Today in the Second World War

Welcome, history aficionados, to your daily dose of World War II insights. On this day, August 18th, we journey back in time to highlight significant events, unsung heroes, and strategic shifts that marked this date in the theater of war. From Europe's battle-worn streets to the vast Pacific's daunting theaters, today's installment promises a closer look into the intricate weave of the war's chronicle. Dive in with us.

"Never in history has the navy landed an army at the planned time and place. But if you land us anywhere within 50 miles of Fedela and within 1 week of D-Day. I'll go ahead and win." - Major General George Patton - November 1942 (Commenting of the North Africa Landings)

Accuracy Issues

British War Cabinet member Mr. Butt wrote a report to the RAF Bomber Command, noting "[o]f those aircraft recorded as attacking their target, only one in three got within five miles" of the intended targets. The conclusion was reached after studying post-bombing reconnaissance photos taken between 2 Jun and 25 Jul 1941.

No Quarter

Adolf Hitler issued the Commando Order that all Allied commandos encountered by German forces in Europe and Africa should be killed immediately, even if in uniform or if they attempted to surrender.

Symbol of Courage

At Wewak, New Guinea, Major Ralph Cheli leading his B-25 squadron of the 38th Group was attacked by a Japanese Nakajima Ki-43 aircraft while making his run-up to the target, which shot up the starboard engine and set it on fire. With the flames spreading rapidly to the wings he held his course aiming for a line of parked Zero fighters on the airfield. Only when he had pressed home his attack did Major Cheli call his wing man to take over command of the squadron. Then, within moments, the doomed aircraft rolled over and, before the horrified eyes of his fellow airmen, crashed into the sea and exploded. For his heroic sacrifice Major Cheli would ultimately be awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor.

No Shelter

Between 0017 and 0043 hours Berlin time (2317 and 2343 hours London time, on 17 Aug 1943), three waves of British Lancaster, Halifax, and Stirling bombers (227, 113, and 180 aircraft, respectively) struck the German rocket research site at Peenemünde, dropping a total of 1,600 tons of high explosive bombs and 250 tons of incendiary bombs. Initially the damage appeared to be extensive, especially considering that 180 German scientists and engineers were killed, but the site returned to operation within four to six weeks. Strategically, however, this attack did retarded the eventual rocket attack on Britain by some months. Many buildings would remain unrepaired and craters unfilled in order to trick the British into thinking that the site was abandoned after the raid. The British Royal Air Force lost 40 bombers during this successful mission. Over 500 Polish forced laborers were also killed during this attack.

Confidence Lost

General Hans Jeschonnek, Chief of the German Air Staff since 1939, having already lost faith with Hermann Göring, committed suicide at the Luftwaffe Lager Robinson headquarters in Goldap, Ostpreußen (East Prussia), Germany (now Warmian-Masurian, Poland) following his controversial order to the air defence units in Berlin to fire on Luftwaffe fighters which had landed there in error during the RAF's raid on Peenemünde.

Skies Go Quiet

The last air conflict of WW2 took place over Tokyo, Japan. Two US reconnaissance aircraft were attacked by fighters and flak. One American crewman was killed and two fighters were shot down.

Reality of War

The Japanese Home Ministry secretly sent radio messages to local police chiefs, ordering them to organize comfort women facilities for incoming US occupation troops as an attempt to safeguard Japanese women. On this topic, Prince Fumimaro Konoe told the national police commissioner "Please defend the young women of Japan".

Photo of the Day

Wreckage of a Do 17 aircraft in Britain, 18 August 1940.

As we conclude our exploration of August 18th in the World War II narrative, let's carry forward the lessons and legacies of this defining era. Thank you for joining us on this daily historical voyage. Stay curious, and until tomorrow's chronicles, keep the memories alive. Farewell, history buffs.

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Have a great weekend :)

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