Adolf Hitler in Paris, 1940, with Albert Speer (left) and Arno Breker (right
Overview of Key Events June 23, 1940, saw Adolf Hitler make a triumphal visit to Paris, cementing Germany’s victory in the Battle of France, just one day after the formal armistice was signed. This symbolic act underlined the dramatic shift in power in Europe.
Europe and Atlantic
Adolf Hitler made a surprise, triumphal visit to Paris, France, accompanied by architects Albert Speer and Hermann Giesler, sculptor Arno Breker and his photographer Heinrich Hoffmann. He toured key landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Opéra Garnier, and Les Invalides (Napoleon’s tomb), symbolizing the German conquest of France.
German forces continued to consolidate their positions across France as the British order every available ship to pick up anyone who could be carried and take them to Gibraltar in a last ditch effort to recover as many fighting men as possible. British evacuations would come to an end a few days later with 10,000 allied troops and civilians getting away in the last few days.
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
No specific major events were reported in the Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East on this date in the referenced timeline, following the cessation of hostilities with France.
Asia
No specific major events were reported in Asia on this date in the referenced timeline.
Pacific
No specific major events were reported in the Pacific on this date in the referenced timeline.
Outcomes: Hitler’s symbolic visit to Paris underscored Germany’s swift and decisive victory in the Battle of France.
Key Personalities
Adolf Hitler: German Führer, visiting newly occupied Paris.
Albert Speer: German architect, accompanying Hitler.
June 23, 1941
German troops moving an anti-tank gun to destroy Soviet fortifications, 1941
Overview of Key Events June 23, 1941, marked the second day of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union. German forces achieved rapid, deep advances and devastating encirclements, while the Soviet Union struggled to mount an effective defense. The initial mass killings by the Einsatzgruppen also began.
Europe and Atlantic
On the Eastern Front, Operation Barbarossa continued with overwhelming success for the German Wehrmacht.
German Panzer Group 3 (General Hermann Hoth), part of Army Group Centre, captured Vilnius, Lithuania, demonstrating the speed of the German advance. German forces execute 42 villagers in the village of Ablinga in Lithuania in a collective reprisal action.
German Panzer Group 2 (General Heinz Guderian), also part of Army Group Centre, reached the vicinity of Brest-Litovsk, surrounding the fortress there, which continued to hold out fiercely.
Large-scale Soviet encirclements began, with German forces rapidly trapping entire Red Army units, leading to massive captures of Soviet soldiers and equipment.
The Battle of Brody (also known as the Battle of Dubno, Lutsk, Brody) began in Ukraine, a massive early tank battle between German Panzer Groups and Soviet mechanized corps, which would rage for several days.
The Lithuanian Activist Front take control of Vilnius and declares independence from the Soviet Union and forms the Provisional Government of Lithuania. Lithuanian control would be short lived as the German occupation is just a few days away.
Hitler arrives at his East Prussian headquarters ‘Wolfsschanze’ or ‘Wolf’s Lair’. He will go on to spend 800 days here over the course of the war.
The Einsatzgruppen (German mobile killing squads) commenced their systematic mass murder operations immediately behind the advancing German lines. These initial killings targeted suspected Communists, Jews, and other groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime, following their explicit orders.
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
No specific major events were reported in the Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East on this date in the referenced timeline.
Asia
No specific major events were reported in Asia on this date in the referenced timeline.
Pacific
No specific major events were reported in the Pacific on this date in the referenced timeline.
Outcomes: Operation Barbarossa gained devastating momentum, achieving deep penetrations and destroying vast numbers of Soviet forces. The systematic extermination by the Einsatzgruppen began, marking the start of mass killings on the Eastern Front.
Key Personalities
General Heinz Guderian: Commander, German Panzer Group 2.
General Hermann Hoth: Commander, German Panzer Group 3.
Joseph Stalin: Soviet leader, whose orders for “scorched earth” were issued as a desperate measure.
June 23, 1942
Warsaw Jews being loaded on to the Death Trains, Warsaw, June 1942
Overview of Key Events On June 23, 1942, the focus shifted to the aftermath of the fall of Tobruk in North Africa, with Rommel’s Afrika Korps pressing its advantage towards Egypt. On the Eastern Front, the Siege of Sevastopol was in its final, brutal days, and the systematic extermination of Jewish communities continued with horrific intensity.
Europe and Atlantic
On the Eastern Front, the fierce Siege of Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula continued, with German Eleventh Army forces under General Erich von Manstein making decisive breakthroughs against the remaining Soviet defenses. The final collapse of the city’s defenses was imminent.
Holocaust-related events: The systematic extermination of Jewish communities continued. Today was the second day of ‘Rossaktion Warsaw’ in which the Germans began the mass deportation of the Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto. Thousands of Jews were rounded up using terror tactics and marched through the ghetto to the railway station for ‘resettlement in the East’. They were forced into death trains sent to Treblinka where they were murdered. Treblinka, 50 miles from Warsaw, had been completed a few weeks before as an extermination centre with gas chambers disguised as showers. The operation was directed in the capital by SS- und Polizeiführer Ferdinand von Sammern-Frankenegg, the commander of the Warsaw area since 1941.
