Category Archives: World War II

Volkssturm Nazi militia sworn-in 70 years ago this hour (Nov 12 1944)


Video: 'The World At War: Inside The Reich Germany 5/5' (Volkssturm sworn-in Nov. 12, 1944 at 8:05)

(Sunday, November 12, 1944, 4:00 p.m. local time; during World War II) — Large numbers of the Volkssturm Nazi militia, which conscripted males between the ages of 13 to 60 years who were not already serving in some military unit as part of a German Home Guard, were sworn-in today in Berlin and throughout Germany.

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)

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)

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)

Operation Market Garden ends in failure 70 years ago tonight (Sep 25 1944)


Video: 'The Lost Evidence: Operation Market Garden (HD - FULL)' (Sept. 25, 1944, at 39:25)

(Monday, September 25, 1944, 10:00 p.m. local time; during the Operation Market Garden, part of the Allied advance from Paris to the Rhine during World War II) — Operation Market Garden, an Allied military operation fought in the Netherlands and Germany and the largest airborne operation up to that time, ended today when the remaining British 1st Airborne Division on the Lower Rhine at Oosterbeek were ordered evacuated. Continue reading Operation Market Garden ends in failure 70 years ago tonight (Sep 25 1944)