1942World War II: Fall of Singapore. Following an assault by Japanese forces, the British General Arthur Percival surrenders. About 80,000 Indian, United Kingdom and Australian soldiers become prisoners of war, the largest surrender of British-led military personnel in history.^[†]

World War II or the Second World War was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated, with many nations mobilising all resources in pursuit of total war. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the first and only nuclear weapons ever used in war. World War II is the deadliest conflict in history, causing the death of 70 to 85 million people, more than half of whom were civilians. Millions died in genocides, including the Holocaust, and by massacres, starvation, and disease. After the Allied victory, Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea were occupied, and German and Japanese leaders were tried for war crimes.

Headlines from February 15, 1942

THEATRE IN CHINATOWN; Under Manhattan Bridge Flourishes the City's One Chinese Theatre NEW YORK'S ONE CHINESE THEATRE

Japan's Supply of Scrap Steel Held Enough to Last 3 Years; Latest Survey Puts Amount at 10,000,000 Tons and Compares With 11,600,000 Shipped From This Country in Last Decade

Bombs Thin Out Japanese And Stall Drive on Rangoon; R.A.F. SMASHES FOE IN DRIVE ON BURMA

WANT RULES EASED ON USE OF BENZOL; Makers Say State Curbs Bar It From Arms Work Despite New Safety Methods WANT RULES EASED ON USE OF BENZOL

AUSTRALIAN UNITS JOIN JAVA DEFENSE; An Allied Force Accompanies Them -- Need of Aircraft to Protect Isle Is Stressed AUSTRALIAN UNITS JOIN JAVA DEFENSE

Historical Events