Today in World War II History—October 1, 1939 & 1944

German Adm. Karl Dönitz

75 Years Ago—Oct. 1, 1939: In Germany, Karl Dönitz promoted to rear admiral and commander of the submarines.

Canadian armored cars in Putte, during the Anglo-Canadian drive in the Scheldt Estuary, 11 Oct 1944 (Imperial War Musuem)

70 Years Ago—Oct. 1, 1944: Canadian forces open campaign to clear the Scheldt Estuary around port of Antwerp, Belgium. Library of Congress once again displays the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, retrieved from Fort Knox.