Year 1945 in History

German air raid on Allied airfields at Eindhoven, Saint-Trond, and Brussels

Franklin D. Roosevelt is sworn in for an unprecedented and never-to-be-repeated fourth term as US President

Soviet troops liberate Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration Camps in Poland - now commemorated as International Holocau

Soviet troops liberate Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration Camps in Poland - now commemorated as International Holocaust Remembrance Day [1]

WWII: US troops under General Douglas MacArthur enter Manila in the Philippines after a month-long battle, ending three

WWII: US troops under General Douglas MacArthur enter Manila in the Philippines after a month-long battle, ending three years of Japanese military occupation

Declaration of Liberated Europe is signed at the Yalta Conference by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Josep

Declaration of Liberated Europe is signed at the Yalta Conference by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin, declaring that liberated nations are to establish democratic governments through free elections

Allied planes begin bombing the German city of Dresden, resulting in a devastating firestorm that destroys the city and

Allied planes begin bombing the German city of Dresden, resulting in a devastating firestorm that destroys the city and kills over 22,000 people

US 5th Fleet launches invasion of Iwo Jima against the Japanese with 30,000 US Marines

The Battle of Iwo Jima (硫黄島の戦い, Iōtō no Tatakai, Iōjima no Tatakai; 19 February – 26 March 1945) was a major battle in which the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and United States Navy (USN) landed…

US Marines raise the flag of the United States on top of Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima. Pulitzer Prize-winning photo by Joe Ro

US Marines raise the flag of the United States on top of Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima. Pulitzer Prize-winning photo by Joe Rosenthal later becomes iconic, inspiring the Marine Corps War Memorial sculpture

Deadliest air raid of World War II sets Tokyo on fire after nighttime B-29 bombings; more than 100,000 people die, mostl

Deadliest air raid of World War II sets Tokyo on fire after nighttime B-29 bombings; more than 100,000 people die, mostly civilians

Billboard publishes its first album chart (King Cole Trio is #1)

Billboard published its first popular albums chart, at the time known as Best-Selling Popular Record Albums, in 1945.

Battle of Okinawa: US Navy ships bomb the Japanese island of Okinawa in preparation for the Allied invasion; the largest

Battle of Okinawa: US Navy ships bomb the Japanese island of Okinawa in preparation for the Allied invasion; the largest battle of the Pacific War in World War II

British conductor Leopold Stokowski (63) weds American heiress Gloria Vanderbilt (21), his third and final marriage, her

British conductor Leopold Stokowski (63) weds American heiress Gloria Vanderbilt (21), his third and final marriage, her second; divorce in 1955

"Elbe Day" - US and Soviet forces meet at Torgau, Germany on the Elbe River during the invasion of Germany in World War

"Elbe Day" - US and Soviet forces meet at Torgau, Germany on the Elbe River during the invasion of Germany in World War II

Marshal Philippe Pétain, leader of France's Vichy collaborationist regime during World War II, is arrested for treason

Henri Philippe Bénoni Omer Joseph Pétain, better known as Marshal Pétain (French: maréchal Pétain, [maʁeʃal petɛ̃]), was a French military officer who commanded the French Army in World War I and...

Italian partisans capture Benito Mussolini in Dongo, near Lake Como

Benito Mussolini, the deposed Italian fascist dictator, was summarily executed by an Italian partisan in the village of Giulino di Mezzegra in northern Italy on 28 April 1945, in the final days of…

US Army liberates 31,601 people from the Dachau Nazi concentration camp in Germany

Adolf Hitler (56) marries Eva Braun (33) in the Führerbunker, Berlin

Battle of Berlin ends as the Soviet army storms the capital, forcing German commander of the city, General Helmuth Weidl

Battle of Berlin ends as the Soviet army storms the capital, forcing German commander of the city, General Helmuth Weidling, to surrender

German ocean liner SS Cap Arcona, laden with prisoners, is sunk by the Royal Air Force in the western Baltic Sea, killin

German ocean liner SS Cap Arcona, laden with prisoners, is sunk by the Royal Air Force in the western Baltic Sea, killing 5,800 people in one of the largest maritime losses of life in World War II

German Third Reich General Alfred Jodl signs documents of surrender to the Allies at Reims, France; Soviet Union refuses

German Third Reich General Alfred Jodl signs documents of surrender to the Allies at Reims, France; Soviet Union refuses to recognize it

V-E Day: World War II ends in Europe after Germany's General Wilhelm Keitel formally signs unconditional surrender to th

V-E Day: World War II ends in Europe after Germany's General Wilhelm Keitel formally signs unconditional surrender to the Allies represented by the United States, the UK, France and the Soviet Union in Berlin, Germany signs an unconditional surrender

Soviet Union celebrates Victory Day in World War II

Victory Day is a holiday that commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945.

American paranormal investigator Lorraine Moran (18) weds partner Ed Warren (18)

Benjamin Britten's opera "Peter Grimes" premieres in London

Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten (22 November 1913 – 4 December 1976) was an English composer, conductor, and pianist.

The United Nations Charter is signed by 50 nations in San Francisco

The Charter of the United Nations, also referred to as the UN Charter, is the foundational treaty of the United Nations.

