Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the June 9 edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. As we journey through the intricate timeline of the Second World War, today we delve into the pivotal happenings of this date. From the windswept Eastern Front to clandestine Allied operations, we continue our exploration of this monumental conflict. So, buckle up for a day of deep history, honoring the bravery and resilience that marked every facet of this world-changing era.

“There is nothing preventing the enemy reaching Paris. We were fighting on our last line and it has been breached. I am helpless, I cannot intervene.” - French General Maxime Weygand

Norway on the Brink

The Norwegian 6th Division, essentially the last Norwegian unit still actively fighting the German invasion, surrendered to the Germans. An armistice was to take effect at midnight.

Clever Deception

The Italian passenger-cargo ship SS Umbria with a secret cargo of 6,000 tons of bombs, 600 cases of detonators, 100 tons of various weapons, more than 2,000 tons of cement, and three Fiat 1100 cars aboard, was stopped by British warships HMS Grimsby and HMS Leander in the Red Sea. The captain of the Umbria, Muiesan Lorenzo, was unaware that war had been declared between the Allies and Italy until the ship had been stopped. The British ordered the ship to anchor off Silayet Reef outside of Port Sudan, Sudan. The captain then set scuttling charges without the British guards knowing and then asked if he could run an emergency training session for his crew to launch lifeboats. The British guard agreed, once the crews were clear explosions were heard and the Umbria started to sink, attempts were made to stop the ship taking on water but to no avail and the guards had to radio for help.

Open Road to Paris

The German 7th Panzer Division under Rommel pushed the French 10th Army and British 51st Highland Division to the sea at St-Valery-en-Caux, France. To the east, the 14th Panzer Corps under Kleist advanced near Amiens, but his 16th Panzer Corp remained held down at Péronne. Further east, Guderian's tanks attacked toward Reims. French General Weygand announced that the battle was lost and France should attempt to negotiate an armistice. Meanwhile, the French government evacuated Paris, France.

Soviets Rampant

Soviet enlisted men were allowed to carry home from Germany whatever they could fit on their persons, the officers on bicycles or motorcycles, and the generals on automobiles.

Photo of the Day

Truck moving across the Caen Canal at Pegasus Bridge, Bénouville, France, 9 June 1944; note grounded Horsa glider in background.

As we conclude this edition of our journey through World War II on June 9, I hope these stories have enriched your understanding of this monumental era. Your engagement and curiosity continue to fuel our commitment to preserving these lessons from the past. Let's carry these insights forward to build a more informed and peaceful future. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to explore this period in history, one day at a time.

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

Have a great weekend :)

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