Today in the Second World War

The 8th of October

Author

Hidden History
October 08, 2023

As October 8th dawns, we're once again transported to a time where every decision, battle, and voice echoed to sculpt the course of history. The Second World War, with its myriad of tales, both of valor and tragedy, has left indelible marks on the annals of time. In today's edition, we delve deeper into the events of this particular day, shedding light on lesser-known stories and revisiting iconic moments. Walk with us down memory lane as we unravel the tapestry of October 8th in World War II.

"With Malta in enemy hands, the Mediterranean route would be completely closed to us...this tiny island was a vital feature in the defence of our Middle East position." - General Hastings Ismay - 1942

POW Threats

1942: A Nazi radio announcement stated that from mid-day (German time) officers and men captured at Dieppe, France had been manacled as a retaliation for the alleged tying of prisoners during a small-scale raid on Sark on 3 October 1942. The British War Office replied that German prisoners brought back from Dieppe had not had their hands tied and had been treaty humanely. It was further threatened that unless the Germans immediately unshackle their captives, then German prisoners of war in Canada would be put into chains from noon 10 October 1942.

Prisoners of Dieppe

Photo of the Day

Londoners taking shelter in an underground train tunnel during the ‘Blitz,’ London, England, United Kingdom, 8 October 1940.

Bonus Photos of the Day

Wrecked Soviet T-34 tank in Stalingrad, Russia, 8 October 1942.

USS North Carolina and destroyer-minelayer USS Lindsey conducting high-speed fueling position-keeping exercises off the California coast, 8 October 1944.

As we close today's chapter on October 8th's moments from World War II, we're reminded of the intricate interplay of fate, determination, and sacrifice that shaped every day of that era. We trust that our insights have offered you a closer connection to the past and a deeper appreciation of the narratives that have forged our world. Stay curious, stay informed, and join us again tomorrow as we continue to chart the course of history, one day at a time.

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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