Timeline Sunday 3 September 1939

Events on Sunday 3 September 1939 3

• 1939 Britain and France declare war Ultimatum to Germany expires Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, after Hitler ignored their ultimatum to withdraw from Poland. Neville Chamberlain announced the declaration in a radio broadcast.
• 1939 Britain and France declare war on Germany The Western Allies respond to the invasion of Poland Germany ignored an ultimatum to withdraw from Poland, so Britain declared war on the morning of 3 September and France followed that afternoon. Neville Chamberlain announced the declaration in a radio broadcast. Australia and New Zealand declared war on the same day.
• 1939 Sinking of SS Athenia A U-boat torpedoes a British liner on the first day of the war The German submarine U-30 sank the passenger liner Athenia off the Hebrides hours after Britain declared war. 117 civilians and crew died, including 28 Americans. Germany falsely denied responsibility for years.