Today in the Second World War

Today, we commemorate the significant events of May 30th during World War II, which marked critical turning points and showcased the profound courage of those involved. This issue delves into the strategic decisions, intense conflicts, and inspiring stories of resilience that shaped this day. Join us as we explore the dynamics of these pivotal events and the enduring impact they had on the course of the war and the people who lived through it.

Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/e9d9yx6p4mw

Want U-Boat or Warship models? Go here: https://hiddenhistoryyt.myshopify.com

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“We have taken a grave and hazardous decision to sustain the Greeks and try to make a Balkan Front.” - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Evacuation

1940: The British Admiralty ordered all modern destroyers to leave Dunkerque, France due to the previous day's losses by German Luftwaffe, leaving 18 older destroyers to continue the evacuation; 24,311 were rescued from the harbor and 29,512 were rescued from the nearby beaches on this date. Despite poor weather, German aircraft damaged destroyers HMS Anthony and HMS Sabre, minesweeper HMS Kellet, armed boarding vessel HMS King Orry, and steamers St. Julien & Normannia.

The 1,298-ton French destroyer Bourrasque was steaming away from the French coast with 600 French soldiers that it had picked up. A captured coastal gun section at Nieupoort, Belgium opened fire and hit the ship as she steered five miles from the harbour buoy. The Bourrasque took on water rapidly after an explosