Today in the Second World War

Today, on February 14th, we blend the themes of love and history in our journey through World War II. This edition highlights the unique stories of companionship, bravery, and the human spirit that persevered on the battlefront and home front alike. As we remember the events of this day, let's also reflect on the enduring power of human connections that sustained many through the trials of war. Join us as we honor the legacy of those whose lives were intertwined with the history of this global conflict.

“Hell is on us.” -comments at the capture of Saipan – June 1944 - Mamoru Shigemitsu (Japanese Foreign Minister)

Kriegsmarine Rising

1939: The German battleship Bismarck was launched at the Blohm und Voss shipyard, Hamburg, Germany.

No Surrender

1942: The British Royal Navy riverboat HMS Li Wo, evacuating military personnel from Java, ran into part of the Japanese invasion fleet and was blasted to pieces by destroyers. In a last desperate show of defiance, the little boat rammed one of the enemy transports (which would sink on the following day) before going down. Only 13 of the 120 aboard Li Wo survived. The commander, Lieutenant Thomas Wilkinson, who went down with his vessel, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross in 1946.

Bravery

1942: The British submarine Thrasher survived an attack off Crete with two unexploded bombs lodged in its deck casing. Lieutenant Peter Roberts and Petty Officer Thomas Gould took 40 minutes to remove the explosives, squeezed in the narrow confines knowing the submarine might by forced to dive at any moment, leaving them trapped to drown. They both received the Victoria Cross.

Despicable

1942: 360 paratroopers of Japanese 1st Airborne Division landed at Pangkalanbenteng airfield near Palembang, Sumatra, Dutch East Indies; in response, ABDA command sent 5 cruisers and 11 destroyers to transport troops to Palembang; Dutch destroyer HNLMS Van Ghent in this force ran aground on the next day and would be scuttled. Meanwhile, the British ship Vyner Brooke, escaping from Singapore with 300 on board, was bombed off Sumatra; around 100 survivors, including 22 Australian nurses, reach shore on Banka island; the men were marched away by the Japanese and bayoneted and shot, the wounded were bayoneted where they laid, and the nurses were herded into the sea and machine gunned; one, Sister Vivian Bulwinkel, was wounded but survived to tell of the atrocity; she died in 2000, aged 85.

Photo of the Day

US Army Signal Corp Photo Tec-4 Elvin Harley getting a kiss from a French child while listening to the US 9th Armored Division Band near Aboncourt, France, 14 Feb 1945

As today's edition of World War II Daily comes to a close, we thank you for joining us in commemorating the events of February 13th. The stories of courage and perseverance we've explored serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. We hope these narratives inspire reflection and a deeper understanding of our shared history. Stay tuned for more insights and stories as we continue our journey through the annals of World War II. Until then, let the lessons of the past guide us toward a more compassionate and informed tomorrow.

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

Have a great week :)

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