Today in the Second World War

As November 25 dawns, we once again delve into the significant events of World War II that occurred on this day. Our focus is not only on the large-scale battles and political maneuvers but also on the personal stories of bravery, struggle, and resilience that paint a fuller picture of the war. Today's edition seeks to connect these historical moments with the present, offering insights into how they shaped the world we live in today.

"We shall solve this problem, and afterwards Warsaw as the Capital and the pool of intelligentsia of that nation will be destroyed." - Heinrich Himmler - August 1944

War Looming

1941: Henry Stimson noted in his diary that, during a cabinet meeting, Franklin Roosevelt thought Japan was likely to attack the United States in as soon as one week, and it would provide Roosevelt the reason to take the United States into the war.

Common Brutality

1943: Father Joseph Lamarre witnessed two Australian and ten American captives, blindfolded and bounded at the wrists, being loaded onto trucks. While the Japanese said that they were being transported to Japan, Lamarre noted that the trucks did not stop by the wharves. Instead, they were taken to a field of volcanic ash near Tavurvur for their execution. US Lieutenant Marcus Mangett, Jr. and US Staff Sergeant Kenneth Vetter, who were wounded and could not stand, were executed by rifle fire. The remaining ten prisoners of war were executed by beheading at the hands of newly arrived junior officers as a test of their courage; the ten victims included Australian Warrant Officer John Bailey, Australian Flight Officer Charles Vincent, US Lieutenant John Rippy, US Lieutenant Philip Bek, US First Lieutenant Ernest Naumann, US Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Harlan Burrus, US Lieutenant Leslie Neuman, US Staff Sergeant Ernest Burnside, US Corporal John Mulligan, and US Private Robert George.

Photo of the Day

A lance corporal of the British Army East Surrey Regiment posed with a Thompson sub-machinegun, Chatham in Kent, England, United Kingdom, 25 Nov 1940.

As we conclude today's edition, we express our gratitude for your journey with us through the events of November 25 in World War II. Our exploration today has delved into the depths of history, uncovering both the monumental and the personal facets of this global conflict. We hope that these insights have deepened your understanding and appreciation of the complexities of the past. May the stories and lessons from this pivotal era continue to resonate with you and inform your perspective on the world. Until we meet again in our next edition, keep the flame of historical curiosity and remembrance alive.

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

Have a great weekend :)

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