50 Years Ago - September 1944 Originally posted in Usenet newsgroup SOC.HISTORY.WAR.WORLD-WAR-II and on the World War II mailing list. Author: John Davis jbd@netcom.com Sources: "2194 Days of War" by Cesare Salmaggi and Alfredo Pallavisimi, "The World Almanac Book Of WW II" by Peter Young, "United States Naval Chronology, World War II" by Naval Historical Division - United States Navy, "Facts On File Yearbook 1944, Person's Index Of World Events" edited by R.L. Lapica. ============================================================================= On 01-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Northern France - General Patton's 3rd Army liberates Verdun, scene of the heroic French stand under Marshal Petain in the last war. The British I Corps are heading towards Le Havre after crossing the Seine. The Canadian II Corps reaches Dieppe. Two divisions of the British XXX Corps, the 11th Armoured and the Guards Division, reach Arras. In the US XIX and V Corps sector, the Americans advance rapidly towards St Quientin and Cambrai. On the east end of the Allied advance the US XX Corps (3rd Army) is advancing towards Metz. Southern France - Units of the VI Corps are approaching Lyons. Eastern Front - The Red Army reaches the Bulgarian frontier at Giurgiu, on the Danube. Italian Front - The US IV Corps (5th Army) begins to pursue the Germans across the Arno. The Canadian I and British V Corps throw all their forces into an attack on the Gothic line and reach Tomba di Pesaro. Balkans - As the Germans prepare to evacuate the Aegean and Ionian islands as well as part of Greece, British and US air forces pound the main railway line that will be used for the evacuation. Naval Dispatches ---------------- Submarine NARWHAL (SS-167) lands men and supplies on the east coast of Luzon, P.I. Minesweeper YMS-21 sunk by mine, Southern France area. Foreign Affairs --------------- Bulgaria - Prime Minister Begrianov resigns and is replaced by Constantine Muraviev. Since the signing of the Tripartite Pact (1-MAR-1941), Bulgaria has occupied Yugoslav and Greek territory and is consequently at war with Great Britain and the United States, though it has declared its own neutrality with Russia. Now faced with the threat of Russian occupation Muraviev, asks for support from the British and the Americans. But he does not get it. The Homefront ------------- No Draft For Older Men - The Selective Service Bureau tells the Senate and House Military Affairs Committee that few men beyond the age of 26 will be drafted for the rest of 1944 barring millitary reverses. Sibelius Manuscripts Destroyed - Helsinki reports that manuscripts of Jean Sibelius, Finnish composer, were destroyed during and Allied bombing raid on Leipzig, Germany. Rudy Vallees Reconciled - Rudy Vallee and Bette Jane Greer Vallee have moved back in together in Hollywood, therby annulling an interlocutory decree granted her on July 27th. ============================================================================= On 02-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Northern France - The Allied advance continues along the entire front; in the west by the British I Corps towards Le Havre and in the east by the US 1st Army towards the Belgian frontier. Supply problems and shortages are beginning to cause some difficulties for the US 1st and 3rd Armies. In Brittany, the Germans at Brest are still holding out. Southern France - The Allied landings in southern France have now put ashore 190,000 men with 41,000 vehicles and 220,000 tons of supplies. The US 36th Division (VI Corps) reaches the outskirts of Lyons, but then halt to allow the French II Corps to enter the city first. Italian Front - The British 8th Army advance towards Rimini is making some progress. The Polish II Corps occupies Pesaro. The Canadian units reach the Conca river and establish a bridgehead on the north bank about 3 miles west of Cattolica. New Guinea - Operations in the Wadke-Sarmi sector are declared officially closed. Foreign Affairs --------------- Finland Breaks With Germany - Following the collapse of Rumania, Prime Minister Antti Hackzell decides to break off diplomatic relations with Germany. We also demands that all German troops be withdrawn from Finland. French Arrest de la Borde - Vichy says Admiral Jean Joseph de la Borde, commander of the French fleet at Toulon when it was scuttled Nov. 27, 1942, has been placed under house arrest. ============================================================================= On 03-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The British XXX Corps liberates Brussels. At this point the Allied front runs from the mouth of the Somme in the north to Troyes in the south along the line Lille-Brussels-Mons-Sedan-Verdun-Commercy. In the south, the French 1st Infantry Division enters Lyons. Most of the German 19th army has been withdrawn. The German 1st Army, manning the Bay of Biscay, has also been withdrawn from southwest France. 