Today in the Second World War

The 20th of April

Author

Hidden History
April 20, 2024

Welcome to our April 20th edition, where we delve into the complex and poignant moments of World War II as they unfolded on this historically significant day. On April 20th, the world bore witness to key events that not only shaped the outcome of the war but also influenced the post-war landscape. In this issue, we explore a range of narratives, from pivotal military maneuvers to the personal stories of resilience and endurance that humanize the broad strokes of history. Join us as we revisit the past, not just to recount the events, but to understand the enduring lessons they teach us about bravery, strategy, and the human condition. Today, let's reflect on history's impact and its continuous influence on our present and future.

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“The knowledge not only of the enemy’s precise strength and disposition, but also how, when, and where he intends to carry out his operations brought a new dimension to the prosecution of war.” – Commenting on the ULTRA code system - British Field Marshal Sir Harold Alexander

Surrender

1941: Athens, Greece was heavily bombed by German dive bombers; one of seven RAF Hurricane aircraft lost in beating off the raid was flown by Squadron Leader Marmaduke "Pat" Pattle, believed to be the Allies' top scoring fighter pilot of the war with at least 50 kills (that number could not be officially recognised as his record of service in Greece was lost); Pattle died trying to protect a fellow pilot. Piraeus, Greece was also attacked from the air, sinking Greek destroyer Psara with 37 killed; 22 German aircraft were lost while the British lost 10 Hurricane fighters. Unable to withstand the German advances, British forces withdrew from Mount Olympus toward Thermopylae on the same day that King George II led a new government. To the north in Albania, General Tsolakoglou surrendered the Greek Epirus Army, without authorization, to the German Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler Regiment; Italian leader Mussolini protested, requesting that the surrender must be accepted by an Italian general.

Troops of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler negotiating difficult terrain in Greece, 1941

Fame

1943: The most famous of all Lancaster bombers, ED888, was delivered to No. 103 Squadron RAF at RAF Elsham Wolds in Elsham, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom. ED888, which served as M-Mother (later adapted to Mother-of them-all) would, by the time it was retired early in 1945, have set a record of 140 completed operations to its credit.

Lancaster bomber, ED888

Major Loss

1944: The American Liberty ship, Paul Hamilton, loaded with men and explosives, was hit by an aerial torpedo off Algiers, French Algeria and blew to pieces. Not one of the 580 men on board, the vast majority US Army Air Force personnel, survived. Only one body was ever recovered.

SS Paul Hamilton

Downfall

1945: Soviet artillery began to fall on Berlin, Germany on Adolf Hitler's 56th and last birthday. After a brief birthday celebration, the generals urged Hitler to flee Berlin for southern Germany to continue the fight; Hitler decided not to go, setting up a northern command (under Karl Dönitz) and a southern command (tentatively under Albert Kesselring) instead should Berlin fall.

Soviet BM-13 Katyusha rocket launchers firing on Berlin, Germany, Apr 1945

Photo of the Day

German naval photographer in Denmark, Apr 1940

Bonus Photo

German Waffen-SS General Walter Krüger with a Tiger I heavy tank of his 2nd SS Panzer Division 'Das Reich', Kharkov, Ukraine, 20 Apr 1943

Thank you for joining us for this edition of our newsletter as we revisited the significant events of April 20th during World War II. We hope the stories and insights shared have enriched your understanding of this complex period and provided a deeper appreciation for the many facets of human endurance and ingenuity displayed during these trying times. As we close today’s issue, let us take forward the lessons of history with a renewed commitment to peace and understanding across all nations. Until our next edition, we leave you with a sense of gratitude for the past and hope for our collective future. Stay curious, stay informed, and above all, stay connected to the stories that shape our world.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Ghost That Died at Sunda Strait by W. G. Winslow

Recounting the last stand of the heavy cruiser Houston, this tale of survival brings to life the 1942 battle at Sunda Strait.

Lost at Guadalcanal: The Final Battles of the Astoria and Chicago as Described by Survivors and in Official Reports by John J. Domagalski

The dramatic account of two American warships in the South Pacific, this book follows the USS Astoria (CA–34) and USS Chicago (CA–29) during the late summer of 1942, when both participated in the early days of the critical battle for Guadalcanal. Drawing on a variety of firsthand accounts, some previously unpublished, the book tells the story from the perspective of the men aboard each ship, transporting readers inside the gun turrets, behind the lookout binoculars, and below deck as the battle rages. Individual stories of heroism, sacrifice and survival unfold as both vessels meet their fates in the South Pacific.

The Sinking of the Bismarck: The History of the Battle that Destroyed Nazi Germany’s Most Famous Battleship by Charles River Editors 

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