King Michael of Romania lead a coup that overthrew fascistic dictator Ion Antonescu in order that Romania could extract itself from its losing alliance with Germany.
It would become known as the Act of 23 August.
During the event, the King first met with Antonescu and asked him to sign an armistice with the Soviet Union. When he refused, the King declared there was nothing that could be done, officers came in, and arrested Antonescu.
The King offered the Germans free passage out of the country, which they refused. Within 24 hours the country would be successfully at war with Nazi Germany and an Allied power.
In spite of its success, the country would not be able to avoid the Soviet co-opting of the government, and Michael was deposed in 1947 when he was out of the country for the marriage of his cousin, Elizabeth of the United Kingdom. He was allowed to return to Romania late in life, after Communism fell.
Antonescu was tried and executed in 1946. Constantin Sănătescu, who became Prime Minister up Antonescu being removed, died of cancer in 1947.
Italian partisans took Barceno, near Switzerland.
French partisans controlled most of Paris.
Allies were advancing everywhere in Europe.
Eight German ships were sunk in the Battle of Audiene Bay The U-180 was sunk by some undetermined means in the Bay of Biscay.
The Japanese destroyer Asakaze was sunk by the USS Haddo in Paluan Bay.
Japanese resistance on Numfoor ends.
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