August 1939

August 2nd, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: The German High Command issues additional orders to fast-track the completion of logistical preparations. The Luftwaffe moves bomber squadrons closer to the Polish border, increasing reconnaissance flights over Polish territory.

Great Britain prepares for War: In Britain, the government debates emergency measures, including the introduction of air raid precautions and civilian evacuations. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain holds discussions with the military leadership about war preparedness.

Poland prepares for War: Marshal Edward Rydz-Śmigły receives intelligence reports of heightened German activity along the frontier and orders Polish troops to increase their state of readiness.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces conduct further air raids on Chinese positions in Chongqing.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: Soviet forces remain engaged in skirmishes with Japanese troops along the Mongolian border at Khalkhin Gol.

United States monitors Japan: The United States monitors Japanese naval movements, particularly in the South China Sea.

August 3rd, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany accelerates its diplomatic efforts to prevent British and French intervention. The German Foreign Office increases pressure on Poland to negotiate on the status of Danzig and the Polish Corridor. Propaganda efforts intensify, portraying Poland as the aggressor.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British Royal Navy places more vessels on standby. Reports from British intelligence indicate that German forces near the Polish border are conducting intensive war games in preparation for an attack.

France prepares for War: The French government begins mobilising reserve units.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Imperial Japanese Navy conducts naval drills in preparation for possible engagements in the South China Sea.

August 4th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German reconnaissance aircraft conduct further flights over Poland, mapping key infrastructure targets. Hitler meets with top military officials, reviewing final strategic plans for the invasion of Poland.

Soviet Union and Germany Negotiate: The Soviet government continues discussions on a potential agreement with Germany. Soviet diplomats indicate that a non-aggression pact with Germany may be more beneficial than an alliance with Britain and France.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan continues its military offensives in China, launching an assault on Nationalist positions in Hubei province.

August 5th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Tensions along the Polish-German border continue to rise as German units conduct exercises simulating urban warfare. Polish border guards report increased German provocations.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British War Cabinet holds a meeting to discuss potential military responses. Reports from Berlin suggest that German public sentiment is being shaped by intensified anti-Polish propaganda.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces establish new supply routes in occupied China to sustain ongoing military operations.

August 6th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany moves additional Panzer divisions towards the Polish border. The Luftwaffe finalises operational plans for air superiority in the event of war.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British Foreign Office sends a formal warning to Germany against aggression towards Poland. Meanwhile, the Soviet leadership analyses the potential for conflict in Eastern Europe and considers its strategic options.

Soviet Union prepares for War: The Soviet Red Army continues war games in western Russia.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: Japanese forces reinforce positions along the Soviet border in preparation for a possible escalation at Khalkhin Gol.

August 7th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German intelligence operatives increase sabotage efforts within Poland, attempting to disrupt Polish defences.

Poland prepares for War: Polish authorities apprehend suspected German agents near critical railway lines and communication hubs.

France prepares for Polish Invasion: French military leaders assess the situation and begin limited mobilisation of defensive forces along the German border.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: Japan deploys additional troops to Manchuria, increasing pressure on the Soviet border.

August 8th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Nazi propaganda intensifies, broadcasting allegations of Polish persecution of ethnic Germans in Danzig. German newspapers publish fabricated stories of Polish aggression, laying the groundwork for a justification of military intervention.

Poland prepares for War: The Polish government appeals to Britain and France for increased diplomatic support, expressing concerns that war is imminent.

United States is concerned: The United States expresses concern over the increasing hostilities in China and the potential for wider conflict in the Pacific.

August 9th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: The German military establishes final invasion timetables. High-ranking German officers conduct secret meetings to refine operational details.

Soviet Union and Germany Negotiate: In the Soviet Union, Stalin consults Molotov on the progress of negotiations with Germany. Soviet military intelligence continues monitoring German and Polish movements.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces continue offensive operations in central China, capturing additional territory in Hubei.

August 10th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German operatives continue provocations along the Polish border.

Poland preparares for War: The Polish government issues directives to its military to avoid escalation but to be prepared for any conflict.

Great Britain and France preparare for War: British and French diplomats issue renewed warnings to Germany, stating that any aggression against Poland will trigger a full-scale war.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: The Soviet Union increases its troop presence along the Mongolian border, preparing for a decisive engagement against Japanese forces.

August 11th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Hitler personally reviews invasion plans and orders final adjustments. The German economy shifts further towards war production.

