French prisoners marching into captivity, June 1940
Overview of Key Events June 24, 1940, solidified the impact of France’s surrender, as the armistice with Germany formally took effect. In Britain, Prime Minister Winston Churchill prepares to issue a stark warning to the nation, recognizing the heightened threat of German invasion.
Europe and Atlantic
The Franco-German Armistice, signed on June 22, officially came into effect just after midnight tonight. This formally ended major hostilities between the two nations, initiating Germany’s occupation of northern and western France and the establishment of the collaborationist Vichy regime in the south. The French also conclude an armistice with Italy today and this will come into force tomorrow. The French agreed to demilitarise the border up to 31 miles and in doing so surrendered their existing frontier defences. The Italians gained some territory, amounting to 321 sq miles, including the city of Menton. France agreed to demilitarise various naval bases in their colonies and give Italy the use of the port of Djibouti.
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill prepares to deliver a significant speech in the House of Commons tomorrow, warning the British people of the real and imminent threat of a German invasion of Great Britain. He called for national unity and determination in the face of this grave danger and of the French said “We shall certainly aid, to the best of our ability and resources, any movement or any action by Frenchmen outside the power of the enemy, to work for the defeat of Nazi German barbarism and for the freedom and restoration of France”.
The French government, continuing its move from Paris, arrived in Clermont-Ferrand, further signaling the profound disruption and relocation of France’s leadership.
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 armistices 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: The formal cessation of hostilities between France and Germany fundamentally altered the landscape of the war in Western Europe. Britain, under Churchill’s leadership, braced for a direct threat to its shores.
Key Personalities
Winston Churchill: British Prime Minister, issuing a warning of invasion.
General Charles Huntziger: French signatory to the armistice.
June 24, 1941
Abandoned KV-2 being checked out by curious Germans, 1941
Overview of Key Events June 24, 1941, marked the third brutal day of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union. German forces continued their lightning advances, while the Soviet Union began to formalize its resistance and desperately mobilize. Local uprisings and fierce battles erupted along the rapidly changing front.
Europe and Atlantic
The German government formally declared a state of war with the Soviet Union, following two days of invasion. This declaration retroactively legitimized the surprise attack.
In response to the massive German invasion, the Soviet Union ordered a general mobilization across its vast territory. This was a critical, though belated, step to organize resistance against the overwhelming Axis forces.
In Lithuania, the June Uprising is underway in Kaunas, a spontaneous armed revolt by Lithuanian nationalists against Soviet control, coinciding with the arrival of German forces. Meanwhile, German forces enter Vilnius and this prompts Lithuanian militia to go on a shooting spree and murdering dozens of Jews in the streets, with civilian spectators cheering them on. The Germans also kidnap 60 Jewish hostages and 30 Poles, killing all but 6.
On the Eastern Front, intense fighting continued. The Battle of Raseiniai (Lithuania), one of the first major tank battles of Operation Barbarossa, raged between elements of German Panzer Group 4 and several Soviet mechanized corps. Despite early Soviet successes in destroying some German tanks, the battle ultimately resulted in a decisive German victory. Almost 1,000 tanks were involved in this clash and the Germans met the KV-2 tank for the first time, which appeared impervious to most weapons except the 88mm FlaK gun.
Finnish forces, allied with Germany, launched their own attacks against Soviet positions, contributing to the offensive on the northern flank of Operation Barbarossa.
Holocaust-related events: The Einsatzgruppen (German mobile killing squads) continued their systematic mass murder operations immediately behind the advancing German lines. These initial killings targeted Jews, Communists, and other perceived enemies.
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 maintained its devastating momentum, with German forces achieving deep penetrations and engaging in major early tank battles. The Soviet Union began its desperate mobilization. The systematic extermination by the Einsatzgruppen continued.
Key Personalities
General Erich Hoepner: Commander of German Panzer Group 4.
Joseph Stalin: Soviet leader, ordering the general mobilization.
