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World War II started
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The invasion of poland
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Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Switzerland declare their neutrality.
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The United Kingdom and France issue a joint ultimatum to Germany, requiring German troops to evacuate Polish territory
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British conscription is increased to cover men from 19 to 41.
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Only 21 operational boats make up the German U-boat fleet at this time.
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took a turn for the worse for the Allies as the Axis powers made gains across fronts in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
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A new government is formed in Japan under Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai following the resignation of PM Nobuyuki Abe.
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General Semyon Timoshenko succeeds Marshal Kliment Voroshilov as Commissar for Defense.
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The Allies enter Narvik.
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The German heavy cruiser KMS Prinz Eugen and the battleship KMS Bismarck leave port for the North Sea.
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At 10:00 AM, the Bismarck's guns fall silent s she takes on water and burns.
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The Soviet 31st Army cuts 12 miles into the German lines.
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Amid the mounting pressures and expectations of his superiors back in Germany, Field Marshal von Bock requests reassignment away from Army Group Centre.
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Field Marshal von Kluge is tapped to replace Field Marshal von Bock as leader of Army Group Centre.
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With progress over the Germans being made on several fronts, Soviet forces launch another offensive to try and encircle Army Group Centre.
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The Soviet movement begins losing steam after consecutive weeks of fighting. Man and machine are beginning to show their limitations.
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German Army forces partially regroup and recover from the constant barrage of Soviet offensives.
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German General Erwin Rommel commences with his assault through Operation Morgenluft. His attack takes him towards Gafsa, Feriana and Thelepte.
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US forces move in to stop the German advance around Tebessa.
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Weather on May 17th cancels the D-Day operation. Leaving the next best weather window of opportunity to be June 5th.
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The British paratroopers take the bridges over the Caen Canal and the Orne River.
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Two US Army and USMC divisions land along the southwest coast of Okinawa near Hagushi, meeting little resistance. The US 10th Army is commanded by Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner. Some 550,000 personnel and 180,000 soldiers take part in the fray.
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The IJN Yamato, Japan's pride and joy and the largest battleship ever built, sails from the Inland Sea on a suicide mission at Okinawa. She is escorted by the light cruiser Yahagi and some eight destroyers on her final voyage.
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The Japanese enact a major offensive in the south of Okinawa. A coast-to-coast defensive front is established from Naha to Yonabaru. Regardless, the line is targeted by prolonged American firepower and infantry.
