February 1939

February 3rd, 1939

Spanish Civil War: During the Catalonia Offensive, Nationalist forces reach Tossa de Mar, advancing their position in the region.

Czechoslovakia seeks Diplomacy with Great Britain and France: Czechoslovakia appeals to Britain and France for firm guarantees of sovereignty as internal pressure from pro-German elements grows.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces conduct new offensives in northern China, targeting Chinese Nationalist strongholds along the Yellow River.

February 4th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Battle of Valsequillo concludes unsuccessfully for the Republican forces. Additionally, Spanish President Manuel Azaña crosses into France, entering exile.

Preperations Fall Grün: German propaganda campaigns escalate, accusing Czechoslovakia of oppressing ethnic Germans and destabilising Central Europe.

Italy prepares for War: Italy intensifies military drills in the Mediterranean, supporting Mussolini’s plans to expand Italian influence in the Balkans and North Africa.

IRA Bombings in London: The Irish Republican Army detonates bombs at Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square Underground stations in London, injuring seven people, two of them seriously.

February 5th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: During the Catalonia Offensive, Nationalist forces captures the city of Girona, further consolidating Francisco Franco’s control over Spain.

United States reinstates it’s Neutrality: The United States restates its commitment to neutrality but voices concerns over the aggressive actions of Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Great Britain and France discuss situation in Europe: British and French diplomats meet in London to coordinate responses to the deteriorating situation in Eastern Europe.

IRA Coventry Fires: In Coventry, England, four fires break out, suspects to have been started by the Irish Republican Army. These incidents are part of a series of actions attributed to the Irish Republican Army during that period.

February 6th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Spanish government fled to France as Francisco Franco’s forces advance, solidifying Franco’s control over the country.

Germany prepares for War: Germany steps up military production, expanding its panzer and Luftwaffe capabilities in preparation for future operations.

Great Britain confirms Alliance with France: British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain addressed the House of Commons, declaring that any threat to France would be considered a threat to Britain, thereby affirming Britain’s commitment to French security.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Japanese Navy increases its patrols in the East China Sea, attempting to prevent Chinese coastal resupply by foreign powers.

February 7th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: Spanish Prime Minister Juan Negrín and General Vicente Rojo Lluch cross into France, marking a significant moment as Republican leaders seek refuge amid Nationalist advances.

Czechoslavkia negiotaites with Germany: Czechoslovak President Emil Hácha attempts to negotiate with German officials, hoping to preserve national unity amidst rising threats of disintegration.

Soviet Union prepares for War: Soviet military officials inspect western frontier defences, anticipating potential clashes with either Germany or Japan.

The London Conference on Palestine commences: This conference is an attempt by Great Britain to address the ongoing tensions in Mandatory Palestine by bringing together Arab and Jewish representatives, though it ultimately concludes without a resolution.

February 8th, 1939

France prepares for War: France increases training exercises along the German border, reinforcing the Maginot Line and preparing for defensive operations.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan begins bombing raids on industrial areas in Chongqing, attempting to cripple Chinese war production.

February 9th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Battle of Minorca concludes with the surrender of the Republican garrison to Nationalist forces.

Hungary seeks Alliance with Germany: Hungary strengthens diplomatic ties with Germany, seeking support for territorial revisions against Czechoslovakia and Romania.

Political Developments: The Belgium government led by Prime Minister Paul-Henri Spaak collapses.

Preperations Fall Grün: British intelligence reports heightened German troop activity near Austria and Czechoslovakia, raising fears of a pending invasion.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British Home Office announces plans to provide steel air-raid shelters, known as “Anderson shelters,” to homes in areas most likely to be bombed in the event of war.

February 10th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Nationalist forces complete their conquest of Catalonia, effectively sealing the border with France. This marks a pivotal moment in the war, leading to the eventual victory of Francisco Franco’s forces.

Germany prepares for War: Germany increases conscription quotas to expand its armed forces.

League of Nations remains indecisive: The League of Nations debates German and Japanese expansionism, but internal divisions prevent decisive action.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese troops occupy Hainan Island as part of their broader military operations.

Pope Pius XI’s Death: Pope Pius XI passes away at the age of 81.

February 11th, 1939

Great Britain prepares for War: The British Royal Navy conducts naval exercises off the coast of Scotland, testing new convoy protection strategies.

Second Sino-Japanese War: China’s Nationalist Army retreats from forward positions under pressure from Japanese attacks in central China.

February 12th, 1939

Germany prepares for War: Germany opens new military facilities in Silesia and Bavaria, bolstering its infrastructure for war readiness.

France prepares for War: France finalises an updated contingency plan in the event of a German invasion of Czechoslovakia or Poland.

Funeral Mass for Pope Pius XI: The first of nine funeral masses is held for Pope Pius XI. Approximately 200,000 Catholics begin gathering in Vatican City to participate in the ceremonies.

