Chronology of World War II

November 1941

Saturday, November 1st


Air Operations, Europe

RAF daylight offensives over northern France, the Channel and Occupied Territory in Europe begin.

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Battle of the Atlantic

  • U-68 sinks the British steamer Bradford City (4953t) 300 miles west of Walvis Bay, Southwest Africa. All 45 members of the crew make it to shore where they are rescued by South African troops.
  • The Swedish steamer Sigrid (1093t) is lost on a mine near Kiel with the loss of 10 of her crew.
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Eastern Front

In the Crimea Simferopol, an important communications center, falls to the German 11th Army.

The German 1st Panzer Group begins a major attack aimed at Rostov and the Caucasus.

The Germans capture Tula, south of Moscow.

Panzer III of 2nd SS Division Nearing Moscow


<i>Panzer III</i>

Marshal Boris Shaposhnikov becomes Chief of Staff of the Soviet forces.

CENTRAL SECTOR

The XXIV Panzer Corps moves in upon Dedilovo but encounters fierce resistance from the reformed 50th Army. A little farther south, the LIII Corps runs into strong Soviet forces before Teploye that are attempting to attack the open southern flank of the XXIV Panzer Corps.

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Identification of Jews


Identification of Jews
The "Police Order on the Identification of Jews" of September 1, 1941, required Jews in the German Reich and in the Reich Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia to wear a yellow star on their clothing. The order took effect on September 19 of that year. The Nazi leadership had considered these measures for years, but Hitler had hesitated to introduce the so-called Jewish star out of concern for international criticism. On the other hand, Polish Jews in German-occupied areas had already been forced to wear such identifying insignia since 1939. This photograph was taken in Munich 1 November 1941. (Photo by Heinrich Hoffmann)

Japan, Policy

The Japanese Combined Fleet changes its radio code.

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Mediterranean

The British submarine Utmost sinks the Italian steamer Marigola (5996t) about 3 miles south of Kuriat Island, Tunisia.

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United States, Command

The US Coast Guard is placed under the jurisdiction of the military authorities for the duration of the national emergency.

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United States, Planning

The US ambassador in Tokyo warns Roosevelt for the second time that Japan is planning an attack on the US.

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[October 31st - November 2nd]