Today in the Second World War

The 9th of May

Hidden History
May 09, 2023

Welcome to today’s edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! As we mark the passing of another day, we cannot help but reflect on the events of May 9th, which hold significant historical significance in the context of World War II. As we remember this day, we pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the war, and we honor their legacy by striving for a peaceful world.

"Singapore could only be taken after a siege by an army of at least 50,000 men. It is not considered possible that the Japanese would embark on such a mad enterprise." - Prime Minister Winston Churchill

War is Coming

On May 9, 1940, Adolf Hitler gave the order to invade these countries, and he did so based in part on a favorable weather forecast predicting clear skies. Hitler was so pleased with the forecast that he awarded the meteorology officer a medal on the spot.

Later that day, Hitler left Berlin and traveled to Felsennest, a temporary forward headquarters in the Rhineland region of Germany, to observe the invasion. This location was chosen for its strategic position near the border with France and Belgium, and it provided a secure base of operations for the German military.

The invasion, which is now known as the Battle of France, began on May 10, 1940, and quickly led to the defeat of the Allied forces. The German victory marked a turning point in the war and gave Hitler a significant advantage in his quest for domination of Europe.

Hitler with his senior officers at his headquarters in Belgium in May or June 1940.

Daring Enigma Capture

German submarine U-110 and U-201 attacked Allied convoy OB-318, sinking 3 British freighters. U-201 was damaged by 99 depth charges but was able to return to her home port for repairs. U-110 was forced to surface by 10 depth charges from British corvette HMS Aubretia, then shelled by destroyers HMS Bulldog and HMS Broadway. The German crew thought the submarine had already been fatally damaged and sinking, and abandoned ship. Recognizing the opportunity to capture the ship, the commanding officer of HMS Bulldog quickly rescued many of the German crew and put them belowdecks so they could not observe (but submarine commander Lemp died in the water, possibly shot as he attempted to swim back to the submarine), and sent a boarding party to capture her. The capture was completed at 1245 hours, yielding an Enigma cipher machine and code book.

U-110 and HMS Bulldog.

Defection

A German Oberleutnant named Heinrich Schmitt defected to the United Kingdom with a new type of German night fighter plane, the Junkers Ju 88R. This was a significant achievement for the British, as they were able to examine the plane and its advanced radar equipment, known as the FuG 202 Lichtenstein BC.

Professor Reginald V. Jones, a British electronics expert, was particularly pleased with the defection and the opportunity it provided to study the German radar technology. Jones led a team of experts who were able to analyze the radar equipment and gain valuable insights into how it worked, which helped the British to develop countermeasures against it.

The defection of Heinrich Schmitt and the capture of the Ju 88R was a major intelligence coup for the British, and it played a significant role in their efforts to gain an advantage over the Germans during the war. By studying and understanding the German radar technology, the British were able to develop tactics and equipment that helped them to better evade detection and engage German aircraft at night.

The JU 88 being refueled by the RAF

Photo of the Day

Manila, Philippines during Japanese occupation, 9 May 1942.

As we come to the end of this day, we must never forget the importance of May 9th in the context of World War II. We must always remember the sacrifices made by so many brave men and women, who fought and died for the cause of freedom and peace. It is up to us to carry on their legacy and work towards a world that is free from conflict, where every person is treated with respect and dignity. As we look towards the future, let us remember the lessons of the past and strive for a better tomorrow.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

If the Allies Had Fallen: Sixty Alternate Scenarios of World War II: Showalter, Dennis E., Deutsch, Harold C., Forstchen, William R.

For fans of Man in the High Castle and other tales of alternative history, explosive, thought-provoking “what-if” stories about Pearl Harbor, D-Day, Hitler, the Battle of Britain, and more!

Ordinary Men : Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland: Browning, Christopher

Ordinary Men : Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland [Browning, Christopher].

The Storm of Steel: Original 1929 Translation: Jünger, Ernst, Creighton, Basil

The Storm of Steel is a first-hand account of World War I trench combat lifted from the diaries of Ernst Jünger, a German infantryman who would become one of Europe's most talented writers.

Prisoners of the Japanese: POWs of World War II in the Pacific: Daws, Gavin

Prisoners of the Japanese: POWs of World War II in the Pacific [Daws, Gavin]

Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar: Montefiore, Simon Sebag

This widely acclaimed biography of a Soviet dictator and his entourage during the terrifying decades of his supreme power transforms our understanding of the Marxist leader and Russian tsar.

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