130,000 German soldiers have succeeded in rejoing Army Group B, but 80,000 others have been taken prisoner. Italian Front - Canadian units cross the Conca and continue their advance. Wake Island - RADM A.E. Smith leads a task force of 1 carrier, 3 cruisers and 3 destroyers in a strike against Wake Island. Foreign Affairs --------------- Soviet-Finnish Truce - Helsinki reports that an agreement has been made to cease fighting at 9 a.m. Sept. 4. Stockholm reports that German troops have already begun evacuating northern Finland. The Homefront ------------- Congressional Medal Awarded - A posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Honor has been made to Captain Arlo L. Olson, Baton Rouge, La., infantry company commander fatally wounded in Italy last Oct. 13 on a reconnaissance mission. Light Cruiser Launced - The light cruiser Tuscan is launched at the Bethlehem Stell Co. yard, San Francisco. New War Equipment Shown - The Army has exhibited some new weapons and equipment at the Aberdeen, Md. proving grounds. The M-18 "Hellcat" tank destroyer has a speed of 55 miles an hour and can knock out most enemy tanks with its 76-mm cannon. The M-36 tank destroyer, armed with a 90-mm gun, can stop the biggest enemy tanks. The M-24 is a new 19-ton tank with a 75-mm gun, speed of 35 miles an hour and a 160-mile range. The "Locust" is a baby airborne tank which goes into action from gliders and troop transports. Designed especially for the Pacific war, the M-29C, amphibious troop and cargo carrier called the "Water Weasel" can go nearly anywhere at hgh spped. ============================================================================= On 04-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The 11th Armoured Division (XXX Corps, British 2nd Army) enters Antwerp. The harbour, the biggest on the North Sea, is intact; but the Germans still control the Scheldt estuary. In southern France, the US VI Corps and French II Corps, continue to advance north, towards Besancon and Dijon. The Allies also liberate Lille, Louvaine, Malines and Etaples. Eastern Front - A cease-fire agreed upon between Russia and Finland comes into effect. The Germans begin to pull out of Finland by land and by sea. The bulk of their force will go to Norway. In Rumania, the Russians take Brasov and Senaia. Italian Front - The British V Corps advances towards the hills of Gemmano and Coriano. Palau Islands - Units of the III Amphibious Corps of the US Marines leave the Solomons for the invasion of the Palau Islands, located between the Caroline Islands and the Philippines. Burma - The British XV Corps is directed to engage the Japanese in the Arakan sector. In the XXXIII Corps sector, the 11th East African Division occupies Sittaung without oppostion and sends several units forward to Kalemyo. The Homefront ------------- War Prisoners In US - The Army says that there were 243,848 war prisoners in the US on Sept. 1, including 192,846 Germans, 50,272 Italians, and 730 Japanese. Roosevelt Lead Increases - Fortune reports that President Roosevelt's lead has increased to 54.6% against 40.9% for Governor Dewey in its political poll. Nelson Winds At Nashville - Byron Nelson has won the $10,000 Nashville golf tournament with a score of 269. ============================================================================= On 05-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The Allies achieve major successes along the entire front. In the north, the Canadian II Corps takes Boulogne and approach the Calais area. The US 1st Army approaches Liege and cross the Meuse at Sedan. In the south, the 3rd Army crosses the Moselle near Nancy. Hitler brings Field Marshal Rundstedt back to command the armies in the west. Eastern Front - Russian declares war on Bulgaria. Russian forces invade and within a few hours Bulgaria is forces to surrender. Italian Front - The US 1st Armoured Division (IV Corps, 5th Army) enters Lucca. In the eastern sector, the battle begins for the capture of the hills of Coriano and Gemmano. Foreign Affairs --------------- Benelux Customs Union - The Benelux Customs Union (between Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) is established by agreement of the exile governments. This is one of the first moves which will lead eventually to the establishment of the European Economic Community. The Homefront ------------- Eastern Earthquake - An earthquake at 12:40 a.m. was felt throughout the eastern seabord. Only minor damage was done. Cornwall, Ontario was the only Canadian city reporting any substantial damage, with estimates placed at about $1,000,000. ============================================================================= On 06-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - Units of the 3rd Army cross the Moselle. The VII Corps pushes on towards Liege. In southern France, the French II Corps enters Chalons-sur-Saone. The US VI Corps is moving rapidly towards Besancon. Eastern Front - The 3rd Ukraine Front reaches the Rumanian-Yugoslav frontier at Turnu Severin. There they make contact with Tito's partisans. The loss of the Rumanian oilfields has serious consequences for Germany. Any attempt to hold the Carpathian-Hungarian line must now fail for the lack of fuel, manpower and equipment. Italian Front - The British V Corps prepares a large scale offense to capture Cariano. The Canadian I Corps reaches the river Marano. Palau Islands - Aircraft from Vice-Admiral Marc Mitscher's fast carrier squadron carry out attacks against the Japanese airfields and other installations in the Palau Islands and in Yap and Ulithi Islands in the western Carolines. The attacks are to continue for three days, causing tremendous damage. The Homefront ------------- Army Annouces Demobilization - The Army has announced that it will be able to demobilize 1,000,000 men when the war in Germany is over. Ration Points Changed - The OPA has removed 17 different processed food items from ration lists including all fruit spreads, canned asparagus, lima beans, corn, peas and all soups and baby foods. Army Helicopter School - The Army has established the first military helicopter training school at Freeman Field, Ind. Britain Homefront ----------------- The Minister for Home Security, Herbert Morrison relaxes blackout and other civil defense duties. The War Office ends compulsory training and drills for Home Guard units. ============================================================================= On 07-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The US 1st Army and British 2nd Army reach the Albert Canal in Belgium. The 113th Cavalry Group (US XIX Corps) crosses the canal near Hasselt. The 