Today in the Second World War

The 13th of April

Welcome to today’s edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! On this day, April 13th, 1945, we commemorate several significant events that occurred during the opening and final stages of the war. From diplomatic developments to German atrocities, the events of this day serve as a reminder of the complex and dynamic nature of this world war. Join us as we explore the details of these events and pay tribute to those who fought and sacrificed in the name of freedom and democracy.

"The Russian Colossus...has been underestimated by us...whenever a dozen divisions are destroyed the Russians replace them with another dozen." - German Army General Chief of Staff Franz Haldervon Armin

Stalin Makes Peace with Japan

On this day in 1941, the Soviet Union and the Japanese Empire signed a 5 year neutrality pact. The signing of the Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact was a strategic move for both the Soviet Union and Japan. The pact was signed at a time when tensions were high in Europe, and both countries were seeking to avoid getting entangled in a two-front war.

For Stalin, the pact was a way to ensure that the Soviet Union's eastern border was secure, as he was already deeply concerned about the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany. The Soviet Union had suffered significant losses in the Finnish Winter War in 1939-40, and Stalin was keen to avoid another conflict on the eastern front.

In addition to the strategic benefits of the pact, Stalin was likely also motivated by a desire to buy time to strengthen the Soviet military and prepare for the possibility of a future conflict with Germany. At the time, Stalin was engaged in a massive military buildup, and the pact with Japan allowed him to focus on this effort without having to worry about a potential conflict with Japan in the east.

The unexpected friendliness shown by Stalin to both Japanese and German diplomats on the day the pact was signed is somewhat surprising given the tensions between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany at the time. However, it is important to note that Stalin was a skilled politician who often employed tactics such as charm and flattery to achieve his objectives.

Stalin was likely aware of the strategic importance of maintaining friendly relations with both Japan and Germany, at least on the surface, as he worked to solidify the Soviet Union's position in the region and prepare for the possibility of a war with Germany.

Despite the signing of the neutrality pact, tensions between Japan and the Soviet Union continued to simmer, particularly over the disputed border between the two countries in Manchuria. In 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and played a significant role in the defeat of Japan in World War II. The declaration of war by the Soviet Union effectively ended the neutrality pact, which was due to expire in 1946.

Japanese Foreign Minister Matsuoka signing the pact.

German Resistance

Anton Schmid was a sergeant in the German army during World War II, who was stationed in Vilnius, Lithuania, after the German invasion in 1941. At that time, Vilnius was the capital of Lithuania and had a significant Jewish population. The Nazi regime had begun its brutal campaign of extermination of Jews in the region, and the Vilnius Ghetto was established to imprison and eventually kill thousands of Jews.

Despite the danger to himself, Schmid was deeply affected by the suffering of the Jewish people in the ghetto and decided to help. He took it upon himself to provide Jews with food, shelter, and false documents to help them escape the ghetto and avoid deportation to concentration camps.

Schmid also organized an underground network of people who were willing to help transport Jews out of the city. He used his position in the army to obtain travel permits and other necessary documents to facilitate the escape of Jews from Vilnius.

Over the course of several months, Schmid helped around 250 Jews escape certain death, risking his own life and freedom in the process. He was aware that he could be executed if he was caught by his superiors or the Gestapo, but he continued his work nonetheless.

Unfortunately, Schmid's activities eventually came to the attention of his superiors, and he was arrested and charged with treason. Despite the protests of fellow soldiers and the Jewish community he had helped, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was executed by firing squad on April 13, 1942.

Schmid's selflessness and courage in the face of the brutal Nazi regime serve as an inspiring example of the power of individual action to make a difference in the face of injustice and oppression. His actions remind us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances.

Anton Schmid.

The Gardelegen Massacre

The Gardelegen massacre was one of the most horrific atrocities committed by German troops during World War II. On April 13, 1945, as Allied forces were advancing towards Germany, a group of SS and Luftwaffe troops, along with 1,016 political and military prisoners, were fleeing the advancing armies. They were deemed too weak to continue marching with the retreating troops and were left locked inside a large barn in the small town of Gardelegen, Saxony.

After locking the prisoners inside the barn, the SS and Luftwaffe troops proceeded to pour gasoline and other accelerants on the building and set it ablaze. As the barn burned, the troops stood guard outside, shooting at anyone who attempted to escape. Some prisoners attempted to break through the walls of the barn, but were quickly gunned down by the troops.

The massacre continued throughout the night, with the troops showing no mercy towards the prisoners. The next morning, as the Allied forces began to close in on the area, the troops fled, leaving behind the charred remains of the prisoners inside the burning barn.

The Gardelegen massacre was one of the most brutal atrocities committed by German troops during the war. The incident shocked the Allied forces, who were already aware of the brutal treatment of prisoners by the German military. The atrocity was one of many that would later be used as evidence during the Nuremberg Trials, which were held to bring to justice those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the war.

Today, the Gardelegen massacre serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of preserving peace and preventing such atrocities from ever happening again. The town of Gardelegen has erected a memorial to the victims of the massacre, which serves as a powerful symbol of the need for continued efforts towards reconciliation and remembrance.

The barn set on fire in the Gardelegen Massacre.

Photo of the Day

Spitfire Mk. Vc-Tropical variant from No. 603 Squadron RAF being hauled aboard USS Wasp (Wasp-class) by a crane, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, 13 Apr 1942.

As we close out another day of World War II history, we are reminded of the continuing struggles and sacrifices of those who fought and died for their countries. From the signing of the Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact to German soldiers risking their lives to save others, the events of April 13th, 1945, serve as a testament to the bravery and determination of those who fought to bring an end to the war. As we reflect on these events and honor the memory of those who served, let us also look forward to a future of peace and reconciliation. Thank you for reading and see you tomorrow!

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Have a great week :)

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