Today in the Second World War

The 4th of April

Author

Hidden History
April 04, 2024

On April 4th, we pause to reflect on the echoes of World War II, a period that reshaped the world and its history in profound ways. Today’s edition of our newsletter delves into the narratives of courage, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of peace that characterized this era. As we explore the lessons learned from the past, we're reminded of the importance of unity and the collective effort to uphold the values of freedom and humanity. Let this be a day of remembrance and learning, as we pay homage to those who laid down their lives and those who fought for a better tomorrow.

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"With Germany arming at breakneck speed, England lost in a pacifist dream, France corrupt and torn by dissension, America remote and indifferent... do you not tremble for your children?” - Winston Churchill, 1935

Genocide

1940: Aktion 14 F 13 began; it was the first documented proof that the Nazi German regime conducted mass extermination of the handicapped in concentration camps.

A so-called "charitable ambulance" Gekrat bus

Progress

1941: Axis troops captured Benghazi, Libya, which was evacuated by British forces on the previous day. They pushed further east to the Green Mountain, where they were held by 3 companies of the Australian 9th Division. In the desert to the south, while German 5th Light Division was held in place waiting for a resupply of fuel, the British did not realize the German offensive through the desert had paused and continued to fall back. From the air, German Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed a convoy of 21 trucks, destroying 1,600 gallons of gasoline.

Italian Semovente 75/18 self-propelled assault gun

Grave Situation

1942: Douglas MacArthur, now relocated to Australia per Franklin Roosevelt's orders, radioed Jonathan Wainwright, saying that "under no conditions should Bataan be surrendered; any action is preferable to capitulation". Meanwhile, at Bataan in the Philippine Islands, Japanese troops moved toward Mount Samat, threatening to take this dominant position.

MacArthur and Wainwright

Greatness to Come

1944: Charles De Gaulle was appointed head of Free French military forces.

Wartime portrait, 1942

Whoops

1945: Eduard Schallmoser, flying a Me 262 jet fighter, scored the first kill of German Jagdverband 44. The kill was accidental, however, as he unintentionally rammed an American P-38 fighter in the tail.

Me 262 Schwalbe

Photo of the Day

USS Wasp and USS Washington at Scapa Flow, Scotland, United Kingdom, 4 Apr 1942

Bonus Photo

Sergeant John Cark and Staff Sergeant Ford Shaw of E Company, 25th Combat Team, US Army 93rd Division cleaning their rifles alongside the East West Trail, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, 4 Apr 1944

As we conclude this edition, we carry with us the weight and wisdom of history. The stories from World War II, shared in today's newsletter, are not just recollections of the past but beacons for the future, guiding us towards a world where understanding, peace, and humanity triumph over division and conflict. May the lessons we’ve revisited today inspire us to cherish the peace we have achieved and to work tirelessly for the harmony that still eludes us. Thank you for joining us in this journey of remembrance and reflection. Until next time, let us all hold dear the promise of a better, united world.

If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Ghost That Died at Sunda Strait by W. G. Winslow

Recounting the last stand of the heavy cruiser Houston, this tale of survival brings to life the 1942 battle at Sunda Strait.

Lost at Guadalcanal: The Final Battles of the Astoria and Chicago as Described by Survivors and in Official Reports by John J. Domagalski

The dramatic account of two American warships in the South Pacific, this book follows the USS Astoria (CA–34) and USS Chicago (CA–29) during the late summer of 1942, when both participated in the early days of the critical battle for Guadalcanal. Drawing on a variety of firsthand accounts, some previously unpublished, the book tells the story from the perspective of the men aboard each ship, transporting readers inside the gun turrets, behind the lookout binoculars, and below deck as the battle rages. Individual stories of heroism, sacrifice and survival unfold as both vessels meet their fates in the South Pacific.

The Sinking of the Bismarck: The History of the Battle that Destroyed Nazi Germany’s Most Famous Battleship by Charles River Editors 

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