World War II calendar
What happened on December 25 during World War II? This date brings together 3 events from 1941 and 1944, with period photographs and links to the full operations documented across WW2 Theatres.
Improved deliveries allowed the first increase from the minimum bread ration that had been in force since 20 November. The higher ration slowed the deterioration of the food situation, while the accumulated effects of hunger, cold and illness continued to produce heavy mortality through the winter.
Continue in The Siege of Leningrad →
Governor Sir Mark Young surrendered Hong Kong on 25 December after Japanese forces had crossed to the island, split the remaining defence and reduced the garrison’s ability to maintain a connected position. British, Canadian, Indian and locally raised forces had continued fighting after the mainland was lost, but the colony could no longer be reinforced or relieved. The surrender removed another Allied base from the South China coast and released Japanese troops from a battle that had lasted longer than the opening timetable implied. Hong Kong had been geographically separate…
Continue in The Fall of the Southern Empires →
Rain and low cloud repeatedly prevented a final pickup, while the grass runway became too soft for a loaded transport. With supplies running low, an Air Crew Rescue Unit B-26 dropped material to the waiting group on Christmas Day. The delay nearly forced a different solution. The final opportunity came only after colder weather froze the field hard enough to carry a C-47.
Continue in Operation Halyard →
