World War II Day by Day: November 1944

In the Pacific, Japanese defeats at the Battle of the Philippine Sea and around the Mariana Islands, plus losses in Burma, signaled the growing might of the Allies. In Europe, Axis forces suffered reverses and withdrawals in Italy, France, and on the Eastern Front, as the Allies invaded northern France and the Red Army virtually wiped out Army Group Center.

7 November

Espionage, Japan

The Japanese hang the spy Richard Sorge at Sugamo Prison, Tokyo. He has been working for eight years as the Tokyo correspondent for a German newspaper, and during this time has sent the Soviet Union detailed information concerning German and Japanese plans, including the attack on the Soviet Union in 1941.

8 November

Western Front, Belgium

The Canadian First Army completes the clearing of the Scheldt estuary. It takes 41,000 prisoners during the operation at a cost of 12,873 men killed, wounded, and missing.

9 November

Western Front, France

General George Patton’s US Third Army (500,000 men and 500 tanks) crosses the Moselle River on a broad Front toward the heart of the Reich.

11-12 November

Pacific, Iwo Jima

The US Navy bombards the island of Iwo Jima to soften up the defenses prior to an amphibious landing
The US Navy bombards the island of Iwo Jima to soften up the defenses prior to an amphibious landing

The US Navy bombards the Japanese-held island for the first time.

12 November

Air War, Norway

After spending most of the war in Norweigan costal waters, the Tirpitz was finally sunk on November 12
After spending most of the war in Norweigan costal waters, the Tirpitz was finally sunk on November 12

RAF Lancaster bombers from 9 and 617 Squadrons sink the German battleship Tirpitz in Altenfiord, killing 1100 of its crew when the ship capsizes.

24 November

Air War, Japan

American B-29 Superfortress bombers mount their first raid against Tokyo from the Mariana Islands.