Today in the Second World War

The 2nd of February

Hidden History
February 02, 2024

Today's brief takes us back to February 2nd during World War II. We'll explore key events and personal stories from this day in history, offering insights into the war's broader impact. Join us as we uncover pivotal moments and unsung heroes from one of the most defining periods of the 20th century.

“Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle.” -General George S. Patton, Jr.

Risky Business

1941: The wreck of the Niagara, which had hit German naval mines in Jun 1940, was found off Bream Head, Whangarei, New Zealand. A salvage team led by Captain J. P. Williams and diver John Edwards "Johnno" Johnstone started the hazardous task of retrieving 590 gold ingot that she was carrying at the time of the sinking. A hole was blasted in Niagara's hull and 555 ingots were successfully recovered, 94% of the total. The remaining boxes, save five, were salvaged in 1953.

Survivors of the Niagara

Victory

1943: The last of the German Sixth Army surrendered in Stalingrad, Russia. On the same day, a German reconnaissance aircraft was dispatched to fly over Stalingrad, confirming that all fighting had ceased.

A column of German soldiers on the march to a Russian prisoners of war camp, Stalingrad, Russia, Feb 1943

Relentless

1945: Lieutenant Jack L. Knight of Mars Task Force led an attack up a 400-foot only to find at the summit that they had entered a horseshoe shaped Japanese strongpoint. Wounded several times and with carbine ammunition exhausted, Knight organized another attack and was finally killed whilst tackling a sixth bunker. For his gallantry, Knight would ultimately be awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor, the only such infantry award made in the China-Burma-India theatre of war.

Jack L. Knight

Photo of the Day

Tirpitz fitting out, 2 Feb 1940

Bonus Photos

Russian soldiers firing from a rooftop in Stalingrad, Russia, 2 Feb 1943

German Volkssturm troops in Ratibor, Germany (now Racibórz, Poland), 2 Feb 1945; note Kar98k rifles and Panzerfaust

As we close today's edition of our WWII daily newsletter, we hope it has been a thought-provoking and enlightening journey through the events of February 2nd. Reflecting on the past not only deepens our understanding but also honors those who lived through these extraordinary times. Your interest and engagement keep the lessons and stories of this pivotal era alive. We look forward to sharing more insights with you in our next edition. Until then, keep exploring history and its endless lessons. Thank you for joining us on this historical voyage!

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

At Dawn We Slept by Gordon W. Prange

Revisit the definitive book on Pearl Harbor in advance of the 78th anniversary (December 7, 2019) of the "date which will live in infamy".

Judgement at Tokyo by Gary J. Bass

A landmark, magisterial history of the trial of Japan’s leaders as war criminals—the largely overlooked Asian counterpart to Nuremberg.

The Things Our Fathers Saw by Matthew A. Rozell

How soon we forget. Or perhaps, we were never told. That is understandable, given what they saw. But, it happened.

Operation: Snare Drum: A WWII Submarine Adventure Novel by Scott W. Cook

December 7, 1941 - America is attacked by the Japanese and dragged into a worldwide struggle for power unlike anything ever seen on Earth.

Pacific Sniper: A World War II Thriller by David Healey

In December 1941, the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor plunges the United States into war. Fresh from the hardscrabble mountains of Appalachia, Deacon Cole joins the fight against Imperial Japan.

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