Today in the Second World War

As we delve into the significant events of May 4th during World War II, this issue brings to light the pivotal moments and untold stories that shaped the course of the war. From strategic military decisions to the enduring resilience of those on the front lines, we explore the day’s highlights and reflect on the lasting impact of these events. Join us as we uncover the lessons and legacies of May 4th, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that defined this moment in history.

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“In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Good Will.” - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Liverpool

1941: The German bombing on Liverpool, England, United Kingdom that began on the previous date ended before dawn on this date, killing 850 people and destroying ammunition ship Malakand in the harbor. The rocket shelter at Broad Green in Liverpool received a direct hit from a German bomb during this raid; the shelter was, at the time, packed with people many of whom had come out of a local dance hall looking for shelter as the sirens rang.

Blitz

1942: Before dawn, 90 German bombers attacked the ancient city of Exeter, England, United Kingdom. This, the third raid on the "Jewel of the West" in ten days, caused extensive damage, devastating 30 acres of the city with many if its historic buildings smashed or incinerated by high explosive and fire bombs. The 15th-century cathedral was badly damaged, while many of the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian landmarks were lost forever. The city library was burnt down losing an estimated 1 million books and historic documents (which took Exeter more than 20 years to recover). Over 1,500 houses were completely destroyed with a further 2,700 more seriously damaged. Some 400 shops, 150 offices, over 50 warehouses plus 36 pubs and clubs were also lost. Additionally 156 civilians had been killed and 563 others injured. During the day, the Nazi propagandist Lord Haw-Haw broadcast to British listeners "We have destroyed that jewel and the Luftwaffe will return to finish the job".

Polish destroyer Błyskawica was undergoing an urgent refit at the J Samuel White shipyard at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (the same shipyard where she was built) when the area was bombed by the German Luftwaffe, dropping 200 tons of bombs. Błyskawica left her moorings, anchored outside the harbor, and opened up such a fierce and lengthy anti-aircraft barrage that her guns had to be doused with water and more ammunition had to be ferried across from Portsmouth. Generally considered a successful raid from the German point of view, Błyskawica is credited with keeping it from being much worse.

Tubby Linton

1943: A posthumous award of a Victoria Cross was made to Commander John Linton of HMS Turbulent after the submarine was declared lost. Turbulent had sunk one cruiser, a U-boat and 28 supply ships as well as destroying three trains with gunfire. She had been attacked 13 times and survived 250 depth charges.

Surrender

1945: German forces in Denmark, the Netherlands, and northwestern Germany surrendered to British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, to be in effect at 0800 hours on the next day. Meanwhile, in Germany, US Ninth Army accepted surrender of German Ninth and Twelfth Armies and US Third Army accepted the surrender by Feldmarschall Paul von Kleist.

Surrender

1945: USS Luce was attacked by two Japanese special attack aircraft off Okinawa, Japan. The first was shot down near the port side of the ship, and the blast of the explosion caused power failures throughout the ship. The second aircraft crashed into the aft portion of the destroyer, knocking out the port engine, jamming the rudder, and flooding engineering spaces. The commanding officer gave the order to abandon ship at 0814 hours. Of the 312 on board, 126 were killed in the attack and the sinking.

Photo of the Day

TBD-1 Devastator torpedo bomber of Torpedo Squadron 6 landing on Enterprise, 4 May 1942

Bonus Photo

D4Y3 Suisei special attack aircraft diving at USS Sangamon as part of Operation Kikusui No. 5, off Kerama Retto, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, 4 May 1945

As we conclude our exploration of May 4th during World War II, we hope you've found these stories and analyses insightful and inspiring. Thank you for your continued dedication to understanding and remembering the past. Stay with us as we continue this journey, uncovering more profound moments of history in our next issue. Until then, carry the lessons of the past forward and let them guide us in building a better future.

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Have a great week :)

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