Major Events of April 1940: Key Historical Moments from the Month
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Major Events of April 1940: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from April 1940 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of April 1940: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Apr 1940 British Overseas Airways Corporation begins operations: On April 1, 1940, the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) commenced operations as a single company. This consolidation aimed to streamline British air services during World War II. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 02 Apr 1940 Walt Disney Productions goes public: On April 2, 1940, Walt Disney Productions held its initial public offering, offering 155,000 shares of preferred stock at $25 per share and 600,000 shares of common stock at $5 per share, raising $3.5 million. source: islandnet.com
  • 03 Apr 1940 German invasion of Norway begins: On April 3, 1940, Germany launched Operation Weserübung, initiating the invasion of Norway. This military campaign aimed to secure strategic ports and resources, marking a significant escalation in World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 04 Apr 1940 Bijan Pakzad: Fashion designer emerges: On April 4, 1940, Bijan Pakzad, an influential fashion designer, began to gain recognition for his luxurious menswear. His designs would later become synonymous with high fashion and exclusivity. source: nytimes.com
  • 05 Apr 1940 Katyn massacre commences: The Katyn massacre began on April 5, 1940, when thousands of Polish officers were executed by the Soviet secret police. This event became a significant point of contention in post-war relations between Poland and Russia. source: britannica.com
  • 06 Apr 1940 German submarine U-1 lost in North Sea: The German submarine U-1 was lost in the North Sea during World War II. It was one of the early U-boats commissioned by Germany, and its loss marked a significant event in naval warfare at the time. source: history.com
  • 07 Apr 1940 Booker T. Washington first African American on US postage stamp: On April 7, 1940, Booker T. Washington became the first African American to be featured on a United States postage stamp. This honor recognized his contributions to education and civil rights in America. source: postalmuseum.si.edu
  • 08 Apr 1940 HMS Glowworm's heroic last stand: On April 8, 1940, HMS Glowworm engaged in a heroic last stand against German naval forces. The destroyer fought valiantly before being sunk, becoming a symbol of bravery in the Royal Navy during World War II. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 09 Apr 1940 Germany invades Denmark and Norway in World War II: On April 9, 1940, Germany launched Operation Weserübung, invading Denmark and Norway. The Norwegian government, led by Prime Minister Johan Nygaardsvold, evacuated Oslo in response to the invasion. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 Apr 1940 Quisling forms Norwegian puppet government: On April 10, 1940, Vidkun Quisling established a puppet government in Norway under German occupation, serving as Prime Minister. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 13 Apr 1940 RAF Bomber Command conducts first minelaying operation: On April 13, 1940, RAF Bomber Command launched its first minelaying operation of World War II. Fifteen Handley Page Hampden bombers were dispatched to lay sea mines off the Danish coast, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. source: rafmuseum.org.uk
  • 14 Apr 1940 Allied forces land in Norway during World War II: On April 14, 1940, British and Allied troops landed in Norway as part of Operation Weserübung, aiming to secure vital ports and prevent German expansion in Scandinavia during World War II. source: historydiaries.blog
  • 15 Apr 1940 Allied forces attack Narvik during World War II: On April 15, 1940, Allied forces launched an attack on Narvik, Norway, aiming to recapture the port from German occupation during World War II. source: historydiaries.blog
  • 16 Apr 1940 Bob Feller's opening day no-hitter: On April 16, 1940, Bob Feller pitched a no-hitter on opening day for the Cleveland Indians against the Chicago White Sox. This remarkable achievement made Feller the youngest pitcher to throw a no-hitter in Major League Baseball history at that time. His performance is still celebrated in baseball history. source: britannica.com
  • 17 Apr 1940 HMS Suffolk attacks German airfield in Norway: On April 17, 1940, the British cruiser HMS Suffolk attacked a German airfield in Norway during World War II. This operation was part of the Allied efforts to disrupt German supply lines and support Norwegian forces. The attack highlighted the naval engagements occurring in the region at the time. source: britannica.com
  • 18 Apr 1940 German Submarine U-99 Commissioned: The German submarine U-99, a Type VIIB U-boat, was commissioned on April 18, 1940, under the command of Korvettenkapitän Otto Kretschmer. U-99 became one of the most successful German U-boats during World War II, sinking 38 ships totaling 244,658 gross register tons in eight patrols before being sunk on March 17, 1941. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 19 Apr 1940 Little Falls Gulf Curve Crash of 1940: On April 19, 1940, the westbound Lake Shore Limited train derailed near Little Falls, New York, resulting in 31 fatalities and 51 injuries. The accident was attributed to excessive speed on the sharp Gulf Curve, the sharpest on the New York Central Railroad lines. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 20 Apr 1940 First electron microscope demonstrated by RCA: On April 20, 1940, RCA demonstrated the first electron microscope, a groundbreaking advancement in imaging technology. This device allowed scientists to view objects at a much smaller scale than previously possible, revolutionizing fields such as biology and materials science. source: britannica.com
  • 21 Apr 1940 First US military casualty in World War II: On April 21, 1940, the first U.S. military casualty of World War II occurred when a soldier was killed in action during the defense of Norway. This marked a significant moment in the U.S. involvement in the conflict. source: britannica.com
  • 22 Apr 1940 US naval admiral predicts conflict with Japan: On April 22, 1940, a U.S. naval admiral publicly predicted that conflict with Japan was imminent. This statement reflected growing tensions in the Pacific and foreshadowed the events leading to the attack on Pearl Harbor. source: britannica.com
  • 23 Apr 1940 Rhythm Night Club Fire Tragedy: On April 23, 1940, a devastating fire erupted at the Rhythm Night Club in Natchez, Mississippi, during a performance by Walter Barnes and His Royal Creolians. The blaze, believed to have been ignited by a discarded cigarette near a hamburger stand, rapidly engulfed the club, which was decorated with highly flammable Spanish moss. Tragically, 209 people perished, including nine members of the band, and many others were injured. The incident highlighted severe deficiencies in fire safety protocols, leading to significant reforms in building codes and emergency response procedures. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 29 Apr 1940 Norwegian royal escape during World War II: On April 29, 1940, King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav of Norway were evacuated from Molde to Tromsø aboard the British cruiser HMS Glasgow, accompanied by the Norwegian government and national gold reserves, as German forces advanced. source: royalcentral.co.uk
  • 30 Apr 1940 Nazi establishment of Lódz Jewish ghetto: On April 30, 1940, Nazi Germany established the Lódz Ghetto in Poland, one of the largest Jewish ghettos during World War II, where Jews were forcibly relocated and subjected to harsh conditions. source: en.wikipedia.org