Today in the Second World War

The 26th of September

Author

Hidden History
September 26, 2024

Welcome to the September 26 edition of our WWII newsletter. Today, we turn our attention to a series of events that marked a critical juncture in the global conflict. From battlefield maneuvers to diplomatic moves, September 26 witnessed key moments that influenced the course of the war and reshaped alliances. Join us as we explore the historical significance of this day, examining the courage, strategy, and determination that defined the fight for victory in World War II.

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”I will break into Leyte Gulf and fight to the last man…would it not be shameful to have the fleet remaining intact while our nation perishes?” -1944 - Vice Admiral Takeo Kurita

First Kill

1939: Three Skua aircraft of 803 Naval Air Squadron of HMS Ark Royal were collectively credited with the first confirmed British kill (a Do 18 flying boat) against Germany.

Skua

Redistribution

1942: The Nazi SS organization began to confiscate possessions of Auschwitz and Majdanek concentration camps prisoners. Currency, gold, and jewelry were sent to the SS Headquarters of the Economic Administration. Watches, clocks, and pens were sent to the troops on the front lines. Finally, clothing was distributed to German families in need.

Auschwitz

Silence

1944: German shore batteries, cut off behind Allied lines around Calais in France, bombarded Dover, England, United Kingdom, killing 49 people. The Royal Air Force retaliated with a series of bombing raids in which the gun sites were pounded into silence.

V-2 rocket at the Blizna launch site

Photo of the Day

Formations of German He 111 bombers flying over Britain, seen through the the gun camera of British Pilot Officer J. D. Bisdee's Spitfire fighter of No. 609 Squadron RAF, 26 Sep 1940

Bonus Photo

The launching of the USS Lexington (Essex-class) at the Bethlehem Steel Company shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts, United States, 26 Sep 1942. Note that the island structure is yet to be built.

As we conclude today’s edition, the events of September 26 remind us of the pivotal actions and decisions that helped shape the outcome of World War II. Each day brings us closer to understanding the complexity of the war and the enduring impact it had on the world. Thank you for being part of this journey through history. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to uncover the key moments of the war. Until then, let the stories of the past continue to inspire reflection and insight.

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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