15 January 1944Atlantic Wall Inspection ReportAlfred Jodl
Jodl reports serious weaknesses after inspecting Atlantic Wall defences along the Channel coast.
Historical records for Germany in 1944, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Jodl reports serious weaknesses after inspecting Atlantic Wall defences along the Channel coast.
Jodl reports that major sections of the Atlantic Wall remain incomplete and inadequately prepared.
Requests permission from Hitler to withdraw to the Panther Line, permission refused
Collapses & enters hospital suffering from exhaustion, depression & an inflamed knee
Novgorod falls to the Russians Kuechler is forced to order a withdrawal from Leningrad
The RAF drops 2,300 tons of bombs on Berlin
Dismissed by Hitler for withdrawing from Leningrad, replaced by Model
The Allies land in Anzio
Hitler's last powerful reserve, the panzer elite, are lost. Despite initial gains 77,000 Allies & 130,000 Germans are lost
Orders an immediate counter-attack to releive the "Korsun pocket". 60,000 Germans are caught in a trap
The Germans officially lift the siege of Leningrad
Orders the public execution of 33 Polish partisans
Jodl is promoted to Generaloberst while continuing as chief of the OKW Operations Staff.
Death of Theodor August Otto Wilhelm Habicht
Appointed Commander of the Army Group North, Jan-March
Appointed Commander of the Army Group North, Jan-March
Hastily improvises a beachead containment after the Allied landings at Anzio
Jodl's inspection identifies shortages and weaknesses in German defensive preparations in the Channel Islands.
Appointed Commander of Army Group B
Appointed Commander of Army Group B to defend France from Allied invasion
Appointed Commander of the Army Group North, Jan-March
Appointed Commander of the Army Group North, Jan-March
Responsible for defending occupied France from Allied invasion
The siege of Leningrad is officially lifted
Assassinated by Polish partisans
Death of Franz Kutschera, assassinated by Polish partisans
Awarded the Oak Leaf to the Knights Cross for sealing Battle lines around the Dneiper
The 16th & 18th Armies are ordered back to the Panther Line. Luga is liberated by the Russians
Luga is liberated by the Russians after the Battle of Riga
A Wehrmacht attempt on the Eastern Front of World War II to evade encirclement by the Red Army
Georgi Zhukov realized the role of the 1st Panzer Army, and began planning to bring about the Wehrmachts Armys destruction that could, and did, result in the collapse of the entire South-Eastern Front.
The 1st Panzer Army, commanded by Generaloberst Hans-Valentin Hube consisted of four Corps, three of which were Panzerkorps (comprising some 20 panzer or panzer grenadier divisions).
The Army had just completed operations to rescue the two Corps trapped in the Korsun-Shevchenkovsky Offensive, which had exhausted the armys III Panzerkorps. The 1st Panzer Army found itself defending the line in the north-western Ukraine.
Georgi Zhukov realized the role of the 1st Panzer Army, and began planning to bring about the Wehrmachts Armys destruction that could, and did, result in the collapse of the entire South-Eastern Front
The 1st Panzer Army included over 200,000 troops, and was the most powerful formation of Field Marshall Erich von Mansteins Army Group South. The 1st Panzer Army found itself defending the line in the north-western Ukraine.
The Army had just completed operations to rescue the two Corps trapped in the Korsun-Shevchenkovsky Offensive, which had exhausted the armys III Panzerkorps.
Decrees males 16 to 60 & females 18 to 45 are liable for labour conscription
A Wehrmacht attempt on the Eastern Front of World War II to evade encirclement by the Red Army
Jodl continues directing the OKW Operations Staff after his promotion to Generaloberst.