February 13th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: Generalissimo Francisco Franco issues a decree dissolving all parties associated with the Popular Front. The decree imposes penalties, including loss of citizenship and exile, on individuals deemed hostile to the Nationalist cause.

Soviet Union prepares for War: Soviet engineers begin improving airfields near the western frontier to accommodate heavier aircraft.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese advances in eastern China slow due to stiffening Chinese resistance and difficult terrain.

February 14th, 1939

Preperations Fall Grün: Germany holds mass rallies in support of Hitler’s foreign policy. The Nazi regime uses these events to further justify intervention in Czechoslovakia.

Great Britain prepares for War: Great Britain accelerates defensive planning for potential aerial attacks.

Launch of the German Battleship Bismarck: The German battleship Bismarck is launched at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. This event is attended by high-ranking officials, including Adolf Hitler, Hermann Göring, and Admiral Raeder.

Funeral of Pope Pius XI: Pope Pius XI is laid to rest in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The funeral marks the culmination of nine days of mourning following his death.

February 15th, 1939

Germany negiotiates with Romania: Germany proposes renewed trade deals with Romania, aiming to secure oil and grain for future conflict.

Hungarian Prime Minister Resigns: Béla Imrédy resigns from his position after confirming rumours of his partial Jewish ancestry. Despite defending his antisemitic policies as beneficial for Hungary, he steps down, stating it is inconsistent for him to lead such legislation under the circumstances.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan fortifies its positions in Manchuria amid increased skirmishes with Soviet-backed Mongolian forces.

February 16th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The high command of the Republican army informs Prime Minister Juan Negrín that further military resistance is impossible, signaling the imminent end of the Spanish Civil War.

Aviation in the Spanish Civil War: The Spanish Republican Air Force reports having only 25 Polikarpov I-15 and I-16 fighters, two squadrons of Tupolev SB-2 bombers, and three squadrons of Polikarpov R-5 bombers, highlighting the dwindling resources of the Republican forces.

Great Britain prepares for War: British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain addresses Parliament, urging preparedness but continuing to advocate for peace through diplomacy.

Political Developments in Hungary: Following the resignation of Hungarian Prime Minister Béla Imrédy, who stepped down after confirming rumors of his partial Jewish ancestry, Pál Teleki assumes the position of Prime Minister.

United States prepares for War: The United States increases naval funding amid growing international tensions.

Diplomatic Communications: The U.S. Ambassador in Poland sent a telegram to the Secretary of State discussing speculation as to Axis designs, apart from Czechoslovakia.

Holocaust: Germany issues a discriminatory order prohibiting individuals of Jewish nationality from practicing professional careers in chemistry, veterinary medicine, and dentistry, further escalating the systematic persecution and marginalization of Jewish professionals in Nazi Germany.

February 17th, 1939

Preperations Fall Grün: German officials travel to Budapest for further negotiations with Hungary on the status of Slovak territories.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan escalates air raids on Chinese military targets in southern China.

February 18th, 1939

France prepares for War: France begins reinforcing its Alpine border with Italy as Mussolini’s rhetoric grows more hostile.

Soviet Union protests Germany The Soviet Union issues a formal diplomatic protest to Germany regarding anti-communist propaganda in Eastern Europe.

February 19th, 1939

Czechoslovakia warns Germany: Czechoslovak officials warn of increased German subversion efforts within Slovakia, prompting internal security crackdowns.

Peruvian Army Uprising: A group of Peruvian army officers initiates a coup against President Óscar R. Benavides while he is on a maritime holiday. The rebellion is swiftly suppressed, resulting in approximately a dozen deaths, including the coup’s leader, General Antonio Rodríguez.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan issues new war bonds to finance its prolonged campaigns in China.

February 20th, 1939

Great Britain and France report growing tensions: British and French military attachés in Warsaw report growing Polish anxiety over German intentions.

German American Bund at New York City’s Madison Square Garden: The German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization, holds a rally attended by over 20,000 people. The stage prominently features a 10-metres portrait of George Washington flanked by American flags and swastikas, symbolizing the Bund’s attempt to align their ideology with American patriotism. ​ Fritz Julius Kuhn, the leader of the Bund, addresses the crowd, promoting Nazi ideology and espousing anti-Semitic views. Outside the venue, approximately 100,000 protesters gather, leading to clashes and arrests as tensions escalate.

Germany prepares for War: Germany tests new tanks in southern Germany, analysing their performance under winter conditions.

February 21st, 1939

Spanish Civil War: Approximately 100,000 Nationalist soldiers hold a parade in Barcelona, showcasing their strength during the Spanish Civil War.

Germany prepares for War: Germany expands military propaganda efforts to justify intervention in Eastern Europe.

