Search results
The military history of the United Kingdom in World War II covers the Second World War against the Axis powers, starting on 3 September 1939 with the declaration of war by the United Kingdom and France, followed by the UK's Dominions, Crown colonies and protectorates on Nazi Germany in response to the invasion of Poland by Germany.
- Battle of The Atlantic: September 3, 1939 to May 8, 1945
- Battle of Dunkirk from May 26 to June 4, 1940
- Battle of Britain, July 10 to October 31, 1940
- Battle of Crete: May 20 to June 1, 1941
- The Siege of Leningrad: September 8, 1941 to January 27, 1944
- Battle of Moscow: October 2, 1941 to January 7, 1942
- Battle of Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941
- Second Battle of Kharkov: May 12-28, 1942
- Battle of Midway, June 4-7, 1942
- Battle of The Guadalcanal Campaign: August 7, 1942 to February 9, 1943
World War II's longest continuous campaign takes place, with the Allies striking a naval blockade against Germany and igniting a struggle for control of Atlantic Oceansea routes. The Axis, with its U-boats, responds with a counter-blockade that is at first successful, but the Allies' use of convoys, aircraft and technology eventually turns the tide...
A German invasion around the French coastal town of Dunkirk separates the French and British armies, marooning Allied forces. But with Adolf Hitlerhalting Germany's advance there, the Allies are able to perform a daring—and successful—evacuation, called Operation Dynamo. Germany claims victory with remaining Allied troops surrendering, but the evac...
After a nearly four-month air campaign waged over England, Britain's Royal Air Force and Navy respond to heavy bombing attacks from Germany's Luftwaffe air force, including “the Blitz,” in an attempt to destroy the RAF before invading. Defense systems, including radar, and Hitler's decision to bomb London, rather than military bases, allows Britain...
Nazi paratroopers invade the Greek island of Crete, marking history's first mostly airborne attack. Day one of the campaign results in heavy losses for the Germans, but fearing a sea assault, Allied forces soon withdraw and evacuate in defeat. With nearly 4,000 Allies and more than 3,000 Germans killed, however, Hitler decries "the day of the parac...
German and Finnish soldiers begin a nearly 900-day siege and blockade of Leningrad(now St. Petersburg), the second-biggest Soviet city and a major center of industry. With supplies, water, electricity and transportation cut off, 1.3 million people are evacuated. As the Red Army finally begins to break through the blockade, the siege ends and the ci...
Following Germany's Operation Barbarossa, an invasion of the Soviet Union, the Axis launches a campaign to capture the capital city of Moscow before winter sets in. In preparation, the Soviets fortify the city and bring in reinforcements. After a series of gains and losses on both sides during harsh weather, the Germans are eventually beaten back a...
In a surprise wave of attacks on the U.S. naval base at Oahu Island, Hawaii's Pearl Harbor, Japan, aligned with the Axis, takes out America's Pacific fleet (the fleet's three aircraft carriers are not present during the attack). With approximately 2,400 U.S. troops killed and another 1,000 wounded, President Franklin D. Roosevelt calls it "a date w...
In a counter-offensive after Germany's attack on Moscow, the Soviet Red Army attacks Kharkov, Ukraine with the aid of 1,500 tanks and 1,000 aircraft but German intelligence alerts the Axis to the campaign. Facing nearly 300,000 casualties and gaining little traction, the Soviets are forced to concede.
In one of America's most important World War II naval wins, American intelligence is able to break codes to thwart a Japanese attack on the US. at Midway Islandin the Pacific Ocean. With Japan focused on Midway, U.S. forces, including dive bombers, attack, sinking four of Japan's aircraft carriers and the victory serves as a turning point in the co...
Weeks after Japan begins building a strategic airfield on Guadalcanal, part of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, U.S. forces launch a surprise attack, taking control of the airfield and forcing the Japanese into initial retreat. But with reinforcements arriving, hand-to-hand jungle combat follows with Japan finally retreating six mont...
The List of Battles in 1939. The world fell into the Second World War in 1939. Major battles were fought in Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Atlantic Ocean in 1939. Battle of Nanchang (March 17 – May 9, 1939) – Japanese forces defeat Nationalist Chinese forces in the 2nd Sino-Japanese War.
People also ask
Which battle was fought in 1939?
What was the military history of the UK in World War II?
When did Britain enter the Second World War?
What were the most significant battles in World War II?
Sep 15, 2020 · What led to the Battle of Britain? Within a few hours of each other, on 3 September 1939, Britain and France declared war against Nazi Germany following its invasion of Poland. With the exception of a brief French incursion into Germany, a few notable naval actions and some small-scale bombing raids, the opening months of the conflict were ...
- 3 min
Apr 10, 2024 · September 3, 1939 - May 8, 1945. Location: Atlantic Ocean. Participants: Axis powers. Germany. United Kingdom. United States. Allied powers. Context: World War II. Key People: Winston Churchill. Sir John Cotesworth Slessor. Learn how the Third Reich utilized U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic to destroy Allied supply convoys.
3 September 1939 – Britain enters the Second World War when it declares war, along with its Allies, on Nazi Germany. September 1939 – British Expeditionary Force begins to land in France. 17 May 1940 – The Local Defence Volunteers (later the Home Guard) is formed.
May 9, 2024 · The North Africa campaigns were a series of World War II battles for control of the Suez Canal, a vital lifeline for Britain’s colonial empire, and the oil resources of the Middle East. Learn more about the history and significance of the North Africa campaigns in this article.
