German paratroopers on their way to attack the
Allied bridgehead at Anzio, which had been
contained by late January

January 22
Italy, Anzio
Troops of the Allied VI Corps make an amphibious landing at Anzio, behind the German lines. Commanded by US General John Lucas, the initial attack is almost unopposed and the road to Rome is open. However, although by the evening Lucas has nearly 50,000 men and 3000 vehicles ashore, he orders his forces to dig in to repel any enemy counterattacks. He thus misses the opportunity to strike inland from the beachhead.

January 24
Italy, Cassino/Anzio
At Anzio, Allied patrols venturing inland are halted by increasing German resistance. At Cassino, the US 34th Division finally establishes bridgeheads across the Rapido River to allow the armor to cross. At the other end of the Allied line, French troops make further gains.

January 26
Politics, Argentina
Argentina has severed relations with Germany and Japan following the uncovering of a vast Axis spy network in the country.

Pacific, Papua New Guinea
Following several days of fighting, the Australian 18th Brigade takes the key Japanese position of Kankiryo Saddle.

January 30
Pacific, Marshalls
The American conquest of the Marshall Islands, Operation Flintlock, begins with an amphibious assault against Majuro Atoll. The strategy is to concentrate on key islands and their air bases. Once these have been taken, enemy garrisons on lesser islets will be starved into submission. The landing on Majuro was made on one of the atoll's islands, which was undefended.

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