Abbott and Costello's film "The Naughty Nineties" released; features longest version of their "Who's on First?" routine

First test detonation of an atomic bomb occurs at Trinity Site, Alamogordo, New Mexico, as part of the US Manhattan Proj

First test detonation of an atomic bomb occurs at Trinity Site, Alamogordo, New Mexico, as part of the US Manhattan Project

Leaders Harry Truman, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill hold their first post World War II meeting at the Potsdam Conf

Leaders Harry Truman, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill hold their first post World War II meeting at the Potsdam Conference

US, Britain, and China demand the unconditional surrender of Japan during World War II in the Declaration of Potsdam

Japan participated in World War II from 1939 to 1945 as a member of the Axis. World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War encapsulated a significant period in the history of the Empire of Japan,...

An atomic bomb is dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima by the US B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay"

Soviet Union declares war on Japan during World War II and invades Manchuria the next day

World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers.

US drops second atomic bomb "Fat Man" on Nagasaki, Japan, destroying part of the city

On 6 and 9 August 1945, the United States detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively, during World War II.

Allies refuse Japan's offer to surrender on the condition that Emperor Hirohito retains his status

The surrender of the Empire of Japan in World War II was announced by Emperor Hirohito on 15 August and formally signed on 2 September 1945, ending the war.

V-J Day, the Empire of Japan surrenders unconditionally to the Allies, ending World War II (August 15 in Japan and other

V-J Day, the Empire of Japan surrenders unconditionally to the Allies, ending World War II (August 15 in Japan and other countries depending on the time zone)

The last Chinese Emperor and ruler of the Japanese puppet state Manchukuo, Puyi, is captured by Soviet troops while prep

The last Chinese Emperor and ruler of the Japanese puppet state Manchukuo, Puyi, is captured by Soviet troops while preparing to board a plane to escape to Japan

Korea is divided into North and South Korea along the 38th parallel

The division of Korea began at the end of World War II on 2 September 1945, with the establishment of a Soviet occupation zone in the north and a US occupation zone in the south.

American actor Dick Powell (40) weds his third wife, American actress June Allyson (27), until his death in 1963; MGM st

American actor Dick Powell (40) weds his third wife, American actress June Allyson (27), until his death in 1963; MGM studio chief Louis B. Mayer reluctantly gave the bride away

The Liberal Party of Australia is founded by Robert Menzies

Sir Robert Gordon Menzies (20 December 1894 – 15 May 1978) was an Australian politician and lawyer who served as the 12th prime minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966.

American singer-songwriter Boudleaux Bryant (25) weds aspiring songwriter Matilda Scaduto (19), whom he called 'Felice',

American singer-songwriter Boudleaux Bryant (25) weds aspiring songwriter Matilda Scaduto (19), whom he called 'Felice', five days after meeting, in Newport, Kentucky, until his death in 1987

American "Star Trek" actor DeForest Kelley (25) weds American actress Carolyn Dowling (25), until his death in 1999

Actress Shirley Temple (17) weds actor John Agar (24) in an Episcopal ceremony at Wilshire Methodist Church

Publisher Malcolm Forbes (26) weds Roberta Remsen Laidlaw

Film noir "Mildred Pierce" starring Joan Crawford opens at Strand Theatre in New York City and wins Academy Award for Be

Film noir "Mildred Pierce" starring Joan Crawford opens at Strand Theatre in New York City and wins Academy Award for Best Actress

American actress Janet Leigh (18) weds American sailor Stanley Reames at Morris Chapel in Stockton, California; divorce

American actress Janet Leigh (18) weds American sailor Stanley Reames at Morris Chapel in Stockton, California; divorce in 1949

Chinese Civil War begins between the Kuomintang government led by Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Zedong's Communist Party

Chiang Kai-shek was a Chinese politician, revolutionary, and military commander who led the Republic of China (ROC) from 1928 until his death in 1975.

Argentine military officer and politician Juan Perón (50) weds actress Eva Duarte (26) at a civil ceremony in Junin

Founding of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and security through...

Nuremberg war trials begin as 24 Nazi leaders are put on trial before judges representing the victorious Allied powers

Nazi Germany, officially the German Reich and later the Greater German Reich, was the German state between 1933 and 1945, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party controlled the country, transforming it...

Charlie "Bird" Parker leads a recording session with Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis for the Savoy label, marketed as th

Charlie "Bird" Parker leads a recording session with Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis for the Savoy label, marketed as the "greatest jazz session ever"

"The Lost Weekend," based on Charles R. Jackson's novel, directed by Billy Wilder and starring Ray Milland and Jane Wyma

"The Lost Weekend," based on Charles R. Jackson's novel, directed by Billy Wilder and starring Ray Milland and Jane Wyman, premieres in Los Angeles (Academy Awards Best Picture 1946)

Actress Bette Davis (37) weds artist William Grant Sherry

American "For Whom The Bell Tolls" novelist Ernest Hemingway (46) and American novelist and war correspondent Martha Gel

American "For Whom The Bell Tolls" novelist Ernest Hemingway (46) and American novelist and war correspondent Martha Gellhorn (36) divorce after 5 years of marriage.