Soviet Union and Germany Negotiate: Soviet diplomats meet with German representatives in Moscow, discussing a possible agreement that would divide Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces launch a fresh wave of air raids against Chongqing municipality in southwestern China.

August 12th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany begins moving heavy artillery units towards staging areas near the Polish frontier. German intelligence continues monitoring Polish defensive positions and railway networks. Hitler holds a meeting with top military planners, reaffirming that all attack formations must be in place by the end of the month.

Great Britain France and the Soviet Union negotiate: In Moscow, British and French delegations arrive for military negotiations with Soviet officials. Talks begin, but disagreements over the deployment of Soviet forces into Poland prevent immediate progress. Stalin remains undecided on whether to align with the Western Allies or Germany.

Great Britain and France preparare for War: British and French intelligence services report that Germany is now fully prepared for war, raising alarms in both London and Paris.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese Army launches a new assault on Chinese positions in the Henan Province, attempting to break through defensive lines and establish supply routes.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: Soviet reinforcements continue to arrive along the Mongolian border, preparing for further escalation against Japan at Khalkhin.

August 13th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Hitler meets with senior military advisors, confirming that war with Poland is imminent unless Poland surrenders Danzig. German forces conduct war games simulating urban combat and rapid encirclement tactics. The Luftwaffe finalises targeting plans for Polish airfields and key industrial centres.

Great Britain France and the Soviet Union negotiate: In Moscow, Soviet leaders remain sceptical of the British-French negotiations, believing the West to be unreliable in confronting Germany. Meanwhile, the Soviet Red Army continues reinforcing defensive positions along the western frontier.

Soviet Union and Germany Negotiate: Soviet officials inform the German delegation that Stalin is willing to consider a formal agreement with Germany.

Second Sino-Japanese War: In China, Japanese forces conduct bombing raids on Chongqing, targeting military infrastructure and causing significant civilian casualties.

August 14th, 1939

Poland prepares for War: Polish border forces detect further German troop movements. The Polish government orders additional fortifications in key defensive sectors.

Germany prepares for Polish Invasion: German intelligence officials step up efforts to identify Polish military weaknesses. The Gestapo increases operations targeting anti-Nazi resistance within Germany.

France preparares for War: French military planners update their war contingency strategies, preparing defensive positions along the Maginot Line.

Great Britain prepares for War: Britain orders additional warships to patrol the North Sea in preparation for potential hostilities.

Soviet Union negotiates: In Moscow, Soviet officials continue to assess the viability of an alliance with the Western Allies while maintaining contact with German diplomats. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact negotiations advance in secret.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Japanese Army increases its pressure on Chinese forces in central China, attempting to cut supply lines to the Nationalist government.

August 15th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German military exercises along the Polish border increase in scale. Hitler issues a confidential directive confirming that the invasion of Poland will proceed at the end of the month unless Poland capitulates to German demands. German logistical supply lines are placed on high alert.

Poland prepares for War: The Polish government receives new intelligence reports of German war preparations.

Great Britain and France confirm support: Britain and France reaffirm their support for Poland but stop short of promising immediate military action.

Soviet Union negotiates: The Soviet Union closely monitors developments in Europe, with Stalin considering his options regarding an alliance with either Germany or the Western Allies.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Japanese Navy escalates operations, enforcing a naval blockade on Chinese supply routes.

August 16th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: The Luftwaffe finalises attack plans against key Polish airfields and military hubs. German divisions continue repositioning for their imminent offensive. Hitler refuses to consider further negotiations with Poland, stating that military action is the only solution.

Poland prepares for War: Poland increases border patrols in response to repeated German provocations. The Polish General Staff orders a review of defensive plans.

Great Britain and France preparare for War: British and French leaders discuss coordinated military responses in the event of war.

Soviet Union and Germany Negotiate: In Moscow, Soviet and German negotiators continue discussions about their respective spheres of influence in Eastern Europe.

Great Britain France and the Soviet Union negotiate: The British and French military delegations in Moscow continue efforts to secure a military pact with Stalin but face resistance due to concerns over Poland’s sovereignty.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese ground forces intensify their push into Sichuan Province, seeking to consolidate control over the region.

August 17th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany completes its strategic deployment of Panzer divisions. The German High Command finalises the invasion timetable, assigning key objectives for each advancing army group. German intelligence steps up its operations within Poland, seeking information on Polish defensive strategies.

Poland prepares for War: Polish forces reinforce positions near major cities, expecting a possible German invasion. The Polish government accelerates diplomatic efforts to gain further assurances from Britain and France.

