World War 2 Events of 1940 - (January 1st - December 31st, 1940) Timeline detailing the events of World War 2 Events of 1940 in day-by-day format.
World War 2 Events of 1940: British soldiers take aim along the line.
1940 took a turn for the worse for the Allies as the Axis powers made gains across fronts in Europe, Africa, and Asia. 1940 proved itself a disastrous year for the Allies as major defeats mounted. The Low Countries were lost as was Norway and, ultimately France. There stood little in the way of Germany directly assaulting the British mainland and this, of course, arrived with the Battle of Britain. Much-needed victories were had by the brave men and women who fought the good fight in this tumultuous year of an ever-expanding war. ©www.SecondWorldWarHistory.com
There are a total of (198) World War 2 Events of 1940 events in the SecondWorldWarHistory.com database. Entries are listed below by date-of-occurrence ascending (first-to-last). Other leading and trailing events are also included for perspective.
January 1st
Only 21 operational boats make up the German U-boat fleet at this time.
1940
January 2nd
A new Soviet offensive on the Karelian isthmus fails.
1940
January 7th
1940
January 10th
1940
January 14th
1940
January 28th
Stalin appoints a new commander to oversee the Winter War - General Semyon Timoshenko.
A German plane carrying two officers and the German invasion plans of Western Europe scheduled for January 17th mistakenly lands in Belgium. This forces Hitler to push the invasion back.
A new government is formed in Japan under Admiral Mitsumasa Yonai following the resignation of PM Nobuyuki Abe.
Finnish ground forces recover territory from the Soviet 54th Division at Kuhmo.
1940
February 1st
1940
February 5th
1940
February 11th -
The Soviets enact a new offensive against Finnish positions along the Mannerheim Line, beginning with artillery attack accounting for some 300,000 shells.
The Allied Supreme War Council agrees to come to the aid of Finland and Norway - if only to protect valuable Swedish ore from falling to the Germans.
The Soviet Army breaks through the defenses at the Mannerheim Line at Summa. Finnish Army units retreat.
February 17th
1940
February 16th
1940
February 23rd
1940
February 24th
1940
March 5th
HMS Cossack, a Royal Navy destroyer, moves into neutral Norwegian waters to claim its merchant men from the German ship Altmark. Germany and Norway both protest the action.
The Soviet government delivers terms of surrender to the Finnish government, claiming the Karelian isthmus and Lake Lagoda as their own. The Finns are required to defend the Soviet Union from the north if the empire is attacked.
Following General von Manstein's recommendation, the German invasion plans of Western Europe are revised to send armored forces through the "impassable" Ardennes Forest.
Finland responds to the Soviet surrender overture with negotiations.
1940
March 11th
1940
March 12th
1940
March 20th
The Finns agree to the Treaty of Moscow with the Soviets. 10 percent of Finnish territory is ceded to the invaders at the cost of 25,000 Finns to 200,000 Soviets.
After months of fighting and countless lives lost on both sides, the Finnish government officially accepts the surrender terms of the Russian proposal in an internal vote numbering 145 to 3.
French PM Daladier resigns his post after the failure to save Finland.
1940
March 21st
Paul Reynaud succeeds Edouard Daladier as France's Prime Minister.
1940
March 28th
1940
April 8th
The governments of France and Britain agree to not make any secret peace treaties with the Germans and remain a unified front.
HMS Glowworm intercepts a portion of the German invasion fleet headed to Norway.
1940
April 9th
Norwegian coastal guns sink the German cruiser Blucher with 1,600 lives being lost.
1940
April 9th
Norwegian royalty and its government flee northward from the invasion.
1940
April 9th
1940
April 9th
HMS Rodney, a British battlecruiser, engages the German warships KMS Gneisenau and KMS Scharnhorst.
The German invasion force strikes Norway and Denmark.
1940
April 10th
1940
April 10th
1940
April 12th
1940
April 13th
Five British destroyers surprise a German force of ten destroyers near Narvik. Nine German cargo ships are lost as well as two destroyers. The British also lose a pair of destroyers in the action.
KMS Konigsberg, a German light cruiser, becomes the first warship sunk by dive bombing at Bergen.
