Chronology of World War II

September 1939

Saturday, September 2nd


Britain, Home Front

The National Service (Armed Forces) Act is passed calling for conscription for men aged 19-41. The RAF Advanced Air Striking Force begins deployment in France.
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Diplomatic Relations

Throughout the day there are frantic talks in London and Paris attempting to decide how to oppose Germany. They are determined to carry out their pledges to Poland, but the governments and general staffs cannot agree when and how to intervene. The British Parliament is openly opposed to the passive line that Chamberlain's government is taking and in the evening the Cabinet decides to present an ultimatum to Germany. A French ultimatum is also to be sent.

Mussolini declares Italian neutrality and again calls for an international conference to meet on Sept 5 to stop the conflict.

Germany says Norwegian neutrality will be respected.

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Poland

Having advanced 50 miles into Polish territory in 36 hours, von Rundstedt's troops are already over the Warta River in many places. Krakow is now near the front line. In the north, von Küchler's 4th Army make contact with the von Kluge's 3rd Army from East Prussia. The Luftwaffe, having destroyed most of the Polish aircraft on the ground, is spreading chaos in the Polish rear. The Polish regular troops have been stationed too far forward so the German advance is soon in their rear areas preventing the movement of reserves and completely dislocating any communications left unscathed by the Luftwaffe's repeated attacks in support of the ground forces.
The Polish army had about 500 tanks of various types. Their capabilities of firepower, mobility and armored protection ranged from very good to totally obsolescent. The tactical doctrine of the army stressed the importance of maneuver, concentration of force and economy of effort. In 1939, however, the lengthy process of converting the horse-mounted cavalry into armored units was just beginning. In addition, despite the undoubted bravery, élan, and high training standards of many tank crewmen and junior commanders, some of their senior commanders still held the outdated belief that tanks were merely fire support for the infantry, rather than the leading edge of aggressive advances.

Poland's Tanks


Polish Tanks
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[ Sept 1st - Sept 3rd]