Today in the Second World War

The 29th of March

Author

Hidden History
March 29, 2024

As we turn the pages of history to March 29, our journey through the annals of World War II brings us to a day marked by both strife and strategic shifts. In this edition of our newsletter, we delve deeper into the events that unfolded on this day, exploring the untold stories of bravery and the critical decisions that influenced the course of the war. From the battlegrounds to the home front, we aim to capture the essence of a time when the world was engulfed in a conflict that reshaped nations and the human spirit. Join us as we pay homage to the resilience of those who stood firm in the face of adversity, and reflect on the lessons of peace and perseverance that continue to guide us today.

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“The Chinese soldier was tough, brave, and experienced. After all he had been fighting on his own without help for years. He was a veteran among the Allies - General Bill Slim

Royal Navies

1941: British battleships HMS Barham, HMS Valiant, and HMS Warspite continued to shell the Italian fleet off Cape Matapan, Greece. Italian cruiser Fiume, cruiser Zara, destroyer Alfieri, and destroyer Carducci were sunk, while destroyer Oriani was heavily damaged. At 0400 hours, British destroyers HMS Jervis and HMS Nubian approached damaged Italian cruiser Pola, captured her crew, and sank her with torpedoes. British ships rescued 905 Italian sailors but hurriedly departed at daybreak, fearing Luftwaffe attack; the Royal Navy would provide coordinates of remaining survivors to Italian ship Gradisca to continue to rescue. The Battle of Cape Matapan would close with 5 Italian warships lost, killing 2,303 men; the British suffered only 3 killed, the air crew of a single torpedo bomber lost on 28 Mar 1941.

Zara Sinking

War to Germany

1942: Between 2318 hours on the previous date until about 0300 hours on this date, 234 RAF bombers attacked Lübeck, Germany, killing 320, injuring 784, and destroying 30% of the city. The Lübeck Cathedral, among other buildings, were destroyed in the city's historical center.The new "Gee" navigation systems were used by the British bombers on this attack. 12 bombers were shot down by German anti-aircraft defenses.

Lübeck Cathedral burning following the raids

Backing Out

1942: German destroyer Z26 sank Panamanian ship Bateau of Allied convoy PQ-13 in the Barents Sea shortly after 0000 hours; 37 were killed, 6 survived. At 0943 hours, British cruiser HMS Trinidad spotted Z26 along with Z24 and Z25, hitting Z26 with gunfire; at 1024 hours, HMS Trinidad was hit by a torpedo that she fired and circled around, killing 31. At 1032 hours, British destroyer HMS Eclipse continued the attack, hitting Z26 with 6 more shells; at 1120 hours, Z24 and Z25 coordinated an attack on HMS Eclipse, hitting her with two shells, killing 23. Shortly after, Z26 sank from the heavy damage. 243 of those aboard Z26 were killed, 96 survived; 88 of the survivors were picked up by Z24 and Z25, while German submarine U-376 picked up the remaining 8. HMS Trinidad was given temporary repairs in Murmansk, Russia and sailed for home on 13 May 1942.

Sister ship Z29, 1945

Photo of the Day

USS Minneapolis firing her 8-in main guns during gunnery practice, 29 Mar 1939

Bonus Photo

The battleship USS Oklahoma, capsized in the Pearl Harbor Attack on 7 Dec 1941, is righted to about 30-degrees during her salvage work, 29 Mar 1943.

As we conclude today's journey through the complex tapestry of World War II on March 29, we are reminded of the indelible impact of history on our present and future. Through the stories of courage, sacrifice, and innovation that we've explored, we gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and determination that define the human spirit. Our exploration may end here for today, but the lessons and legacies of those tumultuous times continue to resonate. Let us carry forward the values of unity, bravery, and peace as we navigate the challenges of our own era. Until our paths cross again in the next edition, we leave you with a sense of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices that have shaped our world.

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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