Today in the Second World War

On August 18th, we turn our focus to the unsung heroes of World War II—those whose contributions, though often overlooked, were vital to the war effort. In this edition, we shine a light on the men and women who worked behind the scenes, whose bravery and dedication in the shadows made a profound impact on the outcome of the war. From the intelligence officers who cracked crucial codes to the resistance fighters who risked everything for freedom, these stories remind us that victory was not just won on the battlefields, but also through countless acts of courage and sacrifice in every corner of the world. Join us as we honor these lesser-known figures who played indispensable roles in shaping history.

Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/UzlYQbcJ768

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“Schutzenregiment 1 has, at 22:40, taken high hill just to the north of Cheveuges. Last enemy blockhouse in our hands. A complete breakthrough!” – In a wartime cable sent from the battlefield near Sedan - German Lieutenant-Colonel Hermann Balck

Poor Odds

1941: British War Cabinet member Mr. Butt wrote a report to the RAF Bomber Command, noting "[o]f those aircraft recorded as attacking their target, only one in three got within five miles" of the intended targets. The conclusion was reached after studying post-bombing reconnaissance photos taken between 2 Jun and 25 Jul 1941.

Happiness in War

1941: Radio Belgrade played an obscure German record which had been found in a pile of dusty 78s in the cellar of Radio Vienna. The song, Lili Marleen, sung by Lale Andersen, was an instant success. Within a week the station was receiving thousands of requests from the soldiers of the Deutsche Afrika Korps for it to be played over and over again. The song's success did not end there for, with English lyrics, it would become equally popular with the British and Commonwealth soldiers fighting in the Western Desert.

Commando Order

1942: Adolf Hitler issued the Commando Order that all Allied commandos encountered by German forces in Europe and Africa should be killed immediately, even if in uniform or if they attempted to surrender.

Battle off Horaniu

1943: Japanese destroyers Sazanami, Hamakaze, Isokaze and Shigure with subchasers Cha-5 and Cha-12 and 3 motor torpedo boats were escorting 13 Diahatsu barges bound for Horaniu on Vella Lavella Islands, Solomon Islands to establish a barge depot to assist with evacuating bypassed Japanese troops on Kolombangara. An American destroyer force of USS Nicholas, USS Chevalier, USS O’Bannon, and USS Taylor intercepted the Japanese convoy. The barges found refuge in the many coves along Vella Lavella’s north shore but two Japanese subchasers, two motor torpedo boats, and at least one barge were sunk. The Japanese were able to establish a barge depot at Horaniu and barges operating from this depot would eventually evacuate 9,000 Japanese troops from Kolombangara.

Success?

1943: Between 0017 and 0043 hours Berlin time (2317 and 2343 hours London time, on 17 Aug 1943), three waves of British Lancaster, Halifax, and Stirling bombers (227, 113, and 180 aircraft, respectively) struck the German rocket research site at Peenemünde, dropping a total of 1,600 tons of high explosive bombs and 250 tons of incendiary bombs. Initially the damage appeared to be extensive, especially considering that 180 German scientists and engineers were killed, but the site returned to operation within four to six weeks. Strategically, however, this attack did retarded the eventual rocket attack on Britain by some months. Many buildings would remain unrepaired and craters unfilled in order to trick the British into thinking that the site was abandoned after the raid. The British Royal Air Force lost 40 bombers during this successful mission. Over 500 Polish forced laborers were also killed during this attack.

Photo of the Day

T22E1 prototype armored car, 18 Aug 1942

Bonus Photo

Wreckage of a Do 17 aircraft in Britain, 18 Aug 1940

As we close this edition, we remember the unsung heroes who contributed to the Allied victory in World War II. Their stories may not always be in the spotlight, but their impact was undeniable, and their sacrifices were just as profound as those on the front lines. By honoring these individuals, we gain a fuller understanding of the war's complexity and the many hands that shaped its outcome. Thank you for joining us in celebrating these remarkable contributions. Until our next edition, let us continue to seek out and recognize the stories of those who quietly changed the course of history.

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Have a great week :)

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