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1943

World War II: A Japanese submarine sinks AHS Centaur off the coast of Queensland

World War II: A Japanese submarine sinks AHS Centaur off the coast of Queensland.

1940

World War II: Rotterdam, Netherlands is bombed by the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany despite a ceasefire, killing about 900 p

World War II: Rotterdam, Netherlands is bombed by the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany despite a ceasefire, killing about 900 people and destroying the historic city center.

1943

Second World War: Australian Hospital Ship Centaur was attacked and sunk by a Japanese submarine off the coast of Queens

Second World War: Australian Hospital Ship Centaur was attacked and sunk by a Japanese submarine off the coast of Queensland, killing 268 people aboard.

1940

World War II: The bulk of Dutch forces surrendered to the German Wehrmacht, ending the Battle of the Netherlands

World War II: The bulk of Dutch forces surrendered to the German Wehrmacht, ending the Battle of the Netherlands.

1945

World War II: The Battle of Poljana, the final skirmish in Europe is fought near Prevalje, Slovenia

World War II: The Battle of Poljana, the final skirmish in Europe is fought near Prevalje, Slovenia.

1942

World War II: In the United States, a bill creating the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) is signed into law

World War II: In the United States, a bill creating the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) is signed into law.

1940

World War II: The Battle of the Netherlands: After fierce fighting, the poorly trained and equipped Dutch troops surrend

World War II: The Battle of the Netherlands: After fierce fighting, the poorly trained and equipped Dutch troops surrender to Germany, marking the beginning of five years of occupation.

1943

World War II: Dambuster Raids commence by No

World War II: Dambuster Raids commence by No. 617 Squadron RAF.

1940

World War II: Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium

World War II: Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium.

2024

Bud Anderson, American World War II flying ace (born 1922)

Bud Anderson, American World War II flying ace (born 1922)

1944

World War II: Battle of Monte Cassino: Conclusion after seven days of the fourth battle as German paratroopers evacuate

World War II: Battle of Monte Cassino: Conclusion after seven days of the fourth battle as German paratroopers evacuate Monte Cassino.

1917

World War I: The Selective Service Act of 1917 is passed, giving the President of the United States the power of conscri

World War I: The Selective Service Act of 1917 is passed, giving the President of the United States the power of conscription.

1943

Second World War: The Royal Air Force's "Dambusters" squadron embarked on an attack on German dams using bouncing bombs

Second World War: The Royal Air Force's "Dambusters" squadron embarked on an attack on German dams using bouncing bombs designed by Barnes Wallis.

1942

World War II: In the aftermath of the Battle of the Coral Sea, Task Force 16 heads to Pearl Harbor for repairs

World War II: In the aftermath of the Battle of the Coral Sea, Task Force 16 heads to Pearl Harbor for repairs.

1920

Tina Strobos, Dutch psychiatrist known for rescuing Jews during World War II (died 2012)

Tina Strobos, Dutch psychiatrist known for rescuing Jews during World War II (died 2012)

1915

First World War: Australian and New Zealand troops repelled the third attack on Anzac Cove, inflicting heavy casualties

First World War: Australian and New Zealand troops repelled the third attack on Anzac Cove, inflicting heavy casualties on the attacking Ottoman forces.

1941

World War II: Battle of Crete: German paratroops invade Crete

World War II: Battle of Crete: German paratroops invade Crete.

1941

World War II: German paratroopers began the Battle of Heraklion on the island of Crete, capturing the airfield and port

World War II: German paratroopers began the Battle of Heraklion on the island of Crete, capturing the airfield and port in Heraklion ten days later.

1942

Mexico enters the Second World War on the side of the Allies

Mexico enters the Second World War on the side of the Allies.

1939

World War II: Germany and Italy sign the Pact of Steel

World War II: Germany and Italy sign the Pact of Steel.