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
In North Africa, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps, having captured Tobruk, continued its advance into Egypt. Their objective was to push towards Mersa Matruh and eventually the strategically vital El Alamein, aiming to destroy the remaining British Eighth Army forces and open the path to the Suez Canal.
Asia
No specific major events were reported in Asia on this date in the referenced timeline.
Pacific
No specific major events were reported in the Pacific on this date in the referenced timeline.
Outcomes: Rommel’s forces gained ground in North Africa, threatening Egypt. The Siege of Sevastopol neared its end, a major victory for the Germans. The Holocaust continued with horrific liquidations in Eastern Europe.
Key Personalities
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel: Commander, German Afrika Korps.
General Erich von Manstein: Commander, German Eleventh Army.
June 23, 1943
Soviet Sappers setting up barbed wire on the Central Front, June 1943
Overview of Key Events On June 23, 1943, both the Eastern Front and the Mediterranean continued to be characterized by intense preparations for massive upcoming operations. The colossal build-up for the Battle of Kursk neared its completion, while Allied forces in the Mediterranean finalized their plans for the invasion of Sicily.
Europe and Atlantic
On the Eastern Front, the immense preparations for the impending Battle of Kursk continued. Both the German Wehrmacht (planning Operation Citadel) and the Soviet Red Army were completing their enormous concentrations of armor, artillery, and infantry. Soviet forces were particularly focused on perfecting their deep defensive belts and anti-tank fortifications, awaiting the German offensive.
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Allied forces in North Africa and the Mediterranean continued their final detailed planning and logistical preparations for Operation Husky, the impending invasion of Sicily. This involved the movement of vast numbers of troops, equipment, and supplies to embarkation points, as well as final coordination meetings among senior commanders from the U.S. Seventh Army and British Eighth Army.
Asia
No specific major events were reported in Asia on this date in the referenced timeline.
Pacific
No specific major events were reported in the Pacific on this date in the referenced timeline.
Outcomes: Both the Eastern Front and the Mediterranean remained on the cusp of major, decisive military operations, with forces fully prepared for the coming clashes.
Key Personalities
General Dwight D. Eisenhower: Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater.
Marshal Georgy Zhukov: Soviet general, instrumental in planning the Soviet defense at Kursk.
June 23, 1944
US 2nd Armored Division troops enjoying a lull in the fighting, Normandy, 1944
Overview of Key Events June 23, 1944, saw Operation Bagration gain devastating momentum on the Eastern Front, rapidly destroying German forces. In Normandy, the Allied logistical challenges due to the Channel storm persisted, while fighting continued fiercely. The horrific deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz also continued unabated.
Europe and Atlantic
Operation Bagration, the massive Soviet summer offensive, continued its rapid and successful advance against German Army Group Centre on the Eastern Front. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Belorussian Fronts achieved significant breakthroughs, particularly in the sector of German 9th Army, and began to form a large pocket around Bobruisk. This led to the rapid collapse of large segments of the German front line.
Heavy fighting continued around Cherbourg on the Cotentin Peninsula as U.S. First Army forces pushed to capture the vital port city from determined German defenders. Meanwhile the British are preparing to launch Operation Epsom to attempt to seize Caen.
Germany continued its retaliatory V-1 flying bomb attacks on London and other targets in southeastern England, causing civilian casualties.
Holocaust-related events: The systematic mass deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz-Birkenau continued at an unprecedented rate. Trains arrived daily, carrying thousands of victims for immediate extermination as part of the Final Solution.
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
On the Italian Front, Allied forces of the 15th Army Group continued their pursuit of the retreating German Tenth Army as they withdrew towards the Gothic Line in northern Italy.
Asia
In China, Japanese forces continued their advance as part of Operation Ichi-Go, consolidating gains and pushing deeper into central and southern China.
In Burma, remnants of the Japanese 15th Army continued their disastrous retreat from the Kohima-Imphal offensive. The British 14th Army, under General William Slim, continued its pursuit, exploiting the Japanese collapse.
Pacific
The aftermath of the Battle of the Philippine Sea continued, with U.S. naval forces consolidating their gains and pursuing the remnants of the severely crippled Imperial Japanese Navy’s First Mobile Fleet.
On Saipan (Operation Forager), intense ground combat continued as U.S. V Amphibious Corps units pressed their advance against deeply entrenched and fiercely resisting Japanese 31st Army defenders.
Outcomes: Operation Bagration inflicted a devastating blow on German forces on the Eastern Front. The Channel storm significantly hampered Allied logistics in Normandy. Fighting continued on all fronts, and the Holocaust’s machinery continued its systematic extermination.
Key Personalities
Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky: Commander of the 1st Belorussian Front, leading a key part of Operation Bagration.
