Today in the Second World War

The 27th of July

Author

Hidden History
July 27, 2024

Welcome to our July 27 edition, where we continue our exploration of the pivotal events and inspiring stories of World War II. In this issue, we delve into the acts of heroism, strategic decisions, and personal sacrifices that defined this era. Our goal is to illuminate these historical moments, providing you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the past. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery and remembrance, and for your commitment to preserving these important narratives.

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“Germany has concluded a Non-Aggression Pact with Poland. We shall adhere to it unconditionally. We recognize Poland as the home of a great and nationally conscious people.” – May 21st 1935 - Adolf Hitler

Convoy

1941: Germans attacked Allied Convoy OG 69. During the morning, two ships were torpedoed and sunk, both British, the Kellwyn and the Hawkinge. The rest of the day was uneventful but as night fell the master of Norwegian merchant steamer Inga I gave orders for the men to rest fully clothed and wearing lifebelts. Their position at noon that day hd been 200 miles west of Cape Finisterre, Spain. Around midnight, the Captain was on the port side of the bridge, the 2nd mate on the starboard side, when an explosion was heard. The Commodore ship, which was sailing 4-5 cable lengths in front of them had been hit and two minutes later a torpedo was seen coming towards Inga I from the starboard side. They had been launched by German submarine U-126, and the vessel could not alter course due to there being ships on each side of them, so everyone was told to quickly get across to the port side before the torpedo detonated. It struck at the coal bunkers on the starboard side between the engine and boiler rooms. Both lifeboats on that side were heavily damaged and debris flew everywhere, the motorboat on #3 Hatch was also damaged, and the port boat could not be launched in time because Inga I immediately took on a heavy starboard list. The captain found that the wooden box in which the ship's papers were kept had been destroyed and the contents destroyed (all the ship's logs and papers were lost with the ship). As he reached the boat deck, he found himself wading in water, and was pulled under as the ship sank. When he surfaced, he was able to grab hold of a broken wooden hatch cover which kept him afloat while he drifted towards a raft. All around he saw the red lights of the lifevests of other survivors. He then managed to paddle over to another raft where he found one of the stokers. Meanwhile, the 2nd mate Olaf Ringsø and the 2nd engineer Emanuel Høiland had jumped overboard from the starboard side of the midships deck, and had kept themselves afloat with the help of a wooden hatch cover. The British mess boy, Norman Fitzpatrick found the wooden top of the wheelhouse which he used as a raft, until picked up by a boat from the escort. They were the first survivors from Inga I to be taken to the warship, where they were given clothes, first aid and food.

This emblem was seen on U-181 and U-126

Horrors of War

1943: After nightfall, a repeated bombing of Hamburg, Germany by 787 RAF aircraft created a fire storm in which an estimated 42,000 people perished, most of them by carbon monoxide poisoning when all the air was drawn out of their basement shelters. The fire storm, in which the heat and humidity of the summer night was a contributory factor, raged for three hours until there was nothing left to burn.

Aftermath in the Eilbek district of Hamburg. This picture was taken after much of the rubble had been cleared, probably after VE day.

Photo of the Day

Fairlie Mortars, or 'Five Wide Virgins', installed on the forecastle of British destroyer HMS Whitehall, 27 Jul 1941

Bonus Photo

A US Marine having a moment of relaxation with a lion statue, Saipan, Mariana Islands, 27 Jul 1944

As we conclude our July 27 edition, we hope the stories and insights shared have enriched your understanding of World War II and its lasting impact. Your continued support and interest are invaluable in keeping these memories alive. Thank you for joining us in honoring and remembering the past. We look forward to bringing you more compelling narratives in our future issues. Until then, let's continue to reflect on the lessons of history and celebrate the resilience and bravery of those who shaped our world.

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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