Today in the Second World War

The 19th of September

Author

Hidden History
September 19, 2024

Welcome to the September 19 edition of our WWII newsletter. On this day in history, pivotal moments unfolded across the global theater of war, with key battles, strategic maneuvers, and political shifts shaping the conflict’s direction. From the Eastern Front to the Pacific, September 19 witnessed acts of heroism, defiance, and tactical brilliance that would echo through the remaining years of the war. Join us as we explore the significant events of this day and reflect on their lasting impact on the world stage.

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“Most of the men are stricken with dysentery…Starvation is taking many lives and it is weakening our already extended lines. We are doomed. “-(Referring to the state of Japanese troops on Guadalcanal)- 12th January 1943 - Major-General Kensaku Oda

Peace?

1939: Adolf Hitler entered Danzig and again proposed a peace with Britain and France, provided Germany was allowed to retain the territory that Germany had already seized. He also referred to "weapons with which we ourselves can not be attacked", which led to speculation that Germany is developing secret weapons.

Hitler in Danzig

Mounting Costs

1940: Wellington, Hampden, and Whitley bombers of the British RAF attacked German invasion barges in ports along the French coast. One Hampden bomber was lost. After the attack, Adolf Hitler ordered the barges to disperse to minimize further losses. Thus far, 214 of the 1,918 barges assembled for the planned invasion had been destroyed by British aerial attacks.

German Invasion Barges

Hero Lost

1944: Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC, the leader of the Dambusters raid in 1943, was killed when his aircraft crashed near Steenbergen, the Netherlands.

Guy Gibson

Photo of the Day

British infantry carrying assault boats in preparation for crossing the Meuse-Escaut canal at Lille-St Hubert, Belgium, 19 Sep 1944

Bonus Photo

Four men of the 1st Paratroop Battalion, British 1st Airborne Division, took cover in a shell hole outside Arnhem, Netherlands, 17-25 Sep 1944

As we conclude today’s edition, we’re reminded of the critical events of September 19 that helped shape the outcome of World War II. The courage and resilience displayed on this day continue to offer valuable lessons in leadership, strategy, and human endurance. Thank you for following along as we retrace these historic moments. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to explore the pivotal days of the war. Until then, may the past continue to guide and inspire us.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Ghost That Died at Sunda Strait by W. G. Winslow

Recounting the last stand of the heavy cruiser Houston, this tale of survival brings to life the 1942 battle at Sunda Strait.

Lost at Guadalcanal: The Final Battles of the Astoria and Chicago as Described by Survivors and in Official Reports by John J. Domagalski

The dramatic account of two American warships in the South Pacific, this book follows the USS Astoria (CA–34) and USS Chicago (CA–29) during the late summer of 1942, when both participated in the early days of the critical battle for Guadalcanal. Drawing on a variety of firsthand accounts, some previously unpublished, the book tells the story from the perspective of the men aboard each ship, transporting readers inside the gun turrets, behind the lookout binoculars, and below deck as the battle rages. Individual stories of heroism, sacrifice and survival unfold as both vessels meet their fates in the South Pacific.

The Sinking of the Bismarck: The History of the Battle that Destroyed Nazi Germany’s Most Famous Battleship by Charles River Editors 

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