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Major Events of September 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 September 1940 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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

  • 01 Sep 1940 George Marshall becomes US Army Chief of Staff: On September 1, 1940, George C. Marshall was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army. His leadership would play a crucial role in the Army's expansion and modernization during World War II. source: army.mil
  • 02 Sep 1940 US-British naval base lease agreement: On September 2, 1940, the United States and the United Kingdom signed a lease agreement for naval bases in the Western Hemisphere. This agreement was part of the Lend-Lease policy to support Britain during World War II. source: archives.gov
  • 03 Sep 1940 The Blitz begins: German aerial assault on London: On September 3, 1940, the German Luftwaffe commenced its bombing campaign against London, marking the start of the Blitz. This sustained aerial assault aimed to demoralize the British population and disrupt military operations. source: britannica.com
  • 04 Sep 1940 Japan's strategic alliance and territorial ambitions: On September 4, 1940, Japan solidified its alliance with Germany and Italy through the Tripartite Pact, aiming to expand its territorial ambitions in Asia and the Pacific. This alliance significantly impacted the dynamics of World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 05 Sep 1940 The Blitz begins: Nazi Germany bombs London: On September 5, 1940, the German Luftwaffe intensified its bombing raids on London, continuing the Blitz campaign. This marked a critical phase in the aerial warfare that aimed to cripple British morale and infrastructure. source: britannica.com
  • 06 Sep 1940 King Carol II of Romania abdicates in favor of son Michael I: On September 6, 1940, King Carol II of Romania abdicated the throne, and his 19-year-old son, Michael I, ascended to power. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 07 Sep 1940 The Blitz begins: Black Saturday: On September 7, 1940, the German Luftwaffe initiated the Blitz by bombing London, marking the start of 57 consecutive nights of air raids. The first attack targeted the city's docks, resulting in 430 civilian deaths and 1,600 injuries. This event is referred to as 'Black Saturday' in British history. source: britannica.com
  • 08 Sep 1940 Luftwaffe bombing of London during the Blitz: On September 8, 1940, the Luftwaffe continued its bombing campaign against London, resulting in 412 civilian deaths and 747 injuries. Fires ignited by the bombs illuminated the skies over East London, causing widespread destruction. source: bbc.com
  • 10 Sep 1940 German bomb explodes at Buckingham Palace for the first time: On September 10, 1940, during the Blitz, a German bomb exploded at Buckingham Palace, marking the first direct hit on the royal residence. The palace sustained damage, but King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were unharmed. source: history.com
  • 11 Sep 1940 German bomb damages Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral: On September 11, 1940, during the Blitz, German bombers targeted London, causing damage to both Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral. The attacks resulted in significant destruction in the city. source: historyofwar.org
  • 12 Sep 1940 Explosion at Hercules Powder Company plant in Kenvil, New Jersey: On September 12, 1940, an explosion occurred at the Hercules Powder Company plant in Kenvil, New Jersey, resulting in at least 51 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The blast was so powerful that it was felt in areas up to 50 miles away, including parts of New York State. The cause of the explosion remains uncertain, with theories ranging from industrial accident to sabotage by pro-IRA or pro-Nazi factions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 13 Sep 1940 Italian forces invade Egypt during World War II: On September 13, 1940, Italian forces launched an invasion of Egypt, marking a significant escalation in the North African Campaign of World War II. The operation aimed to seize control of the Suez Canal and the Middle East oil fields, but it faced stiff resistance from British and Commonwealth forces. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 14 Sep 1940 Battle of Britain Day: Battle of Britain Day commemorates the significant aerial battle fought between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe during World War II. This day marks the turning point in the Battle of Britain, where the RAF successfully defended the UK against sustained attacks. It is observed annually on September 15. source: britannica.com
