Today in the Second World War

The 5th of October

Hidden History
October 05, 2023

October 5th unfurls before us with its unique chapter in the epic tale of World War II. Today, we'll journey through a tapestry of events, both celebrated and overlooked, each contributing to the intricate dance of war and diplomacy of the era. Join us in this exploration, as we illuminate the corners of history from this day, shedding light on the profound impact of every moment and decision. Let's delve into October 5th's chronicle together.

"The fate of the Empire rests on this enterprise every man must devote himself totally to the task in hand." - Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto - Commander in Chief of the Japanese Navy - 7th December 1941

Massacre on Wake

1943: Task Force 19 consisting of Essex-class carriers Essex, Lexington, and Yorktown with light carriers Cowpens, Independence, and Belleau Wood escorted by cruisers New Orleans, San Francisco, Birmingham, Nashville, Santa Fe, and Mobile and destroyers Hull, Hazelwood, Bancroft, Caldwell, Coghlan, Braine, Halford, Kidd, Bullard, Chauncey, John Rodgers, Harrison, Murray, Ringgold, Sigsbee, Schroeder, Dashiell, Conner, Burns, Boyd, and Bradford began two days of strikes against Wake Island. So intense was the bombardment that island commander Rear Admiral Sakaibara Shigemitsu was convinced it was a prelude to an invasion and he ordered the execution of all 98 remaining POWs that had been there since 23 December 1941, many of whom had been civilian contractors at the time of their capture.

Minneapolis, San Francisco, and New Orleans bombard Wake, 5 October 1943.

New Age of Warfare

1944: Four TDR drones, each carrying a 2,000-pound bomb, were launched against Japanese supply caves near the coast of Keravia Bay, south of Rabaul, New Britain. One hit in the vicinity of cave entrances, one missed the target area, two were lost enroute due to interference from communications frequency used by motor gunboats operating in the waters over which the drones flew.

Three view of TDR-1.

Scorn

1945: Thomas Dodd interrogated Wilhelm Keitel for several hours in the afternoon in Nürnberg, Germany, and the session was observed by Soviet representatives. During this session, Keitel showed scorn for the Soviets, admitted issuing the order to execute captured Soviet commissars, and discussed the torture of Soviet prisoners of war.

Keitel in 1942.

Photo of the Day

British Cruiser Mk IV tanks being loaded onto railway trucks at an Egyptian quayside after being unloaded from ships, 5 October 1940.

As we wrap up our exploration of October 5th, we're reminded of the rich tapestry of events and stories that dot each day of World War II. Thank you for joining us on today's journey through time. With each edition, we hope to not only inform but to inspire reflection on the resilience and lessons of the past. We eagerly await tomorrow's exploration. Until then, let the echoes of history resonate within.

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

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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