Chronology of World War II

October 1939

Friday, October 6th

Atlantic The German pocket battleship Deutschland sinks the British merchantman Stonegate (5044t) within the US Neutrality Zone. [ | ] China Chinese forces defeat the Japanese in the First Battle of Changsa. [] Diplomatic Relations In a major speech to the Reichstag Hitler speaks of his desire for peace with Britain and France. Hitler says that up to now he has done nothing more than correct the unjust Versailles Treaty and that he has no war aims against France or Britain. He blames warmongers like Churchill for the present state of affairs and calls for a European conference to meet to resolve the few remaining differences. Hitler Speaks to the Reichstag [ | ] Finland The standing military force is mobilized. [] Poland The Polish campaign is over as the last remnants of the Polish Army (about 8,000 men) surrender at Kock, southeast of Warsaw. [ | ]

[ Oct 5th - Oct 7th]