Today in the Second World War

As we delve into the heart of the summer, welcome to your July 3rd edition of the Hidden History Newsletter from the World War II Frontlines. On this day, nearly a century ago, our world was amidst an epoch-defining conflict. As we explore the significant events, unassuming heroes, and the indelible impacts of this day in the annals of the Second World War, we hope to foster understanding, remembrance, and a commitment to ensure such global discord remains firmly in our past.

"The heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy have greatly affected his morale and will prove to be a turning point in the battle of the Atlantic." - Admiral Sir Max Horton

Friendly Fire?

Battle of Mers-el-Kébir: At 0545 hours, Vice Admiral James Somerville and his British Royal Navy Force H arrived off of Mers-el-Kébir, Algeria where a power fleet under French Admiral Marcel Gensoul resided. At 1756 hours, after Gensoul refused to surrender, the British fleet opened fire for 10 minutes. The magazine of French battleship Bretagne was hit, sinking her, taking down 977 French sailors. Battleship Provence, battleship Dunkerque, and destroyer Mogador were damaged. In total, 1,297 French sailors were killed and 350 were wounded. After the battle, French battleship Strasbourg, carrier Commandant Teste, and four destroyers were able to escape from Mers-el-Kébir.

Upon hearing the news of British attacks on French warships, six French cruisers and 4 destroyers left various ports in Algiers for Toulon, France. They were attacked by British Swordfish carrier aircraft from HMS Ark Royal en route, but they would arrive at Toulon on 4 July 1940.

No Food For the Enemy

In his first public speech of the new war, Stalin ordered a scorched earth policy to be put into effect as German troops were pushed back; meanwhile, the Bialystok pocket in Poland was eliminated by German troops, taking 300,000 prisoners.

Beached

German pocket battleship Lützow, pocket battleship Admiral Scheer, and six destroyers departed from Narvik, Norway to intercept Allied convoy PQ-17 in the Barents Sea; en route, Lützow and three destroyers ran aground. The group was detected by the British and the Soviets, leading to the dispatching of 9 British and 7 Soviet submarines to intercept the German fleet; en route, Soviet submarines D-3 and M-176 hit German naval mines and sank.

Photo of the Day

French destroyer Mogador burning after being damaged at the Battle of Mers-el-Kébir, French Algeria, 3 July 1940.

As we close our July 3rd edition of the Hidden History Newsletter from the World War II Frontlines, we thank you for accompanying us on this journey. By remembering these events, we aim to honor the spirit of resilience from that era and inspire a fervent appreciation for peace in our current times. We look forward to delving deeper into history with you in tomorrow's dispatch, remembering that the lessons of the past help us shape a better future.

If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Have a great week :)

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