Today in the Second World War

The 23rd of December

Welcome to the December 23 edition of our World War II Daily newsletter. Today, we turn our focus to the pivotal events and human stories that marked this day during the years of the war. From critical military operations to diplomatic negotiations, and from the acts of bravery on the battlefield to the struggles on the home front, we aim to paint a vivid picture of December 23 in the context of the global conflict. Our goal is to provide you with a nuanced and engaging exploration of these events, offering a blend of historical accuracy and compelling narratives. Join us as we journey through history, uncovering the significance of December 23 and its impact on the course of World War II.

"The Soviet Union, as everybody who has the courage to face the fact knows, is run by a dictatorship as absolute as any other dictatorship in the world." - U.S.Pres. Franklin Roosevelt before the American youth Congress, February 10th, 1940

Escape!

1944: On the night of December 23, 1944, twenty-five Germans tunneled out of Camp Papago Park, near Phoenix, Arizona, and fled into the surrounding desert.

Over the next few weeks, all of the escapees were eventually recaptured without bloodshed. Although most were apprehended within Maricopa County, a few nearly made it to the border of Mexico, which is about 210 km (130 miles) south of the camp.

The entrance to the tunnel was concealed by a large box of coal.

Photo of the Day

View of Stalingrad, Russia, 23 Dec 1942

Bonus Photo

Australian A-31 Vengeance flying near Merauke, New Guinea, 23 Dec 1943

As we bring to a close this December 23 edition of our World War II Daily newsletter, we thank you for joining us in today's exploration of history. Our journey through the events and stories of this day in the war years has been a testament to the enduring significance of these historical moments. We hope that our insights have enriched your understanding of the complexities and heroism of this era, and have illuminated the lessons that we can draw from these times. We invite you to join us again in our next edition as we continue to delve into the rich history of World War II, paying tribute to the past while learning for the future. Until then, let us remember the importance of preserving history and its power to inform and inspire our present and future endeavors.

If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Have a great weekend :)

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