Today in the Second World War

Greetings readers! As we delve into August 13th's chapter of World War II, we journey through a tapestry of events, decisions, and tales that marked this day decades ago. Unearthing the stories and strategies from both the battlefronts and the home fronts, today's dispatch promises a glimpse into the intricate web of wartime narratives. Join us as we remember, learn, and reflect.

"The battle is going very heavily against us. We're being crushed by the enemy weight...We are facing very difficult days, perhaps the most difficult that a man can undergo." - Field Marshal Erwin Rommel - 3rd November 1942

War Looming

As Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano departed Germany after the completion of a meeting with German leader Adolf Hitler and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop, he was told not to make any public announcements. Germany, however, would violate this agreement within hours, releasing a statement that Italy completely agreed with Germany's plans for the near future; this statement was false as Ciano had serious concerns regarding Hitler's determination to go to war with Poland.

In Range

1940: The first shells fired from the French side of the English Channel fell upon Dover, England, United Kingdom.

2nd Choice

Bernard Law Montgomery officially took command of the British Eighth Army in North Africa after the original choice commander, William Gott, was killed

In August 1942, Major-General William "Strafer" Gott was appointed to command the British Eighth Army in North Africa. However, before he could assume the command, his aircraft was attacked by the Luftwaffe while flying from Cairo to his new HQ and he was killed.

Following Gott's death, Lieutenant-General Bernard Law Montgomery, often simply referred to as "Monty," was selected as his replacement. Montgomery took over the Eighth Army and led them during the crucial battles of the North African campaign, most notably the Second Battle of El Alamein in late 1942, which was a turning point in the war against the Axis powers in North Africa. Montgomery's leadership and the victory at El Alamein boosted Allied morale and paved the way for the subsequent Allied push westward across North Africa.

Operation Pedestal

In the Strait of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, 7 German and 8 Italian torpedo boats attacked the Allied Pedestal convoy, sinking freighters Wairangi, Glenorchy, Almeria Lykes, and Santa Elisa shortly after midnight. At 0100 hours, Italian torpedo boats MAS16 and MAS22 fatally damaged British cruiser HMS Manchester 4 miles off Kellibia, Tunisia, kiling 10. At dawn, German dive bombers sank freighters Waimarama (80 were killed) and Dorset. Later in the morning, already-damaged tanker Ohio was disabled by further bomb hits; she would be abandoned after nightfall. Finally, British fighters from Malta arrived, allowing three Pedestal convoy freighters to sail into Malta between 1730 and 1830 hours; the successful RAF fighter coverage which drove away German air attacks would also force the 6 Italian cruisers and 17 destroyers which had sailed from Messina, Sicily, Italy on the previous day to abandon their mission to intercept the Pedestal convoy.

Photo of the Day

Japanese troops entering Beiping, China, 13 August 1937.

As we conclude our August 13th journey through WWII's intricate tapestry, we honor the resilience and sacrifices made on this day years ago. Your commitment to understanding and remembering is a testament to the enduring impact of history. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to navigate the echoes of our shared past.

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Have a great weekend :)

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