Today in the Second World War

The 27th of August

Author

Hidden History
August 27, 2023

As we mark another August 27th, let us turn the pages back to a time of unparalleled global conflict. Today's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter dives deep into this very date during the Second World War, unveiling tales of valor, decisions of consequence, and moments that shaped the course of history. Journey with us as we remember and reflect on the indelible marks left by this day during the great war.

"You are doomed... you have already cut rations by a half...but your prestige and honour have been upheld" - General Homma - Speaking of General MacArthur - January 1942

Plotting

1939 : German leader Adolf Hitler responded to the message from French Prime Minister Édouard Daladier from the previous day, noting that Germany had no intention of fighting France, so if France was to attack Germany due to the German-Poland situation, it would be a war initiated by France, and Germany could not be faulted for such a conflict; additionally, Hitler stressed that Germany had no territorial demands on the German-French border. Meanwhile, Hermann Göring's friend Birger Dahlerus, a Swedish national, attempted a parallel route to negotiate for peace.

Adolf Hitler responded to Benito Mussolini's message from the previous day, noting that he accepted Italy's inability to participate in direct fighting should a German-Polish war broke out, but he would very much appreciate political (by means of threatening to entering the war, thus tying down French troops on the French-Italian border) and economic (by offering Italian workers for German industry and agriculture) support.

Édouard Daladier

Retreat

1942: Admiral Scheer approached Port Dikson in northern Russia at 0105 hours, intending to attack the command center of the Soviet Northern Sea Route with a 180-man landing party, not knowing the port was well-defended with 50 NKVD troops, 300 militia, 2 anti-tank guns, 1 anti-aircraft gun, 1 750mm howitzer, and large caliber coastal guns. As Admiral Scheer approached to bombard, Soviet flagship Dezhnev was disabled at 0145 hours (7 were killed), followed by Soviet ship Revolutionary. To Admiral Scheer's surprise, 152mm coastal guns opened fire; although the Soviet coastal gun crews could not see through the thick smoke from Dezhnev and Revolutionary and could only fire in Admiral Scheer's general direction, it was enough to force Admiral Scheer to break off the attack. At the end of the engagement, Port Dikson saw its radio station, oil depot, coal storage, and power station damaged or destroyed.

Admiral Scheer in Gibraltar in 1936.

Photo of the Day

Takasago Maru at port in Tokyo, 27 Aug 1945, photographed by US Navy aircraft.

As we conclude our August 27th Hidden History Newsletter, let's hold a moment of reflection for the day's events and their enduring impact. History serves as a lens, offering insights and lessons for our present and future. Thank you for accompanying us on this journey today; together, we honor and learn from the past. Until tomorrow's tales, stay curious and never forget.

If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

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The Nazis asked him to swear allegiance to Hitler, betraying his country, his friends, and everything he believed in. He refused.

The Last Hill: The Epic Story of a Ranger Battalion and the Battle That Defined WWII by Bob Drury

Bob Drury and Tom Clavin's The Last Hill is the incredible untold story of one Ranger battalion's heroism and courage in World War II.

Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS: Dubbins, Andrew

Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS [Dubbins, Andrew] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS

World War II at Sea: A Global History by Craig L. Symonds

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Lost at Sea: Eddie Rickenbacker's Twenty-Four Days Adrift on the Pacific--A World War II Tale of Courage and Faith by John Wukovits

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