Today in the Second World War

On March 7, we turn our attention to a day marked by strategic significance and profound bravery in the annals of World War II, revealing the complexities of war and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a day that witnessed key military operations, crucial decisions by leaders, and the silent heroism of countless individuals, each playing a vital role in the intricate battle for freedom. Through our exploration of March 7, we uncover the stories of determination and sacrifice that highlight the collective effort against adversity. Reflecting on these moments, we honor the legacy of those who faced unimaginable challenges, their actions forging a path toward peace and shaping the future in ways that continue to inspire.

Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/CZ9Lp1WORTM

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“The world has never seen greater devotion, determination, and self-sacrifice than have been displayed by the Russian people…under the leadership of Marshal Joseph Stalin. With a nation that in saving itself is thereby helping to save all the world from the Nazi menace, this country of ours should always be glad to be a good neighbor and a sincere friend to the world of the future.” – FDR during a Fireside Chat that occurred on July 28, 1943

Wolfpack & Confusion

1941: German submarines U-47, U-70, U-90, and U-A attacked Allied convoy OB-293 320 miles northwest of Scotland, United Kingdom. British whaling factory ship Terje Viken (largest in the world) and British tanker Athelbeach were sunk, while two others were damaged. U-47 was lost with all 48 on board to unknown causes on the same day. U-70 was rammed by Dutch tanker Mijdrecht, then suffered a four-hour depth charging by corvettes HMS Camellia and HMS Arbutus, killing 20; the 25 survivors eventually surrendered.

Premature

1942: British and Indian troops on Christmas Island mistake the latest heavy naval bombardment as a precursor to an invasion and hoisted white flags to indicate surrender. The warships would depart, however, and the troops lowered the white flags and sent British flags back up poles.

War Crime

1943: Sailing from Liverpool, England, United Kingdom to New York, New York, United States in ballast, the 3,105-ton Norwegian motor merchant Jamaica was torpedoed by German submarine U-221 (Oberleutnant zur See Hans-Hartwig Trojer) at 1227 hours. The torpedo struck the refrigerated hold amidships breaking the vessel in two, both halves sinking within two minutes. 4 lifeboats were launched but owing to damaged only 2 of them were serviceable, the motor boat which had gone under with the ship surfaced, was righted and bailed out, 13 survivors getting into it. A gig held another 4 and as the submarine came in closer to question the crew and hit one of the lifeboats throwing all the occupants into the sea. The 3rd Engineer was picked up by the submarine crew who had then allowed him to swim back to another boat, another crewman however, was taken prisoner and later jumped overboard from the submarine and was drowned. Survivors were picked up by HMS Borage on 18 Mar 1943 after being spotted by a Flying Fortress aircraft on 9 Mar 1943. 21 of the crew were lost. There was controversy over the actions of the submarine, the Norwegians all testified that it had deliberately rammed the lifeboat and rendered it useless, and had thrown the 3rd Engineer, Odd A. Ernstsen back into the sea after taking his life jacket. The log of the submarine had an entry about the other crewman: "22.15 General quarters for exercise. The captured Englishman [sic] has the believe that we are about to attack a destroyer and jumps into the water after I had him brought up on the bridge to get some fresh air. He had already expressed this intention previously several times." If the man was English, then he must have been one of the two radio operators. Trojer had also been involved in the ramming of another submarine when on 8 Dec 1942, his boat accidentally rammed U-254 while the boats were on convoy operations in the North Atlantic. U-254 went down immediately with all but four of her crew (41 dead, including the commander).

Photo of the Day

Col James Beckwith, commander of the 15th Fighter Group, in his P-51 Mustang “Squirt” leading P-51s of the 45th Fighter Squadron from their base on Saipan to their new base on Iwo Jima, Mar 7, 1945. Note the VLR tanks.

As we conclude our reflection on the significant moments of March 7 in World War II, we carry with us the stories of courage, strategic insight, and the sacrifices made by those who fought for a cause greater than themselves. These narratives not only remind us of the challenges faced but also celebrate the spirit of resilience and determination that defines our shared history. Thank you for joining us in honoring the legacy of this day, where every action contributed to the tapestry of our past. Let the lessons of bravery and perseverance from March 7 inspire us as we move forward, mindful of the impact our collective actions can have on shaping a better future.

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Have a great week :)

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