Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the August 11th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. As we journey back to this day in the throes of the Second World War, we uncover stories of courage, conflict, and pivotal moments that forever shaped the course of history. From the trenches to the command rooms, join us as we remember the events of this date and the indomitable spirit of the era.

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." - Winston Churchill

No Illusions

1939: German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop met with Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano at Salzburg, Germany (occupied Austria), during which he said that "we want war".

Innovation

90 Japanese bombers attacked Chongqing, China. Major Cheng Shao-yu led five others in I-15bis fighters in deploying an innovative new weapon. They dropped time-used 22-pound parachute bombs over the Japanese formation. Although the bombers were unharmed, the confusion caused by the unexpected explosions in the middle of the formation caused several bombers to break away, and one G3M bomber was subsequently shot down by the few fighters that the Chinese was able to scramble.

Chivalry on the High Seas

The 7,455-ton steam tanker Mirlo, Norwegian owned but sailing under British Admiralty service since 1940, was heading for Freetown, Sierra Leone from Port of Spain, Trinidad with a full cargo of 10,000 tons of fuel oil and diesel. At 1427 hours, about 870 miles west-southwest of Freetown, the tanker was struck by one of two torpedoes fired from German submarine U-130 (Korvettenkapitän Ernst Kals). The crew took to three lifeboats and Kals brought the submarine alongside them, taking the Master, Olav Reinertsen, on board. Reinertsen asked Kals if he could return to the tanker to find one of the crew who was still missing and probably injured. This was allowed and Able Seaman Sverre Gustavsen was then taken aboard the submarine where he was treated. Kals apologized for having to sink Mirlo, saw to it that he had the bandages and everything else he needed to treat the injured man and said he would send a telegram to the Admiralty with their position so that they could be rescued. Kals already had two prisoners from SS Malmanger on the boat at that time. Another torpedo was sent into Mirlo and she disappeared in seconds in a huge explosion of oil and flames, which for a while threatened the people in one of the boats.

Pressing Home the Attack

South African bomber pilot Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg attacked the German submarine U-468 in the South Atlantic off Senegal. On the first pass the submarine's anti-aircraft weapons seriously damaged the bomber. Instead of attempting a water landing, Trigg conducted a second attack run. As the bomber released depth charges, the Liberator aircraft was hit again and crashed into the sea 300 yards from the stricken submarine which also went down. Trigg and his entire crew all perished and only seven German sailors were rescued. Based on German survivor accounts, a report would later be filed detailing the gallant pilot's courage which led to the award of a posthumous Victoria Cross.

No More

Ethnic Mongolian cadets of the Manchukuo Xing'an (Postal Map: Hsingan) Province Military Academy in northeastern China rebelled and killed their Japanese instructors while on a March to Baicheng, Liaobei Province, China. They would turn north to join the Soviets.

Not Good Enough

US Secretary of State James Byrnes rejected the Japanese surrender terms offered on the previous day, citing the refusal for any Japanese preconditions. Meanwhile, American aircraft continued conventional bombing of Japanese cities.

Photo of the Day

Canadian troops posing with a captured German flag, near Hautmesnil, France, 10 August 1944; note Sten gun and Lee-Enfield rifle.

As we close today's chapter on August 11th in World War II, let's pause and remember the bravery and sacrifices of that era. The lessons of history are timeless, and the stories from this day serve as a testament to human spirit and resilience. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to sharing more tales of the past with you tomorrow.

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.