Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the December 18 edition of our World War II Daily newsletter, where we shed light on the pivotal events and hidden narratives of this date during the war years. Today, we delve into the strategic decisions, heroic acts, and significant occurrences that marked this day across various battlefields and home fronts. Our focus is to bring you a balanced blend of historical facts, personal stories, and insightful analyses, offering a comprehensive view of the day's events and their lasting impact. Join us as we journey through history, exploring the resilience and complexity of those who lived through these defining moments.

"Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." - General Douglas MacArthur

John Rabe

1937: Japanese troops executed over 300 Chinese people, military and civilian, on a road outside of Nanjing, China by machine gun. As reported by the International Committee later, at 1600 hours on this date, "at No. 18 I Ho Lu, Japanese soldiers wanted a man's cigarette case and when he hesitated, one of the soldier crashed in the side of his head with a bayonet. The man is now at the University Hospital and is not expected to live."

Extermination

1941: Nazi German philosopher Alfred Rosenberg declared "... biological extermination of the whole of European Jewry was to take place on Soviet territory.

Battle of the Bulge

1944: The German offensive in the Ardennes Forest in Belgium began to stall after Americans began to fight back. American artillery units were finally authorized to use the secret proximity fuzes on their shells to create air bursts over enemy positions which inflicted demoralizing losses on men and equipment below. One American artillery commander even employed these shells without authorization a day or two before this date.

Photo of the Day

German troops executing Polish civilians at Bochnia, near Kraków, Poland, 18 Dec 1939

As we conclude today's edition of our World War II Daily newsletter for December 18, we thank you for joining us in revisiting the significant moments of this historical day. Our exploration into the depths of this era's events, stories, and impacts aims not only to educate but also to honor the legacy of those who experienced these profound times. We hope that today's insights have enriched your understanding and sparked further interest in the complex tapestry of World War II history. Looking forward to sharing more enlightening stories and detailed analyses with you in our next issue, we encourage you to keep the spirit of learning and remembrance alive. Until we meet again, let's carry the lessons of history forward into a brighter future.

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Have a great week :)

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