Today in the Second World War

October 23rd stands as a beacon in the vast expanse of World War II, marked by pivotal battles, stories of individual valor, and the ever-shifting geopolitics of a world at war. As we navigate the depths of this day's chronicles, we're reminded of the intricate tapestry that weaves together the large-scale events with personal tales of grit and resilience. Join us as we journey through the annals of October 23rd, unraveling a day that played a significant role in shaping the course of history.

"Most of the men are stricken with dysentery...Starvation is taking many lives and it is weakening our already extended lines. We are doomed. " -Major-General Kensaku Oda (Referring to the state of Japanese troops on Guadalcanal)- 12th January 1943

No More Deutschland

1939: On being told by Admiral Erich Raeder that he lacked adequate support from both the civil administration and the other two military branches, Adolf Hitler sent a memorandum to the Air Force and Army Commanders-in-Chiefs as well as to the Ministers concerned. The memo made it clear that "All measures for attacking the merchant shipping and economic resources of Great Britain were to be directed through the O.K.W. (Oberkommando der Wehrmacht)." This gave Raeder the chance to press for a relaxation of the restrictions on sinking neutral vessels trading with England. Hitler however remained adamant that any incidents should be forbidden until he was ready to strike on land. He told the admiral that he was worried about the name of the heavy cruiser Deutschland. As soon as she arrived back her name was to be changed to Lützow. "Should she be sunk with her present name it would have serious repercussions back home." Hitler then ordered a meeting of Naval Staff in Berlin, Germany on 1 November 1939.

Spies

1941: Tatsuta Maru arrived at Honolulu, US Territory of Hawaii at 1000 hours and disembarked American nationals who wished to return to the US due to the rapidly deteriorating US-Japan relations. Two Japanese intelligence agents who carried instructions for the consulate and a supply of radios for civilian spies already in place on Oahu, Hawaii were also disembarked.

Murder on an Industrial Scale

1941: In Odessa, Ukraine, as reprisals to the previous day's bombing, 5,000 Jews were murdered by shooting, 19,000 Jews were murdered by burning, and 20,000 civilians (mostly Jews) were arrested.

The day before: An explosion at the Romanian Command Headquarters in Odessa, Ukraine killed 67, including Romanian General Glogojeanu and four German Navy officers. The explosion was caused by a time-delayed bomb left by Soviet Coastal Army personnel during the evacuation. Antonescu ordered 100 Jews and Communists would die for each enlisted man and 300 for each officer killed in this explosion.

Reality of War

1941: Four crew members of German submarine U-106, on watch on the deck, were swept overboard in the Bay of Biscay and were all lost.

Going Down Fighting

1943: A transport of prisoners from Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp arrived at Gas Chamber II of Auschwitz Concentration Camp. In the undressing room, one of the Jewish women seized SS man Josef Schillinger's pistol and shot Schillinger and another guard, Wilhelm Emmerich. Other prisoners joined in to attack other guards, but the SS eventually took control of the situation. Schillinger died on the way to the hospital; Emmerich survived the wound, but became permanently disabled.

Impressive Score

1944: USS Tang attacked an escorted Japanese convoy consisted of three tankers, one transport, and one freighter. She penetrated to the center of the convoy without being detected and fired nine torpedoes, eight of which found targets. All five ships were sunk, and Tang was able to escape unharmed.

Photo of the Day

Scharnhorst and U-47 at Kiel, Germany, 23 October 1939.

As we close today's chapter on October 23rd, we're reminded of the intricate dance between grand strategies and individual valor that defined World War II. The tales and events of this day underscore the importance of understanding our past to navigate the present. Your commitment to this historical journey enriches our collective memory. Until tomorrow, let the stories of October 23rd inspire reflection and appreciation for the sacrifices made.

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Have a great week :)

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