3rd Armoured Division (VII Corps, 1st Army) reaches Liege. The US VI Corps enters Besancon. Eastern Front - The Russians have penetrated into the eastern Carpathians, almost to the Hungarian border. Bulgaria declares war on Germany, as the occupation by the 3rd Ukraine Front continues. Italian Front - The Germans withdraw from their positions in the hills north and northeast of Florence. Burma/China - The Chinese 8th Army completes mopping up in the Sung Shan zone on the Salween front. The battle in this sector has cost the Chinese nearly 8,000 dead. The Japanese garrison of 2,000 has been wiped out. The Homefront ------------- Pearl Harbor Investigators In Hawaii - The Army board of inquiry for the Pearl Harbor attack has arrived in Honolulu and is expected to hold hearings for two weeks. Lucille Ball Asks For Divorce - Actress Lucille Ball has filed a suit for divorce in Los Angeles from Desi Arnaz, Cuban film actor now in the Army, charging cruelty. ============================================================================= On 08-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- London - The first of the V2s fall on London in the Chiswick area. The V2 is quite different and a great deal more deadly than the slow V1, which the British fighters could pursue and shoot down. The range of the V2 is about 230 miles and their accuracy is remarkable. Hitler's objective is to break down the morale of the British. Western Front - The Canadian 2nd Division attacks Dunkirk. The Canadian 4th Division reaches Bruges. In Brittany, the VIII Corps attacks Brest. Liege is captured by the US VII Corps. The British XXX Corps crosses the Albert Canal opposite Gheel. The canal is also crossed at Maastricht by the US XIX Corps. French troops of the II Corps enter Beaune and Autun, southwest of Dijon. Eastern Front - The Russian occupation of Bulgaria is completed. Italian Front - The British V Corps and Canadian I Corps are still being held up by stubborn German resistance on the Coriano and Gemmano hills. Burma/China - On the Salween front, the Japanese receive substantial reinforcements and open an offensive against the Chinese positions north of Lung-ling. In China, the Japanese advance towards the south from Hengyang towards Ling-ling. The US air bases at Kweilin and Liuchow are being threatened by the Japanese 23rd Army, advancing north from Canton. Foreign Affairs --------------- Belgian - The Belgian government of premier Hubert Pierlot, which took refuge in London when Belgium capitulated in May 1940, returns to Brussels. $100,000,000 Aid To Italy - President Roosevelt says food, fuel, clothing and other supplies worth $100,000,000 have been shipped into Italy by the United States and Great Britain since the Allied occupation. The Homefront ------------- Future Draft Calls - Selective Service Director Maj. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey says in Washington that men in class 1-A and youths becoming 18 years old will supply all of the 600,000 men needed during the rest of 1944. ============================================================================= On 09-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - Units of the US XIX Corps cross the borders of Belgium and Holland in the area of Maastricht. The French II Corps continues to advance on Dijon. Eastern Front - It is announced by Moscow radio that Russian troops have ceased operations in Bulgaria. The Allies prepare peace terms. Italian Front - The British V Corps and Canadian I Corps step up their attacks on the Coriano and Gemmano hills. Philippines - Aircraft from Marc Mitscher's fast carrier task force commence a two day strike against Japanese shipping, facilities and aircraft on Mindanao, P.I. Foreign Affairs --------------- France - General de Gaulle appoints a new cabinet. The principal change is the appointment of Georges Bidault as Foreign Minister. ============================================================================= On 10-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The operation to liberate Antwerp is postponed by Eisenhower. On the suggestion of Montgomery, he decides instead on Operation Market Garden, a landing by airborne troops at Arnhem, Grave and Eindhoven to secure a bridgehead over the Rhine. The operation will begin on September 17th. The British I Corps (Canadian 1st Army) launches a general offensive against Le Havre. The Canadian II Corps occupy Ostend. The US 4th Armoured Division (V Corps, 1st Army) reaches Luxembourg. The French II Corps enters Dijon. At Sombernon, the 1st Division makes contact with the French 2nd Armoured Division. Italian Front - The Allied offensive against the Gothic line continues. The US 5th Army crosses the river Serchio at Vecchiano, captures Villa Basilica and crosses the Sieve. In the east, the German 10th Army keeps up their strong resistance in the Gemmano and Coriano hills. Palau Islands - Aircraft from a fast carrier task force under RADM Davison carry out a heavy raid against the Japanese defences on the islands of Peleliu and Angaur, in preparation for the invasion. Naval Dispatches ---------------- Minesweeper SEER (AM-112) damaged by mine, Southern France area. The Homefront ------------- Byron Nelson Wins Again - Byron Nelson has won the Texas Victory Open golf tournament in Dallas, with a score of 276. ============================================================================= On 11-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - Apart form the ports of Boulogne, Calais and Dunkirk, the entire French Channel coast is now in Allied hands. The Allied advance continues along the entire front. Patrols of the US 1st Army cross the German border near Aachen, creating panic among the German defenders, but the action is not followed up by the Allies. The British 2nd Army enters Holland and takes an important bridgehead over the Meuse-Escaut canal. Eastern Front - Bulgaria begins to evacuate its troops from the occupied provinces of Yugoslavia. Italian Front - The US IV Corps (5th Army) reaches the suburbs of Viareggio. The South African 6th Armoured Division enters Pistoia The Homefront ------------- Dewey Says War Found US Unprepared - Gov. Thomas E. Dewey says in a Des Moines press conference that "the Roosevelt administration made absolutely no military preparations for the events it now says it foresaw and that the Army numbered only 75,000." He says that it "is just as incapable of preparing for peace." 