Today in the Second World War

Welcome to our exploration of April 12, a day marked by pivotal moments in the history of World War II. Today, we delve into the events and individuals that shaped the conflict and, consequently, the modern world. From strategic decisions to acts of courage on and off the battlefield, April 12 offers a unique lens through which to view the complexities and the enduring legacy of the war. Join us as we uncover the narratives of valor, sacrifice, and resilience that define this day, providing insight and reflection on the past's profound influence on our present.

Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/9831z8R1XZk

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“It is evil things we shall be fighting against, brute force, bad faith, injustice, oppression and persecution.” – 1939 - Winston Churchill

Invasion and Clear Skies

1941: German troops captured Belgrade in the Serbia region of Yugoslavia as Hugarian troops also crossed the border into Yugoslavia, joining the invasion. On the Danube River in Yugoslavia, German Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers, sinking river monitor Drava (54 were killed, 13 survived) while forcing three others, Morava, Sava, and Vardar, to be scuttled. To the south in Greece, German SS troops overran British and Australian troops south of Vevi, forcing the Allies to fall back from the Aliakmon Line to the Mount Olympus Line to block the German troops at Vevi from advancing further. On the same day, British anti-aircraft cruiser HMS Coventry, destroyer HMS Decoy, destroyer HMS Encounter, and troopship Glenroy evacuated a battalion of troops, 1,000 tons of supplies, and 40 vehicles from the Greek island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea near Salonika. ww2dbase

Before dawn, all three surviving IK-3 fighters in the Yugoslav Air Force were burned by their own crews to prevent German seizure.

Death March

1942: The Japanese artillery bombardment of Corregidor island in the Philippine Islands began. Meanwhile, many US and Filipino prisoners of war continued to die while being marched northward during the Bataan Death March from starvation, dehydration, disease, and murders. To the south, on the island of Cebu, US and Filipino troops scuttled torpedo boat PT-35 and withdrew deeper into the mountains.

War Crime

1943: Germans announced the discovery of over 4,000 bodies of Polish officers, reportedly deported by the Soviets in 1940, in a mass grave near Smolensk, Russia.

Inner Circle

1943: Adolf Hitler named Martin Bormann his secretary.

Ohka

1945: Operation Kikusui No. 2 was launched off Okinawa, Japan, participated by about 125 Japanese Navy and 60 Japanese Army special attack and escorting aircraft. Destroyer USS Mannert L. Abele was sunk by a Japanese Ohka piloted bomb off Okinawa; she was the first to be struck by an Ohka bomb and was the only to be sunk by one.

Photo of the Day

German SdKfz. 223 armored radio car in Denmark, 12 Apr 1940

Bonus Photo

USS Tennessee burning shortly after being struck by a Japanese D3A special attack aircraft of Operation Kikusui No. 2, off Okinawa, Japan, 12 Apr 1945

As we close today's reflection on April 12 and its significance during World War II, we hope you've found a deeper appreciation for the complexities and the courage that characterized this day in history. These stories of valor and sacrifice remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the impacts of these events that ripple through time to our present day. Thank you for joining us on this historical journey. Until our next exploration, may we continue to learn from the past, carrying its lessons and legacies forward with reverence and thoughtfulness.

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