World War II calendar
What happened on September 13 during World War II? This date brings together 3 events from 1941, 1942 and 1943, with period photographs and links to the full operations documented across WW2 Theatres.
Georgy Zhukov replaced Kliment Voroshilov as Leningrad Front commander during the crisis on the southern approaches. The defence concentrated around Pulkovo, Kolpino, the Neva and the Oranienbaum bridgehead while Baltic Fleet personnel and artillery reinforced the land front.
Continue in The Siege of Leningrad →
German divisions attacked into central Stalingrad on 13 September toward Mamayev Kurgan, the railway station and the Volga landing areas. LI Corps sought to break through the Soviet centre, split 62nd Army’s bridgehead and reach the river crossings before the defenders could reinforce them. The attack drove Soviet units back through the central districts and brought German infantry close to the Volga in several places. Railway embankments, ruined blocks and the slopes of Mamayev Kurgan divided the advance into separate fights, while Soviet artillery continued firing from across the river.…
Continue in Battle of Stalingrad →
On 13 September German tanks and infantry attacked through the Sele-Calore plain. American positions around the tobacco factory and nearby crossings came under extreme pressure as the defenders withdrew to a shorter perimeter. Artillery groups and tank destroyers were concentrated to prevent a German breakthrough to the landing beaches. Clark moved available reserves to threatened points while the Navy fired against targets identified inland.
Continue in The Italian Armistice and the Landings at Salerno →