10,000 Ask For GI Education Aid - The Veteran's Administration says 10,000 applications have been received for education aid under the "GI Bill of Rights". The bill allows tuition fees of at least $10 a month, $30 a quarter or $40 a semester in addition to paying other regular fees and costs of books, supplies and equipment up to $500 a year. ============================================================================= On 12-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The Germans surrender in Le Havre to the British I Corps and 12,000 men are taken prisoner. Additional US 1st Army units reach the German border between Aachen and Trier. Italian Front - The second battle for the capture of the Coriano hill-top begins. Palau Islands - US battleships, cruisers and carriers begin an intensive bombardment of the Palaus in advance of the landing. Naval Dispatches ---------------- Destroyer FULLAM (DD-474) damaged by collision, Palau Islands. Japanese destroyer SHIKINAMI sunk by submarine GROWLER (SS-215), South China Sea. Japanese frigate HIRATO sunk by submarine GROWLER (SS-215), South China Sea. Foreign Affairs --------------- Rumania - An armistice between Rumania, the Soviet Union, Great Britain and the United States is signed in Moscow. Rumania will take part in the war against Germany and Hungary. The frontier between the USSR and Rumania will be that fixed by the Soviet-Rumanian agreement of June 29, 1940. The USSR promises that Transyvania will be restored to Rumania. The Homefront ------------- Nimitz and Bradley Promoted - President Roosevelt has nominated Lt. Gen. Omar N. Bradley for the permanent rank of major general and Admirals Chester W. Nimitz and Royal Ingersoll, Pacific and Atlantic Fleet commanders to the temporary rank of admiral. They hold permanent rank as rear admirals but are temporary admirals by virtue of their present commands. ============================================================================= On 13-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The German garrison in Brest refuses to surrender. The US 3rd Army continues their offensive along the line of the Moselle from Thionville to Epinal. Eastern Front - In response to pressure put on by the Allies, the Russians at last begin dropping supplies to the Polish Home Army (AK) fighting in Warsaw. The 2nd Belorussian Front, captures Lomza, west of Bialystok, a German strongpoint for the defence of East Prussia and Warsaw. Italian Front - The 4th Armoured Division (Canadian I Corps) and the 1st Division (British V Corps) takes the Coriano and Gemmano hill positions. The Germans are forced to withdraw north, leaving the road to Rimini open. Foreign Affairs --------------- Rumanian Peace Terms Announced - Moscow has announced the terms of the Allied armistice with Rumania. Reparations of $300,000,000 is to be paid to Russia over a six-year period. Rumania will retain civil administration in non-combat areas. The terms also provide that Rumania maintain 12 divisions to serve under the Russian command and keep them at full strength. ============================================================================= On 14-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The orders for Operation Market Garden are formally issued by Field-Marshal Montgomery. Eastern Front - The 1st Belorussian Front, with the support of Polish forces, captures Praga, a suburb of Warsaw. They make no real attempt however to break into the city proper in aid of the AK. Italian Front - The US 5th Army continues to pound the defences of the Gothic line. Units of the British 8th Army advance towards the river Marano. Burma/China - The Chinese complete the capture of Teng-chung. With the loss of Teng-chung and because of increasingly strong Chinese resistance in the Lung-ling sector, the Japanese break off their counter-offensive on the Salween front. The Homefront ------------- 174 Indicted as Nazis - Federal Court indictments have been returned in New York, Brookyln and Newark, naming 174 men and women charged with concealing affiliations with the Nazi party when registering as aliens in 1940 and as enemy aliens in 1942. Most of those accused are internees. Roosevelt Slumps in Polls - Fortune magazine's weekly presidential poll shows President Roosevelt favored by 49.3% against 44.4% for Gov. Dewey. This is a drop of 5.3% for the President from last week. Hurricane Hits Atlantic Coast - A hurricane swept through the Atlantic coast from the Carolinas to Canada, causing 40 deaths and property damage estimated at $100,000,000. It is the worst disaster since the storm of Sept. 21, 1938 which took 680 lives. ============================================================================= On 15-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - Units of the US VII and V Corps reach the southwest frontiers of Germany. Since June 6th, the Allies have landed more than 2,000,000 men in France, 40,000 of whom have fallen in battle. During the same period the ranks of the German army have been depleted by some 700,000 men. Apart from a strip of land on the German border, Belgium and Luxembourg have been completely