Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today’s edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! Today, we reflect on the events that occurred on April 11th, a day that saw significant developments in the naval conflict between the British and German forces during World War II. It was also a day marked by the atrocities committed at the Buchenwald concentration camp, where thousands of people were subjected to inhumane treatment and many lost their lives.

Join us as we explore the historical significance of these events and remember the sacrifices and suffering endured during this dark period of human history.

“I’ve had my fill of Hitler. These conferences called by the ringing of a bell are not to my liking. The bell is rung when people call their servants. And besides, what kind of conferences are these? For five hours I am forced to listen to a monologue which is quite fruitless and boring.” - Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini

The Kriegsmarine Suffers Another Setback

The HMS Spearfish's attack on the German pocket battleship Lützow took place on April 11th, 1940 during the early stages of World War II. The Lützow was part of the German Navy's naval force that was tasked with laying mines in the North Sea, and was sailing in the Skagerrak off the coast of Norway when it was attacked. She had been named the Deutschland up until Hitler himself made the decision to rename the ship, recognizing that the sinking of a warship, always possible, was a propaganda disaster if it bore the name of its country.

The HMS Spearfish, which was under the command of Lieutenant Commander John Launders, spotted the Lützow and fired a spread of six torpedoes at the battleship. One of the torpedoes struck the Lützow on the starboard side, causing extensive damage to the stern of the ship. The torpedo hit caused serious flooding and the ship began to list heavily to starboard.

Despite the damage, the crew of the Lützow was able to keep the ship afloat and bring it back to port. However, the damage was severe enough that the Lützow had to undergo extensive repairs that took almost a year to complete and wasn’t recommissioned for service on 31 March 1941, after which the Kriegsmarine initially planned to send the ship on the commerce raiding operation planned the previous year.

After the attack, the HMS Spearfish attempted to reload her torpedo tubes for a second attack, but was forced to break off due to the presence of German escort ships. Unfortunately, while beginning her sixth war patrol on 31 July 1940, Spearfish was spotted on the surface by the U-34 and torpedoed, and 40 men sank with her. Able Seaman William Pester was rescued and captured by the Germans. Of the first 12 S-class submarines, just two survived the war; nine were lost as a result of enemy action or to friendly fire, with one scuttled as a target.

Mussolini Stays in the War

Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met in Salzburg, Austria, from April 8th to April 11th in 1941. Hitler was able to persuade Mussolini to keep Italy in the war, despite the significant losses suffered by Italian forces in North Africa. Mussolini had been considering withdrawing from the war, but Hitler convinced him that victory was still possible. This meeting is seen as a turning point in the Axis alliance, as it ensured Italy's continued involvement in the war.

Italy had suffered a series of defeats in North Africa, and Mussolini was considering withdrawing from the conflict. Hitler was keenly aware of the importance of Italian support in the war effort, as Italy's involvement had allowed the Axis powers to gain control of much of Europe.

At the Salzburg meeting, Hitler used a combination of flattery and threats to convince Mussolini to remain in the war. He emphasized the importance of the Axis alliance and the need for Italy to maintain its commitment to the war effort. Hitler also assured Mussolini that German forces would provide greater support for the Italian army in North Africa.

Mussolini was swayed by Hitler's arguments and agreed to continue fighting. However, Italy's continued involvement in the war would prove costly, as Italian forces suffered significant losses on several fronts. Italy's military weakness would eventually lead to its surrender in September 1943, and the country would subsequently switch sides to join the Allies.

Overall, the Salzburg meeting was a pivotal moment in the war, as it ensured Italy's continued participation in the Axis alliance for a time. However, it also highlighted the weakness of the Italian military and foreshadowed the eventual collapse of the Axis powers.

The Divine Wind

On this day in 1945, a Japanese special attack aircraft, commonly known as a "kamikaze," crashed into the starboard side of the USS Missouri, causing minor damage. The USS Missouri was at the time participating in the Battle of Okinawa, one of the final major battles of World War II in the Pacific.

The kamikaze attack on the USS Missouri was just one of many such attacks launched by the Japanese during the war. These attacks were part of a strategy known as "kamikaze," or "divine wind," in which Japanese pilots would intentionally crash their aircraft into enemy ships in an attempt to inflict maximum damage. During the Battle of Okinawa, which took place between April and June 1945, a total of 36 US Navy ships were hit by kamikaze attacks. These attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 4,900 US sailors, with another 4,800 being wounded.

The kamikaze attacks were a devastating tactic used by the Japanese during the Battle of Okinawa, and they caused significant damage and loss of life among the Allied forces. Despite the high casualties, however, the Allied forces were eventually able to achieve victory in the battle and secure a key foothold in the Pacific theater of World War II.

Despite the damage caused by the kamikaze attack on the USS Missouri, the ship was able to continue its mission and played a significant role in the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific. The remains of the Japanese pilot were given a sea burial with military honors, reflecting the respect and honor accorded to fallen soldiers, even by their enemies.

The kamikaze attacks were a tragic and desperate strategy employed by the Japanese military towards the end of World War II. Today, they serve as a reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers on all sides of the conflict.

Buchenwald Liberation

On this day in 1945, prisoners of the Buchenwald Concentration Camp in Germany freed themselves after most of the guards had fled in anticipation of the arrival of Allied forces. Buchenwald was one of the largest and most infamous concentration camps established by the Nazi regime during World War II, and the prisoners who were held there suffered terrible conditions and brutality.

Despite the horrors they had endured, the prisoners of Buchenwald were able to rise up and liberate themselves when the opportunity arose. The arrival of Allied forces, including the US 83rd Infantry Division in the nearby satellite camp of Langenstein, further helped to secure their freedom.

It is estimated that around 56,000 people died at the Buchenwald concentration camp, a mortality rate of 20% averaged over all prisoners transferred to the camp during its operation from 1937 to 1945. The exact number is difficult to determine due to the chaotic conditions at the camp and the deliberate destruction of records by the Nazi authorities in the final days of the war.

Many of the prisoners at Buchenwald were killed through various forms of brutal treatment, including forced labor, medical experiments, and executions. The majority of the victims were political prisoners, including Communists, Social Democrats, trade unionists, and others who opposed the Nazi regime. There were also Jews, homosexuals, Roma and Sinti people, disabled individuals, and others who were deemed "undesirable" by the Nazis.

The liberation of Buchenwald by Allied forces in April 1945 was a major event in the final days of World War II, and it brought to light the full horror of the Nazi concentration camp system. The survivors of Buchenwald, along with those of other concentration camps, served as powerful witnesses to the atrocities committed by the Nazis, and their stories continue to serve as stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime and the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and totalitarianism.

Photo of the Day

B-17G Fortress of the 728th Bombardment Squadron after making a forced landing 8km west of Schillig, Germany due to flak damage over Rostock, Apr 11, 1944. All 10 crew members survived and were taken prisoner.

In conclusion, April 11th was a significant day during World War II. The torpedoing of the German pocket battleship Lützow by the British submarine HMS Spearfish demonstrated the danger and unpredictability of naval warfare during this period. The attack resulted in severe damage to the Lützow and forced the ship to undergo almost a year of repairs before it could return to service.

April 11th is also a day to remember the victims of the Buchenwald concentration camp, where thousands of people were subjected to brutal treatment and many lost their lives. The liberation of Buchenwald by Allied forces in 1945 serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime and the importance of standing against hatred and prejudice in all its forms.

These events from April 11th, 1940 and the atrocities of the Buchenwald concentration camp serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and suffering endured during World War II, and the importance of working towards a more peaceful and just world.

Thanks for reading today’s edition of the newsletter! If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books