Today in World War II History—June 21, 1940 & 1945
Canadian poster, WWII
85 Years Ago—June 21, 1940: Polish government-in-exile arrives in London from France.
Canada introduces military conscription, but overseas service is voluntary.
First successful west-east navigation of the Northwest Passage begins at Vancouver, BC.
Lawyer and future president Richard Nixon marries teacher Pat Ryan at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA.
US Marines and US Army soldiers celebrating the capture of Hill 89, Okinawa, Japan, 27 Jun 1945; the hill was captured by US 7th Inf Div on 21 Jun 1945. (US Marine Corps photo)
80 Years Ago—June 21, 1945: US Rangers link with Filipino guerrillas in Aparri, Luzon, in the Philippines.
US Tenth Army takes Hill 89, the last Japanese stronghold on Okinawa.
Trial of the Sixteen: Soviets convict twelve of sixteen leaders of Polish Underground State (anti-German) of collaborating with Germany; three will die in prison.
