Today in the Second World War

The 20th of May

Author

Hidden History
May 20, 2024

On this day in World War II, significant events unfolded that shaped the direction of the war and the lives of countless individuals involved. As we explore May 20th, we delve into the strategic decisions, intense battles, and human stories of resilience and bravery that marked this day. Join us as we examine the complexities of these events and celebrate the spirit of those who faced these challenges head-on. Discover the lasting impacts of this day and gain deeper insights into the broader context of the war.

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“In Hitler’s launching of the Nazi campaign on Russia, we can already see, after six months of fighting, that he has made one of the outstanding blunders in history.” – before the House of Commons – December 11, 1941 – June 1940 - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Warning Sign

1941: Swedish seaplane-cruiser Gotland spotted German warships Bismark and Prinz Eugen in the Kattegat between Denmark and Sweden. This information was passed on to the British naval attaché in Stockhlom, Sweden Henry Denham, who in turn passed it to the British Admiralty.

Gotland

Victory

1942: Japanese troops completed the conquest of Burma. All Allied troops previously under the command of William Slim (who was transferred to Indian XV Corps) were reassigned to the British IV Corps, thus dissolving the Burma Corps.

American soldiers resting during the Bataan death march, May 1942

Secrets

1944: Members of the Polish underground captured a top secret V2 rocket intact. Since the Germans set up a test site at Bliza, Poland, the underground had operated a chain of small units responsible for bearing the Germans to the sites of crashed test rockets and salvaging whatever they could before the soldiers arrived. One V2 landed in a marsh close to the banks of the River Bug 80 miles east of Warsaw. The resistance got there first and found it sticking out of the mud. They pushed it deeper into the water to hide it and later dismantled the missile and flew vital parts to England, United Kingdom via an RAF Dakota aircraft.

V2

Photo of the Day

German paratroopers landing in Crete, Greece, 20 May 1941

Bonus Photo

German SS troops at Kharkov, Ukraine, May 1942

As we conclude our look at the significant events of May 20th during World War II, we hope that the insights and stories have provided you with a deeper appreciation of this pivotal day. Thank you for your dedication to exploring history with us. We eagerly anticipate bringing you more enlightening content in our next edition. Until then, continue to reflect on the past, as it offers invaluable lessons and inspiration for the future.

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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