Today in the Second World War

The 11th of June

Author

Hidden History
June 11, 2024

As we navigate through the momentous events of June, we are reminded of the extraordinary courage and resilience displayed during these critical days. This week marks the aftermath of the audacious D-Day landings on June 6, where Allied forces bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy, setting the stage for the liberation of Western Europe. On June 11, the relentless advance continues, with intense battles and strategic maneuvers shaping the course of history. Join us as we delve into the stories from the frontlines, honoring the heroes whose valor is paving the way for victory.

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“Men were thrown headlong at Finnish guns. Tanks and their crews were shelled and burned, whole regiments of infantry encircled. Entire battalions of troops, the spearhead of the Red Army, were cut off from their reinforcements and supplies.” – During the Soviet-Finnish Winter War - Unknown Soviet Red Army Soldier

Bad Signs

1940: German 7th Panzer Division under Rommel captured Le Havre, France, then turned back and drove 30 miles to the northeast to St-Valery-en-Caux, where the German troops succeeded in encircling 46,000 French and British troops. Elsewhere in northern France, troops under Guderian captured Rheims. In the south, Italian troops began crossing the Alps toward the French border. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Foreign Minister Anthony Eden traveled to France for a Supreme War Council meeting at Chateau du Muguet near Briare. Churchill, detecting feelings of defeat, reminded the French that the 28 Mar agreement noted that none of the two countries could seek a separate peace with Germany without the other country's consent. During this meeting, French Navy Admiral François Darlan assured Churchill that the French fleet would not fall into German hands.

2nd logo of the 7th German Tank Division, II World Word

Raid

1940: Before dawn, just hours after Italy had entered the war, a squadron of elderly Rolls-Royce armoured cars from the 11th Hussars, the light cavalry of the British 7th Armoured Division, crossed "the wire", a fence built by Italian engineers along the 400 miles of the border between Libya and Egypt. The cars spread out and the raid penetrated deep into Italian territory attacking Italian frontier positions in Cyrenaica. One troop shot up the Italian camp at Fort Capuzzo, another hit Fort Maddalena, while a third ambushed a small convoy. Although few casualties were inflicted the 11th Hussars returned home jubilant and unhurt. Thereafter the Hussars searched in vain but the Italians preferred to remain behind the barricades of their superbly designed fortresses.

Badge of the 11th Hussars

Evacuation

1942: French troops evacuated Bir Hakeim, Libya after 16 days of stubborn defense that incurred 3,330 casualties on the Axis side; the French suffered 1,084 casualties while defending this fort; 500 seriously wounded troops were left behind in the fort. During the evacuation, heavy German artillery bombardment caused a panic and caused several French vehicles to drive off of the cleared path into surrounding minefields, detonating several in the process. The retreating forces made contact with British forces at 0400 hours. With Bir Hakeim secured, the Germans pushed toward El Adem later in the day and Knightsbridge in the evening. After 1900 hours, a few long range shots were exchanged between British and German tanks, but Erwin Rommel chose not to engaged in full combat that night.

Free French Forces evacuate Bir Hakeim.

Photo of the Day

82nd Airborne load a 75mm howitzer into a CG-4A Troop Glider during training at Oujda, French Morocco, North Africa a month before the Sicily invasion, Jun 11 1943.

Bonus Photo

Biscayne, Doran, and another ship docked at Arzew, Algeria, 11 Jun 1944

As we close this special edition, we hope the stories and updates have provided a deeper understanding of the critical events unfolding. The bravery and determination of the Allied forces continue to inspire us, as they push forward in their relentless pursuit of freedom and justice. As we await further developments, 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:

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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