Category Archives: 1940s

Nazis begin rounding up men in Raid of Rotterdam 70 years ago today (Nov 10 1944)


Video: 'The World At War: Occupation Holland 5/5' (Nov. 10-11, 1944, at 7:54)

(Friday, November 10, 1944, during World War II) — German occupiers began a two-day round up of 52,000 able-bodied men between 17 and 40 years in Rotterdam and Schiedam in the Netherlands for deportation to Germany.

200,000 welcome Roosevelt in rain to Capital ‘home’ 70 years ago this hour (Nov 10 1944)


Video: 'President Roosevelt returns to Washington DC after winning a 4th term in the 1944...HD Stock Footage'

(Friday, November 10, 1944, 9:00 a.m. EWT; during the 1944 presidential campaign) — U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who won an unprecedented fourth term of office three days ago, returned victoriously to Washington today to be greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of many thousands which stood in the pouring rain for at least a half hour to welcome home “the Chief.” Continue reading 200,000 welcome Roosevelt in rain to Capital ‘home’ 70 years ago this hour (Nov 10 1944)

‘Harvey’ premieres on Broadway 70 years ago today (Nov 1 1944)


Video: 'Highlights From "Harvey" Starring Jim Parsons'

(Wednesday, November 1, 1944)Harvey, a play about a wealthy eccentric who prefers the company of an invisible six-foot rabbit to his family, premiered today on Broadway at the 48th Street Theatre for 1,775 performances.

Directed by Antoinette Perry, the production starred Frank Fay and Josephine Hull.

Battle of Leyte Gulf ends in major Allied victory over Japanese forces 70 years ago today (Oct 26 1944)


Video: 'G.Pacific Lost Evidence Leyte Gulf World War II' (5 videos)

(Monday, October 26, 1944, 11:10 p.m. local time; during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, part of the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — Battle of Leyte Gulf ended today in a major Allied victory over Japanese forces, whose naval capabilities were badly crippled. Continue reading Battle of Leyte Gulf ends in major Allied victory over Japanese forces 70 years ago today (Oct 26 1944)

FDR defies rain, wind to let New York see him 70 years ago today (Oct 21 1944)


Video: 'Roosevelt In New York Aka Presidential Campaign (1944)'

(Saturday, October 21, 1944, during World War II) — As heavy rain and autumn winds pelted the five boroughs, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, approaching an election for an historic fourth term, toured through fifty-one miles of New York City streets today in a large motorcade.

With his wife Eleanor at his side, the aging president defied terrible weather to greet his fellow Americans from an open car (and sometimes without a hat).

Americans take Aachen, first German city captured by Allies 70 years ago today (Oct 21 1944)


Video: 'Battle For Aachen (1944)'

(Saturday, October 21, 1944, 12:06 p.m. local time; during the Battle of Aachen, part of World War II) — The last despairing opposition in the desert of death and strewn ruins that used to be the prosperous city of Aachen, Germany, broke down suddenly today as the German commander signed an unconditional surrender order and handed himself, his staff and about 1,000 surviving German soldiers. It was the first city on German soil to be captured by the Allies.

Belgrade, Dubrovnik liberated by Russian, Yugoslav troops 70 years ago today (Oct 20 1944)


Video: 'Liberation of Belgrade (1944)'

(Friday, October 20, 1944; during the Belgrade Offensive, part of the Yugoslav and Eastern fronts of World War II) — Russian and Yugoslav troops today captured the Yugoslav capital of Belgrade, annihilating its Axis garrison in savage street battles. They also liberated the city of Dubrovnik.

MacArthur fulfills promise, returns to the Philippines 70 years ago this hour (Oct 20 1944)


Video: 'Allied Newsreel - MacArthur Lands at Leyte, Philippines 1944'

(Friday, October 20, 1944, 1:30 p.m. local time; during the Battle of Leyte, part of the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — American forces landed on Red Beach in Palo, Leyte, today as General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines, fulfilling his promise to return to the area he was forced to flee in 1942. Continue reading MacArthur fulfills promise, returns to the Philippines 70 years ago this hour (Oct 20 1944)

Guatemala ousts regime in revolt beginning 70 years ago this hour (Oct 20 1944)


Video: 'GUATEMALA 1944 [Aftermath of Guatemalan Revolution]'

(Friday, October 20, 1944, 2:00 a.m. CST) — Young officers, aided by civilians and students and employing tanks, overthrew the provisional government of President Federico Ponce today in a revolt that was reported to have resulted in more than 1,000 casualties after sharp fighting.

German Field Rommel commits suicide to avoid trial, certain execution 70 years ago this hour (Oct 14 1944)


Video: 'Nazi Secrets:The Desert Fox(full documentary)HD' (Oct. 14, 1944, at 43:05)

(Saturday, October 14, 1944, 1:25 p.m. CET; during World War II) — German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, popularly known as the Desert Fox, committed suicide today rather than face trial and certain execution for allegedly conspiring against Adolf Hitler. Continue reading German Field Rommel commits suicide to avoid trial, certain execution 70 years ago this hour (Oct 14 1944)