Deaths on August 31

Georges Gauthier, Canadian archbishop (b. 1871)

Georges Gauthier (9 October 1871 – 31 August 1940) was a French Canadian archbishop of Montreal and the first rector of the Université de Montréal.

17 May

Brussels
World War II: Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium.
12 Jun

Erwin Rommel
World War II: Thirteen thousand British and French troops surrender to Major General Erwin Rommel at Saint-Valery-en-Caux.
5 Jul

Vichy France
World War II: The United Kingdom and the Vichy France government break off diplomatic relations.
10 Jul

Vichy France
World War II: The Vichy government is established in France.
11 Jul

Vichy France
World War II: Vichy France regime is formally established. Philippe Pétain becomes Prime Minister of France.