June 24, 1942
Panzerjager-Abteilung 39, part of 21. Panzer, advancing in 1942
Overview of Key Events On June 24, 1942, the focus was primarily on North Africa, where Rommel’s Afrika Korps continued its relentless advance into Egypt. On the Eastern Front, the Siege of Sevastopol was nearing its grim conclusion, and the Allies made a significant diplomatic move regarding Lend-Lease aid.
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 final, decisive pushes against the remaining Soviet defenses. The city’s fall was imminent.
The United States and the Soviet Union formally signed a Lend-Lease Agreement. This agreement extended vital American aid in the form of military equipment, supplies, and other materials to the Soviet Union, significantly bolstering their war effort against Nazi Germany.
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
In North Africa, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps, having captured Tobruk, continued its rapid advance into Egypt. German and Italian forces pushed aggressively towards Mersa Matruh, aiming to defeat 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 offensive in North Africa gained dangerous momentum, threatening British positions in Egypt. The signing of the Lend-Lease agreement marked a critical step in formalizing and expanding Allied support for the Soviet Union.
Key Personalities
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel: Commander, German Afrika Korps.
General Erich von Manstein: Commander, German Eleventh Army.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: U.S. President, authorizing Lend-Lease.
Joseph Stalin: Soviet leader, receiving Lend-Lease aid.
June 24, 1943
RAF Short Stirling, 15 Squadron RAF, unknown date
Overview of Key Events On June 24, 1943, the Allied strategic bombing campaign continued to target German industrial centers, inflicting damage and attempting to cripple the Nazi war machine. Meanwhile, the colossal preparations for both the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern Front and the Allied invasion of Sicily continued intensively.
Europe and Atlantic
Allied strategic bombing raids against German industrial targets continued. On this day, Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command conducted a major night time raid on Wuppertal, a key industrial city in the Ruhr region of Germany. This raid caused extensive damage to the city and its manufacturing capabilities and large numbers of civilians are evacuated. The raid consists of 630 aircraft, 251 Lancasters, 171 Halifaxes, 101 Wellingtons, 98 Stirlings and 9 Mosquitos. 34 aircraft were lost in the raid.
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.
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: Allied strategic bombing continued to put pressure on German industry. 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
Air Chief Marshal Arthur “Bomber” Harris: Commander-in-Chief, RAF Bomber Command, overseeing strategic bombing.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower: Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater.
June 24, 1944
General Anders inspecting troops, Italy 1945
Overview of Key Events June 24, 1944, saw Operation Bagration on the Eastern Front continue its devastating advance, encircling German forces. In Normandy, the crucial port of Cherbourg fell to American forces, while the severe Channel storm continued to disrupt Allied logistics. The horrifying deportations to Auschwitz also pressed on relentlessly.
Europe and Atlantic
Operation Bagration, the massive Soviet summer offensive, continued to gain momentum on the Eastern Front. Soviet forces achieved a major victory with the encirclement of the German XXXV Corps near Bobruisk, leading to the capture of thousands of German soldiers and destruction of their equipment. The Battle of Vitebsk also concluded with the encirclement and destruction of four German divisions.
In Normandy, the strategically vital port city of Cherbourg is close to falling to the U.S. First Army amid intense fighting. Its capture will be crucial for Allied logistical support as they expanded their foothold in France.
The severe storm in the English Channel continued to impact Allied supply operations, with the damaged Mulberry Harbours still severely limiting the flow of vital supplies and reinforcements. This delays Operation Epsom, the British assault against Caen, which won’t be launched until 26 June.
Germany continued its retaliatory V-1 flying bomb attacks on London and other targets in southeastern England.
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. Polish II Corps, commanded by Lieutenant-General Wladyslaw Anders, are advancing towards Ancona and are in fierce fighting at the Chienti River.
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
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 massive losses on German forces on the Eastern Front. The capture of Cherbourg provided a vital port for the Allies in Normandy, despite ongoing weather challenges. The Holocaust continued its systematic extermination.
