Today in World War II History—May 11, 1940 & 1945
Belgian girls give flowers to British troops riding a Norton motorcycle combination in Herseaux, as the BEF crosses the border into Belgium, 10 May 1940 (Imperial War Museum: F 4344)
80 Years Ago—May 11, 1940: Germans complete occupation of Luxembourg.
British & French armies join Belgians on River Dyle in Belgium.
Switzerland mobilizes its army, while Swiss citizens living on the German border flee.
British & French land in Dutch West Indies (Aruba & Curaçao) to protect oil installations; US President Roosevelt states these actions do not violate the Monroe Doctrine.
1940 New York World’s Fair opens with theme “The World of Tomorrow.”
Poster for 1940 World’s Fair, New York City
75 Years Ago—May 11, 1945: Australians launch offensive on Wewak, the last Japanese stronghold on New Guinea, taking Wewak, its airfield, and the last Japanese port in New Guinea.
US Tenth Army and Marines launch offensive on Shuri Line of Okinawa.