Lieutenant General Omar Bradley: Commander of the U.S. First Army in Normandy.
Adolf Eichmann: Senior SS official, central to Holocaust deportations.
June 23, 1945
NKVD troops with German Standards, Moscow, June 1945
Overview of Key Events On June 23, 1945, with victory in Europe secured, the global conflict’s focus remained on the Pacific and Asia. Allied forces continued their relentless push towards Japan in various theatres.
Europe and Atlantic
In Moscow, the Soviet Union is preparing for its first Victory Parade in Red Square, celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany which will take place tomorrow. This grand military parade showcased the might of the Red Army and marked a symbolic end to the war in Europe for the Soviets. It was the largest and longest military parade ever held in Red Square, featuring 40,000 Red Army soldiers and 1,850 military vehicles.
The process of occupation and reconstruction continued across Europe, with Allied Control Council establishing its authority in Germany and UNRRA continuing humanitarian efforts for Displaced Persons.
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
No specific major events were widely reported in the Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East on this date in the referenced timeline. The region was in a state of post-war stabilization.
Asia
In Borneo, the Australian 7th Division continued its final preparations for Operation Oboe Six, the amphibious assault on Balikpapan, scheduled for July 1. This included extensive naval and air bombardments targeting Japanese defenses.
The Australian 9th Division also continued its ground operations on Labuan Island and the Borneo mainland, engaging Japanese forces in localized actions.
In China, Japanese forces continued their general strategic retreat from southern China. Chinese Nationalist forces continued to advance, recapturing territory.
In Burma, remnants of the Japanese Burma Area Army were in disarray, continuing their desperate retreat. The British 14th Army continued its pursuit and mopping-up operations.
Pacific
No specific major events were reported in the Pacific on this date in the referenced timeline, following the official end of the Battle of Okinawa on June 22 and ongoing preparations for new offensives.
Outcomes: Allied forces in Asia continued to advance against the retreating Japanese, bringing the war closer to a final conclusion.
Key Personalities
Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek: Leader of Nationalist Chinese forces.
General William Slim: Commander of the British 14th Army in Burma.
Joseph Stalin: Soviet leader, presiding over the Victory Parade.
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Each Day in World War II – 23rd June
June 23, 1940
Overview of Key Events June 23, 1940, saw Adolf Hitler make a triumphal visit to Paris, cementing Germany’s victory in the Battle of France, just one day after the formal armistice was signed. This symbolic act underlined the dramatic shift in power in Europe.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Hitler’s symbolic visit to Paris underscored Germany’s swift and decisive victory in the Battle of France.
Key Personalities
June 23, 1941
Overview of Key Events June 23, 1941, marked the second day of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union. German forces achieved rapid, deep advances and devastating encirclements, while the Soviet Union struggled to mount an effective defense. The initial mass killings by the Einsatzgruppen also began.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Operation Barbarossa gained devastating momentum, achieving deep penetrations and destroying vast numbers of Soviet forces. The systematic extermination by the Einsatzgruppen began, marking the start of mass killings on the Eastern Front.
Key Personalities
June 23, 1942
Overview of Key Events On June 23, 1942, the focus shifted to the aftermath of the fall of Tobruk in North Africa, with Rommel’s Afrika Korps pressing its advantage towards Egypt. On the Eastern Front, the Siege of Sevastopol was in its final, brutal days, and the systematic extermination of Jewish communities continued with horrific intensity.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Rommel’s forces gained ground in North Africa, threatening Egypt. The Siege of Sevastopol neared its end, a major victory for the Germans. The Holocaust continued with horrific liquidations in Eastern Europe.
Key Personalities
June 23, 1943
Overview of Key Events On June 23, 1943, both the Eastern Front and the Mediterranean continued to be characterized by intense preparations for massive upcoming operations. The colossal build-up for the Battle of Kursk neared its completion, while Allied forces in the Mediterranean finalized their plans for the invasion of Sicily.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Both the Eastern Front and the Mediterranean remained on the cusp of major, decisive military operations, with forces fully prepared for the coming clashes.
Key Personalities
June 23, 1944
Overview of Key Events June 23, 1944, saw Operation Bagration gain devastating momentum on the Eastern Front, rapidly destroying German forces. In Normandy, the Allied logistical challenges due to the Channel storm persisted, while fighting continued fiercely. The horrific deportation of Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz also continued unabated.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Operation Bagration inflicted a devastating blow on German forces on the Eastern Front. The Channel storm significantly hampered Allied logistics in Normandy. Fighting continued on all fronts, and the Holocaust’s machinery continued its systematic extermination.
Key Personalities
June 23, 1945
Overview of Key Events On June 23, 1945, with victory in Europe secured, the global conflict’s focus remained on the Pacific and Asia. Allied forces continued their relentless push towards Japan in various theatres.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Allied forces in Asia continued to advance against the retreating Japanese, bringing the war closer to a final conclusion.
Key Personalities
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World War II