Key Personalities
Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky: Commander of the 1st Belorussian Front, leading the Bobruisk offensive in Bagration.
Lieutenant General Omar Bradley: Commander of the U.S. First Army, which captured Cherbourg.
Adolf Eichmann: Senior SS official, central to Holocaust deportations.
June 24, 1945
B-29 over Osaka, June 1945
Overview of Key Events On June 24, 1945, with victory in Europe secured, the global conflict’s focus remained on the Pacific and Asia, where Allied forces continued their relentless push towards Japan. Domestically, Australia faced a leadership change.
Europe and Atlantic
No specific major new military or political events were widely reported in Europe on this date in the referenced timeline, as the continent remained engaged in post-war occupation and reconstruction.
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
629 B-29 bombers attack targets near Nagoya and Osaka. Osaka was heavily bombed in 1945 and around 10,000 civilians lost their lives and 500,000 were displaced after their homes were destroyed. .
Outcomes: Allied forces in the Pacific continued their advances 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.
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Each Day in World War II – 24th June
June 24, 1940
Overview of Key Events June 24, 1940, solidified the impact of France’s surrender, as the armistice with Germany formally took effect. In Britain, Prime Minister Winston Churchill prepares to issue a stark warning to the nation, recognizing the heightened threat of German invasion.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: The formal cessation of hostilities between France and Germany fundamentally altered the landscape of the war in Western Europe. Britain, under Churchill’s leadership, braced for a direct threat to its shores.
Key Personalities
June 24, 1941
Overview of Key Events June 24, 1941, marked the third brutal day of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union. German forces continued their lightning advances, while the Soviet Union began to formalize its resistance and desperately mobilize. Local uprisings and fierce battles erupted along the rapidly changing front.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Operation Barbarossa maintained its devastating momentum, with German forces achieving deep penetrations and engaging in major early tank battles. The Soviet Union began its desperate mobilization. The systematic extermination by the Einsatzgruppen continued.
Key Personalities
June 24, 1942
Overview of Key Events On June 24, 1942, the focus was primarily on North Africa, where Rommel’s Afrika Korps continued its relentless advance into Egypt. On the Eastern Front, the Siege of Sevastopol was nearing its grim conclusion, and the Allies made a significant diplomatic move regarding Lend-Lease aid.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Rommel’s offensive in North Africa gained dangerous momentum, threatening British positions in Egypt. The signing of the Lend-Lease agreement marked a critical step in formalizing and expanding Allied support for the Soviet Union.
Key Personalities
June 24, 1943
Overview of Key Events On June 24, 1943, the Allied strategic bombing campaign continued to target German industrial centers, inflicting damage and attempting to cripple the Nazi war machine. Meanwhile, the colossal preparations for both the Battle of Kursk on the Eastern Front and the Allied invasion of Sicily continued intensively.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Allied strategic bombing continued to put pressure on German industry. 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 24, 1944
Overview of Key Events June 24, 1944, saw Operation Bagration on the Eastern Front continue its devastating advance, encircling German forces. In Normandy, the crucial port of Cherbourg fell to American forces, while the severe Channel storm continued to disrupt Allied logistics. The horrifying deportations to Auschwitz also pressed on relentlessly.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Operation Bagration inflicted massive losses on German forces on the Eastern Front. The capture of Cherbourg provided a vital port for the Allies in Normandy, despite ongoing weather challenges. The Holocaust continued its systematic extermination.
Key Personalities
June 24, 1945
Overview of Key Events On June 24, 1945, with victory in Europe secured, the global conflict’s focus remained on the Pacific and Asia, where Allied forces continued their relentless push towards Japan. Domestically, Australia faced a leadership change.
Europe and Atlantic
Mediterranean including North Africa and Middle East
Asia
Pacific
Outcomes: Allied forces in the Pacific continued their advances against the retreating Japanese, bringing the war closer to a final conclusion.
Key Personalities
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World War II