Today in the Second World War

As October's final day unfolds, we're drawn into the poignant tales of World War II that punctuate October 31st. This day, echoing with valiant deeds, crucial decisions, and stories that bridge the chasm between horror and heroism, beckons us to explore its depths. Today, we'll delve into the myriad facets of October 31st, shining a light on the events and narratives that have left an indelible mark on this day in wartime history. Let us journey together through the final chapter of October, as it melds into the vast tapestry of the war.

"No amphibious attack in history had approached this one in size. Along miles of coastline there were hundreds of vessels and small boats afloat and ant-like files of advancing troops ashore." - General Dwight Eisenhower - July 1943 (Sicily)

Prepare for War

1939: The British Royal Navy was mobilized.

New Front

1940: As the Italian invasion of Greece began to slow to a stop in the Epirus Mountains, British forces landed on the islands of Lemnos and Crete in southern Greece to prevent Italian landings on Greek islands. Greek destroyers Spetsai and Psara departed the Gulf of Patras and used their 120-mm guns to bombard Italian troops on the Ionian coast of Albania and northern Greece.

Victory

1940: According to a British Air Ministry pamphlet published in 1941, this date was the official end of the Battle of Britain, but bombings on London, England, United Kingdom would continue.

Bravery in Egypt

1942: Having earlier silenced a machine gun post and taken 12 prisoners, Sergeant William Kibby was leading an Australian advance near Alamein, Egypt taking enemy positions with grenades when he was cut down by machine gun fire. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

Life as a Merchant Sailor

1943: The Hallfried, a Norwegian freighter of 2,968 tons, owned by P. Kleppe of Oslo was on route to Ardrossan in southwestern Scotland, United Kingdom with the combined convoys MKS-28/SL-138. The German submarine U-262 (Kapitänleutnant Rudolf Heinz Franke) fired 4 torpedoes (2 FAT and 2 T-3 types) then fired a GNAT torpedo at a destroyer that was acting as esc1943-10-31 The Hallfried, a Norwegian freighter of 2,968 tons, owned by P. Kleppe of Oslo was on route to Ardrossan in southwestern Scotland, United Kingdom with the combined convoys MKS-28/SL-138. The German submarine U-262 (Kapitänleutnant Rudolf Heinz Franke) fired 4 torpedoes (2 FAT and 2 T-3 types) then fired a GNAT torpedo at a destroyer that was acting as escort. Franke reported four detonations but only the Hallfried had been hit. Two of them struck her on the port side, first just forward of the bridge followed by the second at the engine room which caused the vessel to sink immediately. Only three of the crew managed to get away and were picked up after 45 minutes by the British destroyer HMS Wrestler (D35) 2 of the survivors in the water had lifevests on, but the third, who had been asleep when the attack occurred did not (in the same cabin there had also been 2 stokers and 1 of the British messboys, who all made it up on deck). They were pulled under by the suction as were the rest of the crew who were on deck. The English Able Seaman Thomas Shaw was able to get onto a raft that had floated free, while the other 2 were too far away to reach it. It was not unusual for British lads to join Norwegian ships and the Hallfried had 8 British in her crew, the eldest 22, the others just 17 years of age.46.01,-20.45ort. Franke reported four detonations but only the Hallfried had been hit. Two of them struck her on the port side, first just forward of the bridge followed by the second at the engine room which caused the vessel to sink immediately. Only three of the crew managed to get away and were picked up after 45 minutes by the British destroyer HMS Wrestler (D35) 2 of the survivors in the water had lifevests on, but the third, who had been asleep when the attack occurred did not (in the same cabin there had also been 2 stokers and 1 of the British messboys, who all made it up on deck). They were pulled under by the suction as were the rest of the crew who were on deck. The English Able Seaman Thomas Shaw was able to get onto a raft that had floated free, while the other 2 were too far away to reach it. It was not unusual for British lads to join Norwegian ships and the Hallfried had 8 British in her crew, the eldest 22, the others just 17 years of age.

Photo of the Day

Ruined city of Hiroshima, Japan, 31 October 1945.

As the shadow of October recedes, our exploration of the 31st has once again illuminated the vast complexities and heroics of World War II. The stories of this day, a blend of courage and consequence, remind us of the unyielding spirit that defined an era. Your dedication to commemorating these tales ensures that the echoes of October 31st remain both vivid and enduring. As we bridge into a new month, let's carry forward the lessons and legacies of today.

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