| World War II Timelines: 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 |
1938/39
Treaty of Munich
The Munich Agreement, signed on September 30, 1938, allowed Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, a move that became a symbol of appeasement and ultimately failed to prevent World War II.
Germany invades Czechoslovakia
Nazi Germany invaded and occupied the Czech provinces of Bohemia and Moravia, forming the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, after Slovakia declared its independence on March 14th. This action, a direct violation of the Munich Agreement, marked the end of appeasement and a significant step towards World War II.
Britain rearms Poland
In 1939, Britain, influenced by the occupation of Czechoslovakia and Hitler’s violation of the Munich Agreement, pledged to support Poland’s independence and guaranteed its sovereignty against aggression, marking the end of appeasement and leading to Britain’s rearmament and eventual declaration of war on Germany after the invasion of Poland.
Womens Land Army (WLA) reformed
The WLA) was first established during WWI to address the shortage of male agricultural labor and was re-formed in anticipation of the Second WWII to ensure Britain’s food supply during the war. Women who joined the WLA were known as “Land Girls” and by 1943, comprised over 80,000 women.
Russia and Germany sign Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
On August 23, 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence, paving the way for the invasion of Poland and the start of World War II.
Germany invades Poland
Germany launched a surprise attack on Poland at dawn on September 1, 1939, with a force of over 1.5 million soldiers, 2,000 tanks, and nearly 900 bombers. Nazi propagandists falsely claimed that Poland was persecuting ethnic Germans and that Poland was planning to attack Germany with its allies, Great Britain and France.
Britain and France declare war on Germany
On September 3, 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany, two days after Germany invaded Poland, marking the official start of World War II. The immediate cause was Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. Both Britain and France had previously guaranteed Poland’s borders and pledged to defend it against aggression.
Searchlight camp in Worlington
A searchlight camp was setup in Little Worlington in what is now know as camp field close by Henley’s Farm.
British Expeditionary Force – BEF
General Lord Gort in command of the BEF deployed troops to France on 4 September 1939 as Britain’s contribution to its alliance with France. It was initially stationed along the Belgian border, later along the Franco-German border and was built up to over 390,000 men by May 1940.
Petrol Rationing
Motorists had to present their car registration book in order to collect petrol coupons from their local Post Office. They were initially allowed fuel for approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) per month. This form of ratioining was suspended from July 1942 to June 1945 and replaced with essential user coupons issued only to those with official sanction. In 1945, the basic ration was restored, about 150 miles (240 km) per month in June, increasing to 180 miles (290 km) in August.
1939 Register
The 1939 national Register provides a snapshot of the civilian population of England and Wales just after the outbreak of the WWII with East Worlington recorded as haviong 67 properties and at least 244 residents.