British aerial bombing of KMS Admiral Hipper, KMS Gneisenau, and KMS Scharnhorst fail to net the needed results.
The Second Battle of Narvik nets the British eight German destroyers and a submarine.
1940
April 14th
1940
April 20th - April
An Allied rescue force made up of British, Polish, and French begin arriving at Namsos, Alesund, and Narvik.
The German defense at Trondheim holds and prepares for reinforcements.
30th
1940
April 24th
1940
May 1st - May 2nd
Allied naval guns open up on German positions at Narvik in preparation for a ground assault.
Allied forces abandon their missions at Namsos and Andalsnes.
1940
May 2nd
German forces arrive at Andalsnas.
1940
May 3rd
1940
May 5th
Duringan evacuation operation, the French destroyer Bison and the British destroyer Afridi are sunk by air attack.
French and Polish forces land at Tromso and Harstad.
1940
May 8th
1940
May 10th
General Semyon Timoshenko succeeds Marshal Kliment Voroshilov as Commissar for Defense.
British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain resigns.
1940
May 10th
1940
May 10th
89 German paratroopers land and take the Belgium fortress of Eben Emael with its garrison of 2,000 soldiers.
German paratroopers land in The Hague and Rotterdam.
1940
May 10th
1940
May 11th
1940
May 13th
German airborne elements land across Belgium and Holland in advance of ground forces, capturing key bridges and routes.
British and French army forces begin defensive preparations in Belgium in an effort to stave off the German advance. A long line of strategic defenses is contructed.
Norwegian forces move on Narvik.
1940
May 13th
French forces land at Bjerkvik.
1940
May 14th
1940
May 14th
1940
May 15th
1940
May 15th
1940
May 15th
Panzer Corps XV and XIX break through the Allied defenses at Sedan, allowing German forces to completely bypass the formidable defenses at the French Maginot Line.
Facing light opposition, German Panzer Corps XV, XLI and XIX are free to set up three key bridge-heads covering Dinant, Montherme and Sedan.
After periods of heavy bombing all across Rotterdam, the Dutch surrender to the Germans.
The RAF sends up its first night-time bombing raid against Germany. Of the 99 aircraft sent, only one fails to return home.
German Panzer Corps cross into the north of France.
1940
May 17th
The British lose HMS Effingham when it runs aground near Narvik.
1940
May 17th - May
Allied forces are in full retreat of the Germans, making their way towards the French coastline.
18th
1940
May 17th - May
Brussels falls to the German Army.
18th
1940
May 17th - May
Antwerp falls to the German Army.
18th
1940
May 20th
1940
May 20th
1940
May 21st
Compounding battlefield losses across France and the Low Countries force a change at the helm - General Maxime Weygand replaces General Maurice-Gustave Gamelin as supreme Allied commander.
Sensing a catastrophic loss in the making, Winston Churchill orders preparation of vessels to evacuate the British Expeditionary Forces from northern France.
The Allies are able to make some gains near Narvik.
1940
May 21st
1940
May 24th
1940
May 24th
1940
May 25th
An Allied counterattack against the German Army near Arras ends in failure as the attack is itself countered by another advancing German land force.
In a stunning move, Hitler orders his forces not to cross the Lens-Bethune-St OmerGravelines line, allowing the retreating Allied forces more time to reach the French coast.
German Luftwaffe bombers hammer Allied defensive positions in and around the French port city of Dunkirk.
The German Army takes Boulogne.
1940
May 25th
More and more retreating Allied units arrive at the French port city of Dunkirk.
1940
May 26th
The British lose HMS Curlew in an attack from the air.
1940
May 26th
1940
May 26th
Operation Dynamo - the all-out evacuation of Allied forces from Dunkirk - officially begins at 6:57 PM.
Hitler orders his army forces towards Dunkirk for the final blow to the Allied cause.
1940
May 26th
1940
May 27th
Over 850 British civilian vessels take part in assisting military forces off of French soil to awaiting transports in what would become the largest military evacuation in history.
The Allies enter Narvik.
1940
May 27th
German warplanes destroyer the city of Bodo.