American actor John Wayne (38) divorces first wife Josephine Sáenz (37) after 12 years of marriage

International Monetary Fund and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development are formally established with the

International Monetary Fund and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development are formally established with the signing of articles of agreement by member countries, ratifying Bretton Woods Conference findings based on ideas of economists Harry Dexter White and John Maynard Keynes [1]

Dutch resistance broadcasting service, Radio Orange, ends its cooperation at Liese-Aktion

German forces in Belgium retreat in Battle of Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, was the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during the Second World War, taking place from 16 December 1944 to 25...

In Greece, Communists and the British agree to a cease-fire in the struggle to control Athens (and with it Greece)

Every Amsterdammer gets 3 kg of sugar beets

Gilbert Dodds, record miler (4:05.3), retires to do gospel work

Soviet Armed Forces enter Kraków, Poland to push Germans out, only to eventually occupy entire country

The history of Poland from 1945 to 1989 spans the period of Marxist–Leninist regime in Poland after the end of World War II.

WWII: British troops land on Ramree, near coast of Burma

Burma highway reopens

The Burma Road was a road linking Burma (now known as Myanmar) with southwest China. Its terminals were Lashio, Burma, in the south and Kunming, China, the capital of Yunnan province in the north.

Dutch Prime Minister Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy, exiled in London, tenders his resignation

Scottish 52nd Lowland division occupies Heinsberg

Grand Rapids, Michigan, becomes 1st US city to fluoridate its water

Nazi occupiers forbid food transport to West (The Netherlands)

Dutch airplanes dump pamphlets on Java

American Rangers and Filipino resistance fighters liberate over 500 Allied POWs from Japanese at Cabanatuan

The Raid at Cabanatuan (Filipino: Pagsalakay sa Cabanatuan), also known as the Great Raid (Filipino: Ang Dakilang Pagsalakay), was a rescue of Allied prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians from a...

Soviet troops reach the Oder River, less that 50 miles from Berlin

After the Munich Agreement, the Soviet Union pursued a rapprochement with Nazi Germany.

US Army arrives at Siegfriedlinie

Escape attempt at Mauthausen concentration camp

Mauthausen was a Nazi concentration camp on a hill above the market town of Mauthausen (roughly 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of Linz) in Upper Austria.

Almost 1,000 Flying Fortresses drop 3,000 tons of bombs on Berlin

Big Racket becomes fastest race horse at 69t.6 kph (440 yd/20.8 s)

WWII: Russian Red Army crosses the Oder River between Poland and Germany

The Soviet invasion of Poland was a military conflict by the Soviet Union without a formal declaration of war.

Harry Truman appoints Irwin C. Mollison judge of US Customs Court

Allied air attack on Goch, Kleef, Kalkar and Reichswald

-Feb 10] Germany destroys Ruhrdammen

"Rum and Coca-Cola" by the Andrews Sisters hits #1

"Rum and Coca-Cola" is a popular calypso song composed by Lionel Belasco with lyrics by Lord Invader.

SF selected for site of UN Conference

Peru, Paraguay, Chile & Ecuador joins UN

Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west.

US forces land on Corregidor, complete conquest on March 3

The Battle of Corregidor (Filipino: Labanan sa Corregidor; Japanese: コレヒドールの戦い), fought on 5–6 May 1942, was the culmination of the Japanese campaign for the conquest of the Commonwealth of the...

Japanese soldiers reportedly killed by crocodiles in two days on Ramree Island, Burma

Battle of Monte Castello (Italy): Allied forces, including the first land battle of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, d

Battle of Monte Castello (Italy): Allied forces, including the first land battle of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, defeat Germans after three months of fierce fighting in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains

Arab League forms (Cairo)

Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt and the Cairo Governorate. It is home to more than 10.5 million people.

2nd Dutch government in exile of Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy forms in London, London

Egypt and Syria declare war on Nazi Germany

Relations between Nazi Germany (1933–1945) and the Arab world ranged from indifference, fear, animosity, and confrontation to collaboration.

WWII: Turkey declares war on Germany

The Allies, or Allied powers, formally referred to as the United Nations from 1942, were an international military coalition formed during World War II (1939–1945) to oppose the Axis powers.

Very heavy bombing on Berlin by 8th US Air Force

World War II (1939–1945) involved sustained strategic bombing of railways, harbours, cities, workers' and civilian housing, and industrial districts in enemy territory.

Battle of US 94 Infantry

The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was a major battle of the Pacific War fought on the island of Okinawa by the United States Army and United States Marine Corps forces against the...

British 43rd Division under General Hubert Essame occupies Xanten

King Michael of Romania gives in to Communist government

Michael I was the last king of Romania, reigning from 20 July 1927 to 8 June 1930 and again from 6 September 1940 until his forced abdication on 30 December 1947. Shortly after Michael's birth, his...

RAF bombing error hits The Hague killing 511

The bombing of the Bezuidenhout (Dutch: bombardement op het Bezuidenhout) took place on 3 March 1945, when the Royal Air Force mistakenly bombed the Bezuidenhout neighbourhood in the Dutch city of...

Finland declares war on Nazi Germany

Finland participated in the Second World War initially in a defensive war against the Soviet Union, followed by another, this time offensive, war against the Soviet Union acting in concert with Nazi...

Allies bombs The Hague, Netherlands

World War II in the Netherlands can be broken down into four periods: September 1939 to May 1940: After the war broke out, the Netherlands declared neutrality.

Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower, George S. Patton and Alexander Patch meet in Lunéville, France

Chinese 38th division occupies Lashio

Attack on car of Netherlands SS Police Chief Hans Rauter by Dutch resistance, Rauter injured

"Kiss Me Kate" opens in Britain

1,000 allied bombers harass Essen, 4,662 ton bombs

30 Amsterdammers executed by nazi occupiers

RAF bomb cuts railway link Hannover-Hamm

Würzburg, Germany is 90% destroyed, with 5,000 dead, in only 20 minutes by British bombers

The city of Würzburg (in Franconia, in the north of Bavaria) was attacked as part of the strategic bombing campaign in World War II by the Allies against Nazi Germany.

Allied ships bomb North-Sumatra

killed as Kamikaze attacked USS Franklin off Japan

Kamikaze (神風; pronounced [kamiꜜkaze]; 'divine wind' or 'spirit wind'), officially Shinpū Tokubetsu Kōgekitai (神風特別攻撃隊; 'Divine Wind Special Attack Unit'), were a part of the Japanese Special Attack...

US 70th Infantry Division captures Saarbrucken, immediately prior the invasion of Germany by the western Allies

1st Japanese kamikaze "flying bombs" (MXY-7 Ohka) attack Okinawa

Arab League forms with adoption of a charter in Cairo, Egypt

The Arab League, officially the League of Arab States, is a regional organization in the Arab world.

US 1st army breaks out bridgehead near Remagen, Germany after crossing the Rhine

The Western Allied invasion of Germany was coordinated by the Western Allies during the final months of hostilities in the European theatre of World War II.

Last German V-1 (buzz bomb) attack on London

The V-1 flying bomb (German: Vergeltungswaffe 1, lit. 'Vengeance Weapon 1') was an early cruise missile.

anti-fascists murdered by Nazis in Rombergpark Dortmund

3rd Algerian division crosses the Rhine

Diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and Brazil are established

World War II: Dutch city of Hengelo freed from Nazi control by the Canadian Army

The Holocaust: US forces liberate the Ohrdruf concentration camp in Germany, the first such camp to be liberated by the

The Holocaust: US forces liberate the Ohrdruf concentration camp in Germany, the first such camp to be liberated by the US Army

World War II: Dutch city of Almelo is freed by the Second Canadian Corps

British logistics supported the operations of Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery's Anglo-Canadian 21st Army Group in the Western Allied invasion of Germany from 8 January 1945 until the end of the...

Battle of Okinawa: Giant Japanese battleship Yamato heads to Okinawa with orders to beach herself and be destroyed defen

Battle of Okinawa: Giant Japanese battleship Yamato heads to Okinawa with orders to beach herself and be destroyed defending the island

Battle of Okinawa: Massive kamikaze attack of around 110 Japanese aircraft damages three US battleships off Okinawa isla

Battle of Okinawa: Massive kamikaze attack of around 110 Japanese aircraft damages three US battleships off Okinawa island

NFL Draft: Charley Trippi from University of Georgia first pick by Chicago Cardinals

Battleship Admiral Scheer sunk by RAF bombing in Kiel

Admiral Scheer was a Deutschland-class heavy cruiser (often termed a pocket battleship) which served with the Kriegsmarine (Navy) of Nazi Germany during World War II.

Canadian troops conquer Deventer

Allied troops liberate Basket-Compascuum

Canadian troops liberate Nazi concentration camp Westerbork, Netherlands

World War II in the Netherlands can be broken down into four periods: September 1939 to May 1940: After the war broke out, the Netherlands declared neutrality.

Canadian soldier Léo Major single-handedly liberates Dutch town of Zwolle by fooling Germans into thinking a raid had be

Canadian soldier Léo Major single-handedly liberates Dutch town of Zwolle by fooling Germans into thinking a raid had begun

American planes bomb Tokyo & damage the Imperial Palace

Tokyo was bombed by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in a series of air raids on Japan, primarily launched during the closing campaigns of the Pacific Theatre of World War II in 1944–1945,...

8th Air Force bombs Dresden

The bombing of Dresden was a joint British and American aerial bombing attack on the city of Dresden, the capital of the German state of Saxony, during World War II.

1 armed outfielder, St Louis Brown Pete Gray, 1st game he goes 1 for 4

Diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and Guatemala are established

Cleveland Browns organization formed by Arthur "Mickey" McBride

Arthur B. "Mickey" McBride (March 20, 1888 – November 10, 1972) was the founder of the Cleveland Browns professional American football team in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and National...

Ivor Novello's "Perchance to Dream" premieres in London

Flossenbürg concentration camp liberated by US army troops

As a Nazi concentration camp for forced labor, Helmbrechts concentration camp was a women's subcamp of the Flossenbürg concentration camp founded near Helmbrechts near Hof, Germany in the summer of...

Albert B "Happy" Chandler is named 2nd baseball commissioner

Albert Benjamin "Happy" Chandler Sr. (July 14, 1898 – June 15, 1991) was an American politician from Kentucky. He represented Kentucky in the U.S. Senate and served as its 44th and 49th governor.

2nd Republic of Austria forms

Slovakia, officially the (First) Slovak Republic, and from 14 March until 21 July 1939 officially known as the Slovak State (Slovak: Slovenský štát), was a partially recognized clerical fascist...

