Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. On this day, May 21st, we delve into significant events that took place during World War II, shedding light on the unfolding historical landscape. Today's edition explores key moments that shaped the course of the war, highlighting the bravery and resilience of those involved. From pivotal battles to notable figures, join us as we navigate the annals of history and commemorate the sacrifices made during this tumultuous period. So, let us embark on a journey back in time and discover the stories that continue to echo through the years.

"Force is the only language they understand, like bullies." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Stalin in Denial

At a meeting of the Central Committee War Section in Moscow, Russia, the intelligence reports, provided by Communist sympathisers in Germany, that an attack on the Soviet Union was imminent was greeted with much apprehension. Stalin however still refused to accept the intelligence, believing that the reports must be either deliberate provocation of misinformation by the British to get the Soviet Union involved in the war. When General Proskurov, the head of Soviet Intelligence, argued personally with Stalin, he was duly arrested and shot.

Bismarck Identified

The British Coastal Command dispatched from RAF Wick two Spitfire aircraft on a photo-reconnaissance mission over the Norwegian fjords. One of the aircraft was piloted by Flying Officer Michael Suckling. Suckling flew high, banking every few minutes or so to catch a glimpse of the various fjords scattered along the coast. Suddenly, he caught sight of a group of ships below him and dived down to take a closer look. He identified one of them as a cruiser, surrounded by destroyers and an oil tanker. Turning on his cameras, he made a pass across the fjord before heading for Bergen to check out the harbour there. As he turned for home he spotted another group of ships below him. Turning on his camera again he photographed what he thought were two cruisers before resuming his homeward course. When his photographs were finally examined by photo-interpreter David Linton it was realized that Suckling had, in fact, found the Bismarck and a hipper-class heavy cruiser at 1315 hours in the Grimstadtfjord a little south of Bergen. The German ships would depart the fjord at 2000 hours.

Yamamoto Returns

One month after the death of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who had been killed when the aircraft in which he was traveling on a tour of inspection was shot down by US fighters over Bougainville Island, the news was finally revealed to the Japanese public. At Yokosuka, Japan, senior Japanese naval officers led by the Emperor, in person, trooped aboard the battleship Musashi to pay their last respects to Yamamato. Along with the late Admiral's ashes, contained in a small white box, was a poem by the Admiral that had been found in his sea-cabin on the battleship Yamato. It began: "So many are dead, I cannot face the Emperor... soon I shall join the young dead soldiers.”

West Loch Disaster

The West Loch disaster occurred on the evening of May 21, 1944, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during World War II. It began when a fire broke out on an LST, LST-353, which was moored at West Loch and loaded with ammunition, fuel, and supplies. Despite attempts to extinguish the flames, the fire rapidly spread to neighboring LSTs and landing craft, triggering a chain reaction of powerful explosions. The explosions, resulting from the detonation of the munitions and fuel, caused extensive damage to the ships and equipment in the area. Six LSTs sank, and numerous others were heavily damaged or destroyed. Tragically, the West Loch disaster claimed the lives of 163 military personnel, with an additional 396 sustaining injuries. Recovery and salvage operations were initiated to clear the wreckage and repair the damaged vessels. Although investigations were conducted, the exact cause of the initial fire remains unknown, leaving speculation of accidental ignition or possible sabotage. The event was initially kept secret to avoid revealing vulnerabilities, but it later became known. While the West Loch disaster had a significant impact on the individuals involved and the Pearl Harbor community, it did not significantly alter the overall course of the war, as the United States had already gained considerable momentum in the Pacific theater by that time.

Himmler Arrested

On May 21, 1945, Heinrich Himmler, the high-ranking Nazi official and architect of the SS, was attempting to evade capture by disguising himself as a common soldier named Heinrich Hitzinger. Accompanied by two aides, Karl Wolff and Heinrich Heinke, Himmler was traveling towards the northern German city of Flensburg, where remnants of the German government were still operating.

As Himmler and his group reached a checkpoint near Bremervörde, they encountered a group of former Soviet prisoners of war who were serving in the NKVD, the Soviet security agency. These former POWs had joined the NKVD and were assisting in maintaining order and capturing high-profile German officials.

Suspicious of the individuals, the former Soviet POWs decided to search them more thoroughly. During the search, they discovered documents and identification that revealed Himmler's true identity. Realizing the significance of their capture, they promptly turned Himmler and his aides over to the British authorities, who had jurisdiction in that area.

Himmler's arrest near Bremervörde marked a crucial moment in the effort to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. However, the story takes a tragic turn. Just one day after his arrest, on May 23, 1945, Himmler managed to avoid facing trial by biting into a cyanide capsule hidden within a false tooth, committing suicide. His death prevented a full investigation into his role in the Holocaust and other war crimes, and it denied justice to the millions who had suffered under his command.

The arrest of Heinrich Himmler near Bremervörde serves as a reminder of the efforts made to track down and apprehend key Nazi figures following World War II, as well as the ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability for war crimes.

Photo of the Day

Two days after all internees were evacuated from Bergen-Belsen, the last hut was set alight by a British flame thrower and burned to the ground due to the thick presence of typhus and lice, 21 May 1945.

As we come to the end of today's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we reflect upon the events that unfolded on this day, May 21st, during World War II. The stories we have explored serve as reminders of the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of those who lived through this tumultuous era. From the bravery of soldiers on the front lines to the resilience of civilians on the home front, their actions shaped the course of history. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to delve into the rich tapestry of World War II, honoring the legacy of those who came before us. Thank you for joining us today, and until next time, keep the spirit of remembrance alive.

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Have a great weekend :)

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