1940
May 28th
By the end of this day, some 25,473 British soldiers have been evacuated from France.
1940
May 28th
Belgium falls to Germany in just 18 days.
1940
May 28th
1940
May 28th
1940
May 28th
1940
May 29th
With the fight gone out of them, the Belgian Army surrenders to the German 6th and 18th armies. Their actions, however, supply the evacuating Allies with much-needed time.
With Belgium out of the way, German Army elements begin making their way towards the French coastline in an attempt to completely eliminate Allied forces for good.
King Leopold of Belgium orders his army to surrender to the Germans. By this time, his government has already relocated to Paris, France.
Another 47,000 British troops are evacuated from Dunkirk.
1940
May 30th
1940
May 31st
6,000 French soldiers join some 120,000 total Allied soldiers evacuated from Dunkirk on this day.
Over 150,000 Allied soldiers (including some 15,000 French) arrive in Britain.
1940
May 31st
British forces at Bodo evacuate.
1940
May 31st
1940
June 1st
The U.S. government commits millions to a new defense program aimed at modernizing and strengthening the current force.
Defense of the outlying region near Dunkirk now passes to French XVI Corps.
1940
June 1st - August 12th
German Luftwaffe forces concentrate efforts on maintaining control over the vital shipping lanes of the North Sea. At least 30,000 merchant ships are destroyed during this period.
1940
June 1st
1940
June 4th
The British and French governments notify the Norwegian government of their plans to evacuate.
Allied forces at Harstad begin their evacuation of the area.
1940
June 4th
Some 40,000 French soldiers are taken prisoner by Germany at the fall of Dunkirk.
1940
June 4th
German Luftwaffe bombers cease bombardment of Dunkirk.
1940
June 4th
1940
June 7th
1940
June 8th
Operation Dynamo - the evacuation of Allied forces at Dunkirk - officially ends. 338,326 total soldiers are saved including 113,000 French troops.
The Norwegian government joins several other powers as a government-in-exile. Its officials board HMS Devonshire for their escape.
The Germans enact Operation Juno to relieve its forces at Narvik.
1940
June 8th
HMS Glorious is sunk by KMS Scharnhorst and KMS Gneisenau.
1940
June 9th
The Norwegian military is ordered to surrender.
1940
June 10th
The invasion of Norway is complete, the victory going to the Germans.
1940
June 10th
Canada declares war on Italy.
1940
June 11th
South Africa declares war on Italy.
1940
June 11th
Australia declares war on Italy.
1940
June 11th
New Zealand declares war on Italy.
1940
June 13th
War goods begin leaving U.S. shores bound for Britain.
1940
June 13th
1940
June 17th
1940
June 20th
U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt signs a $1.3 billion dollar commitment to modernize the United States Navy fleet in preparation for possible war.
French Marshal Henri-Philippe Petain, having replaced outsted Prime Minister Paul Reynaud, ask Germany for armistice terms.
Republican Frank Knox is appointed Secretary for the Navy by President Roosevelt.
1940
June 20th
Republican Henry Stimson is appointed Secretary for War by President Roosevelt.
1940
June 24th
1940
June 26th
1940
July 6th
The formal signing of the French surrender takes place at Compiegne - site of the original German surrender of World War 1.
The Romanian government agrees to allow Soviets into Bessarabia and part of Bukovina.
German ships begin operating out of captured bases along the French coast.
1940
July 16th
1940
July 18th
1940
July 25th
1940
August 1st
1940
August 3rd
1940
August 5th
1940
August 12th
1940
August 13th
Hitler delivers Fuhrer Directive 17 as Operation Sea Lion - the land invasion of the British mainland to occur between September 19th and September 26th.
The British close down the Burma Road supply route to China in an effort to avoid war with Japan.
In an effort to disrupt the Japanese war economy, the U.S. government enacts a restrictive licensing program for its export of important steel and oil products.
Hitler reveals Directive Number 17 which calls for finalization of the invasion of Great Britain for September 15th.
Italian Army elements attack a small British force stationed in British Somaliland from positions in Ethiopia.
The initial German plans for the invasion of the Soviet Union are reviewed by German commanders.
