onto Antwerp harbor.
November 27th
In 1944, 3,500-40,00 ton explosive, explodes in Staffordshire, 68 killed.
November 28th
In 1944, Antwerp port is opened for shipping.
November 29th
In 1944, Albania is liberated fr om Nazi control (National Day).
November 30th
In 1944, Biggest & last British Battleship HMS Vanguard runs aground.

1944 December


December 2nd
In 1944, US 95th Infantry division occupies bridge at Saar.
December 5th
In 1944, Allied troops took Ravenna, Italy, in World War II.
In 1944, Clashes occur between British troops and Greek factions in Athens.
In 1944, German troops rob all the silver coin in Utrecht .
December 6th
In 1944, Russians intensify offensive toward Budapest, Hungary.
In 1944, US 95th Infantry division reaches Westwall.
December 13th
In 1944, during World War II, the U.S. cruiser Nashville, the flagship of a n invasion fleet headed for Mindoro Island in the Philippines, was badly damaged in a Japanese "kamikaze" suicide attack which claimed 138 lives.
In 1944, Last bypassed Metz fort (Jeanne d'Arc) surrenders to United States Third Army.
December 14th
In 1944, Congress establshes rank of General of the Army (5-star general).
December 15th
In 1944, US Congress gives General Eisenhower his 5th star.
In 1944, American forces invaded Mindoro Island in the Philippines.
December 16th
In 1944, German V-2 strikes Antwerp bioscope (638 kill).
In 1944, Germans open major counteroffensive against United States Twelfth Army Group in Ardennes area.
In 1944, the World War II Battle of the Bulge began as German forces launched a surprise counterattack against Allied forces in Belgium.
December 17th
In 1944, US destroyers sink in storm at Philippines, 790 killed.
In 1944, thru Dec. 18, Philippine Sea: A ty phoon struck U.S. Third Fleet's Task Force 38, sank three destroyers, damaged seven other ships, destroyed 186 aircraft, and killed 800 officers and men.
December 18th
In 1944, Destroyers "Hull," "Spence" & "Monaghan" sink in typhoon (Phillipines).
In 1944, in a pair of decisions, the Supreme Court upheld the wartime relocation of Japanese-Americans, but also said undeniably loyal U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry could not be detained.
December 19th
In 1944, United States 101st Airborne Division reaches Bastogne; elements of United States Third Army prepare to move north; United States Seventh Army goes on defensive in Alsace-Lorraine.
December 21st
In 1944, Germans begin siege of Bastogne.
December 22nd
In 1944, during the World War II Battle of the Bulge, the Germans demanded the surrender of encircled American tro ops at Bastogne, Belgium. Brigadier General Anthony C. McAuliffe reportedly replied: "Nuts!" The Americans held out until additional U.S. forces ended the siege four days later. "Nuts!" is the shortest entry in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations.
December 23rd
In 1944, Soviet forces close in on Budapest; heavy fighting takes place in Lake Balaton area of Hungary.
In 1944, The Director of War Mobilization and Recon version announces that horse racing will be banned. Gambling on the sport will resume on May 9, 1945, the day after Allied Victory in Europe.
December 26th
In 1944, in the World War II Battle of the Bulge, the embattled U.S. 101st Airborne Division, surrounded by German forces in Belgium, was relieved by units of the fourth Armored Division.
In 1944, Tanks of 4th Armored Division of United States Third Army break through to Bastogne.
December 27th
In 1944, Roads into Bastogne from the south are opened for trucks and ambulances.
In 1944, Russians complete encirclement of Budapest.
December 30th
In 1944, Allied forces begin counterattacks in the Ardennes.
December 31st
In 1944, 48 people die in a train accident in Ogden, Utah.
In 1944, Germans launch offensive against United States Seventh Army in Alsace-Lorraine.
In 1944, Japanese army evacuates harbor city Akyab.


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