Today in the Second World War

The 4th of October

On this day, October 4th, we are once again pulled into the intricate mosaic of World War II, where each event—whether loudly heralded or quietly impactful—contributes to our understanding of this colossal conflict. Join us today as we delve deep into the myriad stories of October 4th, uncovering the significance and resonance of each moment during this unparalleled era. Let the exploration begin.

"Oh merciful lord… crown our effort with victory… and give us faith in the inevitable power of light over darkness, of justice over evil and brutal force… Of the cross of Christ over the Fascist swastika… so be it, amen." - Sergei - Archbishop of Moscow - 27th November 1941

Battle of Cable Street

1936: In Britain, Sir Oswald Ernald, 6th Baronet, Mosley, led around 2,000 BUF members in uniform in a march through the East End (an area of London known to have a high proportion of Jewish residents and much poverty) in an attempt designed to intimidate local Jews and rally fascist sympathisers. This was a fatal mistake, for waiting for him in Cable Street were around 100,000 counter-demonstrators who had overturned a lorry and piled up bricks as a barricade. The police seeing what was about to happen ordered Moseley and his men to turn away. They did. The police then turned on the anti-fascist demonstrators and in the ensuing fracas more than a hundred people were injured and eighty arrested. This confrontation was just as disastrous to the BUF as the Olympia rally had been. Moderates deserted in droves.

Battle of Cable Street

A New Reich

1937: Hitler issued a comprehensive law for "the reconstruction of German cities", with priority being given to the rebuilding of Berlin.

A model of Adolf Hitler's plan for Berlin formulated under the direction of Albert Speer, looking north toward the People's Hall at the top of the frame.

Danger off American Shores

1942: Just after dawn off Coos Bay, Oregon, Japanese submarine I-25 was running on the surface recharging her batteries when lookouts spotted the 6,700-ton Shell Oil tanker SS Camden dead in the water. Camden was on her way from San Pedro, California to Portland, Oregon with 76,000 barrels of oil and gasoline but had stopped to make some repairs to her engine. I-25 submerged and lined up for a torpedo attack. Two torpedoes were fired, the first missed but the second struck Camden’s bow igniting her forward fuel tank. One man jumped overboard and was lost, Camden’s only casualty in the attack. Camden’s crew abandoned ship and the tanker settled by the bow. I-25 withdrew but Camden remained afloat. Camden’s crew was rescued later in the day by a passing ship. Down-by-the-bow Camden was taken under tow but as she was approaching Seattle, Washington four days later, fire broke out once again and the ship sank.

I-25.

Happy Hunting

1943: A TBF Avenger patrol aircraft with Composite Squadron VC-9 from Hunter-Killer escort carrier USS Card discovered German submarines U-264, U-422, and U-455 refueling from “Milchkau” U-460 on the surface of the Atlantic 440 miles north of the Azores. Attacking with aerial depth charges and one Mark 24 FIDO acoustic homing torpedo, U-422 was sunk immediately while the other three submarines submerged. As more aircraft and escort ships arrived in the area, a hunt for the other submarines ensued resulting in U-460 being sunk by aerial depth charges about seven miles away. U-264 and U-455 got away but U-264 was damaged. By breaking up this gathering of submarines, Convoy UGS-19 and its 102 merchant ships was able to safely pass through this area and complete its crossing from the United States to North Africa.

Air attacks on U-264, U-422, U-455, U-460 on October 4, 1943.

Photo of the Day

Hitler touring Graslitz, Sudetenland, Germany (occupied Czechoslovakia), 4 October 1938.

With the tales of October 4th now etched in our minds, we come to the close of another day's retrospective on World War II. The narratives we've delved into today underscore the intricate interplay of decisions, actions, and fates that shaped the conflict. As you go about your day, let these stories serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience and complexity of the human spirit. We await your return tomorrow, eager to explore more chapters from history together. Until then, cherish the lessons of the past and hold fast to the hope they inspire for the future. Safe journeys, dear reader.

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

Have a great week :)

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