Today in the Second World War

The 26th of September

Hidden History
September 26, 2023

Welcome, esteemed readers, to the September 26th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. Today, we traverse the annals of a day marked by heroism, strategic shifts, and moments that shaped the wartime narrative. Together, let's unearth the tales that made this date significant, bridging the chasm between past events and our present reflections. Dive into history with us.

"I should like to pay the highest tribute for the most gallant fight put up against impossible odds" - Admiral Tovey - (After the sinking of the Bismarck) - 27th May 1941

No War?

1938: Adolf Hitler spoke at the Berlin Sportpalast in Germany, claiming that whether Europe was to go into war or remain in peace, it was now up to Czechoslovakian President Edvard Beneš. He also announced that Sudetenland was to be Germany's last territorial demand in Europe. In the United States, President Franklin Roosevelt sent Hitler a message in an attempt to maintain peace. Also on this day, French General Maurice Gamelin told Britain that France possess enough strength to overwhelm German defenses should France go to war over German threats on Czechoslovakia.

Adolf Hitler speaking at the Berlin Sportpalast.

Confiscation

1942: The Nazi SS organization began to confiscate possessions of Auschwitz and Majdanek concentration camps prisoners. Currency, gold, and jewelry were sent to the SS Headquarters of the Economic Administration. Watches, clocks, and pens were sent to the troops on the front lines. Finally, clothing was distributed to German families in need.

Shoes confiscated at Auschwitz.

Completely Drained

1942: Hans-Joachim Marseille shot down one Hurricane fighter and three Spitfire fighters near El Daba, Egypt between 0910 and 0916 hours. In his second sortie of the day, escorting Stuka dive bombers to El Hammam, Egypt, he shot down four enemy fighters between 1656 and 1710 hours. His score stood at 158 kills by the end of the day. When he returned to base, he was observed to be extremely exhausted, and his hands trembled uncontrollably. His superior Eduard Neumann grounded him for some days to give him a chance to rest.

Hans-Joachim Marseille standing next to one of his aerial victories, a Hurricane Mk IIB, possibly of No. 213 Squadron RAF.

Retaliation

1944: German shore batteries, cut off behind Allied lines around Calais in France, bombarded Dover, England, United Kingdom, killing 49 people. The Royal Air Force retaliated with a series of bombing raids in which the gun sites were pounded into silence.

A 380 mm gun of Batterie Todt.

Unlucky

1945: British Major General Douglas Gracey, after facing several challenges from US OSS chief A. Peter Dewey, ordered Dewey to be dispelled from French Indochina. En route to the airport, Dewey, probably mistaken as a French official, was killed by the Viet Minh. Ho Chi Minh immediately wrote US President Harry Truman that the Viet Minh leadership disapproved this killing and the Viet Minh valued friendship with the Americans.

A. Peter Dewey

Photo of the Day

The launching of the USS Lexington (Essex-class) at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, United States, 26 September 1942. Note that the island structure is yet to be built.

As the curtain falls on our exploration of September 26th's moments from World War II, let's carry forth the stories and sacrifices that have resonated with us today. The echoes from the past not only teach but inspire, urging us to value peace and unity. Your engagement and thirst for knowledge make these historical voyages even more rewarding. Until we reconvene to uncover another day's tale, cherish the lessons learned and remain ever-curious. Take care, and we'll meet again in tomorrow's edition.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand (World War II Collection): Biggio, Andrew

Tales of American combat and comradery in World War II all connected to the iconic rifle of the era, the M1 Garand. An award-winning author puts one such rifle into the hands of a series of vets, records their stories, and gathers their signatures on the rifle, in a pilgrimage and homage to heroism.

The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield by Andrew Biggio

In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle, Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II.

Over The Top: Veterans of the First World War by David Polk

With the stroke of a pen, the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918 promised a World of peace and cooperation. Popularly called "the war to end all wars," the Great War was intended to prevent incidents like the one at Sarajevo in 1914. In general, peace and harmony did continue, at least until Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.This book is written as a tribute to the legacy of the veterans of the Great War. Within these pages are contained eye-witness accounts of these fearless fighters.

Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS by Andrew Dubbins

With echoes of Unbroken; the derring-do and bravado of The Right Stuff; and the battle-forged camaraderie of Band of Brothers, this is the World War II story of 95-year-old veteran George Morgan and the Underwater Demolition Teams. Forerunners of the Navy SEALs, the elite unit was given nearly impossible pre-invasion missions from D-Day to the most crucial landings in the Pacific Theater.

The War of Words: How America's GI Journalists Battled Censorship and Propaganda to Help Win World War II by Molly Guptill Manning

From New York Times bestselling author Molly Guptill Manning comes The War of Words, the captivating story of how American troops in World War II wielded pens to tell their own stories as they made history.

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