Today in the Second World War

Hello there, history enthusiast! Welcome back to your July 26th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. Today, we delve into the echoes of the past, exploring the poignant events that occurred on this very day during the era of 1939-1945. From front-line battles to behind-the-scenes maneuvers, let's honor the courage, resilience, and sacrifices that defined this critical chapter in our shared history. Brace yourself for an enlightening journey as we bring history to life, one day at a time.

"The Russian convoys are and always have been an unsound operation of this war" - Rear Admiral L.H.K Hamilton

War Looming

US President Franklin Roosevelt passed executive orders to freeze all Japanese and Chinese assets, forbade the export of oil, iron, and rubber to Japan, as well as marking the Panama Canal off-limits to Japanese shipping. UK and the Netherlands followed suit.

US Navy Admiral Husband Kimmel ordered long range air patrols to be conducted from various Pacific Ocean bases in case Japan reacted aggressively against US President Franklin Roosevelt's executive order to freeze Japanese assets.

Rescue?

Marshal Badoglio replaced the Fascist government in Italy and began negotiations with the Allies in secret. Upon his first actions as the head of state was to dissolve the Fascist Party.

Adolf Hitler ordered an operation to be commenced to rescue Mussolini from his arrest. Adolf Hitler called for Otto Skorzeny to discuss the rescue of Benito Mussolini, but Skorzeny missed the initial call as he was drinking with a friend at Hotel Eden on the Kurfürstendamm in Berlin, Germany.

Jet Age

Leutnant Alfred Schreiber, flying a Me 262A-1a jet fighter, damaged a Mosquito aircraft crewed by Flight Lieutenant Albert Wall and navigator Albert Lobban No. 544 Squadron RAF. This was the first air-to-air combat involving a jet aircraft. Although the Mosquito aircraft would ultimately make an emergency landing at Fermo, Italy, Schreiber received a victory for the engagement because he had observed a large piece broken off from the British aircraft and was convinced that the aircraft could not be in flight for long; the piece he observed was actually just the outer hatch door.

Destruction

The Potsdam Ultimatum was issued, threatening Japan with "utter destruction" if it did not surrender unconditionally.

Potsdam Conference session including Clement Attlee, Ernest Bevin, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, Joseph Stalin (white uniform), William D. Leahy, Joseph E. Davies, James F. Byrnes, and Harry S. Truman (right)

Photo of the Day

A wrecked German SdKfz. 251 halftrack vehicle in Northern France, victim of USAAF 9th Air Force fighters, 26 July 1944.

As we wrap up this July 26th dispatch of the Hidden History Newsletter, we hope the day's events from the epoch of 1939-1945 have enriched your understanding of our shared history. Each narrative is a testament to human resilience and sacrifice, offering invaluable lessons for the present and the future. Join us again tomorrow as we continue our journey through the annals of World War II. Until then, keep history alive, and its lessons close to your heart. Farewell and keep remembering.

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Have a great week :)

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