Today in the Second World War

Today, February 28, we reflect on a key day in World War II history, marked by strategic decisions, heroic actions, and significant moments that shaped the conflict's course. It’s a time to remember the resilience and courage of those who faced immense challenges, their efforts laying the groundwork for peace and shaping the future. As we look back on this day, let’s honor the legacy of determination and ingenuity, and carry forward the lessons learned from their sacrifice and strategic foresight into our lives today.

“I have seen war…I hate war.” – at in address at Chautauqua, NY – August 14, 1936 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Wrong Way

1940: At 0045 hours, Soviet High Command permitted the surrounded 34th Tank Brigade to retreat from the East Lemetti pocket in Finland. Finnish troops eased pressure and allowed 2,750 wounded Russian soldiers to escape on foot. About 1,000 out of the 1,250 who escaped to the south returned safely, but all 1,500 who escaped to the east were later caught by Finnish ski troops and killed. Finnish attacks on the East Lemetti pocket continued later in the day. On the Karelian Isthmus, however, Soviet troops were able to penetrate the second defensive line. Finally, troops of the Swedish Volunteer Corps took over front line duties against Soviet troops at Salla, Lapland in northern Finland.

Despicable

1942: During the battle of the Java Sea, the Dutch light cruiser De Ruyter was torpedoed and sunk by the Japanese heavy cruiser Haguro, 375 crew lost their lives. Although a listed war grave the ship was salvaged illegally some time between 2002 and 2016.

Under Attack

1942: At 1117 hours German submarine U-156 (Korvettenkapitän Werner Hartenstein) began to shell the unescorted and unarmed steam 7,017-ton tanker Oregon, which was steaming 130 miles north of Mona Passage, north of the Dominican Republic. The first shell struck the starboard side in the quarters of the master and the second struck near the bridge, destroying the radio shack and killing the master and the men on watch on the bridge. The tanker went out of control turned hard to port at 6 knots, colliding slightly with the forecastle of the German submarine before stopping. Most of the eight officers and 28 crewmen abandoned ship in one lifeboat in calm seas, leaving on the starboard side while the port side was taken under fire. Four others were thrown over dove overboard and found safety on a raft. The submarine circled and shelled the ship for 75 minutes, in between only with the anti-aircraft guns as the Germans had to repair the deck gun during the engagement after the counterweights fell off and then fired the last available rounds for the deck gun and the 37mm anti-aircraft gun into the waterline at point blank range. Altogether 58 rounds of 105mm, 304 rounds of 37mm and 101 rounds of 20mm ammunition were expended during the attack. Small fires broke out on the bridge, in one of the fuel tanks and on the stern and eventually a boiler exploded but the cargo of 78,000 barrels of naval fuel never caught fire. The submarine did not wait for the burning tanker to sink and left the area without questioning the 30 survivors who made landfall on the Dominican coast.

No Nukes

1943: Six newly arrived Norwegian agents of the British Special Operations Executive (code named Gunnerside) joined the four agents already in place since Oct 1942 (code named Grouse) in sabotaging the Norsk Hydro-Elektrisk Vemork heavy water production plant in Telemark, Norway, thereby depriving German atomic weapons scientists of 500 kilograms of heavy water and near-future heavy water production capability.

The End

1944: German female aviator Hanna Reitsch presented a proposal of a squadron of suicide pilots to Adolf Hitler.

Photo of the Day

German Das Reich Division tank entering the outskirts of Kharkov, Ukraine, Feb-Mar 1943

As we wrap up our exploration of February 28 in World War II, we're left inspired by the stories of valor, strategy, and perseverance that characterized this day. These reflections not only serve to honor the memory of those who contributed to pivotal moments in history but also remind us of the enduring lessons of courage and resilience. Thank you for joining us in commemorating these significant events. Let the insights and inspirations drawn from today guide us as we move forward, keeping the spirit of history alive in our hearts and actions. We look forward to continuing our journey through the past, uncovering more lessons and stories that shape our understanding and appreciation of the world.

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Have a great week :)

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