August 1942

Friday 07:

US Marines initiate the first American offensive of the war with a landing on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

Saturday 08:

1942- Quit India resolution was passed by the Bombay session of the AICC, which leads to the start of a historical civil disobedience movement across India

Sunday 09:

Indian leader, Mohandas Gandhi is arrested in Bombay by British forces, launching the Quit India Movement.

Thursday 13:

Walt Disney's fifth animated feature, Bambi, premiers.

Saturday 15:

The SS Ohio reaches the island of Malta barely afloat carrying vital fuel supplies for the island defenses.

Sunday 16:

The two-person crew of the U.S. naval blimp L-8 disappear without a trace on a routine anti-submarine patrol over the Pacific Ocean. The blimp drifts without her crew and crashlands in Daly City, California.

Wednesday 19:

The 2nd Canadian Infantry Division leads an allied forces amphibious assault on Dieppe, France.

Saturday 22:

World War II: Brazil declares war on the Axis powers (Germany, Italy and Japan)

Sunday 23:

World War II: Beginning of the Battle of Stalingrad

Monday 24:

World War II: The Battle of the East Solomon Islands. Japanese aircraft carrier Ryuho is sunk.

Tuesday 25:

World War II: Battle of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea

Sunday 30:

World War II: Battle of Alam Halfa begins.