Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today’s edition, focused on December 7, a date of profound significance in World War II history. This day is remembered for its pivotal events that altered the course of the war and had far-reaching global consequences. Our exploration today goes beyond the immediate events, delving into the underlying strategies, personal sacrifices, and the broader historical implications. Join us as we revisit the key moments of December 7, offering a comprehensive understanding of their impact and the enduring lessons they provide, helping to bridge our past with the present.

"The battle of Kursk... the forcing of the Dnieper... and the liberation of Kiev, left Hitlerite Germany facing catastrophe." - General Vasili I. Chuikov - Commander of the 8th Guards Army - (Speaking after the war)

America at War

1941: Operation Z: 360 Japanese carrier aircraft (104 bombers, 135 dive bombers, 40 torpedo bombers, and 81 fighters) attacked Pearl Harbor, US Territory of Hawaii, sinking or damaging 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers, 1 anti-aircraft training ship, 1 minelayer; destroying 188 aircraft; and killing 2,459 (57 of which were civilian) and wounding 1,282 (35 of which were civilian). The Japanese lost only 29 aircraft and 5 midget submarines; 55 were killed and 10 were wounded.

Two strike waves were launched against Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Akagi's torpedo planes were instrumental in sinking the battleships USS Oklahoma and West Virginia. Vice Admiral Nagumo ordered a withdrawal following recovery of the second attack wave.

During the raid on Pearl Harbor in the US Territory of Hawaii, USS Helena was damaged when an aerial torpedo passed underneath the ship and exploded against the hull of USS Oglala moored alongside.

Five Japanese Type A Ko-hyoteki-class midget submarines are launched south of Oahu, Hawaii from mother submarines I-16, I-18, I-20, I-22, and I-24 as part of the overall Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. All five were lost.

Destroyer USS Helm patrolling off Honolulu harbor was straddled by two 100-pound bombs dropped from an Aichi D3A1 'Val' bomber that caused minor structural damage.

USS Honolulu was at the repair piers in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii when the Japanese attack began. One 500-pound bomb went through the concrete dock beside Honolulu and exploded under the water caving in a section of Honolulu’s hull.

USS Arizona received two bomb hits during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, US Territory of Hawaii. The second bomb hit led to the detonation of her forward ammunition magazine, which led to her sinking. 1,177 were killed, including Battleship Division 1 commanding officer Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd and her commanding officer Captain Franklin Van Valkenburgh.

Isaac Kidd became the first US Navy flag officer to be killed in action during WW2.

Mitsuo Fuchida led the Pearl Harbor attack, remaining over the target area throughout both waves of attacks to observe the degree of damage done to the American fleet.

The commanding officer of the US Marine Corps 7th Defense Battalion at American Samoa ordered his troops to man their positions as he was informed of the attacks on American positions across the Pacific Ocean. He also called the Samoan Marine Reserve Battalion to active duty.

Winston Churchill had lunch with Duchess of Marlborough Alexandra Mary Cadogan and her son Marquess of Blandford John Spencer-Churchill. He had dinner with US Ambassador John Gilbert Winant and W. Averell Harriman; after dinner, they learned of the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor in the US Territory of Hawaii. He would later write that he "slept the sleep of the saved and thankful", relieved that the United States was finally in the war, and Britain was no longer alone.

Franklin Roosevelt met with Chinese ambassador Hu Shih at the White House in Washington DC, United States, had lunch with Harry Hopkins, and at 1347 hours he was interrupted by a telephone call from Frank Knox, informing him of the Pearl Harbor attack. At 2030 hours, Roosevelt gave a briefing to a small group of Congressmen.

Payback

1942: American forces at Guadalcanal marked the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor by shelling Japanese positions from dawn to dusk in what they term a "Hate Shoot".

Photo of the Day

Sailors in a motor launch rescued a survivor from the water alongside the sunken West Virginia during or shortly after the Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, 7 Dec 1941

As we conclude today's edition, we thank you for joining us on this solemn journey through December 7 in the context of World War II. This day, marked by pivotal events, not only changed the course of the war but also left an indelible mark on world history. Through our exploration, we have sought to understand the broader implications of these events and the countless stories of courage and resilience. We hope that this reflection has provided a deeper appreciation of the complexities of this era and its ongoing impact on our world. As we part ways, let us carry with us the lessons of history, remembering the significance of this day in shaping our collective past and present. Join us again as we continue to explore and honor the profound narratives of World War II.

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Have a great week :)

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