British commandos attack Elbe & occupy Lauenburg

About 1,000 citizens of Demmin in Germany, commit suicide provoked by occupation by Soviet Red Army

After the Munich Agreement, the Soviet Union pursued a rapprochement with Nazi Germany.

Allies occupy Wismar, Northern Germany

1st Polish Armoured Division of the Polish Armed Forces in the West occupies Wilhelmshafen in Germany

German forces in Bavaria surrender unconditionally to American commander Jacob L. Devers

Dutch Prime Minister Pieter Sjoerds Gerbrandy announces to the nation on Radio Orange that they are liberated

General Johannes Blaskowitz surrenders German troops in Netherlands

Johannes Albrecht Blaskowitz (10 July 1883 – 5 February 1948) was a German Generaloberst (colonel general) during World War II.

Canadian troops move into Amsterdam

Czechoslovakia liberated from Nazi occupation (National Day)

Allies capture Rangoon from the Japanese

The Japanese invasion of Burma, referred to by the BIA in 1941 as the fourth Anglo-Burmese war or the war of Burmese Independence, was a series of battles fought in the British colony of Burma...

US Marines conquer Awatsha Draw, Okinawa

US troops conquer Dakeshi Okinawa

Kamikaze Zero strikes US aircraft carrier Enterprise

World War II: The final skirmish in Europe is fought near Prevalje, Slovenia

Violent battles around Sugar Loaf and Half Moon, Okinawa

2 US P-47 Thunderbolts bomb Kiushu

MLB Detroit Tigers & Philadelphia A's both have 7 straight games postponed due to rain

Start of the 1st Victory Test Cricket between England & Aust Services

Australian Services win 1st Victory Test Cricket at Lord's by 6 wickets

6th US Marine division reaches suburbs of Naha Okinawa

German island of Helgoland in the North Sea surrenders to British

The British occupation zone in Germany (German: Britische Besatzungszone) was one of the Allied-occupied areas in Germany after World War II.

Arthur C. Clark proposes relay satellites in geosynchronous orbit

Sir Arthur Charles Clarke (16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008) was an English science fiction writer, science writer, futurist, inventor, undersea explorer, and television series host. Clarke was a...

US drop fire bombs on Tokyo

US 1st Marine division conquers Shuri Castle, Okinawa

WLB-AM in Minneapolis Minn changes call letters to KUOM

6th US Marine division occupies Orokoe Peninsula Okinawa

"Free People" premieres in Amsterdam

-10] Australian troops land in Brunei Bay, North Borneo

US destroyer William D. Porter (Willie Dee) is sunk by kamikaze

WWII: US 7th Marine regiment conquers summit of Kunishi Ridge, Okinawa

Heerjansdam soccer team forms

Dutch political party ANJV established in Concert building, Amsterdam

MLB Boston Red Sox pitcher Boo Ferriss loses to New York Yankees 3-2 after starting his career with 8 wins

Day of Unity in West Germany (National Day)

German Unity Day is the National Day of Germany, celebrated on 3 October as a public holiday.

El Teniente Mine accident [Smoke Tragedy] 355 men die from smoke inhalation from a fire in the Andes, Chile

US defeat Japanese forces on Okinawa

Last organized Japanese defiance broken (Tarakan)

Schermerhorn government forms in the Netherlands

World War II in the Netherlands can be broken down into four periods: September 1939 to May 1940: After the war broke out, the Netherlands declared neutrality.

Allied landing at Ternate, capital of the Maluku Islands in modern day Indonesia

England win the second Victory test cricket at Bramall Lane by 41 runs

Foundation 1940-45 established

Polish Provisional government of National Unity set up by Soviets

20.6 cm rainfall at Litchville North Dakota (state record)

17-day newspaper strike in NY begins

55th Postmaster General: Robert E Hannegan of Mo takes office

Field Marshal Henry Maitland Wilson gives Britain's agreement to use the atomic bomb against Japan at the Combined Polic

Field Marshal Henry Maitland Wilson gives Britain's agreement to use the atomic bomb against Japan at the Combined Policy Committee in Washington D. C.

Admiral Marc Mitscher named chief of US Navy staff

Marc Andrew "Pete" Mitscher (January 26, 1887 – February 3, 1947) was a pioneer in naval aviation who became an admiral in the United States Navy, and served as commander of the Fast Carrier Task...

Chicago Cubs beat Boston, 6-1 to halt Braves outfielder Tommy Holmes' modern-day record NL hitting streak at 37 games

Battleship USS South Dakota is first US ship to bombard Japan

USS South Dakota, hull number BB-57, was the lead vessel of the four South Dakota-class fast battleships built for the United States Navy in the 1930s.

Australian Services win third Victory Test Cricket by four wickets

USS Cod saves 51 sailors from Dutch sub in only sub-to-sub rescue

Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia A's play 24 inning 1-1 tie

The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division.

