Today in the Second World War

The 29th of August

Author

Hidden History
August 29, 2024

As we approach August 29th, we turn our attention to the moments in history that have left a lasting impact on our world. In this edition, we delve into the events, decisions, and figures that played crucial roles in shaping the course of history. Each story offers a glimpse into the forces that have influenced our present and continue to resonate today. Join us as we explore these significant moments, seeking to understand how the past informs the world we live in and what it can teach us as we move forward.

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“Fascism accepts the individual only insofar as his interests coincide with the state’s.” - Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini

Scheming

1939: German leader Adolf Hitler responded to the message from French Prime Minister Édouard Daladier from the previous day, noting that Germany had no intention of fighting France, so if France was to attack Germany due to the German-Poland situation, it would be a war initiated by France, and Germany could not be faulted for such a conflict; additionally, Hitler stressed that Germany had no territorial demands on the German-French border. Meanwhile, Hermann Göring's friend Birger Dahlerus, a Swedish national, attempted a parallel route to negotiate for peace.

Adolf Hitler responded to Benito Mussolini's message from the previous day, noting that he accepted Italy's inability to participate in direct fighting should a German-Polish war broke out, but he would very much appreciate political (by means of threatening to entering the war, thus tying down French troops on the French-Italian border) and economic (by offering Italian workers for German industry and agriculture) support.

Hitler & Mussolini

History

1939: German Air Force Captain Erich Warsitz successfully took the prototype He 178 jet aircraft into the air, thus making it the first aircraft to fly using a turbojet engine. The test flight was conducted out of Rostock-Marienehe Airfield on the Baltic Sea coastGerman Air Force Captain Erich Warsitz successfully took the prototype He 178 jet aircraft into the air, thus making it the first aircraft to fly using a turbojet engine. The test flight was conducted out of Rostock-Marienehe Airfield on the Baltic Sea coast.

He 178

V-1

1944: A total of 18 V-1 flying bombs were brought down within an hour by the anti-aircraft batteries at Folkstone and Hythe in Kent, England, United Kingdom. Flight Lieutenant Francis "Togs" Mellersh of 96 Squadron flying out of RAF Ford shot down a V-1 flying bomb as it passed the anti-aircraft guns at Dungeness on the Kent coast; this bomb brought his score to 43 and the squadron's to 176. Flight Lieutenant Gordon Bonham RNZAF of 501 Squadron brought down 4 bombs on his patrol and found he had to land on a farm as his Tempest V fighter had run dry of fuel; the farmer's son watched him land and took him to have lunch at the farm after telephoning for fuel to be brought in; the process of refuelling was slow as 4-gallon drums had to be carried over the field; after taking off, Bonham treated the family to a show of aerobatics.

A Tempest V, NV696, during a test flight, November 1944

Photo of the Day

Polish destroyers Grom and Burza during Operation Peking, viewed from destroyer Błyskawica, circa 29 Aug-1 Sep 1939

Bonus Photo

Danzig street, 29 Aug 1939.

As we conclude this edition, we reflect on the pivotal moments we've explored together. Each event, each decision, and each figure from history offers us valuable insights into the forces that have shaped our world. By looking back, we gain a better understanding of the present and can more thoughtfully navigate the future. Thank you for joining us on this journey through these defining moments. Until our next edition, may the lessons of history continue to guide us as we move forward.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Ghost That Died at Sunda Strait by W. G. Winslow

Recounting the last stand of the heavy cruiser Houston, this tale of survival brings to life the 1942 battle at Sunda Strait.

Lost at Guadalcanal: The Final Battles of the Astoria and Chicago as Described by Survivors and in Official Reports by John J. Domagalski

The dramatic account of two American warships in the South Pacific, this book follows the USS Astoria (CA–34) and USS Chicago (CA–29) during the late summer of 1942, when both participated in the early days of the critical battle for Guadalcanal. Drawing on a variety of firsthand accounts, some previously unpublished, the book tells the story from the perspective of the men aboard each ship, transporting readers inside the gun turrets, behind the lookout binoculars, and below deck as the battle rages. Individual stories of heroism, sacrifice and survival unfold as both vessels meet their fates in the South Pacific.

The Sinking of the Bismarck: The History of the Battle that Destroyed Nazi Germany’s Most Famous Battleship by Charles River Editors 

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