The first attacks on RAF airfields and radar stations are conducted by German fighters and bombers. Germany intends on destroying RAF air supremacy before attempting its land invasion.
Andover is heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe.
1940
August 13th
Portland is heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe.
1940
August 13th
Southampton is heavily bombed by the German Luftwaffe.
1940
August 13th
1940
August 13th
1940
August 15th
1940
August 17th
1940
August 17th
1940
August 17th
1940
August 19th
1940
August 19th -
At least 40 total Luftwaffe aircraft are destroyed by the RAF and ground-based flak teams.
"Eagle Day" is enacted - a four day bombardment of key RAF airfields and radar installations. Poor weather initially delays the assault and any bombing thereafter produces mixed results.
74 Luftwaffe aircraft launched from bases in Denmark and Norway are lost on what will be remembered as "Black Thursday".
The RAF is forced to poach the ranks of Bomber Command in an effort to fill its dwindling supply of capable fighter pilots.
German U-boats are given the green light to attack any and all merchant vessels whether armed or not - in an attempt to stranglehold the British mainland into submission.
The German government declares a naval blockade of the British Isles freeing its forces to attack any and all targets in the region.
Underestimating overall RAF fighter strength, Luftwaffe commander Hermann Goering changes offensive tactics and orders his fighters to tempt RAF fighters to duke it out in the skies as opposed to bombing them while still on the ground.
Poor weather and overcast skies limit any major German bombing efforts over Britain.
August 24th
1940
August 24th -
Luftwaffe bombing resumes. During this period, RAF airfields are hammered with the loss of 200 fighters. However, losses for the Luftwaffe number some 330 aircraft.
August 31st
1940
August 26th
1940
September 1st September 30th
The first RAF attack on the German capital of Berlin takes place. Some 81 aircraft are part of the airborne raid.
Italian forces, led by Marshal Graziani invade Egypt. During the month, the Italian army sets up a series of six defensive positions south of occupied Sidi Barrani known simply as Nibeiwa, Tummar East, Tummar West, North Sofafi, East Sofafi and West Sofafi.
1940
September 2nd
1940
September 3rd
1940
September 7th
1940
September 7th
1940
September 15th
1940
September 15th
1940
September 15th
1940
September 16th
1940
September 17th
1940
September 17th
1940
September 20th
1940
September 21st
The British and American governments agree to a deal for the British to receive some 50 old USN destroyers.
Due to consistent Luftwaffe losses and inconclusive results across the entire campaign, Hitler postpones Operation Sea Lion to September 21st.
348 bombers and 617 fighters of the German Luftwaffe descend on the British capital city of London in a massive bombing raid.
In an effort to break the resolve of the British people, Hitler orders the bombing of London over the bombing of strategic RAF airfields and installations.
Two massive bombing raids are conducted against Britain. The German Luftwaffe sees some 300 total RAF fighters airborne, showcasing Goering's gross estimate of total RAF air power. 80 German aircraft are lost in total. This day would go on to become "Battle of Britain Day".
The Canadian government announces conscription of males between the ages of 21 and 24.
The Soviet government announces conscription of males between the ages of 19 and 20.
The German Luftwaffe redirects it sbombing campaign to now cover night-bombing of British cities.
The British government announces conscription of males between the ages of 21 and 35.
With the unexpected results of his campaign against Britain, Hitler officially postpones Operation Sea Lion indefinitely.
Massive convoys breed equal massive measures - German U-boats begin operating in 20-strong "Wolf Packs" with coordinated attacks.
Incumbent Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies wins reelection.
1940
September 22nd
Japanese forces enter French Indochina now being governed by French Vichy.
1940
September 23rd
1940
September 24th
A combined force of Free French and British personnel attempt to take Dakar of French West Africa but the invasion falters after several days.
Vichy French air elements launch unsuccessful attacks on British positions at Gibraltar.
1940
September 27th
1940
October 1st -
The Axis powers of Germany, Italy, and Japan strengthen their ties through the Tripartite Act which makes an enemy of an ally an enemy to all.
German BF 110 twin-engine nightfighters take advantage of the new Lichtenstein radar systems to track, target and engage RAF bombers.