WWII: A suicide attack by a Japanese Kaiten manned torpedo sinks the US Navy destroyer USS Underhill west of Guam; nearl

WWII: A suicide attack by a Japanese Kaiten manned torpedo sinks the US Navy destroyer USS Underhill west of Guam; nearly half of the 236 crew members are killed

Cubs purchase pitcher Hank Borowy from NY Yankees

"Elevator girl" Betty Lou Oliver survives falling 75 stories after fog causes a US bomber plane to crash into the Empire

"Elevator girl" Betty Lou Oliver survives falling 75 stories after fog causes a US bomber plane to crash into the Empire State Building, breaking the cables supporting the elevator she was operating. This remains a world record for the longest survived elevator fall

Japanese city Toyama is destroyed by B-29 bombers

Red Sox outfielder Tom McBride drives in an MLB record-tying 6 runs in an inning (4th) during a 15-4 win against Washing

Red Sox outfielder Tom McBride drives in an MLB record-tying 6 runs in an inning (4th) during a 15-4 win against Washington

England and Australian armed services draw the fourth Victory Test

The Australian Services XI was a cricket team comprising solely military service personnel during World War II. They became active in May 1945 after the defeat of Nazi Germany.

A riot ensues in San Francisco as the city celebrates the end of WWII

Scheduled demonstrations at Polo Grounds and Ebbets Field to end segregation in organized baseball are called off

Seventeen-year-old Dodgers utility player Tommy Brown becomes the youngest player to hit an MLB home run in Brooklyn's 1

Seventeen-year-old Dodgers utility player Tommy Brown becomes the youngest player to hit an MLB home run in Brooklyn's 11-1 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates at Ebbets Field

US President Harry Truman ends Lend-Lease program

Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953.

Bob Cristofani scores 110 for Australian Services at Old Trafford

Desmond Robert Cristofani (14 November 1920 – 21 August 2002) was an Australian cricketer who played 18 first-class matches in the 1940s.

Jewish immigrants are permitted to leave Mauritius for Palestine

From 1944 until 1948, Zionist militias and underground groups—including Haganah, Lehi, and Irgun—carried out a paramilitary campaign against British rule in Mandatory Palestine.

Japanese diplomats board USS Missouri to receive instructions on Japan's surrender at the end of WWII

US troops land in Japan after Japan surrenders

The surrender of the Empire of Japan in World War II was announced by Emperor Hirohito on 15 August and formally signed on 2 September 1945, ending the war.

British liberate Hong Kong from Japan

The Liberation of Hong Kong (Yue Chinese: 香港重光), also known as the British Reoccupation of Hong Kong (Yue Chinese: 英國重佔香港) or the Resumption of British Sovereignty Over Hong Kong (Yue Chinese:...

12th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Green Bay 19, All-Stars 7 (92,753 attendees)

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Vince DiMaggio smashes his 4th grand slam of season, tying NL record, in an 8-3 win v B

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Vince DiMaggio smashes his 4th grand slam of season, tying NL record, in an 8-3 win v Boston Braves

World War II: Japanese forces in the Philippines surrender to the Allies

Japan participated in World War II from 1939 to 1945 as a member of the Axis. World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War encapsulated a significant period in the history of the Empire of Japan,...

American chess grandmaster Reuben Fine wins four simultaneous rapid (10 seconds per move) games blindfolded in New York

American chess grandmaster Reuben Fine wins four simultaneous rapid (10 seconds per move) games blindfolded in New York City

A's catcher Greek George punches umpire Joe Rue and gets suspended

Allied Victory Parade held in Berlin, Germany with representation from armed forces of the Soviet Union, the United Stat

Allied Victory Parade held in Berlin, Germany with representation from armed forces of the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France [1]

US invades Japanese-held Korea

From 1910 to 1945, Korea was ruled by the Empire of Japan as a colony under the name Chōsen (朝鮮), the Japanese reading of "Joseon". Japan first took Korea into its sphere of influence during the late...

Jimmie Foxx hits his 534th and final home run

KLS-AM in Oakland, California changes its call letters to KWBR (now KDIA)

A hurricane in southern Florida and the Bahamas destroys 366 planes and 25 blimps at NAS Richmond

Barometric pressure at 856 mb (25.55") off Okinawa (record low)

whites walk out of Gary, Indiana, schools to protest integration

German rocket engineers begin work in the US

All old Dutch banknotes are declared invalid

Canadian football's Calgary Bronks change their name to Stampeders

Calgary Rugby Foot-ball Club was one of the first football teams based in Calgary, Alberta, formed March 14, 1906, at Calgary City Hall. It was part of the Calgary Rugby Football Union.

Chicago Cubs clinch NL pennant with a record of 98–56

The Chicago Cubs are an American professional baseball team based in Chicago. The Cubs compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central Division.

Bourne End rail crash in Hertfordshire, England; 43 people die

Detroit's future Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman Hank Greenberg hits an AL pennant-winning grand slam on the final d

Detroit's future Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman Hank Greenberg hits an AL pennant-winning grand slam on the final day of the season as the Tigers beat the St. Louis Browns 6-3

US Office of Strategic Services (OSS), precursor to the CIA, disbands

"Meet the Press" premieres on radio

Memorial for the executed unveiled in Terbregge, Netherlands

Dutch author A. M. de Jong's murderer, Ton van Gog, escapes

American inventor Percy Spencer applies for a patent for the microwave

British troops occupy the Andaman Islands in the Gulf of Bengal

The British Raj ( RAHJ; from Hindustani rāj, 'reign', 'rule' or 'government') was the rule of the British Crown on the Indian subcontinent, lasting from 1858 to 1947.

Chicago Cardinals end a record 29-game losing streak, beat Bears

The professional American football team now known as the Arizona Cardinals previously played in Chicago, Illinois, as the Chicago Cardinals from 1898 to 1959 before relocating to St.

