Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the Hidden History newsletter, your source for insights from the monumental conflict that engulfed the world. In this daily newsletter, we embark on a journey through time to revisit the significant events, heroic acts, and pivotal moments that shaped the course of World War II. As we delve into history, we seek to honor the sacrifices made by countless individuals, highlight the triumphs of nations, and examine the lessons learned from humanity's most devastating war. Join us each day as we uncover the untold stories, explore the strategies, and pay homage to the courage and resilience displayed by those who lived through this transformative period. Let us embark on this journey of remembrance and understanding together, for it is through knowledge of our past that we pave the way for a brighter future.

"Without ships, we cannot live." - Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Atrocities Begin in France

In France, Theodor Eicke's SS Division Totenkopf, a police unit raised to provide concentration camp guards, murdered ninety-two civilians in the town of Aubigny-en-Artois and another forty-five in the villages of Vandélicourt and Berles-Monchel as they headed towards the canal line before Dunkerque.

Deception

General Hans Cramer, last commander of the German Afrika Korps, was repatriated in 1944 due to ill health; before he departed Britain, he was shown evidence of the massive Allied build-up, but was misinformed as to the location of these forces; when he was later debriefed in Berlin, Germany, this misinformation helped deceive the Germans as to the actual target of the invasion. On the same day Cramer was repatriated, a single USAAF B-24 bomber ("Lorelei" 41-29300), escorted by eight P-51 fighters, loaded with the new top-secret Azon bombs successfully destroyed four bridges leading into Normandie, France; Lieutenant Colonel F. M. O'Neil (commanding officer of 753rd Squadron) and Captain Fred DeNeffe were the mission pilots; the entire crew was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Himmler Dead

Heinrich Himmler, born on October 7, 1900, was a prominent figure in Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany. He joined the Nazi Party in 1923 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the leader of the SS (Schutzstaffel) in 1929. Under Himmler's leadership, the SS transformed into a powerful paramilitary organization responsible for enforcing Nazi ideology and carrying out numerous war crimes and atrocities.

During World War II, Himmler played a significant role in implementing Hitler's genocidal policies, particularly the Holocaust. He oversaw the establishment and operation of concentration camps, where millions of Jews, along with other targeted groups such as Romani people, homosexuals, and political dissidents, were systematically murdered.

As the war neared its end in 1945, Himmler's influence within the Nazi regime began to wane. Hitler, increasingly suspicious of Himmler's loyalty, dismissed him from all his positions on April 28, 1945. Himmler then attempted to negotiate with the Allies, hoping to secure a separate peace agreement. However, his efforts were unsuccessful.

Shortly after his dismissal, Himmler disguised himself with a false mustache and eyeglasses and attempted to go into hiding. He and his associate, SS doctor Felix Kersten, were captured by British troops on May 20, 1945, near Bremervörde, Germany. Initially, Himmler provided false information about his identity, claiming to be "Heinrich Hitzinger." However, his true identity was soon discovered.

On May 23, 1945, Himmler was taken to the headquarters of the British Second Army in Lüneburg, where he was interrogated. During the interrogation, he bit into a concealed cyanide capsule hidden in his mouth and died shortly afterward. The exact circumstances surrounding the discovery of the capsule and the subsequent events remain somewhat controversial. Some accounts suggest that Himmler managed to bite into the capsule undetected, while others claim that he was caught in the act but successfully ingested the poison.

After Himmler's death, his body was buried in an unmarked grave near Lüneburg. The location of his burial remained unknown for many years until his remains were exhumed and positively identified in 2019 using DNA analysis. Today, Himmler's actions and his role in the Nazi regime stand as a testament to the horrors of the Holocaust and the crimes committed during World War II.

Photo of the Day

AVG squadron flight leader Robert 'R. T.' Smith standing next to his P-40 Warhawk fighter, Kunming, China, 23 May 1942; note Nationalist Chinese emblem on cap and 'Flying Tigers' emblem on aircraft.

As we bring today's edition of the Hidden History newsletter to a close, we reflect on the significant events that unfolded on May 23. The world witnessed the shocking demise of Heinrich Himmler, a symbol of the Nazi regime's heinous crimes. His death serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that enveloped the world during this era. As we continue to explore the complexities of World War II, let us remember the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought against tyranny and championed the values of freedom and justice. Join us tomorrow as we delve further into the chapters of this monumental conflict, honoring the past while striving for a more peaceful and inclusive future. Together, we honor the memory of those who lived through these tumultuous times and ensure that their stories endure.

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