Georgi Zhukov realized the role of the 1st Panzer Army, and began planning to bring about the Wehrmachts Armys destruction that could, and did, result in the collapse of the entire South-Eastern Front. A Wehrmacht attempt on the Eastern Front of World War II to evade encirclement by the Red Army
Georgi Zhukov realized the role of the 1st Panzer Army, and began planning to bring about the Wehrmachts Armys destruction that could, and did, result in the collapse of the entire South-Eastern Front
Appointed General Feldmarschall, the youngest in German military history
Appointed General Feldmarschall, the youngest in German military history
Hitler forces Horthy to agree to German occupation & rule in Hungary
German troops enter Hungary unopposed
The 1st Panzer Army was now in a salient, Manstein requested that the position be withdrawn to avoid encirclement, but Hitler refused, persisting with his "no retreat" orders. Following an operational switching movement, five Red Army tank Corps of the 1st Tank Army, 3rd Guards Tank Army and the 4th Tank Army penetrated the extreme northern flank of Hubes position east of Ternopol
The 1st Panzer Army was now in a salient. Manstein requested that the position be withdrawn to avoid encirclement, but Hitler refused, persisting with his "no retreat" orders
Following an operational switching movement, five Red Army tank Corps of the 1st Tank Army, 3rd Guards Tank Army and the 4th Tank Army penetrated the extreme northern flank of Hubes position east of Ternopol
The entire 1st Panzer Army was now encircled in a pocket centred around the city of Kamenets-Podolsky. Just before the 1st Ukrainian Front had completed the encirclement, Hube had requested from OKH the authority to use mobile defence tactics during the breakout, a request which was quickly turned down
The entire 1st Panzer Army was now encircled in a pocket centred around the city of Kamenets-Podolsky
The northern column quickly captured three bridges over the Zbruch River, while the southern column was battered by a Red Armys 4th Tank Army counterattack which penetrated deep into the pocket, capturing Kamenets-Podolsky. The advance guard of Hubes Army moved west towards the Zbruch river, while the rearguard began a fighting withdrawal, with the rest of the 200,000 troops between them
Manstein was informed by OKH that he had been relieved of command
Hubes southern advanced guard turned and halted the Red Army assault, severing its supply lines and rendering the T-34s of the 4th Tank Army immobile
Appointed Commander of the Army Group Ukraine
Appointed Commander of the Army Group Ukraine
Hubes southern advanced guard turned and halted the Red Army assault, severing its supply lines and rendering the T-34s of the 4th Tank Army immobile
Werner von Braun is soon released following the intervention of Albert Speer
Werner von Braun is soon released following the intervention of Albert Speer. Arrested by Himmler on trumped up charges
The Red Armys massive concentration in troops and material forced Hube to withdraw his northern flank to south-west until it reached the Dniester river
Appointed Commander of the 4th Panzer Army
Appointed Commander of the 4th Panzer Army
Commands the 4th Panzers after the Red Army had surrounded the 1st Panzer Army
Commands the 4th Panzers after the Red Army had surrounded the 1st Panzer Army
Jodl participates in arguments over how mobile armoured reserves should support the Atlantic coast defences.
Reaches his new HQ with orders to hold the Carpathian Mountains
Reaches his new HQ with orders to hold the Carpathian Mountains
During the two week escape, Hubes men had destroyed 357 tanks, 42 assault guns and 280 artillery pieces, as well as causing severe casualties to the enemys attacking forces
In over two weeks of heavy combat, during horrid weather and with few supplies, the 1st Panzer Army had managed to escape encirclement while suffering only moderate casualties.
The advanced guards of both the northern and southern columns had reached the Strypa River, and on the 6th, near the town of Buczacz, they linked up with the probing reconnaissance elements of Haussers SS Divisions.
The quick thinking of Manstein, and the operational planning and skill of Hube had resulted in the 200,000 troops of the Army escaping the fate of Stalingrad.
The quick thinking of Manstein, and the operational planning and skill of Hube had resulted in the 200,000 troops of the Army escaping the fate of Stalingrad
Appointed Supreme of Commander Army Group South in the Ukraine
Appointed Supreme of Commander Army Group South in the Ukraine
Appointed Supreme Commander of Army Group South
The Germans withdraw into Sevastopol. The Germans withdraw from Sevastopol with 80.000 lost during the siege
Death of Hans-Valentin Hub
Death of Hans-Valentin Hub
Appointed Commander of the 91st Air Landing Division
Relieved of his command in March 1944 for ordering the Eighth Army to retreat when it was in danger of destruction by the Soviet Red Army, in explicit violation of Adolf Hitler's orders
Relieved of his command in March 1944 for ordering the Eighth Army to retreat when it was in danger of destruction by the Soviet Red Army, in explicit violation of Adolf Hitler's orders
Mussolini visits Hitler & is blamed for defeat on the Russian front
Appointed Major General
The Germans begin their withdrawal from the Gustav Line. The French achieve a breakthrough in the Aurunci Mountains
Polish troops capture the monastery of Monte Cassino
From July 1943 to May 1944 the Germans lose 41 Divisions in the East
Cables OKW saying the Allies cannot attack without 4 days good weather
Arrives home hoping to convince Hitler to defend the Cotentin coast
Death of Wihelm Falley, 1st German General killed during the Normandy invasion
Leaves his HQ & returns to Germany, convinced the Allies are not about to invade
Feuchtinger's division launched the only major German armoured counterattack against the Allied bridgehead on D-Day.
Dollmann coordinated Seventh Army's response to the Allied invasion, including resistance around Caen.
Richter's coastal division defended the Caen sector and suffered heavy losses during the Allied landings.
Jodl briefs Hitler and helps coordinate OKW decisions after Allied forces land in Normandy.
Marcks corps stands in the middle of the Allied Normandy landings. Commands the 21st Panzer Division
Correcttly predicts the Allies will land near Cherbourg, Hitler does not agree
Stays in Herrlingen to celebrate his wifes 50th birthday. Rommel is informed by General Spiedel 7.30AM that Allied paratroopers have landed. Rommel cancels his meeting with Hitler & returns to France
Learns of the invasion & returns to his HQ after celebrating his wifes birthday
To the east, Rommels nightmare had been realised, a continuous British-Canadian beachhead, 20km (12 miles) across and up to 10km (six miles) deep
Keeps most of his forces at Calais
Diverts the 12th SS & Panzer Lehr to meet the invasion. Believes, like Hitler, the landings are a feint for Allied landings at Pas de Calais
Rommel is informed by General Spiedel 7.30AM that Allied paratroopers have landed
German forces withdrew from Bayeux to concentrate their defence around Caen.
