Today in the Second World War

Greetings, history enthusiasts! As August 28th unfolds before us, we're transported back to the turbulent era of World War II, where every day carried stories of valor, tragedy, and hope. Dive in with us today as we shed light on the pivotal events, unsung heroes, and defining moments of this day from the world-changing conflict. Your snapshot of history is here.

"I have returned many times to honour the valiant men who died…every man who set foot on Omaha Beach was a hero." - Lieutenant General Omar Bradley - Commander of the US First Army - (Speaking after the war)

Wild Fight

German submarine U-94 attacked Allied convoy TAW-15 off Haiti. American PBY Catalina aircraft, Canadian corvette HMCS Halifax, Canadian corvette HMCS Snowberry, and Canadian corvette HMCS Oakville counterattacked, forcing the submarine to the surface. HMCS Oakville then rammed U-94 twice, leaving it dead in the water. A Canadian boarding party captured the submarine, killing two in the process. It was soon realized that the Germans had already scuttled the ship, and the boarding party successful returned to HMCS Oakville. U-94 sank with 19 of her crew; 26 survived.

Beginning of Tokyo Express

General Harukichi Hyakutake attempted to reinforce Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands with 3,500 men, but the convoy was detected, attacked by Henderson Field-based US aircraft at 1805 hours, and turned back. Japanese destroyer Asagiri was sunk (122 were killed, 270 survived), and destroyers Shirakumo (2 were wounded) and Yugiri (32 were killed) were damaged; US Marine Corps lost only one aircraft in the engagement. As another Japanese fleet successfully landed troops at Taivu Point at night, it would convince the Japanese to shift strategy to reinforce only at night; these night time supply runs would later be nicknamed "Tokyo Express" by the Americans.

Near Miss

Near Truk, Caroline Islands, Yamato was attacked by USS Flying Fish. Flying Fish's Lieutenant Commander Glynn Donaho mis-identified Yamato as a Kongo-class battleship as US Navy was unaware of the existence of Yamato-class at the time. Two of the four Mark 14 steam torpedoes missed, while the other two detonated prematurely. The latter two detonations led to Donaho's conclusion that he scored two hits. Yamato launched at least one E13A1 floatplane to join the depth charge attack already started by Yamato's four escorts, which failed to destroy USS Flying Fish. Later in the day, Yamato arrived at Truk; she would remain the headquarters and flagship of the Combined Fleet.

Unlucky

US B-29 bombers dropped food onto the grounds of the Churon Temporary Prisoners of War Camp in northern Taiwan; three prisoners were accidentally killed by falling 50-gallon drums.

Photo of the Day

SB2C Helldiver from USS Essex flying over Yap, Caroline Islands, after the Japanese surrender, 28 August 1945.

As we close today's chapter on August 28th, we're reminded of the resilience and sacrifice that defined an era. The lessons of World War II persist, bridging past to present, serving as enduring reminders of both humanity's vulnerabilities and strengths. Join us again tomorrow as we delve deeper into the tapestry of history. Keep history alive; until our next dispatch.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

Today’s email was brought to you by Hidden History.