Today in the Second World War

The 29th of June

Author

Hidden History
June 29, 2024

Welcome to our June 29 edition, where we delve into the memories and pivotal moments of World War II. In this issue, we shine a light on the personal stories, heroic acts, and significant events that defined this era. Our goal is to honor the legacy of those who lived through these times by preserving and sharing their memories. Thank you for joining us in this journey through history, and for your commitment to keeping these important stories alive.

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“Germany must either be a world power or there will be no Germany” – from his autobiography ‘Mein Kampf’ - Adolf Hitler

Operation Catapult

1940: Operation Catapult: The British Admiralty gave Vice Admiral Somerville explicit instructions to secure the transfer, surrender, or destruction of the French warships at Mers-el-Kébir, Algeria. Force H under his command consisted of battleships HMS Valiant and HMS Resolution, battlecruiser HMS Hood, aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, cruisers HMS Arethusa and HMS Enterprise, and 11 destroyers.

Modern view of the harbour at Mers-el-Kébir

Wunderwaffe

1944: Erwin Rommel and Gerd von Rundstedt met with Adolf Hitler at Hitler's residence in Berchtesgaden, southern Germany. They urged Hitler to pursue peace, but Htiler rejected such a notion, saying that the V weapons would soon turn the tide of war.

V-3 cannon

Fear

1945: At Fort Dix, New Jersey, United States, 157 Soviet prisoners of war, wielding clubs and other crude weapons, threatened suicide or asked for their American guards to shoot them. They had been captured by American troops in Europe, some of whom were in German uniforms, some as prisoners of war. They were slated to be repatriated to the Soviet Union, and they knew they faced execution or imprisonment upon return. During the brief melee, 3 American guards suffered light wounds from stabbing or clubbing, several Soviets suffered gunfire wounds, and 3 Soviets committed suicide by hanging.

First day at Camp Dix for World War I recruits

Photo of the Day

Fuel tanks of the B-24H Liberator “Little Warrior” with the 861st Bomb Squadron explode over Fallersleben, Germany after anti-aircraft hit, Jun 29 1944. Photo taken by Clifford A Stocking, waist gunner on “Green Hornet.”

Bonus Photo

Japanese searchlight position with a dummy operator, Saipan, Mariana Islands, 29 Jun 1944

As we conclude our June 29 edition, we hope the stories and insights shared have offered you a deeper understanding of World War II and the enduring impact of its events. Your dedication to remembering and honoring the past is invaluable. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to bringing you more powerful narratives in our upcoming issues. Until next time, let's continue to reflect on the lessons of history and celebrate the resilience and bravery of those who came before us.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Ghost That Died at Sunda Strait by W. G. Winslow

Recounting the last stand of the heavy cruiser Houston, this tale of survival brings to life the 1942 battle at Sunda Strait.

Lost at Guadalcanal: The Final Battles of the Astoria and Chicago as Described by Survivors and in Official Reports by John J. Domagalski

The dramatic account of two American warships in the South Pacific, this book follows the USS Astoria (CA–34) and USS Chicago (CA–29) during the late summer of 1942, when both participated in the early days of the critical battle for Guadalcanal. Drawing on a variety of firsthand accounts, some previously unpublished, the book tells the story from the perspective of the men aboard each ship, transporting readers inside the gun turrets, behind the lookout binoculars, and below deck as the battle rages. Individual stories of heroism, sacrifice and survival unfold as both vessels meet their fates in the South Pacific.

The Sinking of the Bismarck: The History of the Battle that Destroyed Nazi Germany’s Most Famous Battleship by Charles River Editors 

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