Today in the Second World War

The 30th of April

Author

Hidden History
April 30, 2024

As April draws to a close, we continue to reflect on the significant moments of World War II that occurred at this month's end. Today’s issue focuses on the critical events and enduring stories of April 30th, a day marked by dramatic developments and pivotal decisions. From decisive battles to the profound personal experiences of those on the front lines and home fronts, join us as we delve into the narratives that not only shaped the outcome of the war but also the course of global history.

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“Good night, then – sleep to gather strength for the morning. For the morning will come. Brightly will it shine on the brave and true, kindly on all who suffer for the cause, glorious upon the tombs of heroes. Thus will shine the dawn.” – to the people of France – October 21, 1940 - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

War Looming?

1940: The German 196th Division arrived at Dombås, Norway on foot as their vehicles had been rendered useless after encountering blown bridges; their initial attacks were held off by the British 15th Brigade; despite causing heavy casualties to the Germans, the British withdrew their defensive line at dusk by train toward Åndalsnes. Near Oslo, RAF bombers conducted attacks on German-controlled airfields in Stavanger and Fornebu, escorted by naval fighters launched by HMS Ark Royal and HMS Glorious; Germans detected the location of the British carriers and successfully launched a fighter attack that drove off the carriers. Off Namsos, Norway, German Ju 87 aircraft attacked British anti-submarine sloop HMS Bittern, hitting her with a bomb and starting a fire on the stern that killed 20; destroyer HMS Janus rescued the survivors and scuttled HMS Bittern to prevent capture. Off Trondheim, Norway, German aircraft sank British trawler HMS Warwickshire; her wreck was later raised by the Germans and put into service. In the United Kingdom, a British fleet consisted of cruisers HMS Manchester and HMS Birmingham and destroyers HMS Inglefield, HMS Diana, and HMS Delight, under the command of Vice Admiral Layton, departed Scapa Flow, Scotland for Norway; its mission was to evacuate the British 148th and 15th Brigades from Åndalsnes and Molde.

The structure of Group XXI for Operation Weserübung.

Barbarossa

1941: Adolf Hitler set the launch date of Operation Barbarossa to 22 Jun 1941.

Official portrait, 1938

Deception

1943: The body of Glyndwr Michael was put into the sea from British submarine HMS Seraph off Huelva, Spain; posed as Major William Martin, the body carried false documents intended to mislead the Germans.

Corpse of "William Martin", prepared for release into the water

Finale

1945: The frigate, HMS Goodall, became the last ship to be sunk in the war against Germany when she was torpedoed by submarine U-286 in the Barents Sea with heavy loss of life returning from escorting a Russian convoy.

HMS Goodall

Finale

1945: The recently married Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun committed suicide in Berlin, Germany. Their bodies were burned near the Chancellery bunker.

In the Tiergarten district of Berlin, Germany, Zhukov launched an assault, refusing to permit an armistice, demanding only unconditional surrender. Soviet infantrymen, just 800 metres from the Reichstag, were attacked from the rear by SS diehards in the Kroll Opera House; the building was taken after several hours of bitter hand-to-hand fighting.

July 1947 photo of the rear entrance to the Führerbunker in the garden of the Reich Chancellery. The corpses of Hitler and Eva Braun were burned in a shell hole in front of the emergency exit at left; the cone-shaped structure in the centre served for ventilation, and as a bomb shelter for the guards

Photo of the Day

Halifax B.II Series I bomber of No. 10 Squadron RAF in flight, circa Apr-May 1942

Bonus Photo

View of battleship Indiana's forward 16-in guns while she was at Newport News, Virginia, United States, 30 Apr 1942

As we conclude this month's final edition, we hope the stories and analyses from April 30th have provided you with a richer understanding of World War II's critical junctures. Thank you for your dedication to remembering and exploring these historical events with us. We look forward to continuing our journey through history together in the next issue. Keep reflecting on the lessons of the past and their enduring relevance today.

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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