SEPTEMBER 1, 1939

Welcome to Day after Day....

I'm Mike Tucker, this blog that will chronicle each day of the most cataclysmic event in centuries.....The Second World War. We are just getting started and as we grow in interest, readers and contributors we are committed to improving the look, depth and breath of our blog.

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September 1, 1939....

German intelligence conducts a false attack on the Gleiwitz radio station that triggers a German invasion of Poland. At about the same time the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein then on a courtesy visit to Danzig harbor opens fire, at 0445.

The Wehrmacht attacks with 52 divisions (1.5 million troops) from Silesia, East Prussia and Slovakia. The Polish Army is one-third the size of Germany's. The German Army is a modern, highly mobile armor and tactical aircraft. It unleashes a 'blitzkreig' war, overwhelming the Poles. The Luftwaffe destroys the vast majority of the Polish Air Force. Hitler orders his military to show no mercy. Historian Paul John summed up Hitler's approach: "He ceased to woo; he now sought only to force and terrorize."

Britain and France warn Germany that unless military action is halted the two nations will come to the aid of the Poles. The two governments also looks to Mussolini's proposal for an international conference to revise the terms of the Versailles treaty.

Italy announces its non-belligerent status; Norway, Switzerland, Portugal and Finland declare their neutrality.

In Washington D.C. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), appeals to all belligerent nations to not bomb unfortified cities or civilian populations. Over the next six years no country will be able to keep that pledge.