liberated. Eastern Front - The advance of the 2nd Ukraine Front is blocked by the German South Ukraine Army Group, with 27 divisions and brigades in Transylvania. Palau Islands - At 8:30 am the US 1st Marine Division (1st, 5th and 7th Regiments) lands on the southwest coast of Peleliu Island. Japanese resistance is minimal at the start of the landing but becomes more intense as the Marines proceed inland, and is extremely heavy on the flanks. At the end of the day the beachhead extends 1.5 miles from north to south, but is only a few hundred yards deep. Over 30,000 crack Japanese troops are defending the Palau Islands. Peleliu has been strongly fortified, with over 500 strongpoints in caves connected by tunnels. Moluccan Island - At 8:30 am the US 31st Division lands on the southwest corner of Morotai Island, on the Gila peninsula. There is little opposition from the Japanese, but the terrain is terrible. The entire peninsula is occupied by the end of the day. China/Burma - Chiang Kai-Shek threatens to withdraw his troops from the Salween front if the Chinese and US forces in the Myitkyina sector do not carry out an offensive in the south within a week. In Burma, the 5th Indian Division continues to advance on Tiddim, establishing a bridgehead across the river Manipur near Tuitum. Arctic - A force of 28 British Lancaster bombers from a Russian base is sent to attack the Tirpitz in the anchorage at Altafiord. Special 12,000 pound bombs are used but only one hit is obtained on the Tirpitz's bow because of a very effective smoke screen. Foreign Affairs --------------- Marshal Petain Ordered Arrested - In Paris, Francois de Menthon, the Justice Commissioner has ordered the arrest of Marshal Petain and all the members of the Vichy Cabinet because of their alleged collaboration with the Germans. Twenty-seven Vichy officials are already under arrest. The Homefront ------------- Army Promotions Confirmed - The Senate has confirmed the promotion of Lt. Gen. Omar N. Bradley to the permanent rank of major general. Pearl Harbor Board Leaves Hawaii - The Naval board of inquiry into the Pearl Harbor attack has arrived in San Francisco from Hawaii and opens hearings. 29 Killed in Train Wreck - Twenty-nine persons have been killed and 65 injured in the collision of two Chicago and Eastern Illinois passenger trains near Terre Haute, Ind. Many of the dead were overseas Army Air Force men enroute to a Florida redistribution center after furloughs. ============================================================================= On 16-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - Hitler outlines his plans for an offensive in the Ardennes to his generals. Eastern Front - The Leningrad Front and the three Baltic Fronts open a new offensive towards the Baltic in the direction of Tallinn in Estonia and Riga in Lithuania. In Bulgaria, the 3rd Ukraine Front enters Sofia. Fighting continues between the South Ukraine Army Group and the 2nd Ukraine Front. Palau Islands - On Peleliu, the 7th Marine Regiment occupies the south point of the island and begins mopping up. The beachhead now reaches a depth of 1.25 miles, despite heavy resistance by the Japanese. The island's airfield is captured by the 5th Marines. Morotai - The 31st Division extends its beachhead by about 4 miles. The Japanese begin a series of not very powerful air raids. The Homefront ------------- Ration Values Increased - Sharp increases in the point values for processed foods are ordered on the Sept. 17 ration list. In most cases the values are approximately doubled. ============================================================================= On 17-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - Operation Market Garden is launched, the landing of Allied parachute and airborne troops in Holland, near Arnhem, Nijmegen and Eindhoven. The objective is the penetration into the Ruhr basin. The 1st Airborne Army is assigned the operation. The British 1st Airborne Division is to be dropped or landed on Arnhem with the task of capturing the bridges over the lower Rhine. The US 101st Airborne Division will attack north of Eindhoven and the US 82nd Airborne Division near Grave, south of Nijmegen. If successful, the operation will create a corridor along the line Eindhoven-Nijmegen-Arnhem and will allow the XXX Corps (British 2nd Army) to advance north from Belgium into the heart of Holland. The US 101st Division lands without trouble and occupies Eindhoven. They take the bridges over the Wilhelmina and Zuiter Willemsvaart canals. The 82nd captures the bridge over the Meuse at Grave, but fail to capture the bridge at Nijmegen, due to a heavy German counter-attack. The British find the road to Arnhem blocked by very strong German resistance. Only the 2nd Battalion manages to reach the bridge over the Rhine. They are halted there and cut off. In other sectors, the Canadian 3rd Division launches an attack against Boulogne. Italian Front - The US IV Corps launches an attack on the left flank. Peliliu - During the night a Japanese counter-attack on the north end of the beachhead is replused by mortar fire and fire from ships. With the south of the island captured, the 1st and 5th Marines mount attacks from the southwest and southeast on the southern parts of Mount Umurbrogol which is heavily fortified. They are halted with heavy losses after taking only one or two pill-boxes. The heavy guns of the battleship Mississippi is called into action against the Japanese positions with good success. The 8th Infantry Division lands on Anguar Island against weak Japanese resistance. Morotai - The US 31st Division begins mopping up the island. Burma - The 5th Indian Division captures Tuitum. Foreign Affairs --------------- London Blackout Ends - British blackout restrictions are relaxed. In London, this