Today in the Second World War

The 29th of August

Hidden History
August 29, 2023

Welcome to your daily dose of World War II history for August 29th. Today, we dive deep into the pivotal moments, valiant efforts, and strategic decisions that unfolded on this date, shaping the course of a conflict that forever altered humanity. Whether it's unearthing forgotten heroes or analyzing battlefield tactics, our goal is to offer you a comprehensive lens into the events that continue to resonate through history. Sit back and take a moment to engage with the past, as we journey from the icy fields of Russia to the tropical Pacific theaters, all in the quest to better understand the roots of our present world.

"The battle of Kursk... the forcing of the Dnieper... and the liberation of Kiev, left Hitlerite Germany facing catastrophe." - General Vasili I. Chuikov - Commander of the 8th Guards Army - (Speaking after the war)

No Truths

1938: While Adolf Hitler toured the Westwall defenses in western Germany, German General Wilhelm Adam warned that Germany could not be able to defend against an invasion by France for more than three days should Germany deploy most of its forces for an invasion of Czechoslovakia. Adolf Hitler grew furious at Adam, who would retire from service at the end of the year.

General Wilhelm Adam

Clock Ticking

1939: Through the Swedish businessman Birger Dahlerus, Germany expressed that Germany only desired Danzig and a small section of the Polish Corridor, while a plebiscite should be held in the near future to determine the fate of the remainder of the Polish Corridor.

Adolf Hitler summoned the three leading representatives of the German armed forces, Walther von Brauchitsch, Hermann Göring, and Erich Raeder together with senior Army commanders to his mountain villa at Obersalzberg in southern Germany, where he announced the details of the recently-signed Soviet-German non-aggression pact, the plan to isolate and destroy Poland, and the formation of a buffer state in conquered Poland against the Soviet Union

A Polish destroyer squadron was evacuated to the United Kingdom as the invasion from Germany seemed imminent.

Switzerland mobilized about 100,000 soldiers. The Swiss Federal Council meeting at Bern decreed a state of active service throughout the country.

Birger Dahlerus

No Love for Red Cross

The United Kingdom rejected Germany's proposal to use Red Cross ships to recover downed German airmen in the English Channel.

The Red Cross announced that the Japanese refused to allow safe passage for ships bearing supplies for Allied prisoners of war.

Red Cross

Heroism

Australian Private Bruce Kingsbury armed with a Bren-Gun and grenades, seeing Japanese troops were preparing a fresh attack on the Kokoda Trail in Australian Papua, charged through intensive machine-gun fire to eliminate the enemy's positions, but was then killed by a hidden Japanese sniper as the rest of his patrol (having gained 100 yards of track) were setting up a holding position. For his heroism Private Kingsbury would be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

Private Bruce Kingsbury, c. 1940

Occupation

Douglas MacArthur was ordered to exercise authority through the Japanese government, thus giving him authority over Emperor Showa. In this capacity, he would oversee the drafting a new constitution, redistribution of land, disbanding monopolistic Zaibatsu firms, among other major initiatives.

US troops made an administrative landing near Tokyo, Japan, starting the occupation.

USS Missouri leading USS Iowa and escorted by USS Nicholas entered Tokyo Bay, Japan.

MacArthur in 1945

Photo of the Day

Allied prisoners of war at Aomori camp near Yokohama cheered as US Navy and other Allied personnel arrived to rescue them, 29 August 1945.

As we close today's edition, we hope the stories and insights shared have deepened your understanding of the pivotal events that unfolded on this day in WWII history. Your engagement keeps the memory of this era alive, offering invaluable lessons in resilience, sacrifice, and leadership. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to explore the moments that not only shaped a generation but continue to influence our world today. Thank you for journeying with us through history.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Allies Strike Back, 1941-1943 (The War in the West): Holland, James

Following the acclaimed first volume of his trilogy, The Rise of Germany, and offering frank assessments of successes and failures on both sides, James Holland has crafted a masterful and gripping narrative of the events that ultimately determined the outcome of World War II.

The Second World War: Beevor, Antony

A masterful and comprehensive chronicle of World War II, by internationally bestselling historian Antony Beevor.

Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II: Black, Matthew

Never has the saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” had more truth than when the US government and the criminal underground joined forces to defeat the Nazi menace. For the first time ever the full story of how Charles “Lucky” Luciano—the U.S. Mafia boss who put the “organized” into organized crime—was recruited by U.S. Naval Intelligence in 1942 to aid the Allied war effort in the U.S. invasion of Sicily, a turning point in WWII.

The Apprentice of Buchenwald: The True Story of the Teenage Boy Who Sabotaged Hitler’s War Machine (Holocaust Survivor True Stories): Schneider, Oren

Alexander Rosenberg was a smart and curious teenager who spoke many languages, collected stamps, played the violin, and lived a pampered life with his affluent parents in a tranquil Czechoslovakian town. The rise of fascism and Nazi Germany causes his protected existence to collapse, alongside the illusion of secular Jewish assimilation in 1930s Europe.

Lost at Sea: Eddie Rickenbacker's Twenty-Four Days Adrift on the Pacific-A World War II Tale of Courage and Faith: Wukovits, John

The forgotten story of American war hero Eddie Rickenbacker's crash landing in the Pacific during World War II, and his incredible twenty-three-day crusade to keep his crew alive.

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