Today in the Second World War

Welcome to our December 17 edition of World War II Daily, where each story is a thread in the vast tapestry of history from this global conflict. Today, we dive into the events that unfolded on this day across various war fronts, blending detailed historical analysis with poignant personal accounts. Our mission is to bring to life the strategies, challenges, and human experiences that defined December 17 during the war years, providing a comprehensive and empathetic understanding of the past. Join us in this reflective journey, as we uncover the enduring impact and lessons of World War II.

"The battlefront disappeared, and with it the illusion that there had ever been a battlefront. For this was no war of occupation, but a war of quick penetration and obliteration - Blitzkrieg, Lightning War." - TIME Magazine Writer

John Rabe

1937: At the Sancha Fangsheng Temple and the nearby orphanage in Nanjing, China, Japanese troops massacred 400 to 500 civilians. At a dock on the Yangtze River, Japanese troops massacred over 3,000 prisoners of war, civilian workers of the power plant, and other civilians. German businessman John Rabe, who was in the Chinese capital of Nanjing, noted the diary entry on this date "In one of the houses in the narrow street behind my garden wall, a woman was raped, and then wounded in the neck with a bayonet. I managed to get an ambulance so we can take her to Kulou Hospital.... You hear nothing but rape. If husbands or brothers intervene, they're shot. What you hear and see on all sides is the brutality and bestiality of the Japanese soldiers."

Photo of the Day

Admiral Graf Spee burning at River Plate, 17 Dec 1939

As we wrap up today's edition of World War II Daily for December 17, we hope that the stories and insights shared have deepened your understanding of this significant period in history. Each day of the war brought its own set of challenges and triumphs, and it's through these detailed explorations that we keep the memory and lessons of the past alive. Thank you for joining us in today's commemorative journey. We look forward to sharing more fascinating stories and historical perspectives with you in our next edition. Until then, let's continue to honor the past, learn from it, and use these lessons to shape a more informed and compassionate future.

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Have a great weekend :)

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