Baseball attendance hits a record 10.28 million, with the Tigers' 1.28 million being the highest

The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) Central Division.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations comes into existence

Paul Robeson wins the Spingarn Medal for his singing and acting achievements

Paul Leroy Robeson ( ROHB-sən; April 9, 1898 – January 23, 1976) was an American bass-baritone concert artist, actor, professional football player, and activist who became famous both for his...

In France, the three-party alliance of PCF (French Communist Party, 26.08%), SFIO (French Section of the Workers' Intern

In France, the three-party alliance of PCF (French Communist Party, 26.08%), SFIO (French Section of the Workers' International, 23.77%), and MRP (Popular Republican Movement, 24.91%) win parliamentary election

1st edition of Elseviers Weekly newspaper (Elseviers Magazine)

American entrepreneur Milton Reynolds launches his "Reynolds Rocket" ballpoint pen in the US, months after the Biros wer

American entrepreneur Milton Reynolds launches his "Reynolds Rocket" ballpoint pen in the US, months after the Biros were already on sale in the US

First issue of Ebony magazine published by John H. Johnson

Ebony is a monthly African American magazine that focuses on news, culture, and entertainment.

Dmitri Shostakovich's 9th Symphony premieres in 25th season opening concert of the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, und

Dmitri Shostakovich's 9th Symphony premieres in 25th season opening concert of the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, under Yevgeny Mravinsky

Colombia joins the United Nations.

The Charter of the United Nations, also referred to as the UN Charter, is the foundational treaty of the United Nations.

House Committee on Un-American Activities begins investigation of 7 radio commentators

Riverboat sinks off Hong Kong; kills 1,550

College football's #1 Army beats #2 Notre Dame 48-0

The 1945 Army Cadets football team was an American football team that represented the United States Military Academy as an independent.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to American politician Cordell Hull (for establishing the UN)

The Nobel Peace Prize (Swedish: Nobels fredspris) is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel, Swedish inventor and industrialist, along with the prizes in Chemistry,...

Australian Services draw 1st Victory Test against India

H Lindsay and R Crouse's "State of the Union" premieres in NYC

H. J. Wilson of the RAF sets a new world airspeed record of 606 mph (975 km/h)

Arnold Schoenberg's Prelude for orchestra and mixed choir premieres

Cleveland Rams end Jim Benton gains 303 yards in 28-21 win over Detroit Lions; NFL single game rushing record - stands f

Cleveland Rams end Jim Benton gains 303 yards in 28-21 win over Detroit Lions; NFL single game rushing record - stands for 40+ years

Most US wartime rationing of foods, including meat & butter, ends

Rationing is the controlled distribution of resources, goods, services, especially when scarce, or an artificial restriction of demand.

Australian Services draw second Victory Test Cricket v India at Calcutta

11th Heisman Trophy Award: Doc Blanchard, Army (FB)

Dutch Special Council of Annulment affirms death sentence of radio presenter Max Blokzijl for broadcasting Nazi propagan

Dutch Special Council of Annulment affirms death sentence of radio presenter Max Blokzijl for broadcasting Nazi propaganda

Aust Services lose 3rd Victory Test Cricket to India by 6 wkts

Het Parool publishes 1st Captain Rob-strip

Special Court of justice convicts Dutch Nazi leader Mussert to death

John J "Cardinal" O'Connor, ordained as a priest

John Joseph O'Connor (January 15, 1920 – May 3, 2000) was an American Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of New York from 1984 until his death in 2000, and was made a cardinal in...

Uruguay joins the United Nations

The Charter of the United Nations, also referred to as the UN Charter, is the foundational treaty of the United Nations.

Austrian Republic re-establishes

Austria, formally the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country in Central Europe, lying in the Eastern Alps.

Rationing of auto tires ends in US

Utrecht: Catholic People's party (KVP) established

The Catholic People's Party (Dutch: Katholieke Volkspartij, KVP) was a Catholic Christian democratic political party in the Netherlands.

CFP franc and CFA franc created

The franc is any of various units of currency. One franc is typically divided into 100 centimes.

Congress officially recognizes "Pledge of Allegiance"

The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance is a patriotic recited verse that promises allegiance to the flag of the United States and the republic of the United States.

Famous Births

Rod Stewart is born

Rod Stewart, British musician, known for british singer-songwriter, was born on 1945-01-10. Sir Roderick David Stewart is a British singer and songwriter.

Tom Selleck is born

Tom Selleck, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1945-01-29. Thomas William Selleck is an American actor.

Donna Caponi is born

Donna Caponi, American athlete, known for american professional golfer, was born on 1945-01-29. Donna Caponi-Byrnes is an American LPGA Tour professional golfer.

Bob Marley is born

Bob Marley, Jamaican musician, known for jamaican singer, songwriter and guitarist, was born on 1945-02-06.

Mia Farrow is born

Mia Farrow, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1945-02-09. Maria de Lourdes Villiers Farrow ( mə-REE-ə dee LOORDZ VIL-yərz FARR-oh; born February 9, 1945) is an American…

Carl Bernstein is born

Carl Bernstein, American journalist, known for american journalist, was born on 1945-02-14. Carl Milton Bernstein is an American investigative journalist and author.

