Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today's edition of the Hidden History newsletter, where we delve into the forgotten corners of history to shed light on the events that unfolded on May 25th. As we peel back the layers of time, we unearth stories of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped the course of the war. Join us as we uncover the untold narratives and honor the brave individuals who played their part in this global conflict, ensuring that their legacies are not forgotten.

"Dunkirk has fallen... with it has ended the greatest battle of world history. Soldiers! My confidence in you knew no bounds. You have not disappointed me." - Adolf Hitler

Panzers Halted

Adolf Hitler continued to hold off his tanks from engaging on an offensive even though those armored division were merely 10 miles from Dunkerque, France. At Calais, France, Heinz Guderian obediently, albeit frustratingly, ordered his tanks to halt per Hitler's orders, but the field commanders continued to push back the British and French troops. In the evening, British Expeditionary Force commanding general Lord Gort began to fall back to Dunkerque. On the same day, the French Army relieved 15 generals of their commands.

Bismarck Slips Away

British cruisers HMS Suffolk and HMS Norfolk lost radar contact with German battleship Bismarck at 0306 hours as the German ship unexpectedly turned west. Several hours later, the British learned of Bismarck's general area after intercepting a radio message sent by Admiral Lütjens. All British attempts to locate Bismarck on this date, however, failed.

Intelligence Becomes Clearer

Japanese submarine I-9 launched her floatplane for a reconnaissance mission over Adak and Kanaga islands in the Aleutian Islands; on the same day, the Japanese Northern Area Fleet under Admiral Boshiro Hosogaya departed Japan for the conquest of nearby Attu and Kiska islands. On the US side, the Japanese radio message intercepted on 20 May 1942 was partially decrypted, giving the Americans a good idea of the scale of the Midway attack; the Americans missed one critical component, however, as the part regarding the battleship fleet, with Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's personal participation aboard battleship Yamato, was not decrypted.

Cisterna Captured

US 3rd Division captured Cisterna, Italy after house-to-house fighting, nearly wiping out 362nd Infantry Division in the process; nearby, US 1st Armored Division engaged German Herman Göring Division at Valmontone while US Fifth Army troops linked up with the Anzio contingent. At the end of the day, Mark Clark ordered Lucian Truscott to turn north toward Rome without informing Harold Alexander.

Photo of the Day

German prisoners of war at Cisterna, Italy, late May 1944.

As we conclude this edition of the Hidden History newsletter, we hope that our exploration of May 25th has provided you with a deeper understanding of the significance and impact of this historic day. By delving into the lesser-known stories and highlighting the bravery of individuals, we strive to keep the memory of World War II alive and honor the sacrifices made during this tumultuous period. May we carry these stories with us, cherishing the lessons they offer and working towards a future where peace prevails. Join us again tomorrow as we continue our journey through the annals of World War II, uncovering new narratives and commemorating the indomitable spirit of those who lived through this remarkable era.

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Have a great week :)

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