Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today’s edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! In this newsletter, we aim to provide you with insightful information about the significant events that took place during World War II on this day in history. From major battles to technological advancements, we will explore the highs and lows of this tumultuous period of global history. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about the events that shaped the world as we know it today, we have something for everyone. So, let's step back in time and explore the stories and events that occurred during World War II on the 8th of April!

“If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn’t thinking.” - General George S. Patton

The Courageous HMS Glowworm

On this day in 1940, British destroyer HMS Glowworm discovered German Navy Marine Gruppe 1 at 0800 hours and was fired upon by cruiser Admiral Hipper at close range. Outgunned, Glowworm's captain decided to ram the German cruiser, which caused heavy damage for Admiral Hipper but it also led to her sinking, which killed 118, including commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Gerard Broadmead Roope, who received a posthumous Victoria Cross, the first of the war; captain Hellmuth Heye of Admiral Hipper spoke highly of Roope's courage.

A Victory for America

The Curtiss P-40E Warhawk fighter aircraft saw its first combat and first victory in Asia during World War II, when Flight Leader Robert Little of the 1st Pursuit Squadron shot down a Japanese Kawasaki Ki-43 fighter over Leiyun (Loiwing), Yunnan Province, China, on April 8th, 1942.

The P-40E Warhawk was a single-engine fighter aircraft that was used extensively by Allied forces in various theaters of the war, including in the Pacific, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. The aircraft was known for its ruggedness and durability, and it played a significant role in the early years of the war.

In China, the P-40E Warhawk was used by the American Volunteer Group (AVG), also known as the Flying Tigers, a group of volunteer pilots who flew for the Chinese Air Force in the early stages of the war. The Flying Tigers were credited with shooting down hundreds of Japanese aircraft, including the Ki-43 fighter that Flight Leader Robert Little brought down.

The victory by Little and the P-40E Warhawk was an important moment in the history of the war, demonstrating the effectiveness of Allied air power in the Pacific theater and laying the groundwork for future victories.

No Evacuation

In northern Italy on April 8th, 1945, British Army SAS Major Anders Lassen and 19 men were tasked with creating a diversion at Lake Comacchio. The Dane, who joined the British forces after the fall of Denmark and had already won the Military Medal three times in commando operations, destroyed three enemy strong-points before being fatally wounded. As his men withdrew, he refused aid, knowing that he would only slow them down and endanger their escape. His body was later found and buried by partisans. The fighting Dane was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross, the only non-British Commonwealth soldier to win the medal during the war.

You can read his Victoria Cross citation here.

US Troops Discover Nazi Treasure

On this day in 1945, troops of the US 3rd Army discovered a hidden cache of gold, art, and other treasures in the Merkers salt mine near Mülhausen, Germany. The cache included gold bars, jewelry, and precious stones, as well as artwork by famous artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt. The value of the cache was estimated to be around $250 million at the time (equivalent to 2 billion 2021 €), making it one of the largest treasure finds in history.

The cache had been hidden in the mine by the Nazis, who had looted it from various sources during their conquests in Europe. The discovery of the cache by the US troops was an important moment in the closing stages of World War II and provided a significant morale boost for the Allies.

The discovery of the Merkers treasure was widely reported in the media at the time, and the story has continued to fascinate people over the years. Many of the items from the cache are now held in museums and private collections around the world.

Photo of the Day

B-17G Flying Fortress 'Wee-Willie' of 322nd Bomber Squadron of USAAF 91st Bomber Group losing a wing from flak fire over Stendal, Germany, 8 Apr 1945; 8 were killed; pilot and 1 crewman survived.

April 8th didn’t see the greatest events of the war take place, but there were great acts of courage. From the HMS Glowworm to SAS Major Anders Lassen, the Allies showed that they were up to the fight. The US Army also got a preview of the ransacking that the Nazi’s did across all of Europe. The Second World War was a defining moment in human history, with far-reaching consequences that continue to shape the world today. Each day, we remember and honor the sacrifices made by millions of people around the world, from soldiers and civilians to resistance fighters and refugees, who played a role in the struggle against fascism and tyranny. By learning about the events, people, and places that shaped this conflict, we gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the importance of standing up for freedom and justice. We hope you continue to join us in this daily journey through the history of World War II, and we thank you for your interest and dedication to this important topic..

Thanks for reading today’s edition of the newsletter! If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Have a great weekend :)

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