<TWL> The War Legends

On this date in 1944, Airborne troops retreat from Arnhem: British and Polish soldiers withdrew from Arnhem last night south across the Rhine. Those still trapped in the Dutch town have surrendered, according to the Germans.

On this date in 1944, Airborne invasion of Holland begins: Allied forces have landed behind enemy lines in Holland at the beginning of a massive operation designed to bring an end to the war in Europe.

On this date in 1943, Italy's surrender announced: Italy has signed an unconditional armistice with the Allies, General Dwight D Eisenhower has announced.

On this date in 1940, Victory for RAF in Battle of Britain: RAF Fighter Command is claiming victory over the Luftwaffe after a day of heavy bombing raids ended in big losses for the enemy.

On this date in 1940, London blitzed by German bombers: The German air force has unleashed a wave of heavy bombing raids on London, killing hundreds of civilians and injuring many more.

On this date in 1943, Allied troops invade mainland Italy: Troops have landed on the mainland 4 years to the day after war was declared on Germany.

On this date in 1939, Britain and France declare war on Germany: War with Germany following the invasion of Poland two days ago.

On this date in 1939, Germany invades Poland: German forces have invaded Poland and its planes have bombed Polish cities, including the capital, Warsaw.

On this date in 1945, Allied nations celebrate VJ Day: Japan has surrendered to the Allies after almost six years of war.

On this date in 1945, Atom bomb hits Nagasaki: American forces have dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki - the second such attack on Japan in three days.

On this date in 1945, US drops atomic bomb on Hiroshima: The first atomic bomb has been dropped by a United States aircraft on the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

On this date in 1944, Paris is liberated as Germans surrender: After four years under German occupation, Paris is now free.

On this date in 1944, Uprising to free Warsaw begins: The Polish Home Army has begun a battle to liberate Warsaw, the first European capital to fall to the Germans nearly five years ago.

On this date in 1942, Allies launch daring raid on Dieppe: Allied troops have pulled back after nine hours of heavy fighting on the French coast at Dieppe, northwest of Paris.

On this date in 1941, Secret meetings seal US-Britain alliance: The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, has spent the last few days in top-secret meetings with the American President, Franklin D Roosevelt.