Today in the Second World War

The 10th of May

Author

Hidden History
May 10, 2024

As we continue our journey through the key moments of World War II, today we turn our attention to the events of May 10th. This day saw significant military operations, strategic decisions, and pivotal moments that influenced the course of the war. In this edition, we'll explore the details of these events and uncover the stories of the people who experienced them firsthand. Join us as we dive into the remarkable history of May 10th and uncover its impact on the broader narrative of the conflict.

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“We must be very careful not to assign this deliverance the attributes of a victory. Wars are not won by evacuations” – in a speed to Parliament on June 4th, 1940 - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

War

1940: Germany invaded the Allied nation of France and the neutral Low Countries. In France, Luftwaffe aircraft destroyed many French aircraft on the ground. German tanks crossed into neutral Luxembourg with relative ease, reaching the edge of the Ardennes Forest; the royal family of Luxembourg was evacuated to the south. In the Netherlands, German paratroopers quickly secured key bridges and airfields around Rotterdam and the Hague, but the plan to land troops at the Ypenburg airfield to capture the Dutch political leaders was foiled when Dutch fighters shot down 18 German Ju 52 transport planes; German tanks penetrated more than 10 miles into the Dutch border by the end of the day. In Belgium, 10 gliders landed 78 German airborne soldiers atop Fort Ebel Emael at the crossings of the Albert Canal and the River Meusse, pinning down the 700 Belgian defenders. British and French leaders enacted the Dyle Plan in response to the invasion, moving troops toward the Dyle River in Belgium where they were to form a defensive line.

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain had decided overnight to resign from this post, but the news of the German invasion of France and the Low Countries gave him second thoughts. Nevertheless, he decided to continue his plan to resign. Later in the day, Winston Churchill was asked to assume the post left vacant by Chamberlain.

General Bernard Montgomery's forward units arrived, just after dark, to take up their designated positions on the eastern approaches to Brussels. They were were fired upon by Belgian soldiers who took them for German infiltrators.

German troops with a camouflaged 3.7 cm PaK 36 anti-tank gun in Belgium, May 1940

Finally

1941: Sparking a controversy that will last long after the war, Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess landed in Scotland, United Kingdom with a Bf 110 fighter in an attempt to dissuade Duke of Hamilton to introduce him to King George VI in order to broker peace between the United Kingdom and Germany. This mission was not authorized by Adolf Hitler. He landed 12 miles from the Duke's residence, broke his ankle, and was arrested by a farmer. He was taken into custody and remained so until his death.

The wreckage of Rudolf Heß's Bf 110 D aircraft, Bonnyton Moor, Scotland, United Kingdom, 10 May 1941

Tactical Victory

1941: German bombers mounted what would turn out to be the last major raid on London, England, United Kingdom. Low tide on the River Thames made firefighting difficult as it was harder to draw water, thus fires caused more damage than usual. The Houses of Parliament were among the buildings damaged during this night.

Barrage balloons flying over central London

Concerns

1943: Heinz Guderian told Adolf Hitler of his misgivings about the Zitadelle plan. Uncharacteristically Hitler responded that, he too, had concerns about an offensive at Kursk, Russia.

Heinz Guderian & Adolf Hitler

Photo of the Day

German vehicles and troops in Maastricht, the Netherlands, 10 May 1940

Bonus Photo

Crew bails out of damaged B-17F Fortress “Patches” at 22,500 feet over Wiener Neustadt, Austria, 10 May 1944. 8 of the crew became POWs and the other 2 were killed. Note 2 right engines feathered

As we conclude our examination of the significant events of May 10th during World War II, we hope the stories and insights shared have provided you with a deeper understanding of this critical period. Your continued interest and engagement help keep these important historical narratives alive. We look forward to bringing you more stories and reflections in future editions. Until next time, keep exploring history and let its lessons inspire you.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Ghost That Died at Sunda Strait by W. G. Winslow

Recounting the last stand of the heavy cruiser Houston, this tale of survival brings to life the 1942 battle at Sunda Strait.

Lost at Guadalcanal: The Final Battles of the Astoria and Chicago as Described by Survivors and in Official Reports by John J. Domagalski

The dramatic account of two American warships in the South Pacific, this book follows the USS Astoria (CA–34) and USS Chicago (CA–29) during the late summer of 1942, when both participated in the early days of the critical battle for Guadalcanal. Drawing on a variety of firsthand accounts, some previously unpublished, the book tells the story from the perspective of the men aboard each ship, transporting readers inside the gun turrets, behind the lookout binoculars, and below deck as the battle rages. Individual stories of heroism, sacrifice and survival unfold as both vessels meet their fates in the South Pacific.

The Sinking of the Bismarck: The History of the Battle that Destroyed Nazi Germany’s Most Famous Battleship by Charles River Editors 

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