Key WWII Timeline with 86th Blackhawk Division Contributions
YEARS 1939 1941 1944
1939 | 1941 | 1944
1939
World War II begins with Germany invading Poland on September 1. Britain and France declare war on Germany.
1941
The United States enters the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7.
1942-1944
The 86th Infantry Division, also known as the “Blackhawk Division,” is activated for combat. Initially trained for operations in the Pacific, they are redirected to the European Theater due to high casualties there.
The division trains extensively at Camp San Luis Obispo, California, for amphibious assaults.
MONTHS March April May July
YEAR | 1945
March
The division is deployed to Europe, taking part in key operations in Germany.
They engage the Germans east of the Rhine River, effectively holding a 23-mile front and disrupting enemy activities.
April
During the Battle of the Ruhr Pocket, the 86th Division captures over 33,000 German soldiers, significantly weakening Nazi defenses. This action showcases their effectiveness and strategic value.
May
July
The division shifts focus to the Pacific Theater, preparing for a potential invasion of Japan.
Japan surrenders in August after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, preventing the need for further combat deployment. The 86th Division was enroute to the Philippines when Japan surrendered.
YEAR | 1946
1946
The 86th Division is demobilized, and many veterans form the Blackhawk Division Association to maintain their bonds
The 86th Blackhawk Division is particularly remembered for its swift and decisive actions in Europe during the later stages of WWII, including their role in the Ruhr Pocket and their ability to adapt to changing theaters of war. Their impact extended beyond military success, as the association they formed played a significant role in preserving their legacy and camaraderie
For more on the history of World War II
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, this museum is one of the premier institutions for learning about the history of World War II. It covers the global conflict’s events, the American experience, and its broader implications.
Website: The National WWII Museum
Based in the United Kingdom, IWM operates several branches, including the Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast. These institutions provide in-depth exhibits on the British perspective of WWII and other conflicts.
Website: Imperial War Museums
International WWII Research and Preservation
This group of historians and researchers specializes in uncovering and preserving lesser-known stories and artifacts of WWII.
Located in Washington, D.C., this museum focuses on the Holocaust, a significant aspect of World War II, and educates visitors on the atrocities and lessons of the war.
Website: USHMM
This nonprofit organization produces documentary films and educational materials about WWII, focusing on stories of veterans and key battles.
Website: World War II Foundation
This governmental institution preserves and presents the history of the U.S. Army, including its role in World War II. It provides detailed accounts of battles, campaigns, and units, including the 86th Blackhawk Division.
Website: U.S. Army Center of Military History
Both the United States and United Kingdom have extensive archives of World War II records, maps, photographs, and personal accounts accessible to researchers and the public.
U.S. National Archives: Archives.gov
UK National Archives: National Archives UK
The WWII Research and Preservation Society
A group focused on preserving the memory of WWII through historical reenactments, publications, and educational events.
This organization commemorates the 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the two world wars and maintains cemeteries and memorials worldwide.
Website: CWGC
Local and Regional WWII Museums
Many regions worldwide have museums and historical societies focusing on local contributions and experiences during World War II. Examples include the D-Day Museum in Normandy, France, and the WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Hawaii.
Documentaries about World War ll
- World War II in HD 2009 Documentary 10 part series
- Inside World War ll – 2012 Documentary 3 part series
- The World at War – 1973 Documentary 26 part series
- World War II: The Last Heros – Documentary 6 part series
- World War 2: The Complete History – 2000 Documentary
- Apocalypse: The Second World War – Documentary 6 part series
Books on World War II, spanning personal accounts, strategic analyses, and untold stories
Personal Accounts and Biographies
“The Splendid and the Vile” by Erik Larson (2020): A deep dive into Winston Churchill’s leadership during the Blitz, showcasing his resilience and rhetoric in one of Britain’s darkest hours.
“First Light” by Geoffrey Wellum (2002): A vivid personal memoir of a young RAF pilot during the Battle of Britain, capturing the fear, courage, and camaraderie in the skies.
Military History and Strategy
“Stalingrad” by Antony Beevor (1998): An extensively detailed account of the brutal battle between German and Soviet forces, offering insight into one of the war’s turning points.
Rick Atkinson’s Liberation Trilogy:
- “An Army at Dawn” (North Africa, 1942–43)
- “The Day of Battle” (Sicily and Italy, 1943–44)
“The Guns at Last Light” (Western Europe, 1944–45): These Pulitzer-winning books cover the Allied campaigns in a compelling and accessible narrative.
Untold Stories
“Forgotten Ally” by Rana Mitter (2013): Chronicles China’s vital yet often overlooked contributions to the Allied war effort, highlighting the immense sacrifices of its people.
“A Woman of No Importance” by Sonia Purnell (2019): The story of Virginia Hall, an American spy who played a crucial role in the French Resistance and the Allied victory.
Each of these books offers a unique lens to understand the complexity and human experience of World War II. You can explore them through local bookstores, libraries, or online retailers.