World War II Today

Home
Notes
Explore the War
Sunday Feature
Archive
About
Close encounter with a suicidal 'Jap'
6th February 1945: A young rifleman has a narrow escape after being separated from his Platoon
The 'Big Three' at Yalta
5th February 1945: The Soviets host the conference to decide the future of Europe - but don't have drinking water or toilets
1
Resistance stiffens in the Philippines
4th February 1945: Japanese morale remains high despite hunger and disease as they prepare to die for the Emperor in the steaming jungle
The Mighty Eighth hit Berlin again
3rd February 1945: The German capital suffers its heaviest raid yet as over a 1000 B-17s attack - encountering 'no fighters' but heavy flak
'Hitler Fortresse's in the East'
Research in the Soviet archives reveals the desperate battles to overcome Nazi redoubts in Eastern Europe
Vernichtung! in Sachsenhausen
2nd February 1945: Even as the Nazi camp system crumbles, the SS still have time to murder British Commandos
Lucky to be wounded
1st February 1945: Hitler has created a system where every soldier must resist to the end - even as Germany collapses around them

January 2025

The Execution of Eddie D. Slovik
31st January 1945: The only member of the US military to be executed for desertion since the American Civil War dies by firing squad
Worst-ever loss of life at sea
30th January 1945: Around 9,400 Germans die when the Wilhelm Gustloff is torpedoed in freezing waters
Wehrmacht on the run
29th January 1945: Across Poland, surviving German soldiers flee 'like hunted animals' to escape the Red Army
London still under threat
28th January 1945: Londoners struggle with the cold and shortages - and must adjust to intermittent V2 'frights'
Auschwitz liberated
27th January 1945: The Red Army overruns the abandoned killing centre and concentration camp - before the world understands its true horror
1
© 2025 Martin Cherrett
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture