Today in the Second World War

As we reach the middle of June, we continue to witness the unfolding of significant and transformative events. June 15 stands as a testament to the extraordinary bravery and resilience of the Allied forces. Following the historic D-Day landings on June 6, the relentless advance through Normandy intensifies, with strategic battles and maneuvers shaping the path to liberation. Join us as we delve into the latest developments from the frontlines, honoring the heroes whose valor and determination are driving the progress towards victory.

Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/oXu5UjYXbmI

Want U-Boat or Warship models? Go here: https://hiddenhistoryyt.myshopify.com

Want to learn more about Submarines? Click here: https://hiddenhistoryyt.com

“We secured peace for our country for one and a half years, as well as an opportunity of preparing our forces for defense if fascist Germany risked attacking our country in defiance of the pact. This was a definite gain to our country and a loss for fascist Germany.”- 3rd July 1941 – (Speaking of the 1939 non-aggression pact between the USSR and Germany) - Joseph Stalin

Advances

1940: The German 7th Army under General Friedrich Dollmann crossed the Rhine River into France about 40 to 50 miles north of the Swiss border and penetrated the Maginot Line. To the north, the city of Verdun was captured by German troops. On the coast of the English Channel, the Allies launched Operation Ariel to evacuate troops from Cherbourg and St Malo. In Berlin, Germany, Adolf Hitler gave the German Army the permission to demobilize some divisions once the French campaign drew closer to its end.

Malta

1942: Italian cruisers attacked the Allied Harpoon convoy in the Strait of Sicily at 0539 hours, damaging British cruiser HMS Cairo (2 were killed), damaging destroyer HMS Partridge, and disabling destroyer HMS Bedouin (under the command of Commander B. G. Scurfield; 28 were killed, 213 captured; later sunk by Italian aircraft); British return fire damaged Italian destroyer Vivaldi. In concert, German aircraft attacked freighters of the Harpoon convoy, seriously damaging freighter Burdwan, freighter Chant, and tanker Kentucky (all three abandoned and later sunk by Italian warships). The Harpoon convoy reached Malta after sundown, but the ships ran into a new minefield in the Grand Harbour, sinking Polish destroyer Kujawiak (13 were killed, 20 were wounded), damaging British destroyer Badsworth (9 were killed), damaging destroyer HMS Matchless, and damaging freighter Orari. From the other side of the Mediterranean Sea, the Allied Vigorous convoy also sailed for Malta. At dawn, British Beaufort torpedo bombers from Malta attacked the Italian fleet moving to intercept the convoy, disabling Italian cruiser Trento at 0515 hours; she would be sunk by submarine HMS Umbra at 0910 hours, over 360 were killed. The detection of this Italian fleet turned back the entire Vigorous convoy. En route back to Alexandria, Egypt, Axis aircraft sank British destroyer HMS Airedale (44 were killed, 133 survived) and damaged British cruiser HMS Birmingham and Australian destroyer HMAS Nestor. In Germany, Adolf Hitler postponed Operation Herkules, the planned invasion of Malta.

Secret Cargo

1944: In the Atlantic Ocean at 1922 hours, U-860 (Fregattenkapitän Paul Büchel) was located by an Avenger aircraft from USS Solomons. Three waves of attacks were launched. The first wave was consisted of two Avenger aircraft (Lieutenant Commander H. M. Avery and Ensign M. J. Spear) and two Wildcat aircraft (Ensign T. J. Wadsworth and Ensign R. E. McMahon); Wadsworth had to return to the carrier due to flak damage to a drop tank; the first wave made one rocket hit. The second wave was consisted of one Avenger aircraft (Lieutenant (jg) D. E. Weigle) and one Wildcat aircraft (Ensign R. E. McMahon); the second wave made one rocket hit. The third wave was consisted of one Avenger aircraft (Lieutenant (jg) W. F. Chamberlain) and one Wildcat aircraft (Lieutenant Commander H. M. Avery); the Avenger was damaged and its pilot ditched in the water. Depth charge damage caused during the third attack caused U-860 to sink, leaving 30-40 survivors in the water. Went down with the submarine were 100 tons of mercury and 100 tons of lead for Japan, as well as a wide array of equipment for German submarines operating in the east. Cannon-class destroyers USS Straub and USS Herzog arrived during the night and picked up 20 German survivors, including Büchel, but no trace of the Avenger crew was found.

Photo of the Day

Carrier Graf Zeppelin in Stettin, Germany, 15 Jun 1941

Bonus Photo

Pilot 1st Lt James M. Smith (right) and Co-Pilot 2nd Lt Fred N. Dibble in the cockpit of B-17F 'Our Gang' of 324th BS, 91st BG, US 8th Air Force, Bassingbourn, England, United Kingdom, 15 Jun 1943

As we conclude this edition, we hope the updates have provided a deeper understanding of the pivotal events unfolding in mid-June. The extraordinary bravery and determination of the Allied forces continue to inspire us all as they push forward in their quest for liberation. Let us honor the sacrifices made and remain steadfast in our support for those on the frontlines. Until our next update, stay informed and keep the spirit of resilience alive.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

Today’s email was brought to you by Hidden History.