Today in the Second World War

Greetings to our devoted readers! As we mark August 12th, we journey back to the pivotal moments of World War II that transpired on this very date. Dive into today's edition to uncover tales of valor, strategic maneuvers, and the intricate tapestry of human experiences that shaped this day in the 1940s. Let history come alive with every word.

"Hell is on us." - Mamoru Shigemitsu - Japanese Foreign Minister's comments at the capture of Saipan - June 1944

War Looming

Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano met with German leader Adolf Hitler and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop. During the meeting, upon hearing Hitler's hypothesis that Britain and France could not go into a war for Poland, Ciano expressed doubts and that it was his belief that Europe would be engulf in a general war should German and Poland become entangled in a war. As he realized Hitler was set on going to war with Poland, Ciano expressed Italian unpreparedness for conflict. Ribbentrop responded by saying Germany did not need Italy's military assistance. Ciano, skeptical, noted that time would tell whether that was true.

Trouble in Mediterranean

At 1200 hours, British carrier HMS Indomitable of Allied Pedestal convoy was hit by two 500-pound bombs, rendering the flight deck unusable. 10 miles off Bizerte, Tunisia, British destroyers HMS Ithuriel and HMS Pathfinder, escorting the convoy, forced Italian submarine Cobalto to the surface with depth charges, and Ithuriel proceeded to ram and sink Colbalto (2 Italians and 2 British were killed; 41 Italians captured). At 2000 hours, Italian submarine Axum attacked the convoy, sinking British cruiser HMS Cairo (24 were killed, 320 survived), damaging cruiser HMS Nigeria (52 were killed), and damaging tanker Ohio. At 1845 hours, Italian SM.79 torpedo bombers heavily damaged F-class destroyer HMS Foresight, breaking her back and knocking out her steering (1 officer and 3 ratings were killed). During the night, the Pedestal convoy rounded Cape Bon in confusion; as the Italians continued to attack, three merchant ships were sunk and merchant ship Brisbane Star was heavily damaged. Earlier in the day, 6 Italian cruisers and 17 destroyers set sail from Messina, Sicily, Italy to intercept the convoy.

Tragic Accident

During a raid on Turin, Italy, Flight Sergeant Arthur Aaron's Stirling bomber was accidentally machine gunned by another 218 Squadron aircraft. Although badly wounded, with half of his face shot away rendering him unable to speak, Aaron instructed his crew on how to fly the badly damaged aircraft by writing notes. Taking control he eventually made a successful forced landing in Tunisia. His crew survived but Aaron would die shortly after from his wounds. Aaron was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his selfless actions.

Pressing Home the Attack

South African bomber pilot Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg attacked the German submarine U-468 in the South Atlantic off Senegal. On the first pass the submarine's anti-aircraft weapons seriously damaged the bomber. Instead of attempting a water landing, Trigg conducted a second attack run. As the bomber released depth charges, the Liberator aircraft was hit again and crashed into the sea 300 yards from the stricken submarine which also went down. Trigg and his entire crew all perished and only seven German sailors were rescued. Based on German survivor accounts, a report would later be filed detailing the gallant pilot's courage which led to the award of a posthumous Victoria Cross.

More Accidents in the Sky

Lieutenant Joseph Kennedy, Jr., the older brother of future US President John F. Kennedy, was killed in a flying accident involving an Operation Aphrodite aircraft over East Suffolk, England, United Kingdom. His flight engineer, Lieutenant Wilford John Willy, was also killed.

Photo of the Day

British Beaufighters of RAF 236 Squadron and RCAF 404 Squadron making a rocket attack on the heavily armed German mine detector ship Sauerland off La Pallice France, 12 Aug 1944.

As we conclude today's journey through August 12th in World War II, let us be reminded of the lessons and legacies that echo through time. Our shared history is a testament to human resilience and sacrifice. Thank you for joining us today. Until tomorrow, keep the spirit of remembrance alive.

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Have a great weekend :)

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