Today in the Second World War

The 8th of August

Author

Hidden History
August 08, 2024

Welcome to our August 8 edition, where we delve into the significant events and compelling stories of World War II. In this issue, we explore the acts of courage, strategic maneuvers, and personal sacrifices that shaped this monumental period. Our goal is to bring these historical moments to life, offering you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the past. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and remembrance, and for your commitment to preserving these important narratives.

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“The enemy must be annihilated before he reaches our main battlefield. We must stop him in the water, destroying all his equipment while it is still afloat!” – April 22nd, 1944 - General Erwin Rommel

Big Gain

1942: US Marines captured the unfinished Japanese Lunga Point Airfield at Guadalcanal at 1600 hours, which would later renamed Henderson Field by the Americans. The US Marines also captured Tulagi (307 Japanese killed, 3 Japanese captured, 45 Americans killed), Gavutu, and Tanambogo (476 Japanese killed, 20 Japanese and Koreans captured, 70 Americans killed) islands in the afternoon.

Henderson Field in late August 1942, shortly after the Allies began operations there

Big Loss

1942: In the pre-dawn morning, 7 Japanese cruisers and 1 destroyer under Gunichi Mikawa departed Kavieng, New Ireland and Rabaul, New Britain, sailing south without being detected; after sundown, the force caught Allied warships by surprise off Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands; in the Battle of Savo Island, Japanese cruisers Chōkai, Aoba, Kako, Kinugasa, and Furutaka used Type 93 torpedoes and gunfire to sink US cruisers USS Quincy, Vincennes, and Astoria and Australian cruiser HMAS Canberra; 1,077 US personnel were killed in this battle (Canberra was badly damaged and was ultimately scuttled by a US destroyer).

USS Quincy being illuminated by searchlights of Chōkai, on fire and sinking from Japanese torpedoes

Score

1944: SS-Hauptsturmführer Michael Wittmann, the "ace of tank aces", was killed when his Tiger tank was knocked out leading an attack parallel to the main Caen-Falais Road in France.

Wittmann in 1944

War

1945: At 2300 hours, the Soviet Union tore up the non-aggression treaty with Japan and declared war; the invasion would begin 61 minutes later at the start of the following day.

Manchurian Strategic Offensive

Photo of the Day

Floating Japanese G4M1 bomber off Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 8 Aug 1942 as seen from the destroyer USS Ellet. The bomber was shot down during an aerial torpedo attack on the Allied shipping off Tulagi.

Bonus Photo

A Cromwell tank and jeep of 10 PSK, Polish 1st Armored Division passing an abandoned German PaK 43/41 gun during Operation Totalize, France, 8 Aug 1944

As we conclude our August 8 edition, we hope the stories and insights shared have deepened your appreciation for the remarkable events and individuals of World War II. Your continued support and interest are essential in keeping these memories alive. Thank you for joining us in honoring and remembering the past. We look forward to bringing you more compelling narratives in our future issues. Until then, let's reflect on the lessons of history and celebrate the resilience and bravery of those who 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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