Today in the Second World War

Welcome to your July 15 edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. Today, we journey back to this date during the tumultuous World War II years, unearthing strategic maneuvers, tales of valor, and transformative events that forever altered our world. From the larger geopolitical strategies to the personal experiences etched in time, we aim to offer insightful narratives that encapsulate the complexity and magnitude of this epoch. As we trace the threads of history, we hope to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the significant moments that have defined the 20th century. Buckle up for today's exciting exploration into the past!

"The disaster of Stalingrad profoundly shocked the German people and armed forces alike...Never before in Germany's history had so large a body of troops come to so dreadful an end." - General Siegfried von Westphal

Costly Mistake

German aircraft bombed and sank Estonian ship Merisaar off Cobh, County Cork, Ireland. The bombers failed to realize that the ship had been captured by the German Navy back on 12 July. The German crew survived the sinking, but would be rescued by the British and would become prisoners of war.

Operation Ambassador

Operation Ambassador: Destroyers HMS Scimitar and HMS Saladin delivered 140 British commandos to the Channel Island of Guernsey. 40 men from the No. 3 Commando reached the shore on launches, but found their target barracks actually not used by Germans; 37 men returned to the destroyers, leaving 3 who could not swim behind to later become prisoners of war. Elsewhere, some of the launches landed at the Channel Island of Sark by mistake.

Ace

Werner Mölders claimed his 100th and 101st victories over the Soviet Union. He was awarded Diamonds to his Knight's Cross for achieving 100 victories, which was to be presented later by Adolf Hitler personally.

Extraordinary Heroism

Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham, wounded during the fighting at Ruweisat Ridge in Egypt, refused to be evacuated and chose to lead his men in combat until he was unable to move. He would survive the battle and would become the only man in WW2 to be awarded the Victoria Cross and Bar decoration.

Close Call

Claus von Stauffenberg met with Adolf Hitler at Rastenburg, East Prussia, Germany at 1300 hours. General Friedrich Olbricht activated Valkyrie in Berlin, Germany two hours prior to the meeting, expecting his troops to be in position to seize key positions in the capital at about the same moment Hitler was to be killed by a bomb that Stauffenberg brought into the meeting. Hitler departed the meeting early unexpectedly, and Olbricht hastily called off the operation, announcing that the troop movement was simply a drill.

For His Country

Japanese-American Staff Sergeant Kazuo Otani of the US 442nd Infantry Regiment was killed while fighting near Pieve di Santa Luce, Italy. He repeated exposed himself to German fire in order to give directions to his platoon, and crawled under fire to give medical aid to a wounded soldier. He would later be awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor.

Defend London

7 people were killed outside London Bridge railway station in London, England, United Kingdom by a V-1 bomb that also demolished a block of apartments. First Lieutenant Donald M. Raine of 412th Fighter Squadron of USAAF 373rd Fighter Group, flying his P-47 fighter, brought down the first of his squadron's V-1 bombs over the village of Kingsnorth in Kent. Pilots were becoming nervous about the bombs they shot down hitting houses and civilians. The Air Ministry put the defence of London as a priority.

Photo of the Day

A German soldier looking at Strasbourg, France from the tower of the city's cathedral, 15 July 1940.

As we wrap up this July 15 edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we trust that the narratives and personal accounts explored today have enriched your understanding of this transformative era. These shared moments of history continue to reverberate, influencing our present. We thank you for joining us on this journey through time and eagerly anticipate sharing more captivating chapters of World War II in our next dispatch. Until then, reflect, engage, and remember—the echoes of the past shape our present narrative.

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

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