Today in the Second World War

Welcome to another edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. As we mark August 9th, we delve deep into the annals of history, unearthing the pivotal events of this day during the globe-spanning conflict. From clandestine maneuvers to front-line heroics, today's edition promises to transport you back to those fraught moments that defined the very essence of the world's deadliest conflict. Let's journey together through the memories of this consequential day.

"My attack on Singapore was a bluff, a bluff that worked... I was very frightened that all the time the British would discover our numerical weakness and lack of supplies and force me into disastrous street fighting" - General Yamashita - 1942

Berlin Olympics

1936: During the Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, Jesse Owens won his fourth gold medal, becoming the first American to win four medals in one Olympiad. Owens commented that Adolf Hitler, although biased against people of African descent, rose and waved at him as he paraded with other medal winners before the German leader; Franklin Roosevelt, however, "didn't even send me a telegram."

A Fool

Hermann Göring believed Luftwaffe had control of the air having successfully attacked many convoys and excluded Royal Navy ships from the English Channel during daylight. Overestimated downed RAF planes and underestimated Luftwaffe losses further convinced him the RAF was almost beaten; in reality, RAF was stronger than a month ago, with losses (84 fighters) less that half the Luftwaffe's (227 aircraft). Göring ordered new tactics to destroy RAF's fighting capacity by attacking their airfields, control centers and radar. These tactics could not be put into effect, however, as cloudy weather allowed only reconnaissance patrols; 1 He 111 aircraft was shot down. At 1645 hours, R. D. Ritchie of No. 605 Squadron crashed his Hurricane fighter into the sea and died off Dunbar on the east coast of Scotland.

Legless

Douglas Bader, one of the most famous fighter aces of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, was indeed a double amputee who flew with two artificial legs. His story is particularly remarkable because he lost both of his legs in a pre-war flying accident in 1931, but he went on to become one of the RAF's top fighter aces during the war, proving that his disability was not a barrier to his skills as a pilot.

On 9 August 1941, during a dogfight over France, Bader's Spitfire was involved in a mid-air collision with a Bf 109. As a result of the collision, he was forced to bail out. Because one of his artificial legs got trapped in the aircraft, he had to release it in order to successfully parachute to safety.

After landing, Bader was captured by German forces and became a prisoner of war (POW). The Germans, recognizing his status and the importance of his artificial legs, allowed a new leg to be air-dropped to him by the British. During his time as a POW, Bader made several escape attempts, further cementing his legendary status.

His story is an inspiring one and serves as a testament to human determination, resilience, and courage. Bader's wartime exploits were immortalized in the book and film "Reach for the Sky."

Naval Defeat at Guadalcanal

The United States Navy retreated from the Guadalcanal area due to Japanese air attacks without being able to unload all supplies for the Marines on shore.

USS Astoria sank at 1216 hours from damage sustained during the Battle of Savo Island.

In the Solomon Islands, damaged US destroyer USS Jarvis was sunk by Japanese torpedo bombers from Rabaul, New Britain at 1300 hours; all 233 aboard were killed.

Heroism in the Skies

Canadian Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray won the last Victoria Cross of the war (posthumously) when his Corsair fighter-bomber was shot down in flames off the Japanese mainland during an attack on the destroyer, Amakusa, which he sank.

Fat Man

B-29 bomber Bockscar dropped the atomic bomb "Fat Man" on the city of Nagasaki, Japan, killing 40,000 to 75,000 immediately. B-29 bombers The Great Artiste and Big Stink flew on Bockscar’s wing. The Great Artiste carried scientific measuring equipment and Bing Stink carried photography equipment.

Photo of the Day

A Hitler Youth soldier captured by Canadian soldiers, Caen, France, 9 August 1944.

As we close today's edition, let's hold in reverence the tales and tribulations of August 9th during the tumult of World War II. These stories, steeped in valor and sacrifice, serve as enduring reminders of our shared history. Thank you for journeying with us through the annals of time. Until tomorrow, may we never forget the lessons of the past.

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Have a great week :)

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