Today in the Second World War

Good morning and welcome to the November 14th installment of The Hidden History Newsletter. On this day, as the brisk wind of fall whispers the tales of yesteryear, we delve into the pivotal moments that once dominated the headlines and airwaves across a world at war. From clandestine operations to grand-scale battles that shaped the destinies of nations, our dispatch today brings into focus the courage, the crisis, and the ceaseless churn of history that the 14th of November so vividly encapsulates. Join us as we trace the indelible footsteps of history through the annals of the Second World War.

"Sure, we want to go home. We want this war over with. The quickest way to get it over with is to go get the bastards who started it. The quicker they are whipped, the quicker we can go home. The shortest way home is through Berlin and Tokyo. And when we get to Berlin, I am personally going to shoot that paper hanging son-of-a-bitch Hitler. Just like I'd shoot a snake!" - General George S. Patton - (addressing to his troops before Operation Overlord) - 5th June 1944

Changing Tide

1940: As Greek troops began to cross into Albanian borders, the Axis suffered its first land defeat of the war.

Unfortunate

1942: During the night, off the Tunisian coast, 1,597-ton cargo ship SS Scillin was intercepted by the British submarine HMS Sahib (P-212). SS Scillin, which only had room in the cargo hold for about 300 passengers, was overcrowded with more than 800 Allied prisoners of war. Prior to her departure from Tripoli, Libya, British military doctor Captain Gilbert RAMC made strong protests to the Italian officers and port authorities, but he was ignored. HMS Sahib ordered SS Scillin to stop, but seeing her changing course and increasing speed, HMS Sahib attacked. The torpedo struck SS Scillin in the hold and caused the ship to sink rapidly, those people below decks were either killed in the explosion or were drowned, trapped in the ship. HMS Sahib was able to rescue 27 POWs (26 British and one South African) and 36 crew members, including the captain of SS Scillin's captain before the arrival of an Italian warship obliged her to dive and leave the area. It was only when survivors were heard speaking English, did Sahib's captain realize that the ship had been carrying POWs. The British Ministry of Defence kept this incident a closely guarded secret for fifty-four years, telling relatives that the victims had died in Italian POW camps or lost at sea. It was not until 1996, after repeated requests for information from the families of the drowned men that the truth came out.

Photo of the Day

USS Washington firing her primary guns at Kirishima, off Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, night of 14-15 November 1942.

As we close the pages on today's edition, the echoes of November 14th during World War II remind us of the enduring narratives of hope and resilience amidst strife. Each story we have shared is a thread in the fabric of our collective history, a fabric woven with the indomitable spirit and determination of those who came before us. Thank you for taking this moment to reflect and remember with us. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to pay tribute to the past, drawing lessons and strength from the annals of history.

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Have a great week :)

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