Today in the Second World War

On this day, 80 years ago, the world witnessed events that would forever shape the narrative of WWII. As we remember September 16, we're reminded of the valor, sacrifice, and determination that surged amidst the chaos. Dive into today's digest to uncover the poignant tales and significant moments that marked this date in history.

"My Luftwaffe is invincible...And so now we turn to England. How long will this one last - two, three weeks?" - Hermann Goring - June 1940

Patience

1940: British bombers attacked German invasion barges in French ports along the English Channel, interrupting an amphibious training exercise and causing many casualties.

Georges Boris made a broadcast over the BBC from the United Kingdom to the French people, asking them to bear with the British blockade of France, for that hunger suffered now would lead to an eventual French victory against the Germans. He also spoke of the German actions to deprive France of its food and other goods, which was the true cause of the shortages, citing Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf as evidence of the underlying philosophy of the German occupation.

War Crime?

1942: At 1125 hours, a US B-24 Liberator bomber based in Ascension Island spotted the 4 Axis submarines rescuing survivors of British troopship Laconia; despite the crew's observation of red cross flags, US Captain Robert Richardson III ordered the bomber to attack the submarines; the attack commenced at 1232 hours, and the submarines were forced to abandon the lifeboats they were towing and dive under the surface.

Comandante Cappellini sighted her first lifeboat from British troop ship Laconia in the Atlantic Ocean at 0828 hours. Laconia, carrying many Italian prisoners of war, had been sunk by U-156. This lifeboat carried 50 British survivors, which appeared to be stocked with ample food and water, thus the Italian submarine moved on. At 1032 hours, she sighted a second lifeboat, carrying 84 British surivors (41 men, 18 women, and 25 children); the Italian commanding officer Marco Revedin spoke to the suvivors of the second lifeboat and purposed to take on the women and children, but the British survivors refused to board the Italian submarine, so the Italians moved on after providing them with some provisions. At 1653 hours, Comandante Cappellini sighted four more lifeboats, two of which were overloaded and were taking on water; Comandante Cappellini took on 49 of the 50 Italian survivors (one confused Italian refused to board and was left behind). Shortly after, 19 British and Polish survivors were spotted in the water, and they were also picked up.

Photo of the Day

USMC war dog handler reading a message that his dog had just delivered, Peleliu, Palau Islands, September 1944.

As we close our journey through the echoes of September 16, let us be continually inspired by the resilience and unity of those times. Their stories aren't just lessons from the past, but beacons for our future. Stay inquisitive, honor their legacy, and until tomorrow, remember the ties that bind us through history.

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Have a great weekend :)

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