Narvik

Weser Day

  • Invasion of Poland

    Invasion of Poland

    The Reich, after months of build-up, invades Poland, thus inciting WW2.
  • Period: to

    WW2

  • Fall of Krakow

    German forces seize the city, the Poles are in full retreat.
  • Saar Offensive stalls

    Saar Offensive stalls

    French forces advance eight miles into the heavily mined Warndt Forest
  • The Soviet Union invades Poland

    Soviet forces will link up with their German counterparts by the nineteenth at Brest-Litovsk
  • The Battle of Changsha

    Japanese forces assault Changsha, but are repulsed by their Chinese opponents.
  • Roosevelt implements Cash and Carry

    The policy allows the Allies to purchase American goods, provided they take responsibility for transport and pay in full.
  • Period: to

    Occupation of the Baltics

    The Soviet Union occupies the Baltics.
  • Fall of Warsaw

    Fall of Warsaw

    Polish forces finally surrender in Warsaw. Large portions of the nation's army will retreat south through the Romanian bulwark.
  • The German-Soviet Treaty is signed

    The German-Soviet Treaty is signed

    The Treaty divides Central and Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
  • Attempt by U-47 to sink the Royal Oak is foiled

    Attempt by U-47 to sink the Royal Oak is foiled

  • Battle of South Guangxi

    Japan assaults South Guangxi, and though succeeding in defeating the Chinese locally, suffer heavily casualties and fail to take the Kunlun Pass.
  • Unrestricted Submarine Warfare begins

    Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy Grossadmiral Erich Raeder orders his U-boats to sink without warning all Allied merchant ships.
  • The Soviets stage the shelling of Mainila

    The Soviets blame the Finns for the incident, giving them pretext for an invasion.
  • Invasion of Finland

    Invasion of Finland

  • Meeting of the Supreme Allied War Council

    The Allies debate the Dyle Plan, Albert Canal Line and Escault Plan
  • The Scuttling of the Graf Spee

    The Scuttling of the Graf Spee

    The Graf Spee, hounded into port by British forces, is scuttled in order to save its crew.
  • Mechelen Incident Occurs

    A German Messerschmitt Bf.108 crashes in Belgium, with the plans for Fall Gelb captured intact. Belgium and the Netherlands both begin rapid rearmament and mobilisation, though the latter is cancelled after the dates of the invasion pass.
  • Operation Weserubung plans are finalised.

  • Mining Operations begin off Norway

    Mining Operations begin off Norway

    Much to the protests of Oslo and Berlin, the Royal Navy begins mining operations off the Norwegian coast.
  • Altmark Incident

    Altmark Incident

    The British destroyer, the Cossack, boards a German ship transporting British PoWs. Berlin no longer believes that Norwegian neutrality is sustainable
  • Norway begins full mobilisation

    Norway begins full mobilisation

    In response to rising tensions, Norway begins full mobilisation.
  • Oster informs Oslo of German Invasion Plans

  • Allied Troops land in Norway

    Allied Troops land in Norway

    Anglo-French forces land at Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger.
  • Invasion of Denmark

    Invasion of Denmark

    German forces seize key airbases in Denmark, they will later occupy the rest of the country.
  • Sinking of the Blucher

    Sinking of the Blucher

    The Norwegian battery in the Drøbak Sound sinks the German Heavy Cruiser, the Blucher.
  • End of the Winter War

    End of the Winter War

    Finland signs a peace treaty with the Soviet Union after resisting for many months, bolstered by Franco-British shipments of equipment.
  • Battle of Zaoyang–Yichang

    Japanese forces strike west against their Chinese counterparts. Results are mixed, though the Chinese are forced back.
  • Resignation of Chamberlain

    Resignation of Chamberlain

    Chamberlain, in desperately poor health, resigns. Largely popular in the United Kingdom after the victory in the Battle for France, his successor would be heavily debated among the Conservative Party.
  • Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina

    Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina

    Soviet forces occupy Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina with no Romanian resistance.
  • Fall Gelb is initiated

    Fall Gelb is initiated

    German troops strike west, attempting to bypass the Maginot Line by striking the weaker Belgian and Dutch defences.
  • Unified Allied MAUD Programme is established

    Unified Allied MAUD Programme is established

    French, British, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian scientists begin coordinated research on a nuclear bomb.
  • Rotterdam Blitz

    Rotterdam Blitz

    The overstretched Luftwaffe embark on a massive strategic bombing campaign against the Netherlands but suffer heavy losses after being intercepted by the RAF.
  • Hundred Regiments Offensive

    Chinese Communists launch a large-scale offensive against the Japanese, though they suffer heavy casualties, the engagements somewhat repair KMT-CCP relations.
  • Italian Invasion of Yugoslavia

