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Today in the Second World War
The 17th of July
Dive into today's Hidden History Newsletter as we rewind to July 17 in the sweeping narrative of World War II. This edition spotlights the intricate tapestry of bravery, survival, strategy, and resilience from this very day in history, reminding us of the poignant lessons our past has etched into the annals of humanity. So prepare your favorite beverage and settle into these chronicles that connect us to our shared history, and let the echoes of the past continue to reverberate, enlightening our present.
"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
Volunteers
The first elements of the Spanish Volunteer Division arrived at the large training camp at Grafenwöhr in southern Germany. Spanish uniforms were exchanged for German; the only item of clothing retained being the Falangist dark blue shirt, from which the title "Blue Division" (officially the 250th Infantry Division) was derived.
Blue Division soldiers manning a gun during training in 1941.
Guadalcanal
A B-17 aircraft of US 435th Bombardment Squadron conducted a photograph reconnaissance mission over Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. USMC Lieutenant Colonel Merrill Twining and Major William McKean were on board the aircraft; upon seeing the Japanese progress on the Guadalcanal airfield, he noted "I hope they build a good one. We are going to use it."
Henderson Field in late August 1942, shortly after the Allies began operations there.
Rommel Injured
Erwin Rommel was injured when his staff car was attacked by a British fighter in Sainte-Foy-de-Montgommery, Calvados, France at 1830 hours. The aircraft was piloted by Squadron-Leader J. J. Le Roux of No. 602 Squadron RAF. Rommel was en route from Bourguébus Ridge to his headquarters at La Roche-Guyon. The unconscious Rommel would be sent to the hospital at Bernay for treatment.
Rommel in staff car.
Humiliation
57,600 German prisoners of war were paraded through the streets of Moscow, Russia.
Troops of German 4th Army, after being captured at Minsk in Byelorussia, being marched through the streets of Moscow, Russia, 17 July 1944.
Massive Explosion
The Liberty ship A. E. Bryan exploded whilst loading ammunition and explosives at Port Chicago, California, United States, taking with her the Victory ship Quinalt Victory berthed nearby. Ninety-seven men on the two ships were vapourised and even a 12 ton locomotive on the dockside vanished without trace. In total, 320 men were killed and 390 injured. More than 200 of the dead were black sailors being used as loaders. Later many sailors refused to work until safety was improved. Fifty were court martialed, convicted of mutiny and jailed. A public outcry led to their release but they were still deprived of all veteran's benefits for the rest of their lives. The last surviving "mutineer" Freddy Meeks was finally pardoned by President Bill Clinton in 1999. Four years later he died, aged 83.
Cleaning up the damage at the remains of the pier.
Photo of the Day
Remains of a merchant ship that exploded, causing a fire on another British freighter, off Algiers, Algeria, 17 July 1943.
As we draw today's journey through July 17th in WWII history to a close, we trust these narratives of bravery, strategy, and resilience have imparted a richer understanding of the past that continues to shape our present. With tomorrow promising another exploration into our shared history, remember these tales as more than just stories - they are the guiding compass to our future, derived from the resilience of those who weathered the storms of World War II. Until our next edition, keep these echoes of the past alive and let their lessons guide your tomorrows.
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Have a great week :)
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