http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1942/aug42/f31aug42.htm
Axis positions under constant bombardment
Monday, August 31, 1942 www.onwar.com
In North Africa... Rommel almost calls off the attack in the face of better British defenses, bombardment by British artillery and the RAF. However, instead, he orders a direct attack on Alam Halfa Ridge. The British defeat this sortie. The bombardment of the Afrika Korps position by both air and artillery continues day and night.
From Washington... US Agricultural Secretary Claude Wickard announces that meat rationing will probably be necessary.
In New Guinea... Stiff resistance has cost the Japanese 1,000 casualties, the first halt in the Japanese expansion in the Pacific. Japanese General Hyakutake leading 17th Army redirects the troops from Milne Bay to concentrate on Guadalcanal.
In the Solomon Islands... The Battle of Guadalcanal. Japanese General Kawaguchi lands 1200 troops on the island.
On the Eastern Front... West of Stalingrad, the Germans continue to advance toward the city. Despite fierce Soviet resistance, they are 16 miles from the city.