Today in the Second World War

The 6th of June

Hidden History
June 06, 2023

As we commemorate the 79th anniversary of D-Day, this June 6th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter brings to the forefront the valor and sacrifices that marked this pivotal moment in history. Journey with us back to the beaches of Normandy in 1944, as we shed light on the remarkable stories of courage, strategic decision-making, and their enduring impact on the theater of war. Let us remember and honor the past, with a steadfast commitment to understand its wisdom for our future. Stay tuned for a poignant exploration of a day that forever shaped our world.

“I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!” - General Dwight D. Eisenhower, D-Day

Underwater Threat

While assisting damage control efforts aboard USS Yorktown, USS Hammann was struck by one Type 95 torpedo from I-168, breaking her in half, while Yorktown was struck by two of I-168's torpedoes. Hammann sank very quickly, then suffered an underwater explosion, most likely from her own depth charges, which killed many survivors in the water. 80 men were killed in the sinking.

Hammann sinking by the bow after being torpedoed and breaking in half.

Operation Overlord

D-Day, officially known as Operation Overlord, was the largest amphibious military assault in history. It took place on June 6, 1944, during World War II. This pivotal operation marked the start of the Allied invasion of German-occupied Western Europe and opened up the second front against Adolf Hitler's forces, significantly contributing to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

The assault was launched from the southern coast of England across the English Channel towards the Normandy region in northwestern France. A force of over 150,000 troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations took part. The forces were divided among five landing sites on the Normandy coast, codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

The invasion was preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment, as well as an airborne landing of 24,000 British, American, and Canadian troops shortly after midnight. Allied infantry began landing on the coast of France at 06:30 AM. Despite tough resistance from German forces and challenging weather conditions, by the end of the day, the Allies had established a foothold along the coast and could begin their advance into France.

The D-Day landings were a significant turning point in World War II, marking the start of a campaign to liberate Northwestern Europe from German occupation. Despite the success of the operation, the Allies suffered heavy casualties, with estimates ranging from 5,000 to 12,000 Allied fatalities.

A LCVP from the U.S. Coast Guard-manned USS Samuel Chase disembarked troops on a Normandy beach, 6 June 1944.

High Ranking Death

The first general officer killed on either side of the battle in Normandie, France was Brigadier General Don F. Pratt, the assistant divisional commander of the US 101st Airborne Division who was crushed to death when the Waco glider in which he was travelling crashed into a hedgerow whilst landing in France. He was also the highest ranking Allied officer to be killed on 6 June 1944.

Brigadier General Don F. Pratt

Heroism on the Beaches

British Company Sergeant-Major Stanley Hollis, using a PIAT launcher, took down several German pillboxes and a field gun during the Normandy invasion in France and was credited for saving the lives of many men. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the only awarded for actions on the initial day of the invasion.

Sergeant-Major Stanley Hollis

Photo of the Day

LSTs landing vehicles and cargo on a Normandy beach, June 1944.

As we wrap up this D-Day commemorative issue, let us reflect on the stories of bravery and resilience that unfolded 79 years ago today on the beaches of Normandy. These historical narratives serve not just to honor the past, but also to illuminate the lessons we can carry into the future. Thank you for joining us in this journey of remembrance and understanding. We eagerly anticipate our next dive into World War II history with you tomorrow, enriching our shared knowledge of the past.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

U.S.S. Seawolf: Submarine Raider of the Pacific: Frank, Gerold, Horan, James D., Eckberg, J. M.

U.S.S. Seawolf is the story of one of the Navy's most successful submarine's operating in the Pacific during World War II. Told from the viewpoint of Chief Radioman Joseph Eckberg, The Wolf's adventures are related with a gripping realism... the heat, sweat, depth-charge attacks are all portrayed in vivid detail.

The Battle of Midway (Pivotal Moments in American History)

In this absolutely riveting account of a key moment in the history of World War Ii, leading naval historian Craig L. Symonds paints an unforgettable portrait of ingenuity, courage, and sacrifice.

A Glorious Way to Die: The Kamikaze Mission of the Battleship Yamato: Spurr, Russell

Acclaimed by Critics, Historians, and Military Leaders the World Over

Panzer Ace: The Memoirs of an Iron Cross Panzer Commander from Barbarossa to Normandy: Freiherr von Rosen, Richard, Forczyk, Robert

Richard Freiherr von Rosen was a highly decorated Wehrmacht soldier and outstanding panzer commander. His memoirs are richly illustrated with contemporary photographs, including key confrontations of World War II.

Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage: Sontag, Sherry, Drew, Christopher, Drew, Annette Lawrence

Discover the secret history of America's submarine warfare in this fast-paced and deeply researched chronicle of adventure and intrigue during the Cold War that reads like a spy thriller.

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