Today in the Second World War

The 29th of September

Author

Hidden History
September 29, 2023

As the calendar page turns to September 29, we embark once again on a deep dive into the pivotal moments and tales from World War II. Each day of the war was a tapestry of decisions, actions, and sacrifices that echoed across continents. Our mission is to illuminate these tales, giving voice to both the renowned events and the lesser-known stories of the time. Join us as we travel back to this day and uncover the nuances of a world at war. Let the exploration begin!

"The Red Army and Navy and the whole Soviet people must fight for every inch of Soviet soil, fight to the last drop of blood for our towns and villages...onward, to victory!" - Josef Stalin - July 1941

Bending the Knee

1938: The Munich Conference between Hitler, Chamberlain, Mussolini, and Daladier took place at the Führerbau building in München in Germany, during which Britain and France ceded Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia to Germany in an attempt to avoid war. The two Czechoslovakian representatives at the conference were locked in an adjacent room, not permitted to actually participating in the negotiations.

Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini at München, Germany for the Munich Conference, 29 September 1938.

Surrender

1939: With the formal surrender of Poland, including the last 35,000 besieged troops in Modlin, the Germany and Soviet Union finished dividing up Poland.

Adolf Hitler issued a repatriation order for the 86,000 ethnic Germans living in Estonia and Latvia, knowing that the Soviet Union would soon demand the Baltic States.

German and Soviet officers shaking hands, Poland, late September 1939.

Arctic Convoys

1941: The first Allied convoy for the Arctic departed Hvalfjörður, Iceland (having originated from Scotland, United Kingdom) at 1845 hours with 11 merchant ships escorted by cruiser HMS Suffolk, destroyer HMS Antelope, destroyer HMS Impulsive, and four minesweepers. By the end of the year five other convoys had followed it, landing 120,000 tons of supplies at Murmansk, Russia, including 600 tanks, 800 aircraft and 1,400 motor vehicles. It was somewhat embarrassing to the Germans that, between 29 Sep and 31 Dec 1941, all 55 vessels of these first six convoys reached their destination without loss.

View from the cruiser HMS Sheffield as she sails on convoy duty through the waters of the Arctic Ocean. In the background are merchant ships of the convoy.

Annihilation

1941: Adolf Hitler ordered that Leningrad, Russia was to be wiped out by artillery and aerial bombardment. Germany could not and would not feed its population, which was of no use for the future of Germany.

The German Einsatzgruppen massacred somewhere between 50,000 and 96,000 Ukrainians, 33,771 of whom Jews, at the Babi Yar ravine outside Kiev.

Three men burying victims of Leningrad's siege.

Rejoice

1944: Canadian troops captured Cape Gris Nez near Calais, France; the Germans and Canadians in the region agreed on a 24-hour truce so that civilians in the area could be evacuated. The news that the Canadians had captured the last remaining gun batteries in the Calais area was greeted with jubilation in the streets of Dover, England, United Kingdom. Since the start of the war, Dover had experienced 187 shelling attacks in addition to numerous bombing and V1 attacks.

A British soldier poses next to the recently captured German 380 mm gun Todt Battery at Cap Gris-Nez.

Photo of the Day

General Bernard Paget in a Crusader tank of British 42nd Armoured Division during an exercise near Malton, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, 29 September 1942; note Covenanter tank in background.

And so, as the sun sets on our exploration of September 29 during the tumultuous years of World War II, we are reminded of the intricate weave of events and individuals that have defined our shared history. With gratitude, we remember the countless souls whose stories we've touched upon today. Keep their memories alive and let them serve as a bridge between past and present. Until tomorrow's edition, cherish the lessons of history and forge ahead with its wisdom in heart. Farewell for now.

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand (World War II Collection): Biggio, Andrew

Tales of American combat and comradery in World War II all connected to the iconic rifle of the era, the M1 Garand. An award-winning author puts one such rifle into the hands of a series of vets, records their stories, and gathers their signatures on the rifle, in a pilgrimage and homage to heroism.

The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield by Andrew Biggio

In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle, Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II.

Over The Top: Veterans of the First World War by David Polk

With the stroke of a pen, the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918 promised a World of peace and cooperation. Popularly called "the war to end all wars," the Great War was intended to prevent incidents like the one at Sarajevo in 1914. In general, peace and harmony did continue, at least until Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.This book is written as a tribute to the legacy of the veterans of the Great War. Within these pages are contained eye-witness accounts of these fearless fighters.

Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS by Andrew Dubbins

With echoes of Unbroken; the derring-do and bravado of The Right Stuff; and the battle-forged camaraderie of Band of Brothers, this is the World War II story of 95-year-old veteran George Morgan and the Underwater Demolition Teams. Forerunners of the Navy SEALs, the elite unit was given nearly impossible pre-invasion missions from D-Day to the most crucial landings in the Pacific Theater.

The War of Words: How America's GI Journalists Battled Censorship and Propaganda to Help Win World War II by Molly Guptill Manning

From New York Times bestselling author Molly Guptill Manning comes The War of Words, the captivating story of how American troops in World War II wielded pens to tell their own stories as they made history.

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