6 September 1939 - South Africa declares war on Germany

Following the previous day's resignation by Prime Minister JBM Hertzog, a new government has been formed by Jan Smuts (now leader of the United Party) and South Africa has declared war on Germany. Hertzog resigned when his motion to remain neutral in the war was defeated by 80 votes to 67; he reconciled with Daniel F Malan (Herenigde Nasionale Party, HNP - Purified Nationalist Party) to become leader of the opposition.