Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the July 27th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, your daily gateway to the fascinating and complex world of World War II. Today, as we traverse the annals of history, we'll relive the significant events, daring missions, and untold stories that took place on this very date during the war years. Join us in illuminating the past as we delve into the human narratives that underpin the grand strategies, showcasing the courage, endurance, and spirit of those who lived through these pivotal times.

"In spite of intense efforts, the moment has drawn near when this front, already so heavily strained, will break. I consider it my duty to bring these conclusions to your notice,...my fuhrer." - Field Marshal Gunther von Kluge - C-in-C West - July 1944

Convoy Hit

Germans attacked Allied Convoy OG 69. During the morning, two ships were torpedoed and sunk, both British, the Kellwyn and the Hawkinge. The rest of the day was uneventful but as night fell the master of Norwegian merchant steamer Inga I gave orders for the men to rest fully clothed and wearing lifebelts. Their position at noon that day hd been 200 miles west of Cape Finisterre, Spain. Around midnight, the Captain was on the port side of the bridge, the 2nd mate on the starboard side, when an explosion was heard. The Commodore ship, which was sailing 4-5 cable lengths in front of them had been hit and two minutes later a torpedo was seen coming towards Inga I from the starboard side. They had been launched by German submarine U-126, and the vessel could not alter course due to there being ships on each side of them, so everyone was told to quickly get across to the port side before the torpedo detonated. It struck at the coal bunkers on the starboard side between the engine and boiler rooms. Both lifeboats on that side were heavily damaged and debris flew everywhere, the motorboat on #3 Hatch was also damaged, and the port boat could not be launched in time because Inga I immediately took on a heavy starboard list. The captain found that the wooden box in which the ship's papers were kept had been destroyed and the contents destroyed (all the ship's logs and papers were lost with the ship). As he reached the boat deck, he found himself wading in water, and was pulled under as the ship sank. When he surfaced, he was able to grab hold of a broken wooden hatch cover which kept him afloat while he drifted towards a raft. All around he saw the red lights of the lifevests of other survivors. He then managed to paddle over to another raft where he found one of the stokers. Meanwhile, the 2nd mate Olaf Ringsø and the 2nd engineer Emanuel Høiland had jumped overboard from the starboard side of the midships deck, and had kept themselves afloat with the help of a wooden hatch cover. The British mess boy, Norman Fitzpatrick found the wooden top of the wheelhouse which he used as a raft, until picked up by a boat from the escort. They were the first survivors from Inga I to be taken to the warship, where they were given clothes, first aid and food.

Firestorm

Operation Gomorrah, named after the biblical city destroyed by divine wrath, was a joint campaign by the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) against the city of Hamburg, Germany in July and August of 1943.

The RAF carried out the night bombing raids, using the strategy of area bombing, while the USAAF conducted precision bombing raids during the day. The RAF used a new technology called 'Window' (later known as 'chaff') for the first time during these raids. This involved dropping thousands of small, thin strips of aluminum to create a cloud that would confuse German radar and make it difficult for them to accurately track the incoming bombers.

On the night of July 27th, 1943, known as the 'firestorm night', over 700 RAF bombers dropped a combination of high-explosive and incendiary bombs on Hamburg. The vast number of incendiary devices ignited numerous fires across the city, which eventually combined to form a firestorm.

Firestorms occur when multiple fires combine to create a powerful updraft of air, which in turn draws in more oxygen, further fuelling the fire and causing it to spread. In Hamburg, this resulted in a tornado of fire, with temperatures reaching up to 800°C (1,472°F). The fires were so intense that they could reportedly be seen from over 200 miles away.

Many Hamburg residents sought shelter in their basements as the city was bombarded, believing them to be the safest place during an air raid. However, the firestorm consumed all available oxygen, causing people to suffocate. Others died from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of the fires.

The air raids on Hamburg resulted in massive loss of life, with estimates ranging from 34,000 to 42,000 people killed. Over a million people were left homeless, and large portions of the city were completely destroyed. In addition to the loss of civilian life and infrastructure, the bombings severely disrupted Germany's war production capabilities.

Operation Gomorrah remains one of the most devastating bombing campaigns of World War II, and a stark reminder of the terrible destructiveness of modern warfare.

Famous Pilot

While flying with the elite 433rd Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, US 5th Air Force, the famous American civilian aviator Charles Lindbergh, who was only there to demonstrate effective ways of increasing the range of the P-38 fighter, accounted for a Japanese Ki-51 aircraft near Ceram Island (now spelled Seram), Dutch East Indies. The Japanese aircraft was piloted by Captain Saburo Shimada, the commanding officer of the 73rd Independent Squadron. The 433rd Fighter Squadron commander, Colonel Charles Macdonald, would later receive quite a rocket from Fifth Air Force HQ when they heard that such a distinguished civilian had been allowed to participate in a combat mission.

No Surrender

The Japanese issued a reply to the United States' threat to utterly destroy Japan if the appeal, made on 21 July 1945. Japan refused to surrender. The reply stated that Japan was determined to fight tooth and nail for every inch of her sacred soil.

Photo of the Day

A US Marine having a moment of relaxation with a lion statue, Saipan, Mariana Islands, 27 July 1944.

As we conclude this July 27th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we trust these glimpses into the past have enriched your understanding and appreciation of the myriad stories that unfolded on this day during the war years. We're honored to embark on this daily journey with you, exploring the intricate tapestry of human resilience, courage, and innovation. Remember, each story is a testament to those who shaped our history. Stay tuned for more insightful narratives from the annals of World War II, and until tomorrow, keep the past alive in your thoughts.

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

Have a great week :)

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