Today in the Second World War

The 15th of August

Author

Hidden History
August 15, 2024

August 15th is a significant date in the annals of World War II, marking the end of hostilities in some theaters and the beginning of a complex post-war era. In this edition, we delve into the final days of the war, the emotions of victory, and the profound sense of loss that accompanied the end of such a devastating conflict. We’ll explore the events that led to the war’s conclusion, the aftermath for those who survived, and the enduring impact on the world stage. Join us as we reflect on this pivotal day in history, honoring the memories and sacrifices of all who were affected.

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“In 1933, a French premier ought to have said – and if I had been the French premier I would have said it: The new Reich chancellor is the man who wrote Mein Kampf, which says this and that. This man cannot be tolerated in our vicinity. Either he disappears or we march! But they didn’t do it.” - Joseph Goebbels

Black Thursday

1940: As the weather over Britain cleared up, the German Luftwaffe launched a major strike, with aircraft from Norway and Denmark joining their counterparts based in France. A formation of 1,100 German aircraft crossed the Dover Strait before diverging to different targets, damaging aircraft, runways, hangars, and radar stations. At 1850 hours, German Bf 110 fighter-bombers bombed Croydon airfield south of London, England, United Kingdom by mistake, meeting stiff resistance; one of the shot down Bf 110 aircraft crashed into a London suburb, killing 60 and wounding 120. At the end of the day, 161 aircraft, mostly bombers, were lost, leading to the nicknaming of this day Black Thursday. The RAF lost 34 fighters and 18 pilots.

Black Thursday

Retake

1943: Supported by a massive bombardment from three battleships, cruisers and destroyers and under a protective umbrella of 170 aircraft, 35,000 American and Canadian troops stormed ashore on Kiska Island in the Aleutian Islands only to discover that the Japanese had fled nearly three weeks earlier.

Part of the huge U.S. fleet at anchor, ready to move against Kiska

Photo of the Day

Captured German Ju 88 aircraft on display in Sverdlov Square, Moscow, Russia, 15 Aug 1941

Bonus Photo

Men of US 2nd Marine Division wading through shallow water, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Aug 1942

As we conclude this edition on August 15th, we reflect on the bittersweet reality of victory and the deep scars left by war. The stories we've shared today highlight the complex emotions of a world emerging from the shadows of conflict—where joy was tempered by grief, and peace was accompanied by the heavy burden of rebuilding. As we continue to explore these historical moments, let us honor the resilience of those who lived through them and remember the lessons they left behind. Thank you for joining us in this journey of remembrance and reflection. Until our next edition, may we continue to learn from the past as we navigate the future.

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Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Ghost That Died at Sunda Strait by W. G. Winslow

Recounting the last stand of the heavy cruiser Houston, this tale of survival brings to life the 1942 battle at Sunda Strait.

Lost at Guadalcanal: The Final Battles of the Astoria and Chicago as Described by Survivors and in Official Reports by John J. Domagalski

The dramatic account of two American warships in the South Pacific, this book follows the USS Astoria (CA–34) and USS Chicago (CA–29) during the late summer of 1942, when both participated in the early days of the critical battle for Guadalcanal. Drawing on a variety of firsthand accounts, some previously unpublished, the book tells the story from the perspective of the men aboard each ship, transporting readers inside the gun turrets, behind the lookout binoculars, and below deck as the battle rages. Individual stories of heroism, sacrifice and survival unfold as both vessels meet their fates in the South Pacific.

The Sinking of the Bismarck: The History of the Battle that Destroyed Nazi Germany’s Most Famous Battleship by Charles River Editors 

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