September 13
Politics, France
Prime Minister Edouard Daladier forms a war cabinet and takes additional responsibility for foreign affairs.

September 16-27
Eastern Front, Poland
Warsaw's defenders are encircled but refuse to surrender until the 27th. Elements of Germany's Fourteenth Army west of Lvov are still locked in battle, while other units advance to join General Heinz Guderian's units in action along the Bug River.

September 17
Sea War, Atlantic
The British aircraft carrier Courageous is sunk by U-29 during an antisubmarine patrol off southwest Ireland. The aircraft carrier Ark Royal has managed to escape a similar attack just three days beforehand. The naval authorities act quickly and withdraw Britain's aircraft carriers from such duties to preserve these valuable vessels for other maritime roles.

September 17-30
Eastern Front, Poland
In accordance with a secret clause in their 1939 pact with Germany, the Red Army invades. Little resistance is encountered on Poland's Eastern border as the Polish Army is fighting for its life to the west.

September 18-30
Politics, Poland

The Polish government and high command flee to Romania, only to be interned. A government-in-exile is formed and many fighters escape to join the Allies. Poland is split into two zones of occupation divided by the Bug River. Germany has lost 10,572 troops and the Soviet Union has 734 men killed in the campaign. Around 50,000 Poles are killed and 750,000 captured.

September 21
Politics, Romania

A local fascist group, the 'Iron Guard,' assassinates Romanian Prime Minister Armand Calinescu.

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