Today in World War II History—July 2, 1941
Thursday, July 2, 2026 by Sarah Sundin
Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Air Force recruiting poster, 1941
85 Years Ago—July 2, 1941: Japanese army orders draft of 1 million men.
Canadian Women’s Auxiliary Air Force is established, the first women’s military service in North America, under Flight Officer Kathleen Oonah Walker; 17,000 women will serve, with 30 deaths (renamed RCAF Women’s Division in February 1942).
Noël Coward’s play Blithe Spirit premieres in London.
US movie release of Sergeant York, starring Gary Cooper.
Theatrical release poster for the 1941 film Sergeant York (public domain via Vitagraph, Inc. via Wikipedia)
