Today in the Second World War

The 17th of October

Hidden History
October 17, 2023

On the canvas of World War II, October 17th stands out with its distinctive brushstrokes of courage, strategic maneuverings, and tales that capture the essence of a world in upheaval. Today, we delve into the nuances of this day, drawing forth stories and moments that define October 17th's unique place within the broader chronicle of the war. Join us as we traverse the pathways of the past, revealing the depth and breadth of this pivotal day.

"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

Freedom

1939: The Ministerial Council for the Defence of the Reich issued the "Decree relating to a special Jurisdiction in Penal Matters for members of the SS and for members of Police Groups on Special Tasks" which, in effect, was to free the armed SS from the legal jurisdiction of the Wehrmacht.

The Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler on parade in Berlin, 1938.

Work Complete

1943: The two sections of the infamous Burma railway met south of the Three Pagodas Pass. Most of the Allied prisoners of war were then transferred to Japan.

The railroad bridge over the Khwae Yai River in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

Photo of the Day

Cruiser Mk V Covenanter III tanks of British 9th Armoured Division being loaded onto flatbed railway wagons, Blaydon near Newcastle, England, United Kingdom, 17 October 1941.

As we close the pages on the events of October 17th from the vast chapters of World War II, it's imperative to reflect on the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, showcased throughout these narratives. Today's journey has, once again, bridged the gap between the past and the present, highlighting the invaluable lessons that history imparts. Thank you for accompanying us in today's exploration. As a new day dawns tomorrow, we promise fresh insights and untold tales from the annals of WWII. Until then, let history's echoes inspire our steps forward.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

Wings of War: The World War II Fighter Plane that Saved the Allies and the Believers Who Made It Fly by David Fairbank White

The incredible, untold story behind the rise of the P-51 Mustang, the World War II fighter plane that destroyed the Luftwaffe and made D-Day possible.

Stalin's War: A New History of World War II by Sean McMeekin

“A provocative, revisionist take on the Second World War” (Financial Times) by a prize-winning historian”

No Better Friend: Young Readers Edition: A Man, a Dog, and Their Incredible True Story of Friendship and Survival in World War II by Robert Weintraub

Discover an extraordinary tale of friendship and survival between a man and a dog in World War II in this young readers' adaptation of the New York Times bestseller No Better Friend.

Lost at Sea: Eddie Rickenbacker's Twenty-Four Days Adrift on the Pacific--A World War II Tale of Courage and Faith by John Wukovits

The forgotten story of American war hero Eddie Rickenbacker's crash landing in the Pacific during World War II, and his incredible twenty-three-day crusade to keep his crew alive.

Cloudbuster Nine: The Untold Story of Ted Williams and the Baseball Team That Helped Win World War II: Keene, Anne R.

Cloudbuster Nine: The Untold Story of Ted Williams and the Baseball Team That Helped Win World War II [Keene, Anne R.] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Cloudbuster Nine: The Untold Story of Ted Williams and the Baseball Team That Helped Win World War II

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