April 1942

Friday 03:

World War II: Japanese forces begin an all-out assault on the United States and Filipino troops on the Bataan Peninsula. Bataan falls on April 9 and the Bataan Death March began.

Wednesday 08:

Soviet Union forces open a much-needed railway link to Leningrad.

Thursday 09:

United States forces surrender on the Bataan Peninsula.

Wednesday 15:

its people and defenders" by King George VI.

Friday 17:

POW French General Henri Giraud escapes from his castle prison in Festung Königstein.

Saturday 18:

Pierre Laval becomes Prime Minister of Vichy France.

Thursday 23:

World War II: Baedeker Blitz – German bombers hit Exeter, Bath and York in retaliation for the British raid on Lübeck.

Sunday 26:

The worst-ever mining accident in history kills 1,549 miners in an explosion at the Honkeiko Colliery, Manchuria.