Today in the Second World War

Greetings, WWII aficionados! As we delve into the poignant narratives of July 8th, remember each piece of history serves not just as an account of past events, but a testament to human resilience and the profound repercussions of global conflict. Today's issue unravels tales from the Eastern Front, pays homage to the steadfastness of the Home Front, and explores the transformative role of technology during the war. Your ongoing engagement keeps these vital stories alive, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared past. Stay informed and inquisitive with us as we navigate the captivating complexities of WWII..

”The only words I spoke to the British commander in the negotiations for the surrender of Singapore were ‘All I want to hear from you is yes or no’. I expected to put the same question to MacArthur.” - General Yamashita - Manila – 10th October 1944

Battle Blazing

In the Kursk salient Walter Model's armour made three thrusts into the centre of the Soviet defences along the Central Front, the villages of Teploye, Olkhovatka and Ponyri in Russia. At Teploye, the main objective was Hill 272. Time and again the Germans assaulted it, after attacks by swarms of Stuka dive bombers which dropped 550-pound bombs on the anti-tank positions. But the Soviets were well dug in and camouflaged. They preferred to fight the Germans at close range, where their anti-tank rifles and dug in T-34 tanks took a devastating toll. The Germans took the hill three times, but the Soviets continued to recapture it.

Battle of the Atlantic

In the South Atlantic, the 10,324-ton Norwegian motor tanker B. P. Newton was struck at 0520 hours by one of three torpedoes launched from German submarine U-510 commanded by Oberleutnant zur See Alfred Eick. It hit the tanker on the port side aft and immediately ignited the cargo of 14,700 tons of aviation fuel; the explosion blew burning fuel over the decks and bridge, destroying all but a single lifeboat. Two men on watch below were killed before they were able to secure the engines and other crew that had jumped over the stern were killed by the burning fuel. The surviving crew were all at the forecastle save for the Master Einar Andersen and the second officer who remained on the bridge to see if they could perhaps save the ship; they were however, forced to go forward by the heat ad flames. They managed to get the remaining lifeboat launched and started to pick other crew up and then escape from the burning fuel. Twenty-four survived, some badly burned were picked up by escort vessels, but no attempt was made to save the ship as by then her plates were glowing red hot, still under way the B. P. Newton finally sank 150 miles northeast of Cayenne, French Guiana. The survivors were landed at Pernambuco, Brazil on 17 July 1943. The B. P. Newton was one of the Kvarstad ships held back in Gothenburg, Sweden and had participated in Operation Performance in April 1941.

Disastrous Raid

Wing Commander Bill Deas, Commanding Officer of No. 630 Squadron of the British Royal Air Force, was killed in a disastrous raid on a V-bomb storage dump at Saint-Leu-d'Esserent, France. His was one of 29 aircraft lost when the force was intercepted by German night fighters. He was on his 69th operation.

Midnight Massacre

In what was later nicknamed as "The Midnight Massacre", US Army prison guard Private Clarence V. Bertucci climbed to the top of a guard tower of the prisoners of war camp in Salina, Utah, United States and fired the mounted M1917 Browning machine gun on tents occupied by German prisoners. His 15 seconds of rampage, during which 250 rounds were fired, killed 6 and wounded 20 (3 of whom would later of their wounds). The victims were later buried with full military honors at Fort Douglas Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah, while Bertucci was admitted into a mental institution in the state of New York in eastern United States.

Photo of the Day

B-17G Fortress of the 15th Air Force flies with No. 4 engine feathered and right wing smoking on a mission to Zwölfaxing, Austria, July 8 1944.

As we close this July 8th chapter of our daily WWII journey, we are once more moved by the resilience, courage, and ingenuity that this epoch has shown. Whether your interest lies in the strategies of war, the steadfast home front, or the revolutionary technology, each narrative serves as a poignant reminder of our shared past and the lessons it offers. Thank you for accompanying us in keeping history alive and vibrant. We eagerly await tomorrow's exploration, fueled by your curiosity and our shared dedication to remembering, understanding, and learning.

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

Have a great weekend :)

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