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On this day, August 6th, as we delve into the depths of World War II history, we are reminded of the intricate weave of events and decisions that shaped the world we know. The gravity of this day, its tales, and its lessons, underscore the transformative power of this global conflict. Join us on this daily journey, as we shine a light on the heroes, strategies, and turning points of August 6th in the Second World War.
"Singapore... could only be taken after a siege by an army of at least 50,000 men... its not considered possible that the Japanese...would embark on such a mad enterprise." - Winston Churchill - 1940
Showing Your Hand
1938: British Ambassador to Germany Nevile Henderson noted to German diplomats that the United Kingdom would not risk British lives over Czechoslovakia.
Ambassador Henderson in office, May 1937.
What a Reward
After capturing the important town of Troina at Sicily, Italy, Lieutenant General Patton fired both the divisional commander (Major General Allen) and his deputy (Brigadier General Roosevelt) of the US 1st Infantry Division who were responsible for the victory.
General Patton
Magic Surprise
In the Battle of Vella Gulf in the Solomon Islands, United States destroyers USS Dunlap, Craven, Maury, Lang, Sterett, and Stack, acting on intelligence gathered from Magic codebreaking intercepts, laid in wait for four Japanese destroyers on a night mission to bring troops to Munda on New Georgia. USS Dunlap, Craven, and Maury opened the attack by launching twenty-four Mark XV torpedoes in one minute. Japanese destroyers Hagikaze, Arashi, and Kawakaze were destroyed, killing 600 sailors and 900 Japanese Army passengers. Destroyer Shigure had a torpedo pass through her rudder but the ship was able to escape in the darkness.
The U.S. destroyer Sterett.
Liquidation
Łódź, the last Jewish ghetto in Poland, was liquidated; its 60,000 residences were sent to Auschwitz Concentration Camp. 27,000 prisoners of various concentration camps east of the Vistula River in Poland were transferred to camps to the west. The evacuation of Kaiserwald Concentration Camp outside of Riga, Latvia began.
German SS-Hauptsturmführer Hans Aumeier gave his subordinates time off from 1300 hours on 7 Aug 1945 to end of the day of 8 Aug 1945 to recognize the work his men accomplished during the liquidation of the Jewish ghettos in Bedzin and Sosnowiec in the Silesia region of Germany (occupied Poland).
Łódź Ghetto
Destruction
The bomb, codenamed "Little Boy," was dropped by the U.S. B-29 bomber Enola Gay on August 6, 1945.
The immediate explosion produced a mix of heat, blast, and radiation effects that led to widespread destruction and loss of life. The city was leveled, with a significant proportion of its buildings completely destroyed or seriously damaged. As you mentioned, an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people were killed instantly, a number that constituted a significant fraction of the city's population.
However, the death toll did not stop with the immediate casualties. Over the following days, weeks, and months, many of those who had been injured or who had received significant radiation doses but survived the initial blast succumbed to their injuries or the effects of radiation sickness. By the end of 1945, the death toll was estimated to be around 140,000, and it continued to rise in the subsequent years due to long-term radiation effects and related illnesses.
Mushroom cloud rising over Hiroshima, Japan seen from B-29 bomber Necessary Evil, 6 August 1945.
Ace of Aces
Major Dick Bong, with 40 kills to his credit over the Pacific and his country's top scoring fighter ace of the war, and the holder of the Medal of Honor, was killed at the age of 24 when the Lockheed Shooting Star in which he was carrying out test flights stalled on takeoff and crashed in Burbank, California, United States.
Bong was killed in 1945 while testing a P-80A similar to this one.
Photo of the Day
Sikh troops training with Bren guns and 2-inch mortar, western Egypt, 6 August 1941.
As we wrap up our exploration of August 6th in World War II, let's carry the weight of today's stories and lessons forward. In understanding and remembering these pivotal moments, we not only honor the past but also shape how we approach our future. Thank you for joining us on this historical journey, and we look forward to reconnecting with you tomorrow.
If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]
Have a great weekend :)
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