Today in the Second World War

The 2nd of September

Hidden History
September 02, 2023

Welcome to the September 2 edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. Today marks a momentous date—the anniversary of the formal end of World War II with Japan's surrender aboard the USS Missouri in 1945. As we delve into today's topics, let us pause to remember the sacrifices made and the lives irrevocably altered by this global conflict. This edition will feature key events leading to this day, interviews with historians, and stories of resilience and unity that emerged from one of humanity's darkest chapters. Thank you for joining us in keeping the memory and lessons of WWII alive for future generations.

"Germany has concluded a Non-Aggression Pact with Poland... We shall adhere to it unconditionally... we recognize Poland as the home of a great and nationally conscious people." - Adolf Hitler - 21st May 1935

World War

Germany annexed the Free City of Danzig. Adolf Hitler advised the United Kingdom and France that he would withdraw from Poland if allowed to keep Danzig and the Polish corridor.

Benito Mussolini continued to urge peace between Germany, United Kingdom, and France, without any success.

During the day, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and French Prime Minister Édouard Daladier issued a joint ultimatum to Germany, demanding the withdraw of troops from Poland within 12 hours. During the late hours of the night, Chamberlain attempted to convince Dalalier to carry out the threat from the earlier ultimatum by declaring war on Germany early in the next morning.

German soldiers carrying MG34 machine guns, Poland, Sep 1939.

Future President

1944: USS Finback rescued downed aviator and future President of the United States George Bush off Chichi Jima, Bonin Islands.

Bush pulled from the seas by the crew

Peace

Japan signed the surrender document aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Later on the same day, the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters issued General Order No. 1 written by US Joint Chiefs of Staff, which instructed Japanese forces on matters of surrender.

General Yoshijiro Umezu signing the instrument of surrender, Tokyo Bay, Japan, 2 September 1945.

Photo of the Day

German soldier capturing a Soviet soldier near the Dnieper River in the Soviet Union, 2 September 1941; note MP 40 submachine gun.

As we close this special September 2 edition, let's pause to honor the moment 78 years ago when World War II officially ended with Japan's surrender aboard the USS Missouri. Thank you for being a dedicated reader, helping to keep alive the sacrifices and lessons of this monumental period in human history. Until tomorrow, may we carry forward these invaluable insights as a reminder to strive for a more peaceful and united world.

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

The Allies Strike Back, 1941-1943 (The War in the West): Holland, James

Following the acclaimed first volume of his trilogy, The Rise of Germany, and offering frank assessments of successes and failures on both sides, James Holland has crafted a masterful and gripping narrative of the events that ultimately determined the outcome of World War II.

The Second World War: Beevor, Antony

A masterful and comprehensive chronicle of World War II, by internationally bestselling historian Antony Beevor.

Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II: Black, Matthew

Never has the saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” had more truth than when the US government and the criminal underground joined forces to defeat the Nazi menace. For the first time ever the full story of how Charles “Lucky” Luciano—the U.S. Mafia boss who put the “organized” into organized crime—was recruited by U.S. Naval Intelligence in 1942 to aid the Allied war effort in the U.S. invasion of Sicily, a turning point in WWII.

The Apprentice of Buchenwald: The True Story of the Teenage Boy Who Sabotaged Hitler’s War Machine (Holocaust Survivor True Stories): Schneider, Oren

Alexander Rosenberg was a smart and curious teenager who spoke many languages, collected stamps, played the violin, and lived a pampered life with his affluent parents in a tranquil Czechoslovakian town. The rise of fascism and Nazi Germany causes his protected existence to collapse, alongside the illusion of secular Jewish assimilation in 1930s Europe.

Lost at Sea: Eddie Rickenbacker's Twenty-Four Days Adrift on the Pacific-A World War II Tale of Courage and Faith: Wukovits, John

The forgotten story of American war hero Eddie Rickenbacker's crash landing in the Pacific during World War II, and his incredible twenty-three-day crusade to keep his crew alive.

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