Today in the Second World War

October 24th, within the vast tapestry of World War II, is a day punctuated by decisive actions, profound sacrifices, and the ever-present spirit of resilience. As we dive into the heart of this day's chronicle, we strive to capture the essence of events that not only shaped the trajectory of the war but also highlighted the enduring human spirit amidst adversities. Let's journey together through the annals of October 24th, paying homage to a day that profoundly influenced the pages of history.

"Goddam it, you'll never get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!" -Captain Henry P. Jim Crowe - 13th January 1943 - (Guadalcanal)

Future Dangers

1933: Following Germany's withdrawal from the League of Nations and the International Disarmament Conference 10 days earlier, British Member of Parliament Winston Churchill gave an outspoken warning to the Parliament highlighting the dangers to peace posed by the growth of German military aviation.

Future Plans

1938: Joachim von Ribbentrop met with Polish ambassador Józef Lipski at Berchtesgaden in southern Germany. During the meeting, he noted that Danzig was German and Germany wanted to see it back within German borders. He also noted that Germany wanted to build a highway and a railway through western Poland to connect East Prussia with the main German territory, and that Germany would like to have Poland join the Anti-Comintern Pact.

Collaboration

1940: Adolf Hitler met with Philippe Pétain and Pierre Laval at Montoire-sur-le-Loir, France, agreeing in principle with collaboration but Pétain refused to declare war on Britain.

Non-Combat Fatality

1942: General Georg Stumme, temporarily in command of Panzer Army Afrika in Erwin Rommel's absence, died from a heart attack after falling from his car while conducting a reconnaissance of British positions at El Alamein, Egypt. His body would not be found until the next day. General Wilhelm von Thoma, commanding the Afrika Korps, took over pending Rommel's return.

Stressed

1943: British destroyers detected German Type IXC U-Boat U-505 east of the Azores not long after crossing the Bay of Biscay. She was forced to submerge and endure a severe depth-charge attack. During the height of the attack, commanding officer Kapitänleutnant Zschech shot himself in the submarine’s control room in front of his crew. First watch officer Oberleutnant zur See Paul Meyer took command and returned the boat to port with minimal damage. Zschech is believed to be the only submariner to commit suicide from the stress of a prolonged depth charging.

War Crime

1943: Leonard Siffleet was executed by beheading at the hands of Yasuno Chikao at Aitape, New Guinea.

Unlucky

1943: Destroyer HMS Eclipse, heavily loaded with 200 troops, stores, and a Military Mission, destined for Leros, Greece, was sunk after hitting a mine off Kalymnos. The ship blew up at once and out of a total of 420, including the crew, a mere 44 men were recovered from the dark, dangerous oil covered sea by whalers from HMS Petard, following astern.

A New Era

1944: Japanese battleship Musashi was lost in the Battle of Sibuyan Sea to overwhelming American air power.

As Kurita’s Center Force transited the Tablas Strait in the Philippines they came under attack from aircraft from carriers USS Essex and USS Lexington (Essex-class). Kumano received a bomb hot (a dud) to the roof of number 4 turret causing no damage.

While withdrawing, damaged cruiser Kumano is again attacked in Tablas Strait, this time by aircraft from USS Hancock. Kumano was hit by two 1,000lb bomb hits and a near miss caused flooding that disabled several boilers. The cruiser went dead in the water. After emergency repairs, Kumano makes 10 knots, then is towed by cruiser Ashigara, and enters Coron Bay.

New World Order

1945: The five permanent members of the United Nations (US, UK, USSR, France, and China) and 26 non-permanent members ratified the UN Charter; 20 non-permanent members rejected it, thus inaugurating the UN. Nationalist leaders such as Sukarno in Indonesia and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam voiced skepticism, waiting to see if the new organization would actually voice against colonialism.

Photo of the Day

Civilian technician Dr. Kurt Sommermeyer aboard U-537 in the Labrador Sea listening to signals transmitted by Weather Station Kurt (named for Sommermeyer) broadcasting from the Labrador coast, 24 October 1943.

As today's spotlight on October 24th dims, we are reminded of the unyielding spirit and strategic complexities that marked World War II's progression. The narratives we've delved into offer a mosaic of heroism, strategy, and humanity's enduring spirit. Your engagement with these tales ensures history's voice remains loud and clear. As we await tomorrow's stories, may the reflections of October 24th linger, bridging the past to our present understanding.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

Today’s email was brought to you by Hidden History.