Chronology of World War II

May 1945

Monday, May 21st


Air Operations, CBI

CHINA
  • 11 341st Medium Bomb Group B-25s and 9 14th Air Force P-51s attack rail lines and bridges at several locations.
  • More than 50 fighter-bombers attack numerous targets across southern and eastern China.
FRENCH INDOCHINA
  • V Fighter Command P-38s attack rail lines and yards in Saigon.
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Air Operations, East Indies

XIII Bomber Command B-24s attack Brunei, the Melak airfield, shipyards at Samarinda, and Japanese Army troops on Tarakan Island.

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Air Operations, Philippines

  • V Bomber Command B-25s and A-20s, and V Fighter Command P-51s attack numerous targets on Luzon.
  • V Fighter Command P-38s support US 6th Army ground forces on Luzon with napalm attacks.
  • XIII Fighter Command P-38s attack Japanese Army defenses on Negros.
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Air Operations, Ryukyus

US Navy, Marine Corps, and Royal Navy aircraft support US 10th Army ground forces on Okinawa and attack airfields in the Sakishima Islands.

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Britain, Politics

The British coalition ends as the Labor party rejects Churchill's proposal to continue the alliance with the Conservatives. Churchill is forced to call for general elections, Britain's first in 10 years.

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Germany

Himmler is arrested by British troops at Bremervörde, disguised as a commercial traveller.

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Japan, Home Front

2 million students are mobilized in the 'Student Defense Corps'.

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Okinawa

On the American right the 6th Marine Div goes ahead with operations for the total elimination of Japanese from the Horseshoe and for the capture of the Sugar Loaf. The 1st Marine Div attacks in the direction fo Shuri Ridge after taking Wana village and driving off Japanese counterattacks. Beyond Shuri Ridge is Shuri Castle, site of the Japanese headquarters. Meanwhile the 77th Inf Div of the XXIV Corps also advances north of Shuri and the 96th Div east of the same village, threatening to surround Shuri. Aware of the danger, the Japanese decide to withdraw from Shuri.

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Pacific

The Japanese minesweeper No. 34 is sunk by the US submarine Chub (SS-329) in the Java Sea.

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Philippines

On Luzon the Americans resume their attacks on Woodpecker Ridge. Some patrols reach the area of the Guagua Dam.

On Mindanao the 155th Regt of the US 31st Div captures Malaybalay, a Japanese supply base.

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United States, Home Front

Humphrey Bogart marries Lauren Bacall.

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Images from May 21, 1945

Demolition of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp – 21 May 1945

Demolition of Bergen-Belsen


Demolition of the Bergen-Belsen

Marines move through and over 'Cemetery Ridge'. They are shown pinned down behind gravestones by enemy sniper fire

Marine Action on Okinawa


Marine Action on Okinawa

Captain Baker was recognized with the Bronze Star for his exceptional handling of Texas during the invasion of Okinawa. The medal was awarded on 21 May 1945

Capt Baker Receiving Bronze Star


Capt Baker Receiving Bronze Star

US Infantryman Terry Moore taking shelter during the Battle of Okinawa, May 21-22, 1945

Taking Cover on Okinawa


Taking Cover on Okinawa

[May 20th - May 22nd]