Today in the Second World War

October 20th, nestled amidst the backdrop of World War II, witnessed a series of events that would ripple through the tides of history. From bold strategical moves to individual tales of heroism, this day encapsulates a range of experiences that have influenced the war's overarching narrative. Join us today as we dive into the chronicles of October 20th, unraveling the threads of stories that intertwine the past with the present.

"The Russian convoys are and always have been an unsound operation of this war" - Rear Admiral L.H.K Hamilton - September 1942

Escalation

1939: Soviet Union and Finland both mobilized their military.

Sub Hunting

1940: British destroyers HMS Gallant, HMS Griffin, and HMS Hotspur located Italian submarine Lafole off Mellila, Morocco in the Mediterranean Sea, using information captured from Italian submarine Durbo on 18 Oct. Hotspur sank Lafole by ramming; 37 Italians were killed and 9 survived and captured. Hotspur's bow was damaged, forcing her to be out of commission until 20 February 1941 for repairs.

Alessandro Malaspina fired a torpedo at 0002 hours at Dutch freighter Bussum which had been sighted in the Atlantic Ocean at 2345 hours on the previous date. Shortly after, she fired a second torpedo. One explosion was observed by the Italians, but Bussum continued to sail at speed. At 0027 hours, a third torpedo was fired, followed by a fourth at 0046 hours, both of which missed. The two ships then exchanged several rounds of gunfire on the surface before Bussum successfully escaped from the Italian submarine at around 0200 hours.

Reprisals

1941: In reprisal for partisan attacks the Germans executed 2,324 Serbian men and boys in the Yugoslavian town of Kragujevac, including 300 boys who were herded out of the First Boys High School on the previous day. Local German authorities announced that the mass execution was in resopnse to a recent attack that saw 10 Germans killed and 26 wounded. Furious at partisan activity, Adolf Hitler had previously decreed that for every German soldier killed in attacks, 100 civilian would be executed, and for every German wounded, 50 would be executed.

PR Stunt

1944: The "I have returned" speech was made by MacArthur as he landed at Leyte, Philippine Islands.

Photo of the Day

First wave of American troops storming ashore from amphibious landing craft, Leyte, Philippine Islands, 20 October 1944.

As we conclude our deep dive into the events of October 20th from World War II's vast panorama, we're reminded of the intertwined destinies and incredible resilience of those who lived through such tumultuous times. The tapestry of stories we've unraveled today speaks volumes about the human spirit's ability to endure, innovate, and hope. Thank you for joining us on this historical journey. As we turn our gaze towards tomorrow's tales, let the lessons of October 20th inspire reflection and understanding.

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Have a great weekend :)

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