has little effect because street lights were already being allowed to be used. Also, due to a lack of textile materials most homes continue to use the heavy blackout curtains. The Homefront ------------- Congressmen Can't Get To France - Eight US Congressmen have held a protest meeting in London with General Eisenhower because of delays in obtaining Army permission for them to visit French battle areas. They request that matters be expedited. Eisenhower says arrangements will be made for their immeditate visit "to see whatever they wish to see." Destroyer Reported Lost In Hurricane - The Navy has reported that the destroyer Warrington and two Coast Guard cutters were lost in the hurricance on the 14th. Football - Green Bay 14, Brooklyn 7. ============================================================================= On 18-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - Operation Market Garden continues. The British XXX Corps joins up with the US 101st Airborne at Eindhoven and Veghel. Further north, both of the other airborne divisions (US 82nd and British 1st) are fighting fiercely to maintain their positions. The Germans send every man they can raise into the line including a battalion of wounded. Eastern Front - In the only major attempt to drop supplies allowed by the Russians, 1284 containers are dropped to the AK by a force of B-17 bombers. Only 228 fall in Polish held territory however. Peleliu - The Marines attack the Japanese positions on Mount Umurbrogol. They make very little progress and suffer very heavy losses. Angaur - The US Infantry advance to the center of the island. In some sectors they are mistakenly attacked by their own aircraft. The Homefront ------------- House Asked To Probe Pearl Harbor - Rep. Forest Harness, R. Ind. has introduced a resolution to authorize a special committee to investigate responsibility for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Harness says "if the President is not responsible for this disaster he should be promptly cleared ... before the American people are called upon to pass judgement on his fitness for reelection." ============================================================================= On 19-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The British XXX Corps joins up with the US 82nd Airborne who have captured the bridge over the Meuse at Grave. All British efforts to break through the German defences at Arnhem fail. In Brittany, the German defences finally fall and Brest is captured by the 8th Division. Eastern Front - Heavy fighting is taking place between the 2nd Ukraine Front and the North Ukraine Army Group. The 3rd Baltic Front captures Valga in Estonia. Peleliu - Bitter fighting rages on Mount Umurbrogol. The 1st and 7th Marines are pinned down by the Japanese. Angau - Stubborn resistance is being put up by the small Japanese garrision. Morotai - The enormous superiority of MacArthur's 7th Amphibious Force (28,000 men) gives the US an easy victory over the small Japanese garrision manning this little island. ============================================================================= On 20-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - Operation Market Garden continues. A combined attack by the British XXX Corps and the 82nd Airborne results in the capture of Nijmegan and the bridge over the Waal before it can be destroyed by the Germans. The British troops in Arnhem are driven away from the north end of the bridge despite a desparate fight. In other action, Polish troops of the Canadian 1st Army make gains along the Scheldt estuary. The US 3rd Army takes Chatel and Luneville. Italian Front - The 4th Indian Division enters San Marino. Peleliu - The Marines are still be held up by heavy Japanese resistance. Angaur - Japanese resistance is dying out on Angaur. The few remaining Japanese take refuge in the northwest of the island. The Homefront ------------- Cruiser Launched - The light cruiser Portsmouth, of the Cleveland class, has been launched at Newport News, Va. ============================================================================= On 21-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The British troops defending the bridge in Arnhem are overwhelmed. A defensive parameter is formed by the rest of the British 1st Airborne Division on the north bank of the Rhine, west of Oosterbeek. A Polish Parachute Brigade is dropped two miles south of this position on the opposite side of the river. The British XXX Corps continues to attack from Nijmegen northwards but make very little progress. Italian Front - The Canadians of the I Corps and the Greek 3rd Moutain Brigade enter Rimini. Peleliu - The Marines face a stalemate in the face of the very powerful Japanese defence from the caves of Mount Umurbrogol. Philippines - Twelve aircraft carriers of TF 38, commanded by Vice-Admiral Marc Mitscher, begin three days of heavy attacks on Japanese airfields and shipping on Luzon and the islands in the Visaya Sea. One Japanese destroyer, one tanker and seven other ships are sunk. Since August 31, TF 38 has destroyed at least 1,000 Japanese aircraft and sunk 150 ships of all types. TF 38 has lost 72 aircraft including 18 accidents. The Homefront ------------- Navy Growth - Secretary of the Navy James V. Forrestal says the Navy now has more than 1,500,000 officers and men serving overseas and afloat. General Roosevelt Honored - Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt has been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Roosevelt died of a heart attack in France. Cards Clinch Pinnant - The St. Louis Cardinals have clinched their eighth National League pinnant and their third in a row by defeating the Braves in Boston, 5-4 and 6-5. ============================================================================= On 