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Welcome to the Hidden History Newsletter for May 15th. On this day in history, significant events took place that shaped the course of the war. From military operations to political developments, we'll provide you with the latest updates and insights into this pivotal period of human history. Join us as we delve into the past and explore the events that took place on this day during World War II.
"Australia and New Zealand are now threatened by the might of the Imperial Japanese forces, and both of them should know that any resistance is futile." - General Hideki Tojo, Prime Minister
The Fall of the Netherlands
The Netherlands surrendered to Germany at 1015 hours; Dutch General Winkelman signed the surrender document. The Battle of Gembloux in Belgium ended with the Germans losing about 250 tanks, which was the equivalent of an entire armored division; the weakened French forces, however, were unable to hold the line despite their effective 75mm artillery and 25mm anti-tank guns; they fell back toward the Belgian-French border.
Dutch negotiator, carrying white flag, moves toward the German positions on the Noordereiland on 14 May 1940.
Mobilization for Midway
Ernest King allowed Chester Nimitz to move the two carriers currently in the South Pacific to move up to the Central Pacific area, but King noted that he was still not convinced that Midway Atoll was the primary target of the suspected Japanese offensive. Later in the same day, Nimitz responded to the message, stressing that he believed the Japanese was likely to launch a three-prong attack against Midway Atoll, Aleutian Islands, and, likely at a two-to-three-week delay, Port Moresby in Australian Papua.
Ernest King and Chester Nimitz
Little Known Atrocities
After World War II, many Croatian soldiers and civilians who were loyal to the Ustasha regime attempted to flee to Austria to escape retribution from the advancing Yugoslav partisans, who were seeking to bring them to trial for war crimes and atrocities. Many of these individuals were captured by British forces and held in internment camps in Austria.
On May 15, 1945, the British authorities decided to hand over a group of Croatian prisoners to the Yugoslav authorities, despite concerns about the possibility of mistreatment or execution. The handover took place on May 31, 1945, and the prisoners were taken to Yugoslavia for trial.
The exact number of Croatian prisoners who were killed by the Yugoslav partisans is difficult to determine, but estimates generally range from several thousand to tens of thousands. Some of the prisoners were indeed executed or died due to mistreatment or disease in Yugoslav prisons and labor camps..
Overall, the surrender of Croatian troops to British forces and their subsequent handover to Yugoslav partisans was a complex and controversial event that is still debated by historians.
Chetniks in Šumadija kill a Partisan through heart extraction.
Photo of the Day
German General Heinz Guderian in a SdKfz. 251/3 halftrack vehicle, France, May 15, 1940.
That concludes today's Hidden History Newsletter for May 15th. We hope you found our coverage informative and engaging. As we reflect on the events of the past, let us remember the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who fought for their countries and for the cause of freedom. Join us again tomorrow for another edition of our newsletter, as we continue to explore the history of this global conflict.
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Have a great week :)
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