April 7
Africa, Libya
General Erwin Rommel captures Derna, along with British Generals Philip Neame and Sir Richard O'Connor, during his advance toward Tobruk.

April 10
Politics, Yugoslavia
The Ustachi political group in the province of Croatia declares the formation of an independent republic separate from Yugoslavia.

Sea War, Greenland
The United States begins occupying Greenland to prevent the Danish colony falling into German hands. Valuable weather-observation points for Britain are situated in Greenland.

An Australian gun crew defending Tobruk

April 10-13
Africa, Libya
General Erwin Rommel begins the siege of Tobruk. The Allies, who repulse his first attacks, are determined to hold Tobruk as it is the only major port between Sfax in Tunisia and Alexandria in Egypt, a distance of 1000 miles (1600 km). It is therefore a strategic base for forces fighting in North Africa. Tobruk comes under constant air and ground attack, its caves providing the only real shelter, while the sea-lane to Egypt is to be its only lifeline.

April 13
Politics, Soviet Union/Japan
A five-year nonaggression pact between the Soviet Union and Japan is signed, which enables the Red Army to move units from Siberia to bolster its forces preparing to meet any future German attack.

April 17
Politics, Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia signs an armistice with Germany. The country is now under military administration except for the Croatian puppet state. Immediately, guerrilla forces emerge to resist the Nazi occupation.

prev | next