October 30th
1940
October 7th
1940
October 9th
German forces cross onto Romanian soil to train the national military as a means to position themselves closer to the vital Ploesti oil fields.
Winston Churchill succeeds beleagured Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister.
1940
October 12th
Hitler is forced to postpone the British mainland invasion until the Spring of 1941.
1940
October 15th
Unknown to the Germans, the Italians decide on an operation to invade Greece.
1940
October 16th
The Dutch East Indies government and Japan agree to a six-months-long transfer of oil.
1940
October 18th -
An attack on two Allied convoys yields 36 sunken ships by the attacking German Uboats.
October 19th
1940
October 18th
1940
October 21st
1940
October 28th
The Vichy French government imposes anti-semitic laws upon the local Jewish population.
Operation Judgement - the Allied attack on the Italian naval base at Taranto - is postponed due to mechanical issues aboard the carrier HMS Eagle and a fire aboard the carrier HMS Illustrious.
An Italian force of 70,000 soldiers invades Greece.
1940
October 28th
The Italian government issues an ultimatum to Greece to accept occupation or war.
1940
October 28th
Italian forces begin launching attacks into Greece from positions in Albania.
1940
October 30th -
British forces begin to occupy positions on the island of Crete.
October 31st
1940
November 5th
Franklin Roosevelt is reelected to a third term as President of the United States.
1940
November 9th
A Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber is lost to engine failure.
1940
November 9th
The HMS Illustrious moves on Taranto.
1940
November 10th
1940
November 10th
The Italian invasion force is in full retreat, repelled by a combined Greek resistance and RAF effort after just two weeks.
An Italian bomber is downed in the fighting near Malta.
1940
November 10th
1940
November 10th
The British naval force moving against Taranto comes under attack from Italian aircraft near Malta.
Another Swordfish torpedo bomber is lost to mechnical failure.
1940
November 10th
1940
November 11th
Italian General Ubaldo Soddu succeeds General Sabasiano Viscounti-Prasca as Commander-in-Chief over operations from Albania into Greece.
Two signal aircraft attack the oil depot at Taranto but fail to produce much damage.
1940
November 11th
The Italian battleship Caio Duilio is struck at her bow by a Royal Navy torpedo.
1940
November 11th
1940
November 11th
1940
November 11th
1940
November 11th
1940
November 11th
1940
November 11th
At 11:14 PM, the Italian battleship Cavour is struck by a Royal Navy torpedo delivered via Swordfish L4A. L4A is later downed by anti-aircraft fire, though both crewmembers survive.
The Italian ship Littorio is struck by a torpedo along her starboard side. Swordfish L4M follows with another strike to the same side.
At 10:58 PM, signal aircraft lead the first wave over Taranto, marking torpedo targets as they pass.
At 10:00 PM, the first wave of Swordfish bombers is launched from HMS Illustrious, now stationed off of Cephalonia.
A third Royal Navy Swordfish aircraft is lost to engine malfunction. A bad batch of gasoline is centered on as the source of the Swordfish issues.
At 11:15 PM, the Italian vessel Doria is struck twice by torpedoes in her forward section.
1940
November 11th
Once again, the bombing wave is led by signal aircraft marking targets with flares.
1940
November 11th
1940
November 11th
A Swordfish torpedo meant for the Vittorio Veneto fails to reach its mark, exploding harmlessly on the sea floor.
The Libeccio is hit by a Royal Navy torpedo but the munition fails to explode.
1940
November 11th
At 11:35 PM, the second wave of Royal Navy torpedo-laden aircraft moves into position.
1940
November 12th
Swordfish L5F scored a direct hit via bomb on the Trento.
1940
November 12th
Swordfish E5H misses her mark against the Vittorio Veneto.
1940
November 12th
At 1:01 AM, The sinking Littorio is struck by another torpedo.
1940
November 12th
By 1:22 AM, the attack on Taranto harbor is officially over.
1940
November 12th
By 3:30 AM, all but two Swordfish aircraft are accounted for.
1940
November 12th
Swordfish E4H is downed by enemy anti-aircraft fire, killing her co-pilot.
