Today in the Second World War

Welcome to this July 13th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, your daily deep-dive into the world-shaping events of World War II. As we peel back the calendar pages to this day in different years of the conflict, we'll spotlight gripping narratives from various fronts, highlight unsung heroes, delve into the science and technology of the era, and analyze key geopolitical maneuvers. So, buckle up for a fascinating journey into our shared past, exploring the profound lessons that continue to resonate today.

"I'll come back as soon as I can with as much as I can. In the meantime, you've got to hold." - General MacArthur

Law

The "Heil Hitler" salute became compulsory for all public employees in Germany; it was also compulsory during the singing of the National Anthem and the party hymn, the "Horst Wessel" song. Germans unable to raise their right arm through disability were permitted to raise the left. At the same time all public correspondence was supposed to carry the words "Heil Hitler" instead of "Sincerely" or "Best Wishes".

Sneaky Activity

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.

Failure

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

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.

Rescue

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

Crucial Mistake

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

Cruiser USS St. Louis and New Zealand cruiser Leander firing during Battle of Kolombangara, 13 July 1943.

As we close this July 13th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we hope the historical accounts have enlightened your understanding of World War II and underscored the profound human resilience of that era. Thank you for accompanying us on this journey, and we eagerly await your return tomorrow for another deep dive into our shared past. Remember, history shapes our present and guides our future—let's use these lessons to foster a world of peace and compassion. Until the next dispatch, stay curious.

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Have a great week :)

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