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Welcome to our daily exploration of World War II, as we focus on the significant events of November 27. This date marks a series of crucial moments — from strategic military operations to profound human experiences — that shaped the course of the war. Our edition today aims to bring these historical events to life, offering insights into the tactical decisions, personal sacrifices, and enduring impacts they had. Join us as we delve into the narratives of November 27, uncovering the profound influence of this day on the complex tapestry of global history.
”I will break into Leyte Gulf and fight to the last man…would it not be shameful to have the fleet remaining intact while our nation perishes?” - Vice-Admiral Takeo Kurita - 1944
Big Score
1940: German armed merchant cruisers Orion and Komet stopped the 16,712-ton passenger ship Rangitane 400 miles east of New Zealand at 0300 hours. Of the 201 crew and 111 passengers, 16 were killed during the attack and the remainder were captured. Due to the distress signal sent out by Rangitane's crew, the Germans only had time to transfer the captives aboard but not the 14,000 tons of food and 45 bars of silver before Komet sank Rangitane with a torpedo. Rangitane was the largest passenger ship to be sunk by German merchant raiders during WW2.
MS Rangitane (1929)
Massive Mistake
1944: A mistake by an armourer at an underground bomb dump at Hanbury, near Burton-on-Trent, England, United Kingdom triggered a massive explosion as 4,000 tons of bombs went off at once. The blast instantly gouged a 12 acre hole in the ground and the tremors were picked up by seismolograph in Geneva, Switzerland and Casablanca, French Morocco. Forty people were killed in the blast, by falling debris or by suffocation trapped underground. The blast caused a nearby reservoir to collapse and six million gallons of rubble-filled water poured down into the bomb dump, killing 27 men working in the offices on the surface. The blast represented only 10 percent of the explosives in the dump. If the lot had gone off, it would have cause a bigger explosion than the atomic bombs dropped on Japan. Today there is still a crater a quarter-mile wide and 100 feet deep at the site which is sealed off because of the unexploded bombs still lying beneath the surface.
Aerial view of the crater and damage to the surrounding area caused by the explosion, taken by the RAF on 4 December 1944
Photo of the Day
Bombs falling astern of Ark Royal during Battle of Cape Spartivento, 27 Nov 1940
As today’s edition comes to an end, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your engagement and interest in the events of November 27 in the context of World War II. Through our collective exploration of the strategic maneuvers, courageous acts, and impactful decisions of this day, we gain a more profound appreciation for the complexities of this historic era. We hope that the insights shared have enriched your understanding and offered new perspectives on the enduring influence of these events. As we part ways, let us keep alive the spirit of remembrance and the pursuit of historical knowledge. Join us again as we continue to delve into the rich and intricate tapestry of World War II history.
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Have a great week :)
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