  • 15 Sep 1940 Battle of Britain Day: Decisive air battle: September 15, 1940, is recognized as Battle of Britain Day, marking a decisive air battle where the Royal Air Force successfully repelled the Luftwaffe's attacks. This day is celebrated for the bravery of the RAF pilots and is seen as a turning point in the war, contributing to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. source: britannica.com
  • 16 Sep 1940 First peacetime draft in US history: On September 16, 1940, the United States implemented its first peacetime draft, known as the Selective Training and Service Act. This legislation required men aged 21 to 35 to register for military service, reflecting the growing concerns about global conflicts and the need for a prepared military. It marked a significant shift in U.S. military policy. source: archives.gov
  • 17 Sep 1940 Hitler postpones invasion of Britain: On September 17, 1940, Adolf Hitler indefinitely postponed Operation Sea Lion, the planned German invasion of the United Kingdom, due to mounting Luftwaffe losses in the Battle of Britain. source: rafbf.org
  • 19 Sep 1940 Witold Pilecki's mission in Auschwitz: On September 19, 1940, Polish resistance member Witold Pilecki intentionally allowed himself to be arrested during a German roundup in Warsaw. He was transported to Auschwitz, where he was assigned prisoner number 4859. Pilecki's mission was to gather intelligence on the camp and establish a resistance movement within. source: holocaustrescue.org
  • 21 Sep 1940 London Underground officially approved as air-raid shelter: On September 21, 1940, the British government officially approved the use of the London Underground as an air-raid shelter during World War II. This decision provided civilians with protection against German bombing raids, as the Underground's deep tunnels offered a safe haven. The shelters were equipped with basic amenities to accommodate large numbers of people seeking refuge during air raids. source: nationalarchives.gov.uk
  • 22 Sep 1940 RAF bombing of Berlin: On September 22, 1940, the Royal Air Force (RAF) conducted a bombing raid on Berlin, marking a significant escalation in the Battle of Britain. This attack was part of the RAF's strategy to retaliate against German bombings and to demonstrate the capability to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. The raid aimed to disrupt German military operations and boost British morale. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 23 Sep 1940 Intense German air raids on London: On September 23, 1940, the German Luftwaffe intensified its bombing campaign against London, targeting key infrastructure and civilian areas. This marked a significant escalation in the Battle of Britain, as the air raids aimed to demoralize the British population and disrupt military operations. source: britannica.com
  • 24 Sep 1940 Luftwaffe's major bombing of London: On September 24, 1940, the Luftwaffe launched a major bombing campaign against London, targeting civilian and military sites. This attack was part of the broader strategy to weaken British morale and military capabilities during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 25 Sep 1940 Quisling becomes Prime Minister of Norway: On September 25, 1940, Vidkun Quisling was appointed Prime Minister of Norway by the German occupying forces. His collaboration with the Nazis made him a controversial figure and synonymous with betrayal in Norway. source: britannica.com
  • 26 Sep 1940 US imposes total embargo on scrap metal to Japan: On September 26, 1940, the United States imposed a total embargo on the export of scrap metal to Japan. This action was part of a series of economic sanctions aimed at curbing Japan's military expansion in Asia. source: upi.com
  • 27 Sep 1940 Axis Powers form strategic alliance: On September 27, 1940, Germany, Italy, and Japan signed the Tripartite Pact, forming a strategic military alliance. The pact aimed to deter the United States from entering World War II by presenting a united front among the Axis powers. source: upi.com
  • 28 Sep 1940 Tom Harmon's remarkable football performance against California: On his 21st birthday, Michigan's halfback Tom Harmon led his team to a 41-0 victory over California, scoring four touchdowns, including a 94-yard kickoff return, a 72-yard punt return, an 85-yard run, and an 8-yard run, along with a 5-yard touchdown pass. source: si.com
  • 29 Sep 1940 Double or Nothing radio quiz show debuts: The radio quiz program "Double or Nothing" premiered on September 29, 1940, on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Contestants answered questions, with each correct answer doubling the potential prize, but an incorrect answer eliminated them. The show was sponsored by Chooz breath candy, Feen-A-Mint, and Campbell's soup, and continued for 12 years on radio. source: oldradio.org
  • 30 Sep 1940 Battle of Britain: Significant Luftwaffe losses: On September 30, 1940, during the Battle of Britain, the German Luftwaffe experienced significant losses. The exact number and details of these losses are not specified in the available sources. source: en.wikipedia.org