Explore 575 historical events and records for Germany in 1940.
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The Armed Forces High Command issued Directive No. 20 on December 13, 1940, the document outlines the Greek campaign under the code designation, "Operation Marita". Orders 24 divisions to assemble in Rumania & advance on Greece through Bulgaria. Hitler issues directive Operation Marita for the occupation of the Balkans
Jodl initials Directive 21, the formal planning directive for Operation Barbarossa.
Issues Directive 21 finalizing orders for the invasion of Russia
Hitler signed War Directive No. 21 to the German High Command for an operation now codenamed "Operation Barbarossa" stating: "The German Wehrmacht must be prepared to crush Soviet Russia in a quick campaign". All preparations for the invasion of Russia are to be completed by 15th May 1941
Issues Directive 21 finalizing orders for the invasion of Russia. Hitler signed War Directive No. 21 to the German High Command for an operation now codenamed "Operation Barbarossa" stating: "The German Wehrmacht must be prepared to crush Soviet Russia in a quick campaign". All preparations for the invasion of Russia are to be completed by 15th May 1941
Hitler signed War Directive No. 21 to the German High Command for an operation now codenamed "Operation Barbarossa" stating: "The German Wehrmacht must be prepared to crush Soviet Russia in a quick campaign"
The Luftwaffe use 1,000 bombers to bomb London
The Luftwaffe use 1,000 bombers to bomb London
Brauchitschs advice to attack Moscow directly is rejected by Hitler
The operation was named after Emperor Frederick Barbarossa of the Holy Roman Empire, a leader of the 3rd Crusade in the 12th century
The Wehrmachtführungsamt develops into the Wehrmachtführungsstab, with Jodl remaining its chief.
Creates the Afrika Korps to prevent the defeat of Italy in north Africa
His work in the organisational branch links him to the structure and mobilisation of the German Army
Defeats France & then turns on Britain
Responsible for Luftwaffe operations against Britain and the west
Commands his Corps during the Battle of France
Advises Hitler to allow the BEF time to gather for an evacuation at Dunkirk
Commands the German forces which capture Norway. Commands the German forces which capture Denmark
Appointed Chief of Staff
Appointed Chief of Staff
Becomes a citizen of the USA
Appointed Colonel
Appointed Commander of the 3rd Panzer Division
Appointed Commander of the 3rd Panzer Division
Appointed Commander 6th Army
Appointed Commander the Fliegerkorps VIII
Appointed Commander Luftflotte 2 in the west
Appointed Commander Luftflotte 2 in the west
Appointed Commander of the Twelfth Army during the invasion of France
Appointed Commander of the Twelfth Army during the invasion of France
Appointed Deputy Commander of the Home Army, serves under Fromm
Appointed Deputy Commander of the Home Army, serves under Fromm
Walter Baade recognizes that Cepheids consist of at least two separate populations (classical Cepheids & Type II Cepheids). Classical Cepheids are younger and more massive population I stars, whereas Type II Cepheids are older fainter population. Resolves stars in the centre of the Andromeda galaxy for the first time, which led him to define distinct "populations" for stars (Population I and Population II)
Euthanasia teams are renamed the Charitable Foundation for Institutional Care
Advises Hitler to allow the BEF time to gather for an evacuation at Dunkirk
Appointed Field Marshal, 1 of 12. Appointed Commander of the army groups for the western offensive
Appointed Field Marshal, 1 of 12. Appointed Commander of the army groups for the western offensive
Appointed Field Marshal
Appointed Field Marshal
Appointed Field Marshal
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