Soviet Union and Germany Negotiate: Soviet and German diplomats meet in Moscow, making progress on a possible non-aggression pact.

Soviet Union prepares for War: Soviet military planners hold high-level meetings to discuss the potential ramifications of a German-Soviet agreement.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces fortify positions in northern China, anticipating prolonged resistance from Chinese forces.

August 18th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Nazi propaganda escalates, claiming that Poland is provoking Germany. Hitler orders an increase in psychological warfare, including false reports of Polish border violations.

Germany prepares for Polish Invasion: Hitler orders the German Kriegsmarine to prepare for a blockade of Poland. U-boat commanders receive operational instructions for potential hostilities.

Poland prepares for War: The Polish High Command warns its forces to be prepared for an imminent attack. Polish military leaders meet to discuss final defensive arrangements, including fallback strategies in case of rapid German advances.

Soviet Union and Germany Negotiate: Molotov meets with German diplomats to refine the terms of a potential non-aggression pact.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: Japanese forces in Manchuria conduct military drills, reinforcing their positions along the Soviet border.

August 19th, 1939

Soviet Union and Germany become Allies: Germany and the Soviet Union agree in principle to a non-aggression pact. Germany and the Soviet Union reach a preliminary understanding on the division of Eastern Europe. Stalin authorises the drafting of a formal agreement with Germany.

Soviet Union prepares for War: Stalin orders further troop deployments in preparation for potential territorial acquisitions. The Soviet government formally increases arms production to ensure readiness for any military developments.

Poland prepares for War: Poland continues mobilising its forces, warning that German aggression appears imminent.

Great Britain and France prepare for War: Great Britain and France prepare their public for the possibility of war, increasing propaganda efforts against German expansionism.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces capture key railway hubs in Hubei Province, consolidating their hold on occupied territory.

August 20th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German military leaders conduct a final strategy meeting with Hitler to confirm invasion plans. Hitler reaffirms to his generals that a rapid victory is essential to avoid prolonged conflict with Britain and France. The Wehrmacht continues logistical preparations, ensuring that fuel and ammunition supplies are in place.

Poland tries to negotiate: Polish government officials continue diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions, but Germany remains unresponsive. Poland’s leadership meets to discuss evacuation plans for key government officials in case of war.

Poland preparares for War: Polish forces remain on high alert but continue to avoid unnecessary escalation.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: Soviet and Japanese forces engage in a major battle at Khalkhin Gol. The Soviets commenced a major counteroffensive under General Georgy Zhukov, employing combined arms tactics to encircle Japanese forces. Soviet tanks and air support inflict heavy casualties on Japanese positions. Stalin closely monitors the battle’s outcome while finalising negotiations with Germany.

August 21st, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German Panzer divisions move into final positions along the Polish border.

Poland preparares for War: The Polish government places its military on high alert.

Soviet Union and Germany Negotiate: Minister Vyacheslav Molotov and German officials finalise details for the non-aggression pact. Stalin gives his approval, believing that an agreement with Germany will provide the Soviet Union time to rebuild its military strength.

Soviet Union prepares for Polish Invasion: The Soviet Army begins shifting forces towards the western Soviet border.

Great Britain and France negotiate: Great Britain and France continue diplomatic efforts to avert war but receive no meaningful response from Berlin.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese naval forces conduct amphibious landing drills, preparing for further expansions in Southeast Asia.

August 22nd, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Hitler delivers a speech to senior military officers, stating that war with Poland is unavoidable. Orders are issued for the Wehrmacht to be in full readiness by the end of the month. The Wehrmacht’s final invasion timetable is approved, confirming the use of Blitzkrieg tactics.

Soviet Union and Germany become Allies: In Moscow, Soviet diplomats finalise the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Stalin instructs his military planners to prepare for territorial annexations in Eastern Europe.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan increases military operations in central China, launching fresh assaults on Chinese Nationalist positions.

August 23rd, 1939

Soviet Union and Germany become Allies: Germany and the Soviet Union sign the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, agreeing to the partition of Poland.

August 24th, 1939

Great Britain and France preparare for War: Great Britain and France respond by reaffirming their military commitments to Poland. Poland remains on high alert, with military leaders issuing contingency plans for defence.

August 25th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Hitler temporarily postpones its planned invasion of Poland after Britain and Poland sign a formal military alliance. Hitler hesitates, reconsidering the risks of immediate conflict. German forces remain in their attack positions along the Polish border. The signing of the Anglo-Polish military agreement further complicates German plans.

