Today in the Second World War

The 9th of July

Hidden History
July 09, 2023

Welcome to the Hidden History Newsletter for July 9th. As we immerse ourselves in the labyrinth of history today, we will travel back in time, revisiting the echo of footsteps taken years ago during the world's most monumental conflict. From the frontlines to the strategy rooms, the home fronts to clandestine operations, our journey through time serves as a reminder and a tribute to those who shaped the world we live in today. So let us journey together, keeping the flame of history alive and ensuring the lessons from those tumultuous times continue to guide our present and future.

"My strength has now been reduced to the equivalent of 36 squadrons...we should be able to carry on the war single-handed for some time if not indefinitely." - Sir Hugh Dowding

Long Range

At 1515 hours, 50 miles south of Italy, heavily escorted Italian convoy for Benghazi, Libya ran into an equally powerful British convoy for Malta. British battleship HMS Warspite hit Italian battleship Giulio Cesare at the range of 24 kilometers, making it one of the longest naval gun hits of the war. Although Italian ships withdrew first, Italian aircraft forced the British ships back by 1700 hours

HMS Warspite

Battle of the Atlantic

Major Frank Blaker of the British Royal Gurkha Rifles regiment won the Victoria Cross at Taunghi, Burma. Charging Japanese positions he was hit three times but continued to urge his men forward even as he lays dying.

Major Frank Blaker

Photo of the Day

German Panzer VI/Tiger I tanks passing burning buildings during the Battle of Kursk in Orel (Oryol), Russia, mid-July 1943.

As we wrap up today's edition of the the Hidden History Newsletter, we thank you for joining us on this historic voyage. Your continued engagement keeps the echoes of the past alive, honouring those who have shaped our world and teaching us invaluable lessons. Stay with us as we continue to explore untold stories and pivotal moments from World War II in tomorrow's edition. In the interim, may the narratives we've shared today enlighten your perspective and enrich your understanding of our shared history.

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

Road to Surrender: Three Men and the Countdown to the End of World War II: Thomas, Evan

A riveting, immersive account of the agonizing decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan—a crucial turning point in World War II and geopolitical history—with you-are-there immediacy by the New York Times bestselling author of Ike's Bluff and Sea of Thunder.

Taking Berlin: The Bloody Race to Defeat the Third Reich: Dugard, Martin

From Martin Dugard, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Bill O'Reilly's Killing series, comes a nonfiction thriller about the race between the Allies and Soviets to conquer the heart of Nazi Germany.

The Lost Paratroopers of Normandy: A Story of Resistance, Courage, and Solidarity in a French Village: Rabe, Stephen G.

The fateful days and weeks surrounding 6 June 1944 have been extensively documented in histories of the Second World War, but less attention has been paid to the tremendous impact of these events on the populations nearby.

Immortal Valor: The Black Medal of Honor Recipients of World War II: Child, Robert

The remarkable story of seven African-American soldiers denied the Medal of Honor for more than 50 years due to their race, and their extraordinary acts of bravery.

A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II: Makos, Adam, Alexander, Larry

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER: “Beautifully told.”—CNN • “A remarkable story...worth retelling and celebrating.”—USA Today • “Oh, it’s a good one!”—Fox News

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