Today in the Second World War

The 31st of July

Author

Hidden History
July 31, 2024

Welcome to our July 31 edition, where we delve into the pivotal moments and compelling stories of World War II. In this issue, we explore the bravery, strategic decisions, and personal sacrifices that defined this monumental period. Our goal is to illuminate these historical events, providing you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the past. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and remembrance, and for your commitment to preserving these important narratives.

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“Which would your men rather be, tired, or dead?” – extorting an Officer during the building of Hitler’s ‘Atlantic Wall’. - General Erwin Rommel

Silent Service

1944: USS Parche attacked a Japanese convoy off Taiwan and sank cargo ship Manko Maru and tanker Koei Maru; she also shared the credit with USS Steelhead for sinking another transport. She expended 19 torpedoes during this attack. Parche's commanding officer, Commander Lawson Ramage would later be awarded the Medal of Honor for this attack while the crew received the Presidental Unit Citation.

USS Parche (SS 384) entering Mare Island on 17 October 1946 after Operation Crossroad.

Operation Struggle

1945: Operation Struggle: British midget submarine XE3, crewed by Lieutenant Ian Fraser, Acting Leading Seaman James Magennis, Sub-Lieutenant William James Lanyon Smith, (of New Zealand), and Engine Room Artificer Third Class Charles Alfred Reed, attacked Japanese shipping at Singapore, sinking heavy cruiser Takao. Fraser and Magennis would later be awarded the Victoria Cross for this sinking, while Smith would receive the Distinguished Service Order and Reed the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.

Operation Struggle

Photo of the Day

Spanish General Agustín Muñoz Grandes being inducted into German Army service, Grafenwöhr, Germany, 31 Jul 1941

Bonus Photo

US Marines checking out a disabled Japanese tank, Tinian, Mariana Islands, Jul or Aug 1944

As we conclude our July 31 edition, we hope the stories and insights shared have deepened your appreciation for the remarkable events and individuals of World War II. Your continued support and interest are essential in keeping these memories alive. Thank you for joining us in honoring and remembering the past. We look forward to bringing you more compelling narratives in our future issues. Until then, let's reflect on the lessons of history and celebrate the resilience and bravery of those who shaped our world.

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

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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