The Germans abandon Bayeux
Meyer directed counterattacks against Canadian forces north-west of Caen.
Witt moved the 12th SS Panzer Division toward Caen to oppose the British and Canadian advance.
Rommel returned to the Normandy front and reinforced the effort to hold Caen against Allied attacks.
Arrives at the front in Caen
Bayerlein deployed Panzer Lehr Division to block the British advance west of Caen.
Geyr prepared a concentrated armoured counterattack, but Allied air attacks disrupted his headquarters and planning.
Appointed Commander of the LXXXIV Corps
Death of Erich Marcks, fatally wounded during an Allied air attack
Wittmann attacked British armour at Villers-Bocage during the wider struggle to outflank Caen.
Meyer assumed divisional command after Fritz Witt was killed near Caen.
Witt was killed by naval gunfire near Caen, leaving Kurt Meyer to command the division.
Cannot stop the Americans from capturing Caumont
Rundstedt & Rommel meet Hitler, wanting withdrawal from Normandy but are turned down
Withdrawal from Normandy is turned down by Hitler. Hitler orders a counterattack from Bayeux
The Red Army begins its offensive against Army Group Centre
The Red Army begins its offensive against Army Group Centre
Jodl initials an OKW memorandum reaffirming the Commando Order after the Normandy landings.
Feuchtinger's division held positions south-east of the British Epsom attack and protected approaches to Caen.
Dietrich's corps reinforced German positions around Caen during Operation Epsom.
Appointed Commander of the Army Group Centre
Appointed Commander of the Army Group Centre
Dismissed as Commander of the Army Group Centre by Hitler
Funck directed German armoured formations committed against the Epsom penetration near Caen.
Meyer's division resisted British and Canadian pressure north and west of Caen during Epsom.
Bittrich's newly arrived corps counterattacked the British bridgehead across the Odon.
Dietrich coordinated German resistance and counterattacks against the Epsom offensive.
Turns down Rundstedt & Rommels request to withdraw from Normandy. Orders defence of Normandy to the last man
Juno is the second most heavily defended of the five landing sites chosen by the Allies, General Wilhelm Richter is in charge of the 716th Division guarding the beach, with 11 heavy batteries of 155 mm guns and 9 medium batteries of 75 mm guns
Appointed Colonel
Appointed Colonel
The number of mines along the French coast increases to 4 million. Completes the construction of "Rommels asparagus", mines set on poles. Adds a 3rd belt of mines 8,000 yds deep
Mussolini begs Hitler not to withdraw from Rome without a fight but is ignored
Mussolini begs Hitler not to withdraw from Rome without a fight but is ignored
Jodl's operations staff coordinates reinforcement and withdrawal decisions during the Normandy campaign.
Commander of Army units in South France
Commander of Panzer Group West
Fights around Caen during the Normandy invasion where most of his Div is destroyed
Appointed Commander in Chief, West, replaces von Rundstedt
Appointed Commander in Chief, West
Dismissed after asking the OKW for a free hand in Normandy, a challenge to Hitler
Dismissed after asking the OKW for a free hand in Normandy, a challenge to Hitler
Dismissed by Hitler for suggesting the High Command make peace
Rundstedt is dismissed by Hitler for suggesting that the High Command make peace
Appointed Commander of the Army Group North by Hitler
Dismissed as Commander of the Army Group North by Hitler
Appointed Commander of the Army Group North
Appointed Commander of the Army Group North by Hitler
Dismissed as Commander of the Army Group North by Hitler
Appoints Friesner Commander of Army Group North
Birth of Gerhard Schroder
Meyer committed troops to defend Carpiquet airfield against the Canadian attack.
Appointed Commander of the German forces in Normandy, replaces Rundstredt
Appointed Commander of the German forces in Normandy, replaces Rundstredt
Provides panzer support saying the British are "little fish" to be thrown back
Prevents the Canadian 9th Brigade from advancing on Le Carpiquet airfield
Meyer defended the north-western approaches before withdrawing surviving forces across the Orne.
Eberbach organized German armoured reserves south of Caen after the northern city was lost.
Yeremenko strikes at Hansens 16th German Army
Moves to his HQ in Rastenburg concerned by events in the Eastern Front
A plot to kill Hitler when Stauffenberg goes to Obersalzberg & report to the Fuhrer
Army Group Centre loses 28 Divisions, the way to Poland is open to the Red Army
Army Group Centre loses 28 Divisions, the way to Poland is open to the Red Army
Beck advocates an attempt on Hitler's life by Stauffenberg which takes place Twentieth July
Rommel agrees to support the plot to overthrow Hitler but not to assassinate him
Rommel agrees to support the plot to overthrow Hitler but not to assassinate him
Rommels staff car is attacked by fighter bombers & he is seriously injured
Dietrich coordinated German armoured resistance against the British attack east of Caen.
