Today in World War II History—September 1, 1939 and 1944
German troops removing the Polish emblem from the wall of a post office in Danzig, 1 Sep 1939 (German Federal Archive, Bild 183-H27915, Photographer: Hans Sönnke)
Today is the 80th anniversary of the start of World War II. I will be adding “80 Years Ago” to my “75 Years Ago” posts. I hope you find them informative.
80 Years Ago—September 1, 1939: World War II begins when Germany invades Poland with 52 divisions, German Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers hit bridges over the Vistula, and German battleship Schleswig-Holstein bombards Polish naval base at Westerplatte.
George C. Marshall is named US Army Chief of Staff and is promoted to full general.
Map of the western front in Europe, 1 September 1944 (US Army)
75 Years Ago—Sept. 1, 1944: Patton’s US Third Army offensive temporarily slows due to gasoline shortage.
German Army Group F begins withdrawal from Greece.
Movie premiere of Arsenic and Old Lace, starring Cary Grant and Priscilla Lane.
Thank you for these posts! They’re great!
Who knew that General Marshall was named Army Chief of Staff on the same day that World War II started?!
Thanks for visiting, Alan! I’m glad you found that interesting – I did too!