Today in the Second World War

Welcome back to the Hidden History Newsletter. As we navigate the annals of this crucial time on June 29th, we'll delve into the riveting blend of military maneuvers, brave tales, political shifts, and technological breakthroughs that occurred on this day in the years of tumult. In remembering the past, we find the foundations of our present and gain insights that help us shape a peaceful future. We invite you to join us on this fascinating journey as we step back into the pages of history.

"Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue." - James Forrestal - Secretary of the Navy

Operation Catapult

Operation Catapult: The British Admiralty gave Vice Admiral Somerville explicit instructions to secure the transfer, surrender, or destruction of the French warships at Mers-el-Kébir, Algeria. Force H under his command consisted of battleships HMS Valiant and HMS Resolution, battlecruiser HMS Hood, aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, cruisers HMS Arethusa and HMS Enterprise, and 11 destroyers.

Friendly Fire

German submarine U-99 was again subjected to friendly fire. Upon leaving Wilhelmshaven, Germany, she was attacked by a German aircraft with 3 bombs. She dove under the surface to avoid the bombs, but sustained minor damage when she hit the sea floor.

America Joins the Fight

The first USAAF involvement in the European air war occurred when one American crew joined No. 226 Squadron RAF at RAF Swanton Morley in Norfolk, England, United Kingdom for a raid on northern France.

V Weapons

Erwin Rommel and Gerd von Rundstedt met with Adolf Hitler at Hitler's residence in Berchtesgaden, southern Germany. They urged Hitler to pursue peace, but Htiler rejected such a notion, saying that the V weapons would soon turn the tide of war.

Soviet Riot

At Fort Dix, New Jersey, United States, 157 Soviet prisoners of war, wielding clubs and other crude weapons, threatened suicide or asked for their American guards to shoot them. They had been captured by American troops in Europe, some of whom were in German uniforms, some as prisoners of war. They were slated to be repatriated to the Soviet Union, and they knew they faced execution or imprisonment upon return. During the brief melee, 3 American guards suffered light wounds from stabbing or clubbing, several Soviets suffered gunfire wounds, and 3 Soviets committed suicide by hanging.

Photo of the Day

Fuel tanks of the B-24H Liberator “Little Warrior” with the 861st Bomb Squadron explode over Fallersleben, Germany after anti-aircraft hit, June 29 1944. Photo taken by Clifford A Stocking, waist gunner on “Green Hornet.”

As we draw the curtains on June 29th's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we thank you for being an integral part of this journey through time. Today's stories, strategies, and turning points served as a poignant reminder of how these historic events continue to shape our world. Stay tuned for tomorrow's digest as we unravel the events of June 30th. Your curiosity fuels our mission to keep the past alive, reminding us all of the lessons we must carry into our future.

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Have a great week :)

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