This gallery of photographs tells the dramatic story of the Second World War (1939-45). The selection aims to reflect the global nature of the conflict and reveal many of its different aspects, from major battles to the daily life of soldiers to the varied roles of civilians. The images are presented in chronological sequence to better present the story of a conflict that caused millions of casualties, made millions more homeless, and left terrible physical destruction around the world, but which, ultimately, witnessed the defeat of the aggressive totalitarian regimes that had started the war.
Warsaw after the German Invasion, 1939
A photograph taken in October 1939 showing the damage to Warsaw following the German invasion of Poland in September that year.
Imperial War Museums.
