Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the Hidden History Newsletter, where we transport you back to June 16, a momentous day etched in the annals of history. On this date, the world witnessed the unyielding determination of Allied and Axis forces as they clashed across continents, the skies resonated with the thunderous roar of aircraft, and the ground shook beneath the weight of armies locked in a relentless struggle. Join us as we delve into the gripping narratives, heroic exploits, and pivotal events that unfolded during this tumultuous day, shedding light on the indomitable spirit and sacrifice that defined the era of the Second World War.

“Now terror will be answered with terror.” - Adolf Hitler

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Interesting Time on the High Seas

The 8,215-ton Norwegian diesel motor vessel James Stove was steaming through the Gulf of Aden with 10,800 tons of aviation fuel when her master Olaus Eliassen was informed that the ship was being followed by a submarine; Eliassen had determined that the submarine was British. When the ship started to head for the port of Aden the submarine, now revealed to be the Italian submarine Galileo Galilei, ordered her to stop and announced that in 15 minutes an attack would commence. Despite some panic with Chinese crew members, the lifeboats pulled away and the submarine torpedoed the ship from 500 yards range. After two hits the Norwegian vessel started to sink, and the Galileo submerged only to re-surface and launch another torpedo. This struck amid-ships and the vessel burst into flames and sank about 12 miles south of the port of Aden. The crew were rescued, with some difficulty due to burning oil, by the British Admiralty anti-submarine Trawler HMS Moonstone.

Expected Losses

Japanese Imperial Palace envoys visited Isoroku Yamamoto aboard battleship Yamato, bringing him the news that Emperor Showa understood losses (in regards to the devastation suffered at the Battle of Midway) were expected at a time of war and that the emperor was not overly concerned.

Allied Success

In France, the Mulberry harbour off Omaha beach, completed the night before, received its first tank landing ship (LST). Although there were still doubts that the pontoons would not be able to take the weight of a 38-ton Sherman tank without sinking or collapsing this task would, thankfully, be achieved with just a small margin of safety.

Terror Weapons

For two days after the first V-1 flying bomb exploded in London, none were fired, leading the defence and intelligence committees in the UK to believe that those of the 13 August 1944 had been rangefinders and experiments. To-day this idea was shattered by 224 being fired from their launch sites across the British Channel. The Germans did still have guidance and reliability problems but over twenty-two exploded in South London. Due to the nature of the bomb gliding down the blast damage was greater than bombs dropped at altitude by bombers. In Mayplace Avenue, Crayford, nine people were killed and many seriously injured and in Beckenham seven bombs hit within a couple of hours killing over ten, the worst incident at Maple Grove. In all the Borough had over 200 houses badly damaged, together with gas mains and electricity supplies cut. Other V-1 flying bombs exploded throughout the south-eastern counties. Some of the Germans called it "Day of Vengeance".

Photo of the Day

Sergeant V. R. Francis of 19th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery with a captured German Panzerschreck weapon and 88mm ammunition, France, 16 June 1944.

As we conclude our journey through the historic events of June 16, we are reminded of the profound impact that this day had on shaping the course of World War II. The stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience that unfolded during this pivotal moment serve as a timeless testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. Let us carry forward the lessons learned from this chapter in history, honoring the memory of those who fought and fell, and ensuring that their legacy of freedom and peace endures. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to explore the depths of this monumental conflict, uncovering the untold tales that have shaped our world.

If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Have a great weekend :)

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