Poland prepares for War:Poland increases military drills near the German and Soviet borders, preparing contingency plans in case of invasion from either side.

Launch of H.M.S. King George V: The British battleship H.M.S. King George V is launched.

Holocaust: Germany orders all Jews to surrender their gold, silver, and other precious items to the state without compensation. ​

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces bombs Shenzhen and Lo Wu in China, resulting in 30 civilian casualties. The Japanese government subsequently pays 20,000 Hong Kong dollars to the British Hong Kong government as compensation.

February 22nd, 1939

Great Britain prepares for War: The British Cabinet authorizes an unprecedented expansion of military aircraft production, prioritizing national defense preparedness without financial constraints. This move aims to rapidly enhance the Royal Air Force’s capabilities in anticipation of potential conflict.

Great Britain warns Germany: British diplomats in Berlin deliver a message warning against further aggression, though Hitler remains defiant.

Recognition of Franco’s Regime by the Netherlands: The Netherlands officially recognizes General Francisco Franco’s Nationalist government in Spain, following the Spanish Civil War. This diplomatic recognition indicates the international community’s acceptance of Franco’s victory and his authoritarian regime.

Political Change in Belgium: Hubert Pierlot forms a Catholic–Socialist coalition government, succeeding Paul-Henri Spaak as Prime Minister.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces conduct amphibious landings near the Yangtze River delta, capturing a series of small ports.

First Flight of the PZL.50 Jastrząb in Poland: The Polish PZL.50 Jastrząb, a prototype fighter aircraft, conducts its maiden flight.

February 23rd, 1939

Soviet Union prepares for War: Soviet military advisors begin reviewing defences in Mongolia to counter Japanese incursions.

Holocaust: Reich Transport Minister Julius Dorpmüller decrees that Jews are forbidden from using sleeping and dining cars on German railroads, furthering the Germany’s discriminatory policies.

League of Nations remains Indecisive: The League of Nations holds emergency discussions but fails to agree on a joint response to Axis aggression.

February 24th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: A German Ministry of Aviation Junkers Ju 52/3mge aircraft, carrying German Condor Legion pilots returning from the Spanish Civil War, crashes into a mountain in Roubion, France, during a snowstorm, resulting in the deaths of all ten individuals on board.

Hungary officially joins the Anti-Comintern Pact: Hungary aligns itself with Germany, Italy, and Japan in a strategic agreement aimed at countering the spread of communism.

Italy prepares for War in North Africa: Italy increases troop deployments in Libya, preparing for future operations against British interests in Egypt.

France prepares for War: France holds a large military parade in Paris, affirming national unity and military readiness in the face of German threats.

Germany Provokes in the Gdańsk: Anti-Polish riots occurred at the Königliche Technische Hochschule in Gdańsk, where Polish students were assaulted.

February 25th, 1939

Preperations Fall Grün: Germany finalises deployment schedules for troops near Czechoslovakia and Poland.

Great Britain prepares for War: The first Anderson bomb shelter is erected in a garden in Islington, London, as part of Britain’s air raid precautions in anticipation of potential conflicts.

Second Sino-Japanese War: China’s Nationalist government calls for greater Western support against Japan. However, British and American responses remain limited.

Holocaust: Berlin police orders the city’s Jewish community to submit the names of 100 Jews per day, who will then be given notice to leave Germany within two weeks. The consequences for non-compliance are not specified.

February 26th, 1939

Poland prepares for War: Polish intelligence intercepts German signals indicating heightened military alertness.

Soviet Union prepares for War: The Soviet Union authorises additional industrial output for tank and aircraft production.

February 27th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: Approximately 1,000 demonstrators march from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street, protesting the British government’s impending recognition of Francisco Franco’s regime in Spain.

Spanish Civil War: Great Britain and France recognise Francisco Franco’s regime in Spain.

Preperations Fall Grün: The German military begins transporting heavy artillery units toward the Czech border.

Italian Foreign Minister Visited Warsaw: Galeazzo Ciano, Italy’s Foreign Minister and son-in-law of Benito Mussolini, unveil a monument to Italian general Francesco Nullo in Warsaw, Poland.

Great Britain prepares for War: Great Britain accelerates civilian air raid precautions, distributing gas masks in major cities.

February 28th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Cortes Generales, Spain’s legislative body, convenes in exile in Paris and accepts the resignation of President Manuel Azaña. This follows the formal recognition of Francisco Franco’s Nationalist government by Great Britain and France the previous day.

British Parliamentary Motion: In the House of Commons, a motion is introduced criticizing the British government’s recognition of Francoist Spain, labeling it “a deliberate affront to the legitimate Government of a friendly Power.” The motion is defeated with 344 votes against and 137 in favour.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan continues efforts to isolate China diplomatically, increasing pressure on neutral nations to cease aid.