Roger Daltrey is born

Roger Daltrey, English musician, known for english musician and lead vocalist of the who, was born on 1945-03-01. Sir Roger Harry Daltrey is an English singer, musician and actor.

Pattie Boyd is born

Pattie Boyd, English model and photographer, known for english model and photographer, was born on 1945-03-17. Patricia Anne Boyd is an English model and photographer.

Sirhan Sirhan is born

Sirhan Sirhan, Palestinian assassin of robert f. kennedy, known for assassin of robert f. kennedy, was born on 1945-03-19.

Diana Ross is born

Diana Ross, American singer and actress, known for american singer and actress, was born on 1945-03-26. Diana Ross (American English: ; UK: ; born March 26, 1944) is an American singer and actress.

Rick Barry is born

Rick Barry, American athlete, known for american former basketball player, was born on 1945-03-28. Richard Francis Dennis Barry III is an American former professional basketball player.

Denny McLain is born

Denny McLain, American athlete, known for american baseball pitcher, was born on 1945-03-29. Dennis Dale McLain is an American former professional baseball player.

Gerhard Schröder is born

Masanori Murakami is born

Masanori Murakami, Japanese athlete, known for japanese baseball player, was born on 1945-05-06.

Gary Glitter is born

Gary Glitter, British musician, known for british musician and sex offender, was born on 1945-05-08.

George Lucas is born

George Lucas filmmaker and philanthropist, known for american filmmaker and philanthropist, was born on 1945-05-14. George Walton Lucas Jr. is an American filmmaker and philanthropist.

John Newcombe is born

Rudy Giuliani is born

Rudy Giuliani, American attorney and politician, known for american attorney and politician, was born on 1945-05-28.

Gladys Knight is born

Gladys Knight, American musician, known for american singer, was born on 1945-05-28. Gladys Maria Knight is an American singer and actress.

Tommie Smith is born

Tommie Smith athlete, known for american track and field athlete, was born on 1945-06-06. Tommie C.

Ban Ki-moon is born

Ray Davies is born

Ray Davies, English musician, known for english musician, was born on 1945-06-21. Sir Raymond Douglas Davies is an English musician.

Ernő Rubik is born

Ernő Rubik, Hungarian inventor, known for hungarian inventor, was born on 1945-07-13.

Larry Ellison is born

Larry Ellison, American businessman and entrepreneur, known for american businessman and entrepreneur, was born on 1945-08-17.

Marsha P. Johnson is born

Marsha P. Johnson lgbtq activist, sex worker, and performer, known for american lgbtq activist, sex worker, and performer, was born on 1945-08-24. Marsha P.

Franz Beckenbauer is born

Franz Beckenbauer, German athlete, known for german footballer, was born on 1945-09-11. Franz Anton Beckenbauer was a German professional football player, manager, and official.

Jessye Norman is born

Jessye Norman, American musician, known for american opera singer, was born on 1945-09-15. Jessye Mae Norman (September 15, 1945 – September 30, 2019) was an American opera singer and recitalist.

Ard Schenk is born

Michael Douglas is born

Michael Douglas, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1945-09-25. Michael Kirk Douglas is an American retired actor and film producer.

Tony La Russa is born

Tony La Russa athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1945-10-04. Anthony La Russa Jr. is an American former professional baseball player, coach, and manager.

Ken Holtzman is born

Ken Holtzman, American athlete, known for american baseball pitcher, was born on 1945-11-03.

Tim Rice is born

Tim Rice, English musician, known for english lyricist and author, was born on 1945-11-10. Sir Timothy Miles Bindon Rice is an English songwriter.

Al Michaels is born

Al Michaels, American athlete, known for american sportscaster, was born on 1945-11-12.

Danny DeVito is born

Danny DeVito actor, known for american actor, was born on 1945-11-17. Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. is an American actor and filmmaker.

Lorne Michaels is born

Lorne Michaels, American american television producer, writer, and actor, known for canadian and american television producer, writer, and actor, was born on 1945-11-17.

Steve Carlton is born

Steve Carlton, American athlete, known for american baseball player, was born on 1945-12-22. Steven Norman Carlton is an American former professional baseball player.

August Wilson is born

August Wilson, American playwright, known for american playwright, was born on 1945-04-27. August Wilson (né Frederick August Kittel Jr.; April 27, 1945 – October 2, 2005) was an American playwright.

Notable Deaths

Anne Frank dies

Anne Frank diarist and holocaust victim, known for diarist and holocaust victim, died on 1945-02-21. Annelies Marie Frank (12 June 1929 – c.

Hans Fischer dies

Hans Fischer, German chemist, known for german chemist, died on 1945-03-31. Hans Fischer was a German organic chemist and the recipient of the 1930 Nobel Prize for Chemistry "for his researches into…

Benito Mussolini dies

Joseph Goebbels dies

Joseph Goebbels, German nazi propaganda minister, known for german nazi propaganda minister, died on 1945-05-01.

Emil Hácha dies

Emil Hácha, Czech czechoslovak politician, known for czechoslovak politician, died on 1945-06-27.

Robert H. Goddard dies

Robert H. Goddard, American physicist and inventor, known for american physicist and inventor, died on 1945-08-10.

Milton S. Hershey dies

Milton S. Hershey, American chocolatier, known for american chocolatier, died on 1945-10-13.