Today in the Second World War

The 28th of September

Hidden History
September 28, 2023

Welcome back to another edition of our daily WWII journey. As we turn the pages to September 28 in the annals of the Second World War, we uncover pivotal moments and untold stories that shaped the global narrative. From hushed strategy meetings to frontline heroics, let's dive deep into this day's significance and pay tribute to those who stood resolute in the face of adversity.

"This war is not an ordinary war. It is the war of the entire Russian people. Not only to eliminate the danger hanging over our heads, but to aid all people groaning under the yoke of Fascism" - Josef Stalin - 22nd June 1941

No Revolt

1938: Neville Chamberlain proposed to Adolf Hitler a conference between European powers to resolve the issue of Czechoslovakia; Hermann Göring convinced Hitler to accept such an offer rather than waging war. Meanwhile, Chamberlain sent Czechoslovakian President Edvard Beneš a message to express that Britain was to represent Czechoslovakia in the upcoming conference with Germany, and Britain would keep Czechoslovakia's best interest in mind.
Franz Halder went to see German Army chief Walther von Brauchitsch and gained some support for his planned overthrow of Adolf Hitler should there be a war over the Sudetenland crisis. At the end of the day, with Neville Chamberlain visiting Munich, Germany, and thus dramatically lessening the possibility of war between Britain and Germany, Halder called off the revolt.

Halder in 1938.

Carving up Poland

1939: At Brest-Litovsk, Poland (now Belarus), Germans and Soviets signed the agreement denoting their common border in Poland.

Joachim von Ribbentrop arrived in Moscow, Russia, where would announce jointly with the Soviets an attempt to negotiate for peace with the western powers; should Britain and France reject this peace offer, Germany then could not be blamed for the aggression, he reasoned.

Vsevolod Merkulov sent his superiors in Moscow, Russia a report, noting his NKVD Operational Group No. 1 had arrested 923 Polish officers, policemen, land owners, Ukrainian nationalists, etc. in eastern Poland.

Vyacheslav Molotov and Joachim von Ribbentrop shaking hands, Moscow, Russia, 28 September 1939.

Just in Time

1940: Australian destroyer HMAS Stuart and British aircraft sank Italian submarine Gondar 12 miles off Egypt. Gondar was carrying three piloted torpedoes intended for use against the British Mediterranean Fleet, thus this plan to attack on the fleet at Alexandria was thwarted. Gondar's entire crew of 43 and the 4 torpedo pilots were rescued by HMAS Stuart.

British submarine HMS Pandora sank Italian ship Famiglia 10 miles off Libya between Benghazi and Tobruk. Italian torpedo boat Enrico Cosenz counterattacked unsuccessfully.

Italian submarine Gondar.

All Out War

1941: Georgy Zhukov announced to his troops that family members of those who become captured by the enemy would be arrested and shot.

Zhukov in 1944.

Warning Signs

1941: Joseph Rochefort warned US commanders at Pearl Harbor, US Territory of Hawaii that the recent Japanese Navy communications changes might mean the preparation of a large exercise or another major action.

Joseph Rochefort

Pavlov’s House

1942: In Stalingrad, Russia, Sergeant Jacob Pavlov and three others assaulted the much shelled apartment block facing Solechnaya street, expelling the incumbent Germans with hand-grenades. In the cellar they found several badly wounded Soviet soldiers still holding out. "Pavlov's House" would become a boundary fortification, and a symbol of resistance. The handful of men defended the outpost for 58 days, against infantry, artillery and tank assaults.

Pavlov's House in 1943; Gergardt Mill in background.

Photo of the Day

German troops marched through Warsaw, September 1939.

As we conclude our journey of September 28 in the World War II era, let's carry forward the tales of bravery and resilience that underscore the profound cost of freedom. May their stories serve as a beacon, guiding us towards a future of understanding and peace. Until our next dispatch, stay informed and remember the past.

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Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand (World War II Collection): Biggio, Andrew

Tales of American combat and comradery in World War II all connected to the iconic rifle of the era, the M1 Garand. An award-winning author puts one such rifle into the hands of a series of vets, records their stories, and gathers their signatures on the rifle, in a pilgrimage and homage to heroism.

The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield by Andrew Biggio

In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle, Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II.

Over The Top: Veterans of the First World War by David Polk

With the stroke of a pen, the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918 promised a World of peace and cooperation. Popularly called "the war to end all wars," the Great War was intended to prevent incidents like the one at Sarajevo in 1914. In general, peace and harmony did continue, at least until Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.This book is written as a tribute to the legacy of the veterans of the Great War. Within these pages are contained eye-witness accounts of these fearless fighters.

Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS by Andrew Dubbins

With echoes of Unbroken; the derring-do and bravado of The Right Stuff; and the battle-forged camaraderie of Band of Brothers, this is the World War II story of 95-year-old veteran George Morgan and the Underwater Demolition Teams. Forerunners of the Navy SEALs, the elite unit was given nearly impossible pre-invasion missions from D-Day to the most crucial landings in the Pacific Theater.

The War of Words: How America's GI Journalists Battled Censorship and Propaganda to Help Win World War II by Molly Guptill Manning

From New York Times bestselling author Molly Guptill Manning comes The War of Words, the captivating story of how American troops in World War II wielded pens to tell their own stories as they made history.

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