Today in the Second World War

The 22nd of September

Author

Hidden History
September 22, 2023

As the sun rises on September 22nd, we are drawn once more into the intricate web of events from a time when the world was steeped in conflict and change. This day in World War II, much like every other, was filled with tales of heroism, strategic maneuvers, and decisive moments that have since become integral threads in the global narrative. Today, we shine a spotlight on these stories, connecting the past to our present, and honoring the indomitable spirit of those who experienced September 22nd during the tumultuous 1940s.

"Nothing would please me better than if they would give me three months and then attack here." - General Douglas Macarthur - Supreme Allied Commander of South-West Pacific - (Speaking of the Philippines) 5th December 1940

Wanting in on the Action

1938: Seeing that the Czechoslovakians gave in to German demands, Hungary also made demands of their own on Czechoslovakian territory. On the same day, Sudeten Freikorps occupied two Czechoslovakian towns close to the German border. In Prague, the Czechoslovakian cabinet resigned. In Bad Godesberg, Germany, Chamberlain met Adolf Hitler; the German leader demanded Czechoslovakia to allow German troops to occupy Sudetenland by 1 October 1938.

Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler in Bad Godesberg, Germany, 22-24 Sep 1938; note Joachim von Ribbentrop in background.

The End is Near

1939: Battle of the Bzura, also known as Battle of Kutno to the Germans, ended in Polish defeat; it was the largest battle of the Polish campaign during which more than 18,000 Polish troops and about 8,000 German troops were killed. At Lvov, over 210,000 Poles surrender to the Soviets, but at the Battle of Kodziowce the Soviets suffered heavy casualties. Also on this day, the Soviet NKVD began gathering Polish officers for deportation.

Following the Battle of Bzura, Polish General Tadeusz Kutrzeba arrived in Warsaw, Poland where he was briefly appointed as the Deputy Commander of the Warsaw Army. However, his valiant efforts proved futile. The commander of the Warsaw Army, Juliusz Rómmel, could see the writing on the wall and implored his colleague to begin surrender talks with the Germans. Kutrzeba, later captured by the Germans, spent the rest of the war in various prisoners of war camps until he was liberated by the Americans in April 1945.

Former German Army Commander-in-Chief Werner von Fritsch was mortally wounded by a Polish bullet whilst on a tour of inspection at Praga, Warsaw, Poland.

Polish civilians arrested by German troops during the invasion, September 1939.

Operation Source

1943: The first of the charges placed by British midget submarines below German battleship Tirpitz in Norway exploded at 0812 hours. The second explosion took place shortly afterwards. The explosions caused damage to the hull and disabled the turbines, propeller shafts, and the rudder. One sailor was killed and 40 were wounded.

Lt. Henty-Creer and the crew of X5.

No Longer Friends

1943: German occupation administration in Naples, Italy announced that all men between 18 and 33 years of age were to be sent to labor camps in northern Italy and in Germany. On the same day, Italian resistance fighters captured a stock of weapons and ammunition from a military warehouse in the Vomero district of Naples.

Italian military situation in September 1943.

We’ll Take Those

1944: British scientists, returning from studying a German rocket research site at Blizna, Poland, found that the crates of rocket parts collected had been switched to ordinary aircraft parts, presumably by the Soviets who wished to retain the rocket parts for their own weapons research.

V-2 rocket at the Blizna launch site.

Photo of the Day

Machine gun crew of Japanese 4th Division near Miluo River in Hunan Province, China, during Second Battle of Changsha, 22 or 23 September 1941.

Bonus Photo of the Day

Female worker at the B. T. H. factory in Neasden Lane, Willesden in London, England, United Kingdom writing messages on a Covenanter tank of British Guards Armoured Division, 22 September 1942.

As we close the chapter on this September 22nd edition of The Hidden History Newsletter, let's reflect upon the intertwining stories and legacies from a bygone era that still reverberate today. The events and individuals we've commemorated today serve as a testament to humanity's resilience and the profound impact of collective history. Tomorrow, we journey forth to another day in the annals of World War II, seeking lessons and inspiration. Until then, hold close the invaluable insights from the past, for they illuminate our path forward.

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand (World War II Collection): Biggio, Andrew

Tales of American combat and comradery in World War II all connected to the iconic rifle of the era, the M1 Garand. An award-winning author puts one such rifle into the hands of a series of vets, records their stories, and gathers their signatures on the rifle, in a pilgrimage and homage to heroism.

The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield by Andrew Biggio

In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle, Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II.

Over The Top: Veterans of the First World War by David Polk

With the stroke of a pen, the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918 promised a World of peace and cooperation. Popularly called "the war to end all wars," the Great War was intended to prevent incidents like the one at Sarajevo in 1914. In general, peace and harmony did continue, at least until Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.This book is written as a tribute to the legacy of the veterans of the Great War. Within these pages are contained eye-witness accounts of these fearless fighters.

Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS by Andrew Dubbins

With echoes of Unbroken; the derring-do and bravado of The Right Stuff; and the battle-forged camaraderie of Band of Brothers, this is the World War II story of 95-year-old veteran George Morgan and the Underwater Demolition Teams. Forerunners of the Navy SEALs, the elite unit was given nearly impossible pre-invasion missions from D-Day to the most crucial landings in the Pacific Theater.

The War of Words: How America's GI Journalists Battled Censorship and Propaganda to Help Win World War II by Molly Guptill Manning

From New York Times bestselling author Molly Guptill Manning comes The War of Words, the captivating story of how American troops in World War II wielded pens to tell their own stories as they made history.

Today’s email was brought to you by Hidden History.

Was this email forwarded to you? You can subscribe here!