Today in the Second World War

Welcome to our July 13 edition, where we continue to explore the pivotal events and inspiring stories of World War II. In this issue, we delve into the acts of heroism, strategic decisions, and enduring legacies that shaped this transformative period. Our mission is to bring these historical moments to life, providing you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the past. Thank you for joining us on this journey of remembrance and discovery, and for your commitment to preserving these important narratives.

Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/roz83FkMU_E

Want U-Boat or Warship models? Go here: https://hiddenhistoryyt.myshopify.com

Want to learn more about Submarines? Click here: https://hiddenhistoryyt.com

“You only have to kick in the door and the whole rotten structure will come crashing down.” – on invading the Soviet Union - Adolf Hitler

No Thinking

1942: Field Marshal Fedor von Bock, commanding officer of German Army Group South, was fired from his command by Wilhelm Keitel for moving two Panzer divisions to assist the embattled 9th Panzer without Hitler's direct authority.

Special Ops

1942: 12 Italian frogmen swam 5 kilometers from Algeciras, Spain to Gibraltar and planted limpet mines on British merchant ships; the resulting explosions would sink the ships Meta, Shuma, and Baron Dougla and would damage the ship Empire Snipe.

Kursk

1943: Hitler called off the Kursk offensive but the decision had already been taken from him by the Soviets who pounded the retreating German forces both north and south of the salient with tanks, artillery, and tank-busting aircraft. Apart from the Soviet Army, the victory at Kursk was as much a triumph for the Soviet workforce which has endured long shifts in appalling conditions to arm, clothe, and feed their fighting men.

Operation Fustian

1943: Operation Fustian: After sun down, 1,900 men from the UK 1st Airborne Division set out to capture the Primosole Bridge over the Simeto River in Sicily, Italy by parachute and glider. Less than 200 men with three anti-tank guns reached the bridge. They overpowered the guards and removed demolition charges placed by Italian engineers. However, unbeknown to the Allies, the machine gun battalion of a German parachute division had just been dropped on to that very area. The two parachute forces were immediately locked into battle, but the tiny British unit, though heavily outnumbered, would remain at the bridge awaiting arrival of reinforcements. Elsewhere, British troops captured Augusta and Ragusa in Sicily, Italy.

Battle of Kolombangara

1943: Shortly after midnight, cruisers USS Honolulu, USS St. Louis, and HMNZS Leander escorted by destroyers USS Nicholas, USS O'Bannon, USS Radford, USS Jenkins, USS Chevalier, USS Gwin, USS Woodworth, USS Buchanan, and USS Maury engaged Japanese cruiser Jintsu and destroyers Yukikaze, Hamakaze, Yugure, Mikazuki, and Kiyonami in New Georgia Sound north of Kolombangara. Japanese Type 93 torpedoes damaged Honolulu, St. Louis, and Leander. Destroyers Woodworth and Buchanan were damaged in a collision. Jintsu was sunk by cruiser gunfire and a torpedo. Destroyer Yukikaze was damaged. Destroyer USS Ralph Talbot went to the aid of USS Gwin, badly damaged by a torpedo, and took aboard 155 officers and men. USS Maury took another 53 officers and men. Ralph Talbot then scuttled Gwin with torpedoes. The Japanese were able to land 1,200 men nevertheless.

Unbroken

1943: On the 47th day of drifting at sea in teh Pacific Ocean, Louis Zamperini and Russell Phillips were found and captured by the Japanese Navy in the Marshall Islands.

Big Mistake

1944: The secret of the German FuG 227 Flensburg equipment, which could home-in on RAF Monica radars, was revealed when a Luftwaffe pilot landed his Junkers Ju 88G-1 night fighter by mistake at RAF Woodbridge in Suffolk, England, United Kingdom. In addition the capture of this aircraft's FuG 220 radar would permit British scientist to find a way of jamming its signal within a matter of weeks.

Photo of the Day

Enlisted WAVES member checking a label on a Naval air station weather board, United States, 13 Jul 1943

Bonus Photo

Following a torpedo hit to USS Honolulu’s bow on 13 Jul 1943 in the Battle of Kolombangara, the leading 36-feet of the bow structure collapsed to hang straight down. Photo taken at Tulagi.

As we wrap up our July 13 edition, we hope the stories and insights shared have enriched your understanding of World War II and its lasting impact. Your dedication to honoring and preserving these historical narratives is greatly appreciated. Thank you for joining us in this exploration of the past. We look forward to bringing you more compelling stories in our future issues. Until then, let's continue to reflect on the lessons of history and celebrate the courage and resilience of those who came before us.

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.