    Italian Invasion of Yugoslavia

    Italy invades Yugoslavia in conjunction with Bulgaria, encountering weak resistance. Romania, Hungary and the Reich will later seize portions of the nation.
  • Fall of Zagreb

    Fall of Zagreb

    Italian forces seized the city of Zagreb after brief fighting. The Kingdom of Croatia is proclaimed by the locals.
  • Fall of Sarajevo

    Fall of Sarajevo

    Brutal street fighting is fought for Sarajevo, as the Yugoslavs fight tooth and nail for the historic city. The Italians eventually encircle it, and force a surrender.
  • Fall of Belgrade

    Fall of Belgrade

    Italian and Bulgarian forces seize the city of Belgrade, smashing the remaining Serbian units. Partisan fighting will continue for many more months. As the city falls, German troops advance and seize northeastern Slovakia.
  • Central Hubei Operation

    Japanese forces launch an offensive against the Chinese in Central Hubei. The Japanese suffer over twelve thousand casualties. They had hoped to strike a decisive blow to Chinese morale coinciding with the establishment of the Wang Jingwei regime. The opposite occured.
  • Partition of Yugoslavia

    Partition of Yugoslavia

    After close to a month of negotiation, Italian, Romanian, Hungarian and Bulgarian forces partition Yugoslavia.
  • Operation Abigail Rachel

    Three hundred allied aircraft strike the city of Mannheim Germany. The attack is deemed unsuccessful as most of the bombs do not hit the city centre, lessons however have been learnt.
  • Battle of South Henan

    Japanese forces attempted to force back their Chinese counterparts in South Henan, however they are outflanked and take heavy casualties.
  • United States enact Lend-Lease

    United States enact Lend-Lease

    The policy supplied the allied nations of the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and the British Dominions with vital aid in food, oil and material.
  • Battle of Shanggao

    Battle of Shanggao

    Chinese forces hold their defensive lines at Shanggao, capturing significant amounts of military equipment.
  • 1941 Iraq Coup

    1941 Iraq Coup

    Golden Square Arab Nationalists, with German assistance, attempt to seize power in Baghdad. However, the coup fails due to a lack of Italian support and the appearance of German weakness.
  • Battle of South Shanxi

    Battle of South Shanxi

    Nationalist forces are crushed in South Shanxi by superior Japanese opponents, a breakout fails due to a lack of Communist aid.
  • Operation Rheinübung Begins

    Operation Rheinübung Begins

    The Bismarck begins its sortie into the Atlantic to disrupt allied shipping.
  • Battle of the Denmark Strait

    Battle of the Denmark Strait

    The Bismarck and the Prinz Eugen clash with an Anglo-French force off Denmark. The Bismarck sinks HMS Hood, the pride of the Royal Navy, but its Heavy Cruiser escort the Prinz Eugen is sunk by the Prince of Wales.
  • The Sinking of the Bismarck

    The Sinking of the Bismarck

    After being hounded by French and British Atlantic assets, the Bismarck is finally sunk by a British force off the Western Approaches.
  • Operation Millennium

    Operation Millennium

    The first thousand bomber raid takes place against Germany. It is deemed a success and future raids are approved. The raid shall inspire the 'Area Bombing' campaigns.
  • The Third Battle of Changsha

    The Third Battle of Changsha

    Chinese forces again repulse a Japanese attempt at taking Changsha
  • Pearl Harbour

    Pearl Harbour

    IJN forces wreak havoc upon the USN in Pearl Harbour.
  • Battle of Hong Kong

    Battle of Hong Kong

    Japanese forces invade Hong Kong from the mainland, encountering a small Anglo-Canadian force.
  • Invasion of the Philippines

    Invasion of the Philippines

    Japanese forces invade the Philippines.
  • Invasion of Indochina

    Invasion of Indochina

    Japanese forces land in French Indochina, encountering stauncher resistance than initially expected.
  • Skirmish of the Gulf of Thailand

    Skirmish of the Gulf of Thailand

    British taskforce sallies out to attempt to disrupt landings in Southern Indochina and Bangkok, retreat after being discovered by spotter aircraft. Japanese Naval Aviation sinks Renown.
  • Fall of Bangkok

    Fall of Bangkok

    The Thai government, after witnessing the British debacle in the Gulf of Thailand, joins the Japanese war effort as Japanese forces land in Bangkok.
  • Operation Matapan

    Operation Matapan

    Raj forces seize the Thai ports of Singora and Patani.
  • Invasion of Borneo

    Invasion of Borneo

    Japanese forces seize the island of Borneo from the weak Anglo-Dutch forces there, who have largely been withdrawn for the defence of Malaya and Java.
  • The Wehrmacht launches Operation Barbarossa

    The Wehrmacht launches Operation Barbarossa

    With Soviet forces massing across the Eastern Front, and the spectre of American reinforcement of the Western front, the Germans launch a decapitation strike east. The strike is largely successful, catching the Soviets unawares and forcing them to retreat.
  • Roosevelt extends Lend-Lease to the Soviet Union

    In response to the German invasion, the United States extends lend-lease to the Soviet Union.
  • Fall of Hong Kong

    Fall of Hong Kong

    After a long resistance, largely due to the contested nature of the air war, Anglo-Canadian forces that are unable to breakout to the north, surrender.
  • Iran accepts the British ultimatum.

