Today in the Second World War

The 7th of October

Hidden History
October 07, 2023

Greetings, readers! As we step into October 7th, we're reminded of the pivotal moments that transpired on this very day during World War II. From strategic decisions to the bravery of soldiers on the front lines, today's newsletter will uncover the stories that shaped our world during those tumultuous times. Join us as we journey through history, one day at a time.

"Before we're through with them, the Japanese language will be spoken only in hell!” - Admiral Halsey - December 1941

No Truths

1941: German 10th Panzer Division captured Vyasma, Russia at 1030 hours, surrounding 5 Soviet Armies. Georgy Zhukov, who had been recalled from Leningrad, Russia and sent to report on the situation on the West Front, arrived at Ivan Konev's headquarters to discover that there was no information concerning the Vyasma encirclement. He was forced to report to Joseph Stalin that there was no longer a continuous front in the west, and the large gaps could not be closed because the command had run out of reserves.

10 Panzer Division Unit Insignia

Massacre on Wake

1943: 98 captured Americans were executed on Wake Island on the orders of Rear Admiral Shigematsu Sakaibara as reprisal to a 5 October air raid.

THE NAME OF THE ESCAPED prisoner who carved the words “98 US PW 5-10-43” into a coral rock will likely never be known—what is known is that his freedom was short-lived, and his act of rebellion led to the loss of his head.

Revolt

1944: Jewish prisoners of the Sonderkommando of Auschwitz II-Birkenau Concentration Camp organized a large revolt and escape. Crematorium IV was set on fire, while SS guards came under attack. During the havoc, some of the prisoners were successful in cutting through the perimeter fencing and got outside, but the SS guard responded and successfully rounded up all escapees and killed them all. After the revolt was put down in the camp, about 250 prisoners, including leader Zalmen Gradowski and Józef Deresinski, were dead. Three SS men were also killed; ten were wounded. Four Jewish women who had stolen the explosives from their workplace at the Union-Werke armaments factory, which were used during this revolt, were later hanged.

Sonderkommando in Auschwitz-Birkenau, August 1944.

Photo of the Day

Submarine Tinosa, adorned with flags and bunting, sliding down the ways at Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, California, United States, 7 October 1942.

As the sun sets on another day, we conclude our exploration of October 7th's significant moments during World War II. With every story, battle, and personal account, we are reminded of the resilience and sacrifice of countless souls. We hope today's edition has enriched your understanding and ignited further curiosity about the events that shaped our collective past. Until tomorrow, let's remember, reflect, and never forget the lessons history teaches us.

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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