Today in the Second World War

Greetings, readers! As we mark August 24th, we are reminded of the tumultuous events of World War II that unfolded on this day. In this edition, we delve into the stories and sacrifices that shaped this pivotal moment in history. Join us in preserving and understanding the significant narratives from this era. Your journey through the annals of WWII starts here.

"Japan...is operating in the Pacific in the hope of extending her hold over New Guinea...from such a position she...could carry out raids on Australia...whilst awaiting our final defeat by Germany" -General Alan Brooke - 5th May 1942

Super Ship

1940: Bismarck was commissioned into service.

Blitz Begins

Before dawn, the London Blitz began as a misguided group of German bombers of KG1 unloaded their bombs London's Thames Haven oil terminal, which also damaged the church of St. Gile in East End; Göring demanded to know the crews that did this so to punish them. Clear weather allowed the German attacks to restart in size. German bombers arrived in waves against RAF Hornchurch, RAF North Weald, and RAF Manston in southern England; the Germans lost 22 fighters and 18 bombers, while the British lost 20 fighters. At 1600 hours, 50 German aircraft bombed Portsmouth in southern England, killing 100 civilians and wounding a further 300, while damaging HMS Acheron (killing 2, wounding 3) and HMS Bulldog (killing the commanding officer) in the harbor. Overnight, deliberate bombing of London, England, United Kingdom began, hitting north, east, and west of the city.

No Mercy

Adolf Hitler ordered the end of the euthanasia program that had already killed 70,273 mentally-ill people. Some doctors would continue to kill the mentally-ill through the end of the European War.

Naval Clash

A Japanese force centered around carriers Shokaku and Zuikaku sailed down into the Solomon Islands with light carrier Ryujo near the spearhead as bait to draw out US carriers known to be in the general area. In the ensuing Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Ryujo was promptly discovered and fatally damaged by several 1,000-pound bombs, but this in turn allowed aircraft from Shokaku and Zuikaku to locate USS Saratoga and USS Enterprise. Enterprise would suffer heavy damage by three bomb hits (70 were killed, 70 were injured). Japanese warships attempted to engage the US fleet after dark, but the force failed to locate the American fleet, and discontinued the search at 2330 hours.

Reality of War

1944: Six members of a Liberator bomber crew shot down near Hanover, Germany were beaten to death by a mob of German civilians led by sisters Margarethe Witzler and Kathe Reinhardt. One of the victims, left for dead in the pile of battered bodies, survived to tell the tale. In Aug 1945, seven of the mob, including the sisters, were sentenced to hang by a US military commission.

Photo of the Day

Type IXC/40 U-Boat U-185 foundering in the mid-Atlantic after an aerial depth charge attack by a TBF-1 Avenger from Escort Carrier USS Core, 24 August 1943. 36 were rescued while 43 perished.

As we conclude today's edition, let's hold close the stories from August 24th, recognizing the enduring spirit of those from World War II. Their legacy not only reminds us of our shared past but also guides our future. Join us again tomorrow as we continue our journey through history. Stay reflective.

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Have a great week :)

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