    Britain demands access to key railways across Iran to supply lend-lease to the Soviet Union. The demand is tantamount to occupation. Iran accepts and officially declares war on the Axis powers weeks later.
  • Allied Forces in Norway and Sweden march south.

    Allied Forces in Norway and Sweden march south.

    As the Germans strike east, the Allies make their mouth south to liberate the remainder of Scandinavia.
  • Battle of Bataan

    American forces withdraw to the Bataan peninsula, fighting a long and brutish defence against the Japanese.
  • The Liberation of Stockholm

    The Liberation of Stockholm

    Swedish and French forces recapture the Swedish capital from their German opposition. OKW begins to consider withdrawal from the north.
  • Invasion of Malaya

    Invasion of Malaya

    Japanese forces land at Kota Bharu, Patani and Singora whilst the Thais cross the border. With surprise, they destroy numerous Indian formations and drive the Imperial units south.
  • The Declaration of the United Nations

    The Declaration of the United Nations

    The 'Big Five' (later six) Allied powers formalise the declaration of the United Nations. In it they call for the eradication of Hitlerism, drawing the conclusion that the regimes of Japan and Germany are largely indistinguishable.
  • Capture of French Indochina

    Capture of French Indochina

    French forces are driven into the hinterlands, the Raj or China. Resistance among the remaining colonial forces is still widespread.
  • Zhejiang-Jiangxi campaign

    Zhejiang-Jiangxi campaign

    In the aftermath of the Doolittle Raid, the Japanese launch an all-out offensive against the Chinese in order to remove potential Anglo-American air bases. Though the campaign succeeds, losses are heavy, and it is becoming increasingly evident that vast swathes of supplies from the Burma and Ledo Roads are having an effect on the Chinese Army.
  • Fall of the Celebes

    Fall of the Celebes

    Japanese forces seize the Celebes, casualties among paratroopers are high as the Royal Australian Airforce interdict Japanese flights.
  • Battle of the Java Sea

    Battle of the Java Sea

    ABDA forces and the IJN engage in the Java Sea in the largest Battleship on Battleship engagement since the Battle of Jutland. Much like Jutland, the result is tactically indecisive and strategically vital, as the Japanese are unable to breakthrough and seize Java.
  • Capture of the Philippines

    Capture of the Philippines

    The last remaining organised American units are crushed at Bataan. MacArthur declares he will return.
  • Bataan Death March

    American and Filipino Prisoners of War are forcibly transferred by the IJA to PoW camps. The march is characterised by wanton brutality, disease and starvation.
  • Invasion of New Guinea

    Invasion of New Guinea

    Japanese forces land across the isle of New Guinea, engaging a litany of Dutch and Australian forces. They quickly overrun most of the north but are halted when Australian and American reinforcements arrive.
  • Doolittle Raid

    Doolittle Raid

    American bombers strike the Japanese mainland. Damage is largely unsubstantial, though the Japanese High Command is deeply affected.
  • Battles of Kuantan and Selangor

    Battles of Kuantan and Selangor

    The IJA is halted by a hastily assembled Anglo-ANZAC-Indian defence.
  • The Battle of Singapore Strait

    The Battle of Singapore Strait

    Japanese and British destroyer flotillas clash in the battle of the Singapore Strait, as the Japanese make one last desperate throw for control over south east Asia. The fighting is desperate, and the madness and bravery of destroyer captains from either side are noted. The battle ends in a British victory as the Japanese are forced to retreat.
  • Battle of Midway

    Battle of Midway

    The IJN is defeated by the USN at the Battle of Midway, suffering the devastating loss of two fleet carriers whilst merely inflicting the loss of one upon the Americans.
  • Battle of the Bismarck Sea

    Battle of the Bismarck Sea

    The IJN takes revenge for its loss at Midway, striking south and defeating an American force in the battle of the Bismarck Sea. The IJN manages to sink a fleet carrier, the Hornet, for no loss of their own.
  • The Royal Navy forms the Future Building Committee

    The Royal Navy forms the Future Building Committee

    In reaction to the clear demonstration of the superiority of naval aviation during the Battle of Midway, the Royal Navy - now receiving a much larger share of production due to the war in the Far East - assembles the Future Building Committee to decide upon future naval estimates. It is decided to embark on an expansive and ambitious project of carrier building.
  • Battle of New Britain

    Battle of New Britain

    Japanese forces land on the island of New Britain, engaging American and Australian forces in brutish jungle fighting on the isle.
  • German forces reach their furthest extent east.

