Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, dated May 22nd, 2023. As we open the pages of history, we step into the poignant world of World War II on this significant day. With each passing day, we uncover the untold stories, courageous battles, and pivotal moments that shaped the course of this global conflict. Today, we delve into the triumphs and challenges faced by the Allied forces, exploring the strategic decisions, acts of valor, and the enduring spirit that defined their quest for victory. Join us as we commemorate the sacrifices made and honor the indomitable human spirit that emerged amidst the chaos of war.

"Without ships, we cannot live." - Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Atrocities Begin in France

In France, Theodor Eicke's SS Division Totenkopf, a police unit raised to provide concentration camp guards, murdered ninety-two civilians in the town of Aubigny-en-Artois and another forty-five in the villages of Vandélicourt and Berles-Monchel as they headed towards the canal line before Dunkerque.

Luftwaffe Enigma

Although the German army, SS, police, and railway all used Enigma with similar procedures, it was the Luftwaffe (Air Force) that was the first and most fruitful source of Ultra intelligence during the war. The messages were decrypted in Hut 6 at Bletchley Park and turned into intelligence reports in Hut 3. The network code-named 'Red' at Bletchley Park was broken regularly and quickly from 22 May 1940 until the end of hostilities. Indeed, the Air Force section of Hut 3 expected the new day's Enigma settings to have been established in Hut 6 by breakfast time. The relative ease of solving this network's settings was a product of plentiful cribs and frequent German operating mistakes.Luftwaffe chief Hermann Göring was known to use it for trivial communications, including informing squadron commanders to make sure the pilots he was going to decorate had been properly deloused. Such messages became known as "Göring funnies" to the staff at Bletchley Park.

Germans Fooled

During World War II, British aerial reconnaissance did confirm that the German battleship Bismarck and the cruiser Prinz Eugen had left Grimstadfjord, Norway. This information was critical for the British as it allowed them to initiate a large-scale search operation to locate and engage the German ships.

In order to deceive the Germans and protect the British fleet, a series of decoy ships and mock installations were created in Scapa Flow, the main British naval base in Scotland. German aerial reconnaissance, flying over Scapa Flow, observed these dummy warships and reported back that the British fleet was still in port. This misinformation temporarily misled the Germans, delaying their response and providing the British with a tactical advantage.

Ultimately, the British were able to locate and engage the Bismarck in the Battle of the Denmark Strait, resulting in the sinking of the British battlecruiser HMS Hood. However, subsequent operations by the Royal Navy led to the crippling and eventual sinking of the Bismarck.

Action in the Mediterranean

Before dawn, British warships searched for an Axis convoy off the Greek island of Milos; after sunrise, German aircraft spotted the ships, damaging HMS Naiad (6 killed), HMS Calcutta (14 killed), and HMS Kingston (1 killed) at 1000 hours. At 1200 hours, HMS Greyhound was sunk (76 killed) and HMS Warspite was damaged (43 killed). Shortly after, HMS Gloucester (722 killed) and HMS Fiji (257 killed) were also sunk. Meanwhile, at Crete, Greece, Australian and New Zealand troops counterattacked at Maleme at 0330 hours, but German 5. Gebirsgäger Division troops repulsed the attack. During the day, additional Ju 52 aircraft brought two more battalions of troops to Maleme. Australian and New Zealand troops were pulled back from Maleme to Suda Bay to protect the main supply point while regrouping for another counterattack.

Photo of the Day

Comrades of Rifleman John Beeley of 1st King’s Royal Rifle Corps who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross at Battle of Sidi Rezegh on 21 Nov 1941 are working on his cross, 22 May 1942.

As we conclude today's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we reflect on the events that transpired on this significant day in history. The stories shared have reminded us of the immense sacrifices, unwavering bravery, and unwavering determination that characterized the war effort. May we carry these stories with us as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of learning from the past. Join us again tomorrow as we continue our journey through the annals of World War II, uncovering new chapters in this remarkable tale. Thank you for being a part of this historical exploration, and we look forward to sharing more stories with you soon. Until then, stay informed, stay inspired, and never forget the legacy of World War II.

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Have a great week :)

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