Today in the Second World War

The 13th of March

Welcome to our March 13th edition, where we delve into the heart of World War II history, marking the events and personal tales that unfolded on this day. As we navigate through the complexities and pivotal moments of March 13th, our focus sharpens on the courage, strategic intricacies, and the silent stories of perseverance that characterized the day across different theaters of the war. This edition is dedicated to uncovering the layers of history, offering insights into the battles fought, the decisions made, and the lives touched by the war's far-reaching shadows. Join us as we pay tribute to the resilience of the human spirit amidst the challenges of war, exploring how the events of March 13th contributed to the broader narrative of World War II and continue to resonate with us today.

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“Maybe there are 5,000, maybe 10,000 Nazi bastards in their concrete foxholes before the Third Army. Now if Ike stops holding Monty’s hand and gives me some supplies, I’ll go through the Siegfried Line like shxx through a goose.” - George S. Patton

Peace?

1940: At 0200 hours in Moscow (0100 hours Finland time) Finnish and Soviet representatives signed the Moscow Peace Treaty prepared on the previous day. Finnish President Kyösti Kallio noted that the treaty was "the most awful document I have ever had to sign." Ceasefire would take place at 1100 hours; both sides continued to bombard the other with ferocity until the ceasefire time came.

Finnish Foreign Minister Väinö Tanner reading the terms of the peace treaty on the Finnish radio at noon on 13 March 1940

Captured

1942: Lieutenant Commander Stephen Beattie, commanding officer of destroyer HMS Campbeltown, was captured by the Germans at Saint-Nazaire, Pays de la Loire, France.

Lieutenant Commander Stephen Beattie

Almost

1943: Adolf Hitler visited Günther von Kluge's field headquarters. Anti-Hitler conspirators spoke to Kluge beforehand, but they could not convince Kluge to take action to arrest Hitler. Without Kluge's help, the conspirators acted on their own, sneaking fused bombs disguised as brandy bottles aboard Hitler's aircraft, which took off for Berlin, Germany after dinner. The bombs failed to explode, and the conspirators had to take the risk, successfully, to retrieve the bottles before they were discovered.

Günther von Kluge

Liquidation

1944: The Kraków Ghetto in Poland was liquidated.

The liquidation

Photo of the Day

German Army SdKfz. 221 armored car crossing from Passau, Germany into Schärding, Austria, 13 Mar 1938

Bonus Photo

Chinese fighter pilots in advanced flight training in the United States, 13 Mar 1942

As we conclude our exploration of World War II on March 13th, we hope this edition has provided you with a deeper understanding of the complexities and the profound human experiences that define this chapter of history. Through our journey today, we've touched on the strategic battles, the acts of valor, and the quiet sacrifices that marked this date across various fronts of the conflict. It's our privilege to share these stories, bridging the past and present, and honoring the resilience and courage that shaped the outcome of the war. Thank you for joining us in remembering and reflecting upon these pivotal moments. May the lessons of bravery, perseverance, and humanity that emerge from the shadows of war inspire us all. Until next time, let's continue to honor the legacy of those who have paved the way for a brighter, more peaceful future.

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Have a great week :)

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