Today in the Second World War

Welcome to our July 14th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. As we dive into the stories from this day many years ago, we invite you to journey with us into a past marked by significant events that shaped our present. This issue highlights the unseen narratives of strategic decisions, unexpected alliances, heroic feats, and profound losses that occurred on this date during the global conflict. So, settle in as we traverse the terrain of time, and remember, history is not merely a subject but the very fabric that binds us all. Let's continue our journey together, fostering our collective memory and understanding.

"Am sending mobile troops out tonight. Not possible to hold tomorrow... Will resist to the last man and last round." - Major General Hendrik Klopper - (Commander of the Tobruk Garrison to General Ritchie) - 21st June 1942

The Battle of Britain has Begun

German aircraft attacked the Allied convoys in the English Channel, sinking or damaging only 5 ships despite the large number of aircraft sent. German bombers also attacked RAF airfield at Manston in Kent in southern England, United Kingdom and a destroyer in Swanage Harbor, Dorset, causing little damage. BBC reporter Charles Gardner provided the first eyewitness radio report of the Battle of Britain as he watched German aircraft attacking a convoy in the English Channel. Meanwhile, the British Royal Air Force leadership directed its pilots to ignore German aircraft with Red Cross markings, as such aircraft were suspected of conducting military reconnaissance missions in the English Channel.

Navy on the Move

American battleships USS South Dakota, USS Indiana, and USS Massachusetts and escorting destroyers bombarded Kamaishi, Honshu, Japan; the primary target was the Kamaishi Works of the Japan Iron Company, but several destroyers shells overshot the target and hit the town, killing many civilians; battleship shells were more accurate, destroying about 65% of the industrial complex, but they also killed many civilians; this was the first time the Japanese home islands were subjected to naval bombardment. To the north, the sinking of 6 warships and 37 steamers on the ferry route between Honshu and Hokkaido islands effectively cut off the latter from the rest of the home islands. At Kure in southern Japan, aircraft of US Navy TF 38 damaged carrier Amagi, carrier Katsuragi, and battleship Haruna; at Misawa in northern Japan, G4M bombers that were assigned to partake the planned Operation Ken, which sought to deliver 300 suicide commandos to the Mariana Islands, were destroyed (the American would not know of Operation Ken until after the war). The carriers were escorted by a large naval force that included battleship USS Missouri. Far to the south, the USAAF XXI Bomber Command canceled a long-range P-51 raid from Iwo Jima to attack Meiji and Kagamigahara near Nagoya due to poor weather.

Photo of the Day

Mark XV torpedoes being transferred to the USS Nicholas from the USS Patterson at Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 14 July 1943 following the Battle of Kolombangara.

As we draw the curtains on today's journey through the annals of July 14th during World War II, we hope the narratives shared have enlightened and engaged you. Remember, these tales of valor, strategy, and resilience are not just remnants of a bygone era, but significant threads in the fabric of our present-day existence. Until we meet again tomorrow for another deep dive into history, let's carry with us the indomitable spirit of those times, ever inspiring us to foster peace, unity, and understanding. Thank you for joining us on this shared journey, and until tomorrow, stay curious, stay inspired.

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Have a great weekend :)

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