Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today's edition of the Hidden History newsletter, providing you with a concise and informative recap of historical events that took place during World War II. On this day, May 24, we delve into the significant events that shaped the course of the war and the world. From intense naval battles to strategic decisions, join us as we unravel the stories that unfolded on this memorable day in history. Step into the footsteps of heroes, witness the triumphs and sacrifices, and gain a deeper understanding of the events that continue to shape our world today. So, let's embark on this journey and explore the compelling stories that took place during World War II on May 24.

"Nice chap, no General." - General Bernard Law Montgomery on first impressions of American General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Poland Still Fighting

The Polish destroyer Burza was ordered to join the British destroyers HMS Vimiera (L 29) and HMS Wessex (D 43) and shell German positions in Calais area on the French coast. At 1620 hours the Allied vessels opened fire on a German armoured column at Sangatte Hill, west of Calais. Ten minutes later they were attacked by 27 German aircraft which hit and sank HMS Wessex about 5 miles off of the coast. HMS Vimiera managed to escape. Then the entire enemy air group concentrated on the Polish destroyer. The two 40-millimeter anti-aircraft guns jammed due to shrapnel hits. Three bombs exploded in the water and they caused boiler damage and loss of speed. The commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Wojciech Francki, ordered to emergency launch the torpedoes and drop all depth charges, trying to avoid additional explosions. Shortly after this, two bombs hit the Burza and badly damaged her. However the airplanes had dropped all of their bombs and broke off the attack. The crew managed to stop the leakage and return to Dover, England, United Kingdom. One German airplane was shot down during the action.

Conte Rosso

British Lieutenant Commander Malcolm Wanklyn of the submarine HMS Upholder won the Victoria Cross for sinking 18,017-ton Italian transport Conte Rosso 20 miles southeast of Syracuse, Sicily, Italy and surviving 37 depth charges in 20 minutes. Conte Rosso was one of the largest (maximum passenger capacity of 2,366) and most luxurious passenger ships built at the Dalmuir Shipyards in Scotland, United Kingdom; at her launch she stuck on the slips and it took two weeks before she was re-launched. She was converted into a troop ship in 1940. 1,291 perished as Conte Rosso sank. By the end of the year Wanklyn would sink 140,000 tons of enemy shipping; Wanklyn and Upholder would be lost off Tripoli, Libya in Apr 1942.

A Mighty Blow to the Mighty Hood

The British battlecruiser HMS Hood and the battleship HMS Prince of Wales encountered the German battleship Bismarck and the cruiser Prinz Eugen in the Denmark Strait.

At approximately 05:52 hours, the battle began at a distance of 24 kilometers (about 15 miles). The German battleship Bismarck fired a salvo of 15-inch shells, one of which struck Hood's thin deck armor at around 06:00. The shell penetrated into the ship's magazine, causing a catastrophic explosion that sank the Hood. The majority of the crew on board the Hood were killed in the incident.

After witnessing the loss of the Hood, the Prince of Wales continued to engage the German ships. However, by 06:04, the Prince of Wales had been hit several times and sustained significant damage. Consequently, the Prince of Wales broke off from the battle and retreated.

Bismarck, having suffered three hits during the engagement, decided to break off from the engagement as well and began sailing southward to seek repairs.

Later, at 23:50 hours, on May 26, 1941, eight British Swordfish torpedo bombers launched from the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious attacked the Bismarck. One of the torpedoes struck the Bismarck, causing damage to its rudder and steering gear. This hit played a crucial role in slowing down the Bismarck and allowed the British Royal Navy to close in on the damaged ship.

The Angel of Death

SS-Hauptsturmführer Dr. Josef Mengele, a German physician and notorious Nazi war criminal, arrived at Auschwitz concentration camp on May 24, 1943. Mengele's role at Auschwitz was primarily focused on selecting prisoners for extermination upon their arrival at the camp. He gained a reputation for his involvement in the selection process, where he personally decided who would be sent to forced labor or to the gas chambers.

While Mengele did conduct various experiments on prisoners, particularly on twins, his main role at Auschwitz was that of a camp physician and officer responsible for the selection process. Mengele's experiments involved subjecting prisoners to inhumane and often lethal medical procedures in the name of pseudoscientific research.

These experiments included genetic research, forced sterilizations, surgeries without anesthesia, the injection of chemicals into prisoners' eyes, and various other forms of torture and cruelty. Mengele's actions at Auschwitz were driven by his adherence to Nazi ideology and his pursuit of the so-called "Aryan master race."

It is important to note that the experiments conducted by Mengele and other SS physicians were not only ethically abhorrent but also grossly violated medical and human rights standards. The suffering and loss of life caused by Mengele's actions are a tragic reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

The End of the Luftwaffe

At Salzburg, Austria, Field Marshal Robert Ritter von Greim, head of the Luftwaffe, committed suicide in American captivity. Having learnt that he was to be a part of a Soviet-American prisoner exchange and, fearing torture and execution at the hands of the Russians, he took cyanide. His final words were: "I am the head of the Luftwaffe, but have no Luftwaffe."

Photo of the Day

Germany’s Minister of Production Albert Speer, Großadmiral (and later President) Karl Dönitz, and Generaloberst Alfred Jodl, speak to British war correspondents the day after their arrest in Flensburg, Germany, 24 May 1945.

Thank you for joining us for today's Hidden History Newsletter, where we highlighted the significant events that occurred on May 24. From naval battles to strategic decisions, we explored the stories that shaped the course of World War II. Join us again tomorrow for more captivating insights into this historic period. Stay informed and connected to the remarkable events of World War II.

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