Today in the Second World War

Amidst the unfolding tapestry of World War II, October 19th stands as a day replete with pivotal events, acts of valor, and turning points that influenced the course of the conflict. As we turn our focus to this specific date, we unveil the moments and decisions that encapsulate the spirit and complexity of October 19th. Journey with us today as we navigate the chronicles of this impactful day, drawing lessons and insights from history's vast expanse.

"Just as the defending force has gathered valuable experience from...Dieppe, so has the assaulting force...He will not do it like this a second time." - Field Marshal von Rundstedt - August 1942

Stalin Stays

1941: German troops defeated the Soviet forces within the Vyazma pocket in Russia and captured 670,000 men, 1,000 tanks, and 4,000 artillery pieces. At Volokolamsk, the northwest end of the Mozhaysk defensive line, newly arrived Soviet 316th Rifle Division halted the attack by German 4th Panzer Army. In Moscow, Lavrentiy Beria advised the Soviet GKO to evacuate the capital "or they will strangle us like chickens", but it was rejected by Joseph Stalin; however, Stalin did order the Politburo (less Stalin, Beria, and Georgy Malenkov) to evacuate.

Destroy it All

1944: Adolf Hitler ordered the complete and total destruction of the city of Warsaw, Poland.

Payback

1944: Walter Stettner von Grabenhofen was killed by Yugoslavian partisan fighters in Montenegro, Yugoslavia.

Walter Stettner von Grabenhofen saw action in the invasions of Poland, France, and Yugoslavia. In Dec 1942, he was made the commanding officer of German 1st Mountain Division, which was posted in Greece on anti-partisan duty. Two years later, he was killed by Yugoslavian partisan fighters in the Montenegro region. Under his command, 1st Mountain Division committed many atrocities, such as the massacre of 107 inhabitants of the village of Borova in Albania on 6 Jul 1943 and the execution of many surrendered soldiers of Italian 33rd Mountain Infantry Division "Acqui" at Cephalonia, Greece in Sep 1943. Stettner von Grabenhofen was buried in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, southern Germany.

Photo of the Day

USS Kearny at Reykjavík, Iceland, 19 October 1941, two days after she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-568. USS Monssen is alongside. Note the torpedo hole in Kearny's starboard side amidships.

As we draw to a close on our exploration of World War II's events on October 19th, the narratives of valor, strategy, and endurance remain etched in our consciousness. Today's journey underscores the profound impact of individual days within the vast chronology of the war. Your dedication to revisiting these stories ensures they continue to resonate through the ages. Tomorrow promises fresh perspectives from the annals of the conflict. Until then, let us hold close the lessons and memories of today, allowing them to inform our present and future.

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Have a great week :)

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