Today in the Second World War

Greetings, history enthusiasts! As we turn the calendar to February 12th, today's edition of World War II Daily is dedicated to uncovering the strategic milestones, acts of valor, and pivotal events that shaped the course of the war on this day. Our focus is not just on the battles and political maneuvers but also on the human stories of perseverance and bravery that continue to resonate. Join us as we pay homage to the indomitable spirit of those who faced unimaginable challenges, and explore how their efforts have left a lasting impact on the world we know today.

”The only words I spoke to the British commander in the negotiations for the surrender of Singapore were ‘All I want to hear from you is yes or no’. I expected to put the same question to MacArthur.” -at Manila – 10th October 1944 - General Yamashita

Forgotten Campaign

1940: At 0500 hours, Soviet tanks dragged sleds with explosives on board up to the Million Fort on the Mannerheim Line in Finland. When the sleds were detonated, all defenders inside the fort were killed, but the Soviet 7th Army did not pass through this breach on the Mannerheim Line. Later on this day, near the eastern end of the Mannerheim Line, Soviet troops captured the Kirvesmäki stronghold in Taipale (now Solovyovo, Russia). By the end of the day, the Finnish government agreed that it has little hope other than to seek peace.

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1940: British Royal Navy minesweeper HMS Gleaner located German submarine U-33 laying mines in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland at 0250 hours. U-33 was badly damaged by depth charges and surfaced at 0522 hours, but the submarine began to sink shortly after surfacing, killing 25 men, including commanding officer Kapitänleutnant Hans-Wilhelm von Dresky. One of the 17 survivors had 3 Enigma rotors in his pockets, which was sent to Alan Turing at the Government Code and Cypher School for further study.

Missed Opportunity

1942: 2 RAF Spitfire fighters on patrol unexpectedly spotted a large German fleet escorted by torpedo boats sailing through the English Channel at 1042 hours. British coastal guns at South Foreland, England, United Kingdom fired 33 rounds at the fleet, all of which missed. A number of aircraft were launched to attack, which failed to destroy the fleet, while 37 aircraft were shot down in the process, killing 23 airmen. The only damage sustained by the Germans were by mines; Scharnhorst struck two and Gneisenau struck one.

Unlucky

1942: At 0240 hours the unescorted 2,701-ton Norwegian merchant steamer Blink was hit on the port side by one G7e torpedo from German submarine U-108 (Korvettenkapitän Klaus Scholtz) about 160 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, United States. This torpedo went straight through the hull of the ship without detonating, a similar occurrence had happened the day before when the torpedo had lodged near the engines but failed to explode. It took U-108 a whole 24 hours to catch up again in the heavy seas there had almost been a collision when the submarine had dived when only 50 metres from the vessel. The torpedo that hit and detonated killed four men and a gunner and two men who were seen to launch a raft were never seen again. A lifeboat was launched with 23 survivors but capsized in the sea, one of the crew drowned and all bread and water was lost. Only 11 men were left at the end of the day and by 14 Feb 1942 only 6 were left and found by an American merchant ship Monroe and taken to Baltimore, Maryland, United States.

Photo of the Day

Corporal Larry Corletti, Private Murril Chapman, and Private Louis Robles practicing abandoning a M3 medium tank at Camp Polk, Louisiana, United States, 12 Feb 1943

Thank you for joining us in today's exploration of World War II history on February 11th. We hope that the stories and insights shared have enriched your understanding of the complexities and the profound human experiences of this global conflict. As we close today’s edition, let these narratives inspire us to remember the past with reverence and to approach the future with informed perspective and empathy. We look forward to sharing more historical discoveries with you tomorrow. Until then, may we all carry forward the lessons of courage, unity, and resilience.

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

Have a great week :)

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