Today in the Second World War

Welcome to your daily dose of the Hidden History Newsletter this June 27th. Together, we journey back to the pivotal days of 1941-1945, shedding light on the monumental events that unfolded on this very day during World War II. As we remember the heroes, learn from the tragedies, and understand the lasting impact of those turbulent years, we continue our commitment to keeping the lessons of history alive. Today, as always, we honor the past to inform our present and guide our future. Let's delve into the annals of history.

"Most of the men are stricken with dysentery...Starvation is taking many lives and it is weakening our already extended lines. We are doomed." - Major-General Kensaku Oda (Referring to the state of Japanese troops on Guadalcanal)

Down With the Ship

The Italian submarine Console Generale Liuzzi was attacked by the British destroyers HMS Dainty, HMS Ilex, HMS Decoy and HMS Defender together with Australian destroyer HMAS Voyager south of the island of Crete, Greece. The Italian commander Capitano di Corvetta Lorenzo Bezzi ordered the submarine to be scuttled and chose to go down with the ship.

Horrific Crimes

In Kaunas, Lithuania, a group of Lithuanian nationalists gathered more than 50 Jewish men in a horse stable and beat them violently with iron bars in public view. None of the victims survived the Lietukis Garage Massacre.

No Sleep for the Enemy

Two Australian Catalina flying-boats, on a night mission over the Lae-Salamaua area of Australian New Guinea lasting four hours, dropped eight 500-pound bombs, twenty 20-pound fragmentation bombs and four dozen empty beer bottles. The beer bottles falling through the air made a screeching sound which helped to terrorise the enemy and spoil his sleep.

Sink Em All

US Navy Lieutenant (jg) R. C. Janes, flying a Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon aircraft of VPB-142, made a visual contact with a surfaced submarine heading north-west at 14 knots about 410 miles east of Saipan, Mariana Islands at 1220 hours. He made a sharp turn and dropped three Mk. 47 depth charges and five markers. The submarine first made a hard-starboard turn and dived. When Janes returned to the scene, an oil slick was sighted, followed by fragments of wood. He followed up the attack with a Mk. 24 "Fido" acoustic torpedo and continued to patrol for a while. The submarine was I-165 (previously I-65); she sank with all 106 crew.

Photo of the Day

Beaufighter Mk VIF aircraft of No. 272 Squadron RAF Coastal Command at Takali airfield, Malta, 27 June 1943.

As we close our journey through the events of June 27th during the years of World War II, we hope that the insights gleaned from today's exploration will illuminate your understanding of our shared past. The trials, triumphs, and transformations of this era persist in shaping our world, and through these chronicles, we strive to honor their lasting influence. Join us again tomorrow as we continue this journey into history, unearthing the enduring lessons that each day brings. Until then, may the stories of our forebears inspire us, guide us, and remind us of our capacity for courage and resilience.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

Today’s email was brought to you by Hidden History.