22-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The advance of the British XXX Corps is slowed down by German resistance. Elst, five miles north of Nijmegen is captured. The Polish paratroopers joined by the British 43rd Division try to reach the Rhine to help the British airborne troops still cut off on the north bank. The German garrison at Boulogne surrenders to the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division (II Corps). Eastern Front - The Leningrad Front captures Tallinn, capital of Estonia. In Rumania, the Russian advance reaches Arad. Italian Front - The entire 5th Army is now past the Gothic line. Only one small strip on the Tyrrhenian coast remains in German hands; the area between Leghorn and La Speczia. Peleliu - The 321st Infantry Regiment (81st Division) replaces the 1st Marines exhausted by the fighting on Mount Umurbrogol. The Japanese defences are still holding strong. Angaur - The 323rd Infantry Regiment (81st Division) presses on into the Lake Salome area, but withdraw at nightfall. Ulithi - A regiment from the (81st Division) lands on Ulithi. The Homefront ------------- Roosevelt Will Not Act On Pearl Harbor - President Roosevelt has announced that he will not attempt to have Rear Adm. Husband E. Kimmel and Maj. Gen. Walter C. Short courtmartialed in the Pearl Harbor investigation before the election, pointing out that Army and Navy boards are still conducting investigations. French Embassy Reopened - The French Embassy is reopened by Henri Hoppenot, chief of the de Gaullist delegation. This does not constitute resumption of diplomatic relations between the US and France. ============================================================================= On 23-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The battles in the Arnhem area continue with no real change on either side. Canadian units cross the Escaut canal in the beginning of their offensive to clear the north bank of the Scheldt. Eastern Front - Troops of the 3rd Baltic Front reach the Gulf of Riga at Parnu, in southern Estonia. In Rumania, the Russian troops push on beyond Arad to the Hungarian frontier. Italian Front - 5th Army's attacks north of Florence clear the Futa Pass through the Appenines. Greece - British commandos parachute on to Araxos to occupy the local airfield. From here the Allies will be able to strike at the Germans as they retreat from Greece Peleliu - The 321st Infantry Regiment advances along the west coast as far as the village of Garekoru. Efforts to advance against the Japanese resistance on Mount Umurbrogol continue to fail. Angaur - Another raid by the 322nd Infantry into the Lake Salome area takes place. Once again they withdraw in the evening. Burma/China - On the Salween front, the Japanese dispatch a column with supplies for the garrison at Pingka, which the Chinese are attacking. The Homefront ------------- College Football Scores - Arkansas 7, Missouri 6; Duke 61, Richmond 7; Michigan 14, Marquette 0; NC State 27, Milligan 7 (go Wolfpack); Pittsburgh 26, Virginia 14; UCLA 13, Southern Cal. 13; Wake Forest 7, North Carolina 0; Illinois 26, Indiana 18; Kentucky 27, Mississippi 7. ============================================================================= On 24-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - XXX Corps advance reaches the south bank of the Rhine west of Arnhem. North of the bank the British 1st Airborne are still holding out despite heavy casualties. The Canadian 2nd Division (I Corps) establishes a bridgehead over the Antwerp-Turnhout canal. Eastern Front - The 2nd Ukraine Front succeeds in repelling the 27 German and Hungarian division and brigades holding them up in the Cluj area, in northern Rumania. Rumania is now almost completely in Russian hands. Peleliu - After an air and ship bombardment, the 321st Infantry advances beyond Garekoru. Attempts by Infantry and Marines to advance on Mount Umurbrogol from the read is frustrated by a powerful Japanese counter-attack. Angaur - The Americans invite the Japanese still holding out in the Lake Salome area to surrender, but only two men come forward. The artillery then begins a heavy bombardment which lasts throughout the day. Burma - The British 36th Division, advancing cautiously southwards in the area of Namma, runs into a heavy Japanese force and is stopped. The Homefront ------------- Pro Football Scores - Green Bay 42, Chicago Bears 28; Cleveland 30, Chicago-Pittsburgh 28. ============================================================================= On 25-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The Canadian 3rd Division attacks Calais where the German garrison still holds out. Operation Market Garden ends in failure. It is decided to evacuate as many as possible of the surviving British 1st Airborne paratroopers across the Rhine in small boats. During the night 2,400 of the 10,000 landed get away. About 1,100 have been killed and 6,400 take prisoner. Eastern Front - The Russians capture the Baltic port of Haapsalu in Estonia. Peleliu - The 7th Marines and 321st Infantry attack on the left flank in an attempt to dislodge the Japanese from the northwest part of the island. The 5th Marines also attack on the right flank. Angaur - Finding that their raids and shelling have been ineffective in the Lake Salome area, the 322nd Infantry begin to build a road so that they can get to the Japanese from the northeast. The Homefront ------------- Roosevelt's Record Called "Desperately Bad" - In a speech in Oklahoma City, Gov. Thomas E. Dewey accuses President Roosevelt of "frivolous, mudslinging tactics ... ridicule, demagogy and wisecracks" to cover "a desperately bad record" for which America has had to pay a very high price. To back up charges that the United States was militarily unprepared before