October 1942

Saturday 03:

First successful launch of A4-rocket from Test Stand VII at Peenemünde, Germany: the first man-made object to reach space.

Wednesday 07:

1942 - Salvo Katjoesja-rocket destroys Nazi battalion in Stalingrad.

Friday 09:

Statute of Westminster Adoption Act formalizes Australian autonomy.

Sunday 11:

On the northwest coast of Guadalcanal, United States Navy ships intercept and defeat a Japanese fleet on their way to reinforce troops on the island.

Friday 23:

At El Alamein in Egypt, British forces begin a major offensive against Axis forces.

Wednesday 28:

The Alaska Highway is completed.

Thursday 29:

Holocaust: In the United Kingdom, leading clergymen and political figures hold a public meeting to register outrage over Nazi Germany's persecution of Jews.