Woonsocket in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)

World War II Begins

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2022

1. World War II Begins Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

World War II Begins
September 1939 The start of World War II is considered to be September 1, 1939 when Germany invaded neighboring Poland. This date is used despite the aggression by Italy in Ethiopia and Japan in China several years earlier.
Germany introduced the world to blitzkrieg (lightning war) combining ground and air forces in a coordinated, all-out, fast moving offensive. Polish forces fought valiantly and fiercely but were vastly outnumbered by the invaders and were using obsolete weapons and tactics. Rather than assume defensive positions to buy time, they rallied their forces to counterattack the Germans. At one point, Polish troops on horseback hopelessly attacked a German armored column.
Poland's allies Great Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939 but did nothing to counter the invasion.
After only three weeks, the Polish capital of Warsaw fell to the German siege and Poland surrendered on September 27, 1939.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant day of the year for for this entry is May 31.

Location. 42° 0.445′ N, 71°

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2022

2. World War II Begins Marker

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31.695′ W. Marker is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in Providence County. Memorial is on River Street north of 2nd Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Located next to American Legion Fairmount Post 85. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 870 River Street, Woonsocket RI 02895, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battle of the Atlantic (here, next to this marker); Battle of Britain (here, next to this marker); Major John T. Godfrey (here, next to this marker); Pearl Harbor (here, next to this marker); Battle of Midway (here, next to this marker); General George S. Patton, Jr. (here, next to this marker); D-Day (here, next to this marker); Battle of Stalingrad (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woonsocket.

Markers at the American Legion Fairmount Post 85 Veterans Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2022

3. Markers at the American Legion Fairmount Post 85 Veterans Memorial

Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.