Pearl Harbor he quotes public statements of Gen. George C. Marshall, Gen. H.H. Arnold and Sen. Harry S. Truman and says Truman attributed the failure at Pearl Harbor to a "lack of courageous, unified leadership and centralized direction at the top." Alleged Spy Arrested - FBI agents in New York have arrested Laurent Brackx, a native of the Netherlands, on charges of acting as a spy for Italy to obtain US radar secrets. Harvard To Admit Women - The Harvard University Medical School has announced that women will be accepted as students beginning in the Fall of 1945. ============================================================================= On 26-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The Allied offensive in Belgium and Holland continues. As the advance of the XXX Corps to the Rhine is consolidated Turnhout and Oss are taken. Italian Front - The 8th Army crosses the Rubicon River as their advance continues. Peleliu - The Marines reach the point at which the western and eatern roads meet at the foot of Mount Amiangal in the north of the island. Special units with flame-throwers and tanks attack the Japanese positions towards the south, blocking pill-boxes with earth and stones and directing flames through the slots. By evening Hill 120 is in US hands. Angaur - The 322nd Infantry succeeds in making a small advance into the northern part of the Lake Salome basin. ============================================================================= On 27-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The US XX Corps (3rd Army) begins to attack the German defenses at Metz. Eastern Front - The German Army Group North is pushed back into a defensive perimeter around Riga by the Leningrad Front and Baltic Front. The Germans still retain a narrow corridor back into East Prussia. German resistance grows stronger west of the Carpathians, north of Cluj. Peleliu - The 321st Infantry, supported by the 7th Marines, attack the Japanese on Mount Umurbrogol. Units of the 5th Marines mop up on Mount Amiangal. Angaur - The 322nd Infantry begins mopping up in the Lake Salome area. The Homefront ------------- Assault Craft Given Priority - Navy Secretary James V. Forrestal says that top priority has been given to the production of assault transports and landing ships for use against Japan. The Navy needs five of the ships every two days. An Office of War Information report warns that military and civilian experts predict that it will take 1.5 to 2 years after the defeat of Germany to defeat Japan. FBI Seizes 24 - The FBI has taken 24 more alleged members of the Nazi Party into custody. ============================================================================= On 28-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The Canadian 3rd Division penetrates the defences of Calais. Eastern Front - The Russian 57th Army moves from Vidin in Bulgaria into Yugoslavia. Peleliu - The 5th Marines land on the islet of Ngesebus and Kongauru and begin to clear them of the Japanese. On Peleliu itself, a war of attrition starts against the Japanese positions in the central northern area of the island. Angaur - Mopping up continues in the Lake Salome area. The Homefront ------------- Navy Women's Bill Signed - President Roosevelt has signed a bill permitting the women's reserve of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines to serve anywhere in the western hemisphere. Train Wreck - Eight people have been killed when a Chicago & Northwestern passenger train and a freight train crash on the outskirts of Missouri Valley, Iowa. ============================================================================= On 29-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Eastern Front - Units of the Russian Eighth Army land on Muhu Island in the Baltic. Italian Front - Two German SS regiments begin reprisals against the Italian resistance at Marzabotto, in the foothills of the Arpennines. Within a couple of days the Germans kill 1,836 civilians. Peleliu - The 7th Marines are replaced by units of the 321st Infantry in the attack on Mount Umurbrogol. Angaur - The Japanese are forced out of the center of the Lake Salome area. They are pushed to the extreme nothwest of the island. Burma/China - Construction of a road between Myitkyina, Teng-chung and Kumming is begun. ============================================================================= On 30-SEP-1944, the following occurred - World War II - The Battlefronts ------------------------------- Western Front - The Canadian 3rd Division captures Calais. The Polish 1st Division captures Merxplas, northwest of Turnhout. The Germans forge a powerful counter-attack against the US XII Corps (3rd Army), trying to recapture the forest of Gremlecey. The counter-attack is contained with the help of the US 6th Armoured Division. Eastern Front - The 47th Army of the 3rd Ukraine Front crosses the Danube in force upstream of Turnu Severin. Peleliu - RADM Fort, newly appointed commander of the western Carolines sector, officially announces the capture of Peleliu, Angaur, Ngesebus and Kongauru. In fact, operations against pockets of Japanese resistance will continue for a long time. The Homefront ------------- Navy's Hurricane Dead - The Navy has announced in Norfolk that it lost 344 men dead in the destruction of five ships in the Sept. 14 hurricane. Top Films For September - "Arsenic and Old Lace" featuring Cary Grant and Raymond Massey, "Double Indemnity" featuring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray and Edward G. Robinson and "The Seventh Cross" featuring Spencer Tracy. Mickey Rooney Weds - Pvt. Mickey Rooney has married Betty Jane Rase in Birmingham, Alabama. His first wife Ava Gardner divorced him in Sept. 1943. =============================================================================