Today in the Second World War

Today, November 11th, holds a solemn place in the annals of history, not only as a pivotal point during World War II but also as a time of armistice and remembrance for the wars that preceded it. As we explore the events that unfolded on this day, we do so with a profound sense of reflection and honor. In this edition, we commemorate the bravery, the fallen, and the hopes for peace that were as fervent then as they are now. Let us step into the past with the intent to learn and pay homage to the indomitable human spirit.

"The enemy must be annihilated before he reaches our main battlefield...We must stop him in the water...destroying all his equipment while it is still afloat" - Field Marshall Erwin Rommel - 22nd April 1944

Successful Raid

1940: At 1330 hours, British radar at Essex, England picked up and coming aircraft, which turned out to be 12 Italian BR.20M bombers and 12 CR.42 biplane fighters heading for Harwich. Hurricane fighters from No. 257, No. 46, and No. 17 Squadrons RAF were launched to intercept over the Thames Estuary, shooting down 3 bombers and 3 fighters, while damaging 2 bombers, without incurring any losses. Winston Churchill would later quip that the Italian aircraft "might have found better employment defending the fleet at Taranto", referring to the successful British raid to take place later on the same day.

At 2300 hours, 21 Swordfish aircraft of British carrier HMS Illustrious flew over Taranto Italy, where the Italian fleet was harbored. 11 aircraft attacked with torpedoes, battleship Conte di Cavour was sunk, and damaging battleships Littorio and Caio Duilio. 10 aircraft attacked the inner harbor, causing minor damage on shore facilities. 2 aircraft were shot down (2 killed, 2 captured).

Jeep

1940: The US army took delivery of its first Jeep. The origin of the name is still a mystery. Some say it is from the Army designation GP (General Purpose) but others prefer the reference to a character from the Popeye cartoon strip known as Eugene the Jeep. The character could walk through walls, climb trees, fly and go just about anywhere it wanted, and it is thought that soldiers at the time were so impressed with the new vehicle’s versatility that they named it after the Jeep.

Battle in the Pacific

1943: In the morning, 276 US Navy carrier aircraft (78 from USS Saratoga, 29 from USS Princeton, 69 from USS Bunker Hill, 75 from USS Essex, and 25 from USS Independence), 23 land-based US Navy F4U-1 fighters, 1 squadron of land-based US Navy F6F fighters, and 23 US Army Air Forces B-24 bombers attacked Rabaul, New Britain. While the USAAF bombers did minimal damage on Lakunai airfield, the US Navy aircraft were able to sink destroyer Suzunami (148 killed including commanding officer Captain Masao Kamiyama), damage destroyer Naganami, and damage two other destroyers. 11 Japanese aircraft were lost in this engagement. The Americans lost 4 TBF and 5 F6F aircraft in combat; 1 TBF, 2 SB2C, and 4 F6F written off due to extensive damage; and 30 aircraft lightly damaged. In response to the attack, the Japanese launched 23 D3A, 14 B5N, 4 D4Y, and 33 A6M aircraft (32 Japanese Army fighters were also launched but they lost their way) to attack the American carrier fleet; they shot down 6 US aircraft at the cost of 33 aircraft lost (including famed pilot Lieutenant Masao Sato).

Photo of the Day

United States Army LtGen George Patton placing a wreath at the Palermo American War Cemetery, Palermo, Sicily on 11 November 1943 during World War I Armistice Day ceremonies.

As our November 11th journey through history concludes, we're reminded of the gravity this day holds—a beacon of remembrance for those who served and sacrificed during the tumultuous times of World War II. We carry forward the stories of valor and endurance, and the stark realities faced by countless souls. May our remembrances today serve as a testament to peace and a guiding light for future generations. Thank you for your reverent attention. Tomorrow, we will once again delve into the past to retrieve the lessons it holds.

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Have a great weekend :)

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