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Welcome to the September 14th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. Today, we delve into the pivotal events and unsung stories of this date during the cataclysmic years of 1939-1945. From acts of valor to strategic maneuvers, join us in revisiting a day that, like many others, helped shape the trajectory of the world's most significant conflict. Let's uncover history, together.
"Dunkirk has fallen... with it has ended the greatest battle of world history. Soldiers! My confidence in you knew no bounds. You have not disappointed me." - Adolf Hitler - Order of the Day - 5th June 1940
Bravery in the Skies
1937: Japanese cruiser Yubari and two destroyers engaged with Chinese cruiser Zhaohe and sloop Haizhou off the Pearl River Delta off Guangdong, China. Zhaohe and Haizhou were both damaged, and the captain of Zhaohe would later be shot for ordering a retreat from this engagement.
Chinese cruiser Zhaohe.
A New Age
1939: The world's first production helicopter, the Sikorsky VS-300, made its maiden flight. Sikorsky would go on to equip military units in both Britain and the US.
One of the first flights of the VS-300.
Failure
1942: The Allied raid on Tobruk, Libya resulted in failure; 746 Allied personnel were killed, wounded, or captured; the Axis suffered 66 casualties. However, the raid on Barce, Libya was successful, destroying 16 aircraft on the ground; on the way out, the Barce raiders were strafed by Italian aircraft and lost several vehicles.
The Italian torpedo boats Castore and Montanari (top right) firing upon British MTBs and MLs at Tobruk harbour, 14 September 1942.
Mysterious Death
1943: Ugo Cavallero, the Commander-in-Chief of the Italian Supreme Command, was found dead by a gunshot in the garden of a hotel in Frascati, Lazio, Italy. It was never discovered whether he committed suicide or was assassinated by the Germans.
Ugo Cavallero
Despicable
1944: 800 Gypsy children, more than 100 of whom were boys between 9 and 14 years of age, were executed at Auschwitz Concentration Camp in occupied Poland.
Gypsys at Auschwitz
Photo of the Day
Japanese Ki-21 bomber dropping bombs on Chongqing, China, China, 14 September 1940; note Yangtze River.
As we wrap up our September 14th edition, we're reminded of the intricate tales and enduring spirits that marked this day during WWII. Thank you for joining us in preserving and honoring these memories. Every story, every event, is a piece of a larger mosaic that continues to inform our present. Until tomorrow, stay engaged and cherish the lessons from our shared history.
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Have a great week :)
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