Today in the Second World War

The 24th of September

Hidden History
September 24, 2023

Welcome to the September 24th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. As we navigate the waves of history from this day in the thick of the war, we encounter tales of valor, decisions of consequence, and moments that echo loudly even now. Delve with us into these powerful narratives, and let the lessons of yesteryear illuminate our understanding today. Let's begin.

"In my opinion the limit of endurance has been reached by the troops under my command...our position here is hopeless" - Major General Freyberg VC - (Shortly before the evacuation of Crete) - May 1941

I Promise

1938: As Neville Chamberlain departed Bad Godesberg, Germany to return to London, England, United Kingdom, Adolf Hitler promised him that the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia would be the last German territorial demand in Europe. In France, the French government rejected the latest German demands; the French military partially mobilized in preparation for war.

Joachim von Ribbentrop bidding farewell to Neville Chamberlain, Bad Godesberg, Germany.

No Help

1939: The 1,510-ton Swedish merchant steamer Gertrud Bratt was stopped by German submarine U-4 (Oberleutnant zur See Harro von Klot-Heydenfeldt) firing two rounds across her bows, 12 miles southeast of Jomfruland, Norway. As the ship was registered in a neutral country, the Germans demanded to see the ship's papers. The Swedish ship was loaded with wood pulp, paper and cellulose and bound for Bristol, England, United Kingdom. Regarding this cargo as contraband the Germans ordered the master of the Gurtrud Bratt, E. K. Jönssen, to get his crew into the lifeboats as he was going to sink his ship. As there were no more scuttling charges on board, the submarine fired torpedoes to sink her. The first two failed, the third hit and exploded amidships, sinking the ship within minutes. According to the survivors the Germans had promised to tow the two lifeboats towards the nearby Norwegian coast but apparently the submarine left without helping them after sighting an aircraft. The boats were spotted later that day by the Norwegian customs cruiser T-II and towed to Langesund, Norway.

Gertrud Bratt

Operation Menace

1940: Overnight, Governor of French West Africa, Pierre Boisson, rejected Free French demand for the surrender of Dakar. At 0700 hours, British destroyer HMS Fortune detected Vichy French submarine Ajax, which was forced to surface by depth charges and then sunk with gunfire after the crew of 61 was captured. British battleship HMS Barham shelled French battleship Richelieu in Dakar harbor; Richelieu was damaged with two shells and a misfire of her own. French coastal batteries was able to force back the British fleet at 1000 hours. In the afternoon, the British fleet returned. French coastal artillery opened fire again, hitting Barham with four shells, and forced back the British fleet once again. Far to the north, 64 Vichy French bombers from Algeria and Morocco bombed Gibraltar in retaliation, damaging one ship.

Rangefinder of the French coastal battery of 240 mm from the Danton-class pre-dreadnoughts, at Gorée Island, Dakar.

Photo of the Day

Type A Ko-hyoteki class Ha-19 midget submarine captured in Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor attack seen at Mare Island Navy Yard in California, United States at the beginning of its cross-country war bonds tour, 24 September 1942.

As we close the pages of today's exploration into September 24th's events during World War II, we are reminded once again of the intertwined tapestry of human courage, sacrifice, and resilience. May the stories from this era inspire reflection, gratitude, and a commitment to understanding. Until we meet again on tomorrow's historical journey, remember the past, ponder its implications, and look ahead with hope. Thank you for accompanying us today, and take care until our next dispatch.

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand (World War II Collection): Biggio, Andrew

Tales of American combat and comradery in World War II all connected to the iconic rifle of the era, the M1 Garand. An award-winning author puts one such rifle into the hands of a series of vets, records their stories, and gathers their signatures on the rifle, in a pilgrimage and homage to heroism.

The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield by Andrew Biggio

In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle, Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II.

Over The Top: Veterans of the First World War by David Polk

With the stroke of a pen, the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918 promised a World of peace and cooperation. Popularly called "the war to end all wars," the Great War was intended to prevent incidents like the one at Sarajevo in 1914. In general, peace and harmony did continue, at least until Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.This book is written as a tribute to the legacy of the veterans of the Great War. Within these pages are contained eye-witness accounts of these fearless fighters.

Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS by Andrew Dubbins

With echoes of Unbroken; the derring-do and bravado of The Right Stuff; and the battle-forged camaraderie of Band of Brothers, this is the World War II story of 95-year-old veteran George Morgan and the Underwater Demolition Teams. Forerunners of the Navy SEALs, the elite unit was given nearly impossible pre-invasion missions from D-Day to the most crucial landings in the Pacific Theater.

The War of Words: How America's GI Journalists Battled Censorship and Propaganda to Help Win World War II by Molly Guptill Manning

From New York Times bestselling author Molly Guptill Manning comes The War of Words, the captivating story of how American troops in World War II wielded pens to tell their own stories as they made history.

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