Eberbach organized reserves and counterattacks against the Goodwood penetration south-east of Caen.
Von Luck helped organize the defence near Cagny against British armour advancing from Caen.
Wunsche's panzer regiment reinforced German positions south of Caen during Goodwood.
Summoned by Hitler to report on the Volksgrenadier Divisions in the Eastern Front
After the failure of the attempt on Hitler's life on 20 July 1944, arrested and charged with high treason
Killed while trying to assassinate Hitler
Quirnheim remains at the Bendlerblock as the conspirators attempt to use the replacement army to seize control
Witzleben appears at the Bendlerblock during the attempted seizure of power
Witzleben leaves the Bendlerblock as the coup attempt collapses
The conspirators intend Witzleben to act as Commander in Chief of the armed forces after the coup succeeds
In the plans for the overthrow, Friedrich-Werner von der Schulenburg was tentatively foreseen as the new Foreign Minister
Witzleben travels to Berlin as the coup attempt begins to unfold
The coup collapses after news spreads that Hitler survived the assassination attempt
Becomes involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler
Killed while trying to assassinate Hitler
The conspiracy weakens as reports confirm that Hitler survived the bomb attack
The Russians reach the 1939 Polish border, west of Kovel
Treats Hitler after Stauffenbergs bomb explodes at Rastenburg
Jodl suffers minor injuries in the bomb explosion during the attempt to kill Hitler.
Quirnheim supports the conspiracy to overthrow Hitler after the bomb attack at the Wolfs Lair
The bomb placed by Stauffenberg fails to kill Hitler
Witzleben is connected with Beck in the planned replacement leadership after Hitler is removed
The refusal of Colonel General Friedrich Fromm, Chief of Reserve Army and the only person who could initiate Operation Valkyrie besides Hitler, to cooperate was a serious obstacle to the conspirators. After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften
After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften
Has troops ready to march on Berlin after Stauffenbergs attempt to blow up Hitler
An operation by Hitler's assassins to sieze Berlin
After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften
After two abortive attempts, Stauffenberg placed the bomb on July 20 and hurried back to Berlin to assume his pivotal role.
German Army officers General Friedrich Olbricht and Major General Henning von Tresckow modified the plan with the intention of using it to take control of German cities, disarm the SS, and arrest the Nazi leadership once Hitler had been assassinated.
Stauffenberg decided to carry out both the assassination attempt and the Valkyrie operation, which greatly reduced the chance of success. Has troops ready to march on Berlin after Stauffenbergs attempt to blow up Hitler.
The original plan, designed to deal with internal disturbances in emergency situations, was designed by General Friedrich Olbrichts staff in his capacity as head of General Army Office and was approved by Hitler.
After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften
After the bomb explodes Quirnheim urges General Olbricht to activate Operation Walkure even though Hitlers death is not confirmed
After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften.
Demands Operation Walkure to sieze Berlin believing Hitler had been blown up.
Stauffenbergs position as Chief of Staff of Reserve Army gave him access to Hitler for reports and at the same time required his presence at headquarters for implementation of Valkyrie.
German Army officers General Friedrich Olbricht and Major General Henning von Tresckow modified the plan with the intention of using it to take control of German cities, disarm the SS, and arrest the Nazi leadership once Hitler had been assassinated
After the bombing the conspirators attempt to activate Operation Walkure in Berlin
Appointed Plenipotentiary for the Mobilization of Total War
Appointed Plenipotentiary for the Mobilization of Total War, after the July plot
Generals Gunther Korten, Rudolf Schmundt & Colonel Heinz Brandt are killed
Participates in the Staufenburg plot to assassinate Hitler
Participates in the Staufenburg plot to assassinate Hitler
Hitler escapes with minor injuries. Generals Gunther Korten, Rudolf Schmundt & Colonel Heinz Brandt are killed. After the plots says "More proof that Fate has selected me for my mission". A bomb is planted in Hitler's HQ conference room in the Wolfs Lair, East Prussia
Becomes involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler
Generals Gunther Korten, Rudolf Schmundt & Colonel Heinz Brandt are killed
Under interrogation a suspect mentions Rommels name with the attempt on Hitler's life
Generals Gunther Korten, Rudolf Schmundt & Colonel Heinz Brandt are killed
In the plans for the overthrow, Friedrich-Werner von der Schulenburg was tentatively foreseen as the new Foreign Minister. After the failure of the attempt on Hitler's life on 20 July 1944, arrested and charged with high treason
The assassination attempt against Hitler takes place at the Wolfs Lair near Rastenburg
The coup depends on issuing Reserve Army orders to arrest Nazi officials and secure command centres
A conspirator in the Stauffenberg plot to assassinate Hitler & sieze Berlin
Moves the Stauffenberg briefcase bomb aside & unwittingly saves Hitler
The refusal of Colonel General Friedrich Fromm, Chief of Reserve Army and the only person who could initiate Operation Valkyrie besides Hitler, to cooperate was a serious obstacle to the conspirators. After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften
After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften
Has troops ready to march on Berlin after Stauffenbergs attempt to blow up Hitler
Treats Hitler after Stauffenbergs bomb explodes at Rastenburg
Treats Hitler after Stauffenbergs bomb explodes at Rastenburg
Treats Hitler after Stauffenbergs bomb explodes at Rastenburg
After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften
After two abortive attempts, Stauffenberg placed the bomb on July 20 and hurried back to Berlin to assume his pivotal role.
