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Battle of France/Miracle of Dunkirk
The evacuation was from Dunkirk, which was only 47 nautical miles from the UK. It involved 860 ships, but almost 700 were private British ships that are referred to as "the Little Ships of Dunkirk." On the first of nine days of evacuation, 7,699 were rescued, as compared to the 338,226 over the full period. Despite most of the soldiers being rescued, many materials were left behind. Churchill made sure to emphasize that this was not a victory, as many citizens viewed it as. Ended in June 4, 1940 -
Battle of Britain
It was the first all-air battle in history. A significant turning point for the British in World War 2. It became largely a battle of attrition, with a 21% average mortality rate of British pilots and 16% for Germany. The goal of this for Germany was to clear the way for a ground invasion and occupation of Britain. The Luftwaffe was dealt a near fatal blow during this battle and never recovered. The battle concluded on October 31, 1940. -
Battle of Leningrad
This battle was a 872 day siege by the Germans. It claimed 650,000 lives of Leningrad citizens in 1942. It was bestowed the title of Hero City in 1965 by the USSR because it successfully survived the Germans. Germany was assisted by the Finnish, their allies. It was part of the German plan laid out in Operation Barbarossa. The siege ended in January 1944. -
Battle of Stalingrad
This battle stopped the advance of the Germans into Russia and turned the tide of the Eastern Front. Combined causalities of over 2 million. It led to Hitler distrust in generals and Stalin confidence in his military, It was a lost of a full German army, which led to an inability to stop Russia's attack on Berlin when it came. Russia encircled the Germans which could not break out, and began to succumb to cold. This battle ended on February 2nd, 1943. -
Operation Torch
It was an Allied invasion of North Africa. The first time Britain and America worked together on an invasion. The goal was to capture North Africa, then move up through Italy to Germany. First major operation by US soldiers. Senior US commanders did not agree with the decision to land. It ended in November 16, 1942. -
D-Day
The invasion of Allied forces by water on the beaches of Normandy. This is the largest amphibious attack in history. It was the beginning of the end of the war in Europe. It attacked one of the most fortified areas on the coast. 160,000 troops landed on the beaches. The battle ended on June 6, 1944. -
Battle of the Bulge
It was the most deadly battle of World War 2. The last German offensive in WW2. Also known as the Battle of the Ardennes, it was fought in the Ardennes mountains. It was a counteroffensive by the Germans to seperate American and British forces. It was a costly German defeat and costly Allied victory. It ended in January 25, 1945. -
Battle of Berlin
Berlin was of vital importance to the war in Europe. Capture would all but mark the end of war in Europe. Battle in the city was costly and long. Russia did outnumber Germany 2.5x, but still was a rough fight. The Red Army of the Soviet Union was the first Allied force to control Berlin, and raise their flag. The battle ended, and Victory in Europe day, on May 8, 1945.