Preperations Fall Weiß: The German pre-dreadnought battleship Schleswig-Holstein enters the harbour of the Free Town of Danzig. The ship moors in the port channel 150 metres from the small peninsula of Westerplatte, where a Polish military depot is established. On board is a Marinestosstruppkompanie of 225 German marines.

Great Britain and France preparare for War: Great Britain orders further military mobilisation, while France increases troop deployments along the German frontier.

Soviet Union and Germany become Allies: In the Soviet Union, military planners monitor German activities, preparing for the potential implementation of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces continue their offensive in China, launching air raids on key Nationalist positions in Sichuan Province.

August 26th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German intelligence continues assessing Polish military strength, monitoring defensive positions along the Vistula River. The Luftwaffe increases aerial reconnaissance over Polish cities and airfields in preparation for bombing campaigns. Hitler issues an order to delay the invasion by a few days, seeking last-minute diplomatic solutions while ensuring the Wehrmacht remains in full readiness.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Imperial Japanese Army continues consolidating its hold on central China.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: The conflict between Soviet and Japanese forces at Khalkhin Gol remains tense, with occasional skirmishes continuing along the Mongolian border.

August 27th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: The German High Command revises operational details for the invasion of Poland, focusing on rapid encirclement strategies. The Luftwaffe increases reconnaissance missions over Polish territory, identifying key military and transport infrastructure for targeting. German U-boats deploy into the Baltic Sea, positioning themselves to intercept Polish naval forces.

Poland prepares for War: Poland continues mobilising its army, positioning additional forces near key defensive lines.

Great Britain and France preparare for War: British and French officials continue high-level discussions on their response should Germany proceed with its invasion.

Great Britain warns Germany: The British government increases pressure on Berlin, warning that any attack on Poland will result in immediate British intervention.

Italy prepares for War: The Italian Navy conducts naval drills off the coast of Libya, preparing for potential operations in North Africa.

August 28th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: German propagandists intensify efforts to justify military action, spreading false reports of Polish atrocities against ethnic Germans in Danzig and the surrounding areas.

Poland preparares for War: The Polish government issues further defensive orders, mobilising additional reserve forces to reinforce border positions.

Great Britain preparares for War: British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain sends another warning to Hitler, reaffirming Britain’s stance against aggression.

Soviet Union prepares for War: Stalin orders increased production of armoured vehicles and aircraft, ensuring Soviet readiness for any potential conflict in Eastern Europe or Asia.

August 29th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany issues an ultimatum to Poland, demanding immediate negotiations over Danzig and the Polish Corridor. The Polish government, aware of Germany’s intentions, refuses to submit to the demands but expresses willingness to discuss diplomatic resolutions.

Preperations Fall Weiß: Hitler orders final operational directives for the Wehrmacht, setting the invasion for September 1st, 1939. The Luftwaffe issues attack orders to bomber units, preparing for air raids against Polish infrastructure.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan intensifies its bombing campaign in China, targeting military supply routes. Soviet forces remain in heightened readiness, continuing troop deployments near the western border.

August 30th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: The German High Command finalises attack plans, ordering military units to assume their starting positions along the Polish border. The Luftwaffe prepares for pre-dawn bombing raids on Polish airfields.

Poland preparares for War: The Polish Army continues last-minute defensive preparations, deploying troops along expected attack routes. Polish border forces report increased German activity but are under strict orders to avoid provocations.

Great Britain and France warn Germany: Great Britain and France issue a final warning to Germany, stating that an invasion will result in war.

Great Britain monitors Germany: The Royal Navy increases patrols in the North Sea, monitoring potential German naval movements.

August 31st, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany stages the Gleiwitz Incident, a false-flag operation in which German SS operatives, disguised as Polish soldiers, attack a German radio station in Gleiwitz. The attack serves as Hitler’s justification for war. The German government claims Polish aggression and declares the necessity of military intervention.

Preperations Fall Weiß: At 23:00, Hitler signs Directive No. 1 for the invasion of Poland, ordering hostilities of Fall Weiss to commence at dawn on September 1st, 1939. German tank divisions and infantry begin their final approach to the Polish border, preparing for a coordinated Blitzkrieg assault.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces continue their offensive in China, securing additional positions in Hunan Province.

Soviet–Japanese Border Conflicts: Soviet forces successfully expelled Japanese troops from the Mongolian side of the border. Soviet and Japanese forces at Khalkhin Gol prepare for further escalation, with both sides reinforcing their positions.