German Army officers General Friedrich Olbricht and Major General Henning von Tresckow modified the plan with the intention of using it to take control of German cities, disarm the SS, and arrest the Nazi leadership once Hitler had been assassinated.
Stauffenberg decided to carry out both the assassination attempt and the Valkyrie operation, which greatly reduced the chance of success. Has troops ready to march on Berlin after Stauffenbergs attempt to blow up Hitler.
The original plan, designed to deal with internal disturbances in emergency situations, was designed by General Friedrich Olbrichts staff in his capacity as head of General Army Office and was approved by Hitler.
After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften
Conspirators broadcast Hitler's death & order the arrest of leading Nazis
Plants a bomb in Hitler's HQ conference room in the Wolfs Lair, East Prussia. Hitler escapes with an injured right arm & some deafness
After he had discovered that the bomb had not killed Hitler, Fromm ordered the executions of General Olbricht, his Chief of Staff Colonel Albrecht Ritter Mertz von Quirnheim, Colonel von Stauffenberg, and his adjutant Lieutenant Werner von Haeften.
Demands Operation Walkure to sieze Berlin believing Hitler had been blown up.
Stauffenbergs position as Chief of Staff of Reserve Army gave him access to Hitler for reports and at the same time required his presence at headquarters for implementation of Valkyrie.
A conspirator in the Stauffenberg plot to assassinate Hitler & sieze Berlin
A conspirator in the Stauffenberg plot to assassinate Hitler and seize Berlin for the resistance
After the failure of the attempt on Hitler's life on 20 July 1944, arrested and charged with high treason
Witzleben is arrested after the failure of the July Plot
Arrested by order of Heinrich Himmler
Appointed Chief-of General Staff
Appointed Chief-of General Staff
Appointed Commander of the Eastern Front
Quirnheim is arrested with Olbricht Stauffenberg and Haeften and is executed by firing squad in the courtyard of the Bendlerblock
Quirnheim dies as one of the army officers executed for his part in the 20 July plot against Hitler
Witzleben is identified as one of the senior military figures connected to the failed conspiracy
Directs the Eastern front
Jodl resumes operational duties after receiving minor injuries in the 20 July bomb attack.
Appointed Commander of the Army Group South Ukraine
Appointed Commander of the Army Group South Ukraine
Appointed Commander of the Army Group North
Appointed Commander of the Army Group South Ukraine
Appointed Commander of the Army Group South Ukraine
The High Command keep forces in Calais beleiving there will be a larger invasion there
Appointed Commander of Army Group North
Appointed Supreme Commander Army Group North
After the United States First and Third Armies broke out from the Normandy beachhead during Operation Cobra on 25 July 1944, Hitler ordered Operation Luttich.
Following breakout by the American First Army and American 3rd Army from the beachhead during the Battle of Normandy during Operation Cobra Adolf Hitler ordered an immediate counterattack against Allied forces in the form of Operation Luttich.
The operation was intended as an immediate counterattack against Allied forces.
Following breakout by the American First Army and American 3rd Army from the beachhead during the Battle of Normandy during Operation Cobra Adolf Hitler ordered an immediate counterattack against Allied forces in the form of Operation Luttich
Following breakout by the US First Army and American 3rd Army from the beachhead during the Battle of Normandy during Operation Cobra on July 25, 1944, Adolf Hitler ordered an immediate counterattack against Allied forces in the form of Operation Luttich
Following breakout by the American First Army and American 3rd Army from the beachhead during the Battle of Normandy during Operation Cobra Adolf Hitler ordered an immediate counterattack against Allied forces in the form of Operation Luttich
Following breakout by the American First Army and American 3rd Army from the beachhead during the Battle of Normandy during Operation Cobra Adolf Hitler ordered an immediate counterattack against Allied forces in the form of Operation Luttich
The Allies begin their breakout from Normandy
Meyer's forces defended Verrieres Ridge against Canadian attacks south of Caen.
After the United States First and Third Armies broke out from the Normandy beachhead during Operation Cobra on 25 July 1944, Hitler ordered Operation Luttich.
