Today in the Second World War

On October 16th, within the vast tableau of World War II, events unfolded that would etch their mark on the war's intricate storyline. From crucial tactical decisions to unsung acts of bravery, this day bore witness to the myriad facets of humanity in the face of conflict. Join us as we delve into the heart of October 16th, piecing together the moments that have shaped our understanding of this unparalleled era.

"To every man of us, Tobruk was a symbol of British resistance, and we were now going to finish with it for good." - Field Marshal Erwin Rommel - June 1942

Bravery

1939: British Royal Navy Commander R. F. Jolly, despite being seriously wounded by an air attack by a German Junkers Ju 88 bomber in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, United Kingdom, steadfastly refused medical treatment or requests that he left the bridge of HMS Mohawk until some eighty minutes later when he had finally brought his damaged destroyer into the safety at Rosyth. Taken ashore he lived on for another five hours before his death in hospital at South Queensferry, Scotland. For his heroism Commander Jolly was awarded, a week later, with a posthumous Empire Gallantry Medal (later replaced by a George Cross, a decoration only second in precedence to the Victoria Cross).

No Retreat

1941: Tanks of SS Reich Division and 10th Panzer Division attacked the Mozhaysk Line at Borodino, Russia 125 kilometers west of the Soviet capital of Moscow; lacking infantry support, Soviet troops halted the attacks. While thousands of civilians continued to flee the city, the Soviet government and diplomatic corps moved to Kuibyshev 1,500 miles to the east; Joseph Stalin, however, chose to stay.

Justice

1946: The Nuremberg executions took place on 16 October 1946, shortly after the conclusion of the Nuremberg trials. Ten prominent members of the political and military leadership of Nazi Germany were executed by hanging: Hans Frank, Wilhelm Frick, Alfred Jodl, Ernst Kaltenbrunner, Wilhelm Keitel, Joachim von Ribbentrop, Alfred Rosenberg, Fritz Sauckel, Arthur Seyss-Inquart, and Julius Streicher. Hermann Göring was also scheduled to be hanged on that day, but committed suicide using a potassium cyanide capsule the night before. Martin Bormann was also sentenced to death in absentia; at the time his whereabouts were unknown, but it is now thought that he committed suicide or was killed by Soviet troops while attempting to escape Berlin on 2 May 1945.

The sentences were carried out in the gymnasium of Nuremberg Prison by the United States Army using the standard drop method instead of long drop.

The executioners were Master Sergeant John C. Woods and his assistant, military policeman Joseph Malta. Woods' use of standard drops for the executions, meant that some of the men did not die quickly of an intended broken neck but instead strangled to death slowly.

Some reports indicated some executions took from 14 to 28 minutes.The Army denied claims that the drop length was too short or that the condemned died from strangulation instead of a broken neck. Additionally, the trapdoor was too small, such that several of the condemned suffered bleeding head injuries when they hit the sides of the trapdoor while dropping through.

The bodies were rumored to have been taken to Dachau for cremation, but were in fact incinerated in a crematorium in Munich and the ashes scattered over the river Isar.

Photo of the Day

Light cruiser USS Atlanta coming alongside heavy cruiser USS San Francisco for refueling, 16 October 1942. Note Atlanta's main forward batteries of three turrets of twin 5-inch/38 guns.

As the stories of October 16th during World War II fade into the backdrop of today's edition, we're left with a deeper understanding of the intricacies that define our shared history. These narratives, filled with sacrifice, innovation, and hope, serve as pillars in our collective memory. Thank you for accompanying us on today's historical voyage. As dawn breaks tomorrow, we'll set sail once more into the vast ocean of the past, eager to discover and share more of its treasures. Until then, may the lessons of yesteryears guide our tomorrows.

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Have a great week :)

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