Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today’s edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! As World War II entered its final phase, the world was eagerly awaiting news of Germany's surrender to the Allies. Finally, on May 8, 1945, the long-awaited announcement came: the war in Europe was over. Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) was celebrated across the globe with scenes of jubilation and relief. From the streets of London to the shores of Okinawa, people rejoiced in the news that the war had come to an end. In this edition lets take a closer look at the events that unfolded on May 8.

"I claim we got a hell of a beating. We got run out of Burma and it is as humiliating as hell. I think we ought to find out what caused it, go back and retake it." - General Joseph Stilwell

The First Carrier Battle

The Battle of the Coral Sea was fought between the Japanese and US carrier fleets from May 4-8, 1942. It was a significant naval battle in World War II, as it was the first time in history that two opposing fleets fought a battle entirely with carrier-based aircraft without ever coming within sight of each other.

Japanese and US carrier fleets at Coral Sea discovered each other in the morning, each closing in to attack. The Japanese carrier Shokaku was damaged by three bombs and suffered 223 casualties. The USS Lexington was damaged by two bombs at 1120 hours during the Battle of the Coral Sea, resulting in the deaths of 191 sailors. However, it was later determined that the leaking gasoline was detonated by fire at 1247 hours, killing a further 25 sailors. The decision was then made to abandon ship, and at 1707 hours, the 2,735 survivors were rescued. The carrier was later scuttled by 5 torpedoes fired by the destroyer USS Phelps at 1915 hours.

The sinking of the USS Lexington was a significant loss for the US Navy, as it was one of the first aircraft carriers to be built and was a symbol of American naval power. The USS Yorktown was also hit by a bomb, resulting in 66 casualties. The battle was a strategic victory for the Japanese in terms of the damage they inflicted on the American fleet, but they lost strategic momentum as the invasion of Port Moresby had to be delayed.

The battle marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II, as it prevented the Japanese from taking Port Moresby and thereby threatening Australia. The success of the battle was also significant as it demonstrated that carrier-based aircraft could be used effectively in naval battles.

In summary, the Battle of the Coral Sea was a significant naval battle in World War II between the Japanese and US carrier fleets. The Japanese suffered significant damage to their carrier, but they scored a tactical victory. However, the delay in the Port Moresby invasion was a significant setback for the Japanese, and the battle marked a turning point in the Pacific Theater of the war.

VE Day in Europe

The end of the war in Europe was a significant event that marked the defeat of Nazi Germany and the Axis powers. It was the culmination of years of intense fighting, destruction, and loss of life. The war had a profound impact on Europe and the world, resulting in the death of millions of people, the displacement of millions more, and the destruction of countless cities and infrastructure.

On May 8, 1945, VE Day was celebrated in Britain and other Allied nations, with scenes of public celebration and thanksgiving. People took to the streets to celebrate the end of the war, waving flags, singing, and dancing. In London, crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to hear the King's speech and cheer as he and the Queen appeared on the balcony.

The surrender of the German garrisons in coastal strongholds in France marked the end of the war in that region. The Allies had fought a long and grueling campaign to liberate France from German occupation, and the surrender of these garrisons was a significant moment in that effort. It paved the way for the liberation of the rest of France and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

In Berlin, Germany, Marshal Georgy Zhukov of the Soviet Union accepted the German surrender, which was to take effect on May 11, 1945. The signing of the surrender marked the official end of the war in Europe, and it was a momentous event that was celebrated around the world.

The end of the war in Europe was a time of relief and celebration, but it was also a time of reflection and remembrance. The war had resulted in the death of millions of people, and many had lost their homes, families, and livelihoods. The victory in Europe paved the way for the eventual defeat of Japan and the end of World War II, but it also marked the beginning of a long period of reconstruction, rebuilding, and recovery.

VE Day at Okinawa

V-E Day (Victory in Europe Day) was celebrated around the world on May 8, 1945, following the announcement of Germany's unconditional surrender to the Allies. It was a time of great joy and relief for the people of Europe and the Allied nations, who had endured years of war and hardship.

The news of V-E Day reached Okinawa, Japan, which was still under Japanese control and the site of intense fighting between American and Japanese forces. In celebration of the Allied victory in Europe, every gun present at Okinawa, including naval guns, fired one round at noon. This was a symbolic gesture to mark the end of the war in Europe and to show support for the Allied cause.

The firing of guns on Okinawa was also a reminder of the ongoing conflict in the Pacific, where the war was still being fought. Despite the Allied victory in Europe, the war in the Pacific would continue for several more months, with the eventual defeat of Japan in August 1945.

The Battle of Okinawa was one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, with an estimated 150,000 casualties, including civilians. It was a critical battle that paved the way for the eventual invasion of the Japanese home islands. The firing of guns on V-E Day at Okinawa was a momentary respite from the fighting and a reminder of the sacrifices made by all those involved in the war.

Photo of the Day

A FM-2 Wildcat fighter prepared to launch from USS Charger while another flew overhead, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, United States, 8 May 1944.

As we reflect on the events of May 8, 1945, and the significance of Victory in Europe Day, we are reminded of the courage, sacrifice, and perseverance of all those who fought and contributed to the Allied victory in World War II. V-E Day marked the end of one of the darkest periods in human history and paved the way for a new era of peace and prosperity. But even as we celebrate this momentous occasion, we must also remember the millions of lives lost and the devastation caused by the war. The lessons of World War II continue to resonate today, as we strive to build a world free from conflict and violence. Thank you for joining us in this edition of Hidden History newsletter, and we look forward to bringing you more stories from this pivotal period in history.

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