1940
November 14th -
A combined British-Greek force begins an offensive against the Italians in Greece, forcing the invaders into retreat.
November 22nd
1940
November 18th
1940
November 20th
A Sunderland flying boat aircraft - fitted with new radar - locates its first German U-boat submarine.
The Hungarian government formally allys with the Axis powers.
1940
November 23rd
The Romanian government formally allys with the Acis powers.
1940
November 26th
1940
November 30th
The construction of a ghetto in the Polish capital of Warsaw is begun in an effort to corral the local Jewish populations.
Japan formally recognizes the puppet regime of China led by President Wang Ching-wei.
1940
December 6th
Italian Commander-in-Chief Marshal Pietro Badoglio tenders his resignation.
1940
December 6th December 8th
1940
December 8th -
The Western Desert Force in Egypt, under the command of Major-General Richard O'Connor, set up pre-assault positions. The force includes 36,000 total men from the 7th Armored Division, 4th Indian Division and the New Zealand Division. They set up their initial position southeast of the Italian fort at Nibeiwa.
Aircraft of the Royal Navy are put into action against Italian forces dug in at Maktila and Barrani. Bombers are sent in to soften targets for the initial ground assault.
December 9th
1940
December 9th
1940
December 9th
1940
December 9th
The British 7th Armored Division launches attacks on the Italian camps positioned near Sofafi and Rabia and makes its way toward the critical ocean-side road near Buqbug.
The British 7th Tank Regiment, along with the 4th Indian Division, attack Italian positions at Tummar West and Nibeiwa.
Operation Compass is officially launched.
1940
December 10th
The Italian camps at Tummar East fall to the Allies.
1940
December 10th
Italian forces stationed at Sidi Barrani are all but surrounded by the Allies.
1940
December 10th
Selby Force has removed the Italian 1st Libyan Division out of Maktila.
1940
December 10th
Selby Force sets its eyes on Sidi Barrani.
1940
December 10th
The Italian XXI Corps is in full retreat.
1940
December 10th
Some 38,000 Italian soldiers are taken prisoner by the Allies.
1940
December 11th
Royal Navy bombers begin attacks on Italian-held Sollum.
1940
December 11th
1940
December 16th
The Italian Catanzaro Division is captured, delivering another 30,000 Italian prisoners of war.
RAF bombers strike on Mannheim as revenge for the German air raids over Coventry.
1940
December 18th
1940
December 29th
1940
Hiter's Directive Number 21 is revealed as the invasion of the Soviet Union through Operation Barbarossa.
Roosevelt's Fireside Chat radio program attempts to strengthen American support for the war against the Axis through supporting the British effort.
1939 Invasion of Poland Battle of the River Plate Battle of the Atlantic Winter War
1940 Invasion of Norway Invasion of the Low Countries / France RAF Bombing Campaign Dunkirk Battle of Britain
Operation Compass (North Africa) Invasion of the Balkans Operation Judgement (Taranto)
1941 Gazala to Tobruk Sinking of the Bismarck Invasion of Crete Operation Barbarossa Soviet Offensive Arctic Convoys
Siege of Leningrad Battle of Sevastopol Pearl Harbor Japanese Expansion
1942 Battle of the Solomons Battle of Kharkov Battle of Coral Sea Battle of Midway Operation Blue Battle of El Alamein
Kokoda Track Campaign Operation Jubilee (Dieppe Raid) Battle of Stalingrad Battle of Guadalcanal Operation Torch (North Africa)
1943 Kasserine Pass (North Africa) Battle of Kursk Operation Husky (Sicily) Schweinfurt Raid Battle of Tarawa
1944 Monte Cassino Anzio Landings Big Week D-Day (Normandy) Great Marianas Turkey Shoot Operation Bagration
Normandy Breakout Warsaw Uprising Operation Market Garden Battle of the Bulge
1945 Push to the Oder River Fall of Berlin Battle of Okinawa
Of Note Statistics Quotes Pearl Harbor Speech War Posters
By Country All Events Australia Belgium British India Canada Japan Finland France Germany Greece
Italy Norway Poland Soviet Union United Kingdom United States
War Posters
Statistics
"Day of Infamy" Speech
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