    German forces reach their furthest extent east.

    German forces reach their further extent east, being halted by the Red Army after capturing Minsk, Riga and Vinnytsia.
  • The Second Battle of the Bismarck Sea

    The Second Battle of the Bismarck Sea

    The IJN and the USN once more clash in the Bismarck, with the Americans this time triumphing over their Japanese counterparts, sinking a fleet carrier and two battleships.
  • Battle of Rangoon

    Battle of Rangoon

    Japanese forces seize the city after a long drawn out battle
  • Swedish Marines seize Bornholm

    Swedish Marines seize Bornholm

    Supported by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy units, Swedish marines and a small Danish contingent seize the isle of Bornholm.
  • Battle of Prome

    Battle of Prome

    Anglo-Indian forces meet and check their Japanese counterparts in the battle of Prome, forcing them to retreat south towards Rangoon.
  • Liberation of New Britain

    Liberation of New Britain

    Japanese forces are finally routed from New Britain. The majority manage to safely retreat due to the fighting efforts of the Japanese Battleship squadrons and the alleged dithering of Fletcher, for which he shall be reassigned to the Aleutians. Those who do not manage to retreat, fight to the death.
  • Second Battle of Rangoon

    Second Battle of Rangoon

    British-Indian forces strike back against the Japanese after their disaster at Prome from sea and land, recapturing the city and reopening the vital Burma Road to the Chinese.
  • Western Hopei Operation

    Small skirmishes result in heavy fighting between Japanese and Chinese forces. Heavy losses on both sides, tactical draw.
  • Battle of Seim

    Battle of Seim

    With further ANZAC, American, and notably South African, forces reinforce the isle of Guinea, a large offensive is launched across the isle, pushing the Japanese back to the northwest.
  • Battle of Bago

    Battle of Bago

    Entrenched Japanese-Thai forces stop the British advance in Burma in its tracks, securing the Thai hinterlands.
  • Second Battle of West Hubei

    Japanese and Chinese forces engage in what ends up to be another stalemate in Western Hubei.
  • Liberation of Sedjaka

    Dutch marines seize the isle Sedjaka, clearing out a small Japanese garrison.
  • The Chindits are formed

    The Chindits are formed

    Orde Wingate's Chindits are formed after the Battle of Bago, and begin disrupting Japanese communications and supply lines. Their effectiveness varies, and their casualties are high.
  • The Kingdoms of Italy, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia and the Tsardom of Bulgaria declares war on the Reich.

    The Kingdoms of Italy, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia and the Tsardom of Bulgaria declares war on the Reich.

    Seeing the inevitable destruction of Germany, and desperate to secure a hold on Central Europe and gain a seat at the table, Mussolini directs Italy to war against their former soon-to-be ally and their Romanian client.
  • Turkey and Greece declare war upon the Reich

    With the declaration of war upon Germany by Italy, Greece and Turkey, surrounded on all sides by Allied powers and sympathetic to their cause, declare war upon Germany also.
  • Portugal and Spain declare war on the Axis

  • The Battle of Truk

    The Battle of Truk

    The USN strikes north against the Japanese fortress of Truk, but is hammered by the remaining scarce assets of the IJN.
  • Liberation of Borneo

    Liberation of Borneo

    Anglo-Dutch forces launch an invasion of Borneo, liberating much of the south of the isle before getting bogged down in jungle fighting with their Japanese opponents.
  • Soviet forces seize Vienna

    Soviet forces seize Vienna

    With German forces surrendering en-masse to the Italians in order to avoid the fate of capture by the Soviets, the Italian advance through Italy is far easier than initially expected. Yet it would be Soviet forces to make their way to the heart of Central Europe and capture it a mere day before the fall of Berlin.
  • Soviet Forces capture Berlin

    Soviet Forces capture Berlin

    After long and gruelling street fighting, the USSR captures the city of Berlin. Adolf Hitler commits suicide.
  • Lion Class is launched

    Lion Class is launched

  • Battle of Changde

    Battle of Changde

    Japanese forces assault the city of Changde, yet newly modernised Chinese forces force them back, aided by air support from the USAF.
  • Seizure of Penang

    Seizure of Penang

    Royal Marines seize the island fortress of Penang.