Following breakout by the American First Army and American 3rd Army from the beachhead during the Battle of Normandy during Operation Cobra Adolf Hitler ordered an immediate counterattack against Allied forces in the form of Operation Luttich.
The operation was intended as an immediate counterattack against Allied forces.
Following breakout by the American First Army and American 3rd Army from the beachhead during the Battle of Normandy during Operation Cobra Adolf Hitler ordered an immediate counterattack against Allied forces in the form of Operation Luttich
Approves a limited withdrawal of the 7th Army
Made aware of the July conspiracy
Takes part in the unsuccesful plot against Hitler
Arrests the Stauffenberg conspriators after he learns of the failure of the plot
Orders the arrest & court-martial of von Stauffenberg to cover his own involvement
Appointed Major General
Orders von Kluge to assemble 8 panzer Divisions to cut Pattons lines of communication
The Germans attack Avranches & gain 20km but are driven back by fighter-bombers. Hitler orders von Kluge to assemble 8 panzer Divisions to cut off Patton. Can only assemble 4 Divisions with a total of 250 tanks to defend Avranches
The Germans attack Avranches & gain 20km but are driven back by fighter-bombers
Begins a German counter-attack at Avranches
The town of Falaise becomes a major objective of Commonwealth forces, since its capture would cut off virtually all of Generalfeldmarschall Gunther von Kluges Army Group B
The town of Falaise becomes a major objective of Commonwealth forces, since its capture would cut off virtually all of Generalfeldmarschall Gunther von Kluges Army Group B
Reinforcements were moved west by Marshal Gunther von Kluge and employed in various counterattacks, the largest of which (codenamed Operation Luttich) was launched on 7 August between Mortain and Avranches
The town of Falaise becomes a major objective of Commonwealth forces, since its capture would cut off virtually all of Generalfeldmarschall Gunther von Kluges Army Group B
The town of Falaise becomes a major objective of Commonwealth forces, since its capture would cut off virtually all of Generalfeldmarschall Gunther von Kluges Army Group B
Operation Luttich had been defeated by concerted, large-scale fighter-bomber air strikes against the German Panzers and trucks
Reinforcements were moved west by Marshal Gunther von Kluge and employed in various counterattacks, the largest of which (codenamed Operation Luttich) was launched on 7 August between Mortain and Avranches. Operation Luttich had been defeated by concerted, large-scale fighter-bomber air strikes against the German Panzers and trucks
The town of Falaise becomes a major objective of Commonwealth forces, since its capture would cut off virtually all of Generalfeldmarschall Gunther von Kluges Army Group B
Witzleben is sentenced to death for his role in the conspiracy against Hitler
Witzleben is executed at Plotzensee Prison after conviction by the People's Court
His death marks the destruction of a senior military branch of the anti Hitler resistance
Eberbach attempted to contain the Allied breakthrough south of Caen.
Meyer directed German resistance against the Canadian-led offensive from Caen toward Falaise.
Germany's greatest tank ace of the war is killed in action
Witzleben dies at Plotzensee as one of the first senior officers executed after the July Plot
Witzleben is executed for his part in the Stauffenberg plot and the attempted overthrow of Hitler
Defeated by the Americans & forced into retreat
The Germans begin their withdrawal from Paris
The Paris police force goes on strike & joins force with the Resistance
The Allies capture Falaise & advance towards the Seine
Appoints Model Commander of the West at the height of the crisis on the Eastern Front
Awarded Diamonds to the Knights Cross
Refuses to carry out an order from the OKW to counter-attack
Appointed Commander of Army Group B
Appointed Commander of Army Group B
Dismisses von Kluge
Dismissed after the loss of Avranches & replaced by Model
Authorizes a retreat
Appointed Supreme Commander of the West
Appointed Supreme Commander of the West
Death of Kluge, suicide
Kills himself while on his way back to Germany to explain himself to Hitler. Death of Kluge, suicide
Committs suicide by poison at Metz
Committs suicide by poison at Metz
The Allies advance as far as the Seine, Hitler orders a retreat across the Seine
The FFI occupy the Hotel de Ville, Paris town hall & at noon a truce is agreed
The final pocket of resistance in the Falaise Gap is removed by the Alies
Surrender and capture of the remaining units of the German 7th Army which were trapped in the Falaise Pocket. Elements of the First Canadian Army relieved the Polish Armys survivors of this Battle and the Canadian Army was finally able to close the Falaise Pocket by linking up with the troops of the American 3rd Army on the other side
Surrender and capture of the remaining units of the German 7th Army which were trapped in the Falaise Pocket
Elements of the First Canadian Army relieved the Polish Armys survivors of this Battle and the Canadian Army was finally able to close the Falaise Pocket by linking up with the troops of the American 3rd Army on the other side
Romanian Prime Minister Ion Antonescu is dismissed by King Michael, paving the way for Romania to abandon the Axis in favor of the Allies
Paris "should not fall into the hands of the enemy except as a field of ruins"
Hitler's refusal to permit an orderly surrender leaves Paris exposed to further destruction before liberation.
Paris "should not fall into the hands of the enemy except as a field of ruins"
Paris "should not fall into the hands of the enemy except as a field of ruins"
The German Commander of the Paris garrison surrenders
Choltiz disobeys Hitler's orders & refuses to burn Paris
Choltiz disobeys Hitler's orders & refuses to burn Paris
Romania declares war on Germany after German troops are defeated in Bucharest
Resumes command of the XXIV Panzer Corps
Resumes command of the XXIV Panzer Corps
Defends the Caen-Falaise road forcing the abandonment of Operation Totalize
Frank & Himmler are given the responsibility for suppressing the Warsaw insurgents
Jodl monitors the German retreat from France as Allied armies break out of Normandy.
The Finns announce an armistice with Russia & will break off relations with Germany
Reverts to just Commanding Army Group B
Reverts to just Commanding Army Group B
Germany fires the first V2 rockets at Britain
Despite the attempt to surrender the city, von Schwerin is ordered to counterattack against penetrating American forces southwest of Aachen, and he did so with elements of his panzergrenadier forces
1st day of the Battle of Arhem
The Western Allies reach the German border, which is protected by the extensive Siegfried Line
The Western Allies reach the German border, which is protected by the extensive Siegfried Line
Model arranged for units to be sent straight to the units in action in order to avoid long-winded logistics, and rushed in specialist street fighting and machine gun battalions. Each day of the battle, the German military strength increased whilst the British supplies diminished. By 21 September, the fifth day of the battle, German forces outnumbered the British by 3:1 and continued to increase
Halts the Allied advance
The city of Aachen was defended by the 116th Panzer Division, under the command of General Gerhard von Schwerin
Arnhem was a victory for the Germans (albeit tempered by their losses further south) and a major defeat for the British army.
Model moved his headquarters to Arnhem and was re-establishing defences in the area and co-ordinating the reorganisation of the scattered units so that by the time the Allies launched Market Garden there would be several units opposing them.
The Allies withdrew from the southern bank of the Rhine and the front stabilised on "the island" between the Rhine and Waal rivers.
Hurtgen Forest is defended by the German 275th and 353rd Infantry Divisions, understrength but well prepared - 5,000 men (1,000 in reserve) - and commanded by General Hans Schmidt
The Germans fiercely defended the area for two reasons: it served as a staging area for the Ardennes Offensive (what became the Battle of the Bulge) that was already in preparation, and the mountains commanded access to the Schwammenauel Dam.
The Germans were able to hold the region until they launched their final major, last-ditch offensive on the Western Front, into the Ardennes.
Model moved his headquarters to Arnhem and was re-establishing defences in the area and co-ordinating the reorganisation of the scattered units so that by the time the Allies launched Market Garden there would be several units opposing them
German defenses along the Siegfried Line continued to increase, and were able to establish a defensive depth of an average of 4.8 kilometers (3.0 miles). During September, Wehrmacht high command reinforced the Siegfried Line and brought total troop strength to an estimated 230,000 soldiers, including 100,000 fresh personnel
During September, Wehrmacht high command reinforced the Siegfried Line and brought total troop strength to an estimated 230,000 soldiers, including 100,000 fresh personnel
The Germans were able to hold the region until they launched their final major, last-ditch offensive on the Western Front, into the Ardennes
The Gestapo give Rommel the choice of a trial or suicide disguised as a heart attack. Rommel decides to poison himself
Death of Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel, forced to take poison
The Gestapo give Rommel the choice of a trial or suicide disguised as a heart attack
Attempts to hold the German line to the Swiss border
The Allies liberate Aachen
The Volksgerichtshof ("Peoples Court") sentences him to death
Jodl transmits an order for evacuation and destruction in northern Norway as German forces withdraw.
The order transmitted by Jodl directs destruction intended to deny shelter and resources to advancing Soviet forces.
Although the Germans counterattacked in October they were repulsed and subsequently the front line in The Netherlands would not move until after the winter
Directs The Woman in the Window.
Death of Friedrich-Werner Graf von der Schulenburg, hanged at Plotzensee Prison in Berlin
Hanged after the failed assassination attempt of Hitler
Hanged at Plotzensee Prison in Berlin
Jodl participates in high-level planning for Hitler's offensive through the Ardennes.
Operates on Hitler to remove a vocal chord. Discovers Hitler's eardrums were ruptured by the bomb blast of 20 July
At a conference Model presses for the "small solution", Hitler refuses
Jodl's OKW staff monitors the opening of the German offensive in the Ardennes.
1st day of operations to split the Allies & cut off their supplies
1st day of operations to split the Allies & cut off their supplies
An offensive orderred by Hitler to split the British & Americans & drive for Antwerp. 16 Dec-28 Jan, Hitler's "watch on the Rhine"
First day of operations to split the Allies & cut off from their supplies
The closest the Germans get to Antwerp is Dinant, well to the east of the Maas. Ordered by Hitler, Model prefers just to take out the US salient at Aachen
The Germans advance 50 miles, the Bulge. 16 Dec-28 Jan, a final offensive in the Ardennes 3 German armies attack 4 US divisions
The closest the Germans get to Antwerp is Dinant, well to the east of the Maas
Insists upon the capture of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge
The Allies pound German trains west of St-Vith. Patton breaks through Manteuffels forces & reaches Bastogne
Orders the "small solution", but the battle is lost & the Germans retreat into Germany
Hitler orders the "small solution", the battle is lost & Germans retreat into Germany
Directs Ministry of Fear.
Launched in support of the offensive in the Ardennes, the Battle of the Bulge
Jodl evaluates the deteriorating situation as the Ardennes offensive fails to achieve its strategic objectives.
Bergen-Belsen becomes a full-scale concentration camp
Bergen-Belsen becomes a full-scale concentration camp
Appointed Commander of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, the "Beast of Belsen"
The Nazi regime uses the failed plot to purge the army and punish suspected opponents
From his Berlin position Quirnheim is placed close to the command machinery needed for Operation Walkure
Creates Army Group Narva out of Army Group North. Created to prevent the Soviet breakthrough into the Baltic
Surrenders to the US forces
Arrested because of his opposition to Hitler
Arrested after the July plot to kill Hitler
The last important counter-attack of the war against the Allies. Fails to halt the Allied advance into Germany
The Bendlerblock becomes the centre of the military coup plans against Hitler
Over 1,400 V-2s are launched against Britain
Appointed Captain
Witzleben is connected with the circle that relies on Stauffenberg to carry out the assassination attempt
Appointed Commander of Army group G under Gerd von Rundstedt
Appointed Commander of Army group G under Gerd von Rundstedt
Appointed Commander of Army Group Narva
Appointed Commander of Army Group Narva
Appointed Commander of the 1st Panzer Army
Appointed Commander of the 1st Panzer Army
Appointed Commander of the 1st Panzer Army
Appointed Commander of the 1st Panzer Army
Appointed Commander of Fourteenth Army
Appointed Commander of Fourteenth Army
Appointed Commander of the Paris
Appointed Commander of the Paris garrison by Hitler
Appointed Commander of II Fighter Corps responsible for units in France & Belgium
Appointed Commander of the 21st Panzer Division in Normandy
Appointed Commander of the 21st Panzer Division in Normandy
Involved in the failed attempt on Hitler's life in the July bomb plot
Death of Ludwig Beck, after a failure to assassinate Hitler
Dismissed by Hitler
Dismissed after failing to provide 100 sorties during D-Day
Stauffenburg & 200 others are executed for trying to assassinate Hitler
An SS report, a true pioneer in this area because of his new ideas
Executes about 400,000 Hungarian Jews alone at Auschwitz in the summer of 1944
Involved in the failed attempt on Hitler's life in the July bomb plot
After the failed plot relatives of conspirators face intimidation arrest and collective punishment
Fooled by Operation Fortitude into believing the Allies will attack the Pas de Calais
Witzleben is linked to Olbricht and other officers preparing the coup in Berlin
Appointed General of the Infantry
Appointed General of the Infantry
Witzleben becomes associated with the conservative military resistance to Hitler
The Me-262 becomes the 1st mass-produced jet fighter
Witzleben is remembered as one of the highest ranking German officers involved in the July Plot
Gretl Braun marries a member of Hitler's entourage, Hermann Fegelein, Himmlers liaison
Awarded the Knights Cross with Oakleaves
Commands the 1st Panzers during Mansteins resistance to the Soviet Winter Offensive
The execution of Witzleben demonstrates Hitler's determination to crush dissent within the officer corps
Plans to counter the Allied invasion of Normandy are made at Margival
Directive 51 is issued the strengthen the westeern defences
Mistakenly believes the Allies will land near the Somme & the Schelde
Responsible for western intelligence for the OKW
Quirnheim helps prepare the use of reserve army orders for the coup against the Nazi leadership
General Helmuth Stieff, Chief of Organisation in Army High Command, volunteered to be the assassin but later backed away
Operation Walkure is prepared as the mechanism for seizing control of the state after Hitler is killed
Witzleben is brought before the People's Court after his arrest
Witzleben is tried before Roland Freisler in the Nazi People's Court
The trial of Witzleben is staged as a public humiliation of the military resistance
Defends Monte Cassino on the west of the Gustav Line which guards the route to Rome
Ordered by Hitler to blow up all the bridges across the Seine & destroy much of Paris. Ignores Hitler's order to destroy much of Paris
German Commandant in Paris
Commander of German Army Corps in Paris
Witzleben supports the conspiracy centred on Stauffenberg and the planned use of Operation Walkure
Stauffenburg & 200 others are executed for trying to assassinate Hitler
Member of "court of honour" sentencing officers to death
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