Today in the Second World War

Welcome to your June 5th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. Today, on the eve of the 79th anniversary of D-Day, we pause to remember the soldiers who stood at the precipice of the largest amphibious invasion in history. In this issue, we'll delve into the intricate preparations that culminated in Operation Overlord and honor the diverse heroes whose courage forever changed the course of World War II. As we retell this monumental story, let's reflect on the indomitable spirit of humanity and the invaluable lessons it holds for our world today.

"The moment the first American soldier sets foot on the Japanese mainland, all prisoners of war will be shot." - Hideki Tojo, June, 1945

France in Danger

Germany began the second phase of the invasion of France, Fall Rot. 130 infantry divisions and 10 armored divisions attacked cross the Somme and Aisne Rivers. 66 French divisions attempted to hold the Weygand Line. Across the English Channel, the Allies transported French troops recently evacuated from Dunkirk back into France via ports still under French control; additionally, the Canadian 1st Infantry Division, elements of British 1st Armored Division, and the British 51st Highland Division were also sent to France.

Akagi Eliminated

Akagi was scuttled by direct order of Combined Fleet chief Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. At 0520 hours, she sank bow first after two or three torpedo hits out of four fired into her starboard side by Arashio, Hagikaze, Maikaze and Nowaki. She sank in position 30-30 N, 178-40 W. More than 1,070 survivors were rescued, including her skipper Taijiro Aoki, who had replaced Hasegawa in the spring, though he had to be ordered off the ship. Only 263 petty officers and men were lost. Survivors were subsequently transferred from destroyers to Mutsu, one of the battleships in Yamamoto's Main Body. Akagi became the first Japanese capital ship to be scuttled by own ships in the Pacific War.

Triumph at Midway

At 0015 hours, Yamamoto ordered the night engagement at Midway to be canceled; at 0255 hours, he ordered the entire Operation MI to be canceled. In the battle zone, heavily damaged Japanese carriers Akagi and Hiryu were scuttled. To the west, heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma suffered a collision as they attempted to avoid submarine USS Tambor; Mogami suffered 92 killed and heavy damage in the collision. Far to the north, in the Aleutian Islands, aircraft from Japanese carriers Ryujo and Junyo attacked Dutch Harbor, US Territory of Alaska as Japanese troops occupied Attu.

Mikuma Doomed

Japanese cruiser Kumano was leading a column of sister Mogami-class cruisers Suzuya, Mikuma, and Mogami withdrawing from Midway. Kumano spotted the surfaced American submarine USS Tambor and ordered an emergency 45-degree turn to starboard, but Mikuma mistakenly made a 90-degree turn. Mogami rammed Mikuma on the portside below the bridge crumpling 40-feet of Mogami’s bow and piercing Mikuma’s fuel tanks, causing her to leak oil uncontrollably. This trailing oil slick led to Mikuma’s demise the following day.

Photo of the Day

Hiryu burning, photographed by a plane of carrier Hosho, 5 June 1942.

As we conclude today's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we hope the echoes of D-Day's eve resonate with you, reminding us all of the courage, unity, and resolve that emerged from our shared past. As we anticipate tomorrow's 79th D-Day anniversary, let these stories guide our understanding of the strength inherent in humanity. Join us again tomorrow as we delve deeper into the actions, sacrifices, and victories of D-Day itself. Remember, every page of history informs the present and shapes the future.

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Have a great week :)

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