Today in the Second World War

Welcome to your daily dose of World War II history, right here on this sunny July 16. Today, we peel back the layers of time to delve into the heart of an era defined by valor, sacrifice, and profound change. Join us as we journey through significant battles, courageous individuals, and strategic decisions that forever altered the course of humanity. There's no better time than now to reflect on the past and shape our future with wisdom. Stay tuned for an enlightening read in today's Hidden History Newsletter.

"The enemy must be annihilated before he reaches our main battlefield...We must stop him in the water...destroying all his equipment while it is still afloat" - Field Marshall Erwin Rommel - 22nd April 1944

Resistance?

Ludwig Beck sent another message to German Army chief Walther von Brauchitsch, noting his concern that an invasion of Czechoslovakia would trigger military reaction by the western powers, which would spell doom for Germany. He also included in this message that Brauchitsch should incite German Army generals to resign en masse in protest of Adolf Hitler's reckless invasion plan.

Important Capture

Soviet Army Lieutenant Jacob Jughashvili, son of Joseph Stalin, was taken prisoner by the Germans.

Deception

Yamato was visited by the German Naval Attaché to Tokyo Konteradmiral Paul Wenneker, who wore a Japanese naval uniform. His tour of Yamato did not include the main turrets, and he was told that the primary armament of Yamato consisted of 40-cm guns rather than the actual 46-cm.

Unprecedented Escape

After dark, New Zealand Lieutenant-Commander R. B. Goodwin became the only prisoner of war to make a successful escape from Hong Kong. He went over the Shamsuipo camp wire during the night and swam to the mainland of China, travelling overland to Kunming. He arrived back in New Zealand in November 1944.

Operation Trinity

In Operation Trinity, the Americans successfully detonated an atomic bomb at Alamogordo Bombing Range in New Mexico, United States. The test blast created temperatures 10,000 times the surface temperature of the sun and was felt 200 miles away. The explosion was the equivalent of 20,000 tons of TNT and throws a column of fire and smoke 35,000 feet into the night sky. The authorities hid the blast by claiming that an ammunition dump had gone up.

Churchill in Berlin

Churchill arrived in Berlin, Germany for the Potsdam Conference and visited the bunker where Hitler committed suicide.

Photo of the Day

Damaged bow of the cruiser USS St. Louis after being hit by a torpedo in the Battle of Kolombangara, 13 July 1943, although this photo was taken 16 July 1943 at Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.

As we conclude this July 16 edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, let's reflect on the profound courage, sacrifices, and stories from the crucible of World War II that we've explored today. May these echoes of the past deepen your understanding, spark reflection, and inspire unity and peace. Join us again tomorrow as we delve deeper into history, uncovering the valorous tales and significant decisions that continue to shape our world. Until then, remember, by learning from our past, we navigate our present and forge a brighter future. Thank you for accompanying us on this historical journey.

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Have a great weekend :)

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