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Welcome to the January 23 edition of our World War II Daily newsletter. Today, we delve into the critical military operations, diplomatic developments, and inspiring personal stories that marked this date throughout the years of the war. Our narrative today spans the strategic decisions that shaped key conflicts, the political dynamics at play in the war's direction, and the resilience of individuals facing the trials of wartime. We aim to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview, blending historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, to offer a nuanced view of January 23's role in the broader context of World War II. Join us as we explore these pivotal moments, shedding light on the courage, struggles, and determination that define this day in the history of the war.
“How horrible, how fantastic, how incredible it is that we should be digging trenches and trying on gas masks here because of a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing.”- British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain
Dominos
1942: American oiler USS Neches was torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I-72 70 miles southwest of the Hawaiian Islands at 0319 hours, killing 57. Without this source of fuel, USS Lexington and her task force cancelled the Wake Island raid.
USS Neches
Hitler’s Soft Underbelly
1943: General Dwight D. Eisenhower was tasked with planning the invasion of Sicily, Italy with the target date set as the period of the favourable Jul 1943 moon. General Harold Alexander, Eisenhower's deputy, would be in overall command of all Allied land forces during the operation.
Allied leaders in the Sicilian campaign. General Dwight D. Eisenhower meets in North Africa with (foreground, left to right): Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, General Sir Harold Alexander, Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, and (top row): Mr. Harold Macmillan, Major General Walter Bedell Smith, and unidentified British officers.
Great Aim
1945: USS Barb attacked a Japanese convoy near Nanguan Island ("Namkwan harbor"), Zhejiang Province, China at 0405 hours, firing eight torpedoes and recording eight hits. At 1130 hours, Commander Eugene Fluckey sent Sino-American Special Technical Cooperative Organization (SACO) chief Commander Milton Miles a radio message, thanking him for the intelligence about the attack location. In Jun 1991, Fluckey was able to visit the fishing village of Huang Qi where several eyewitnesses of the attack still lived; the Chinese recalled seeing 4 Japanese ships sinking and 3 heavily damaged.
Commander Fluckey
Photo of the Day
Captured Italian M13/40 and M11/39 tanks pressed into Australian service, North Africa, 23 Jan 1941
As we conclude today's edition of our World War II Daily newsletter for January 23, we thank you for your dedication to exploring and understanding this pivotal period in history with us. Our journey through the events and personal stories of this day during the war years has been aimed at providing a comprehensive view of the strategic, political, and human aspects of these times. We hope that our insights have enriched your understanding and appreciation of this crucial era. Stay with us as we continue to navigate the intricate narrative of World War II, bringing more fascinating stories and valuable lessons to light. Until our next issue, let's keep the lessons of history in mind, allowing them to inspire and guide us in the present and future.
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Have a great week :)
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