Today in the Second World War

The 18th of May

Author

Hidden History
May 18, 2024

Today, we commemorate the events of May 18th during World War II, a day marked by crucial developments and heroic deeds. This date offers us a chance to delve into the strategies, battles, and personal stories that significantly influenced the course of the war. In this edition, we explore these pivotal moments and the individuals whose lives were intertwined with them. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of May 18th and reflect on the enduring lessons that continue to resonate in our world today.

Want to learn more about Submarines? Click here: https://hiddenhistoryyt.com

“The Battle of France is over. The Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the future of Christian civilization.” – June 1940 - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Reclaiming

1940: German troops captured Antwerp, Belgium; meanwhile, the German government re-incorporated into its borders the territory that Germany ceded to Belgium per the Versailles Treaty. In France, Erwin Rommel's German 7th Panzer Division reached Cambrai where it halted to consolidate his supply lines; in the past 5 days the division advanced 85 miles and captured 10,000 French prisoners and tanks, suffering only 150 casualties. The French called the German 7th Panzer Division the "Ghost Division" for its ability to strike in unexpected and vulnerable places. Elsewhere in France, German troops captured Petonne and Amiens.

German soldiers are welcomed into Eupen-Malmedy, a German border region annexed by Belgium in the Treaty of Versailles (1919).

VC

1941: German dive bombers attacked British hospital ship Aba 50 miles south of Crete, Greece. Petty Officer Alfred Sephton of British light cruiser HMS Coventry won the Victoria Cross for directing anti-aircraft fire against the German aircraft despite being partially blinded by a machine gun bullet; he would die from his injuries on the next day. In anticipation of a German invasion of Crete, Greece, 700 Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders were transported from Port Said, Egypt, on troopship Glengyle; they would land at Tymbaki, Crete after sundown.

Petty Officer Alfred Sephton

Photo of the Day

Battleship Bismarck as seen from heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in the Baltic Sea, mid-May 1941

Bonus Photo

BL 15 in coastal gun of the Wanstone Battery, St Margaret-at-Cliffe, England, United Kingdom, 18 May 1942

As we conclude our exploration of the events of May 18th during World War II, we hope the stories and insights presented have enriched your understanding of this significant day. Thank you for joining us on this historical journey. We look forward to delving deeper into the past with you in our next issue, where we will continue to honor the legacy and lessons of those times. Until then, keep reflecting on history and its powerful influence on the present and future.

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 

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

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