Today in the Second World War

On this day, we explore the significant events of May 6th during World War II, a time of crucial decisions, significant battles, and remarkable personal stories. As we delve into the pages of history, we uncover the strategies, challenges, and heroism that defined this day. Join us as we journey back in time to better understand the implications of these events and honor the resilience and sacrifices of those who experienced them firsthand.

Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/_fqePWEiiHQ

Want to learn more about Submarines? Click here: https://hiddenhistoryyt.com

“Without ships, we cannot live.” – on the importance of winning the War in the Atlantic - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Bullying

1939: Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano met with his German counterpart Joachim von Ribbentrop in Milan, Italy, where Ciano informed Ribbentrop that Italy would not be ready for war for another three years. Ribbentrop noted the comment, and informed Ciano that Adolf Hitler did not yet have any plans for war.

Upon learning from Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano, who had met German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop earlier on that day, that Adolf Hitler did not wish to launch a war in the foreseeable future, Benito Mussolini eagerly ordered Ciano to engage in talks for a military alliance between the two countries.

Movements

1940: Fall Gelb, the German invasion of France, was once again postponed by Hitler. Meanwhile, Pope Pius XII shared the intelligence gathered by Vatican agents that Germany was planning on invading the Low Countries with the Princess of Piedmont Marie José, who was the sister of King Leopold III of Belgium and wife of Italian Crown Prince Umberto. On the same day, a massive German armoured motorised column many miles long was spotted driving west through the Ardennes forest but the Belgian Army did not respond.

Big Loss

1942: Before dawn, US and Filipino defenders in the East Sector of Corregidor, Philippine Islands fought against the Japanese amphibious assault launched just prior to midnight, killing 1,200 men of the 2,000-strong first wave of attack. At 0930 hours, the Japanese began to gain a beachhead and began landing tanks to support the invasion. The US 4th Marine Regiment reserve companies and the US 4th Marine Battalion (reserve) launched an unsuccessful counterattack. Acknowledging the hopelessness of the situation, Major General Jonathan Wainwright ordered his troops to surrender at 1030 hours. To prevent capture, US Marines Colonel S. L. Howard ordered all regimental and national colors of the 4th Marine Regiment burned to prevent capture, while other US and Filipino personnel scuttled gunboats and destroyed ammunition stores.

Bodies

1945: SMERSH agents of Soviet 3rd Shock Army sneaked into a section of Berlin, Germany occupied by a different Soviet unit to secretly retrieve two burned bodies near the Chancellery; they believed that one of them might be that of Adolf Hitler's.

Photo of the Day

PBY-5 aircraft being hoisted onto USS Tangier, 6 May 1942

Bonus Photo

Crew of Japanese submarine I-29 posing with Subhash Chandra Bose shortly before Bose disembarked at Sabang, Sumatra, occupied Dutch East Indies, 6 May 1943

As we wrap up our exploration of the events of May 6th during World War II, we hope you have found these insights and stories enriching. Your dedication to understanding and remembering history is invaluable. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in our next issue, bringing more compelling stories and reflections. Until then, stay curious and let the lessons of history guide us in shaping a better future.

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Have a great week :)

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