Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the July 19th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. As we delve into the intricate tapestry of history, we honor the bravery, the sacrifices, and the poignant human stories that emerged from the crucible of conflict. Together, we'll explore the sweeping narratives and obscure tales alike, unearthing the world-altering strategies and intimate human moments that marked this pivotal era. Join us as we step back into the pages of time, retracing the footprints of those who walked before us, their legacy echoing in our shared global history.

"We want to get the hell over there. The quicker we clean up this Goddamned mess, the quicker we can take a little jaunt against the purple pissing Japs and clean out their nest, too. Before the Goddamned Marines get all of the credit." - General George S. Patton - (addressing to his troops before Operation Overlord) - 5th June 1944

Battle of Cape Spada

Battle of Cape Spada: British destroyers HMS Hyperion, HMS Hasty, HMS Ilex, and HMS Hero engaged Italian cruisers Giovanni dalle Bande Nere and Bartolomeo Colleoni. As the British destroyers began to flee from fight, Australian cruiser HMAS Sydney and British destroyer HMS Havock arrived to lend help. Sydney disabled Bartolomeo Colleoni with gunfire, and Ilex and Hyperion launched torpedoes to sink her, killing 121. Giovanni dalle Bande Nere was able to withdraw. 555 survivors of Bartolomeo Colleoni was rescued by Ilex and Hyperion after the battle.

Bravery at Home

Daphne Pearson was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal for her 31 May 1940 rescue of a pilot from a crashed bomber at RAF Detling, unspent ammunition exploding all around her. The medal was later updated to the George Cross in 1941.

Hitler’s Way

Adolf Hitler ordered the German 2nd Panzer Group to move south toward Kiev, Ukraine as soon as the group completed the conquest of Smolensk, Russia. Heinz Guderian, commanding officer of the 2nd Panzer Group, protested and cited Moscow, Russia as the logical primary target, but Hitler would overrule him.

Codebreaking

Winston Churchill decided to share military intelligence gained by deciphering the German Enigma-encoded messages with the Soviets, but the Soviets would not be told how the intelligence was gained; instead, they were told that the intelligence was gained through a spies in Berlin.

The US Navy opened the Intelligence Center/Pacific Ocean Area at Pearl Harbor in the Territory of Hawaii with 190 men in its staff to analyze captured documents, to interrogate prisoners of war, and to conduct other naval intelligence related activities.

Rome Bombed

The Italian capital of Rome experienced its first air raid by the USAAF, which resulted in 1,500 civilian deaths; 157 B-17 and 112 B-24 aircraft embarked on this attack, 5 of which were lost. Most of the bombers focused on rail marshalling yards in or around the city.

At Feltre, Italy, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met for the 13th and last time before Mussolini was ousted from power. Mussolini had come to ask Hitler for massive military help, but the meeting was a fiasco with Hitler promising no specific aid and instead spent the entire morning in a dreary dialogue about German arms production. Mussolini was unable to pin Hitler down with specific demands for equipment and troops. Just before lunch, a messenger arrived with the news that Rome, Italy had suffered a heavy air attack. Mussolini was so upset that he could no longer listen to Hitler's waffle. Yet at a private luncheon Hitler was able to persuade Mussolini that his secret weapons, including atom warheads on flying bombs, could still win the war for the Axis.

Photo of the Day

Armorers SSgt George Townsend and Sgt George Barker make ready the dorsal quad Browning .50 caliber machine guns of a P-61 Black Widow night fighter, Saipan, 19 July 1944.

As we bring our exploration of World War II events on July 19th to a close, we hope that these stories of valor, determination, and humanity have provided a moment of reflection and understanding. Through these historical threads, we learn not only about our past but about ourselves, underscoring the enduring resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. Until our next dispatch, let the echoes of history continue to inspire and enlighten. Thank you for being part of this journey; your companionship makes the past come alive.

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Have a great week :)

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