German armoured personnel carriers and assult
guns (note armoured skirts) rumble forward
at the Battle of Kursk

July 6-9
Eastern Front, Ukraine
Increasing numbers of German troops reinforce the Kursk offensive but the Red Army stands firm. The Soviets counter the Germans with a deep defensive network while heavily-armed antitank units deliver concentrated fire against German armor. The Soviets quickly gain air superiority and fighters provide valuable tactical support. These measures combine to prevent the German attacks penetrating the Soviet defenses.

July 7-13
Pacific, Papua New Guinea
The Japanese strongpoint at Mumbo, 10 miles (16 km) inland from Salamaua, is seized by the Australians. US and Australian forces are battling to dislodge the Japanese from the high ground they have retreated to. Allied reinforcements are to be landed in order to clear the Japanese from northeast New Guinea.

July 9
Mediterranean, Sicily
Chaotic US and British airborne landings begin the attack on Sicily. Preparatory bomber attacks have already hit air bases on Sicily, Sardinia, and on the mainland. Mussolini expects the Allied attack to be against Sardinia. The main strategic objectives are to clear the Mediterranean sea-lanes, divert Axis forces from the Eastern Front, and possibly apply pressure on Italy to accelerate its capitulation.

July 10
Mediterranean, Sicily
An invasion fleet of 2500 vessels carries General Bernard Montgomery's Eighth Army and General George Patton's Seventh Army to southern Sicily. The Italians are surprised as they did not expect an attack during stormy weather. The Allies will eventually land 160,000 men to fight General Guzzoni's Sixth Army (230,000 Italian and 40,000 German troops). Landings are assisted by a new amphibious truck - the DUKW.

July 11-12
Mediterranean, Sicily
The German Hermann Goering Panzer Division almost reaches US forces on the coast near Gela and Licata but the counterattack is obstructed by US paratroopers. General Sir Harold Alexander, overall commander of the operation, expects the Eighth Army to advance up the east coast toward the key bases at Catania and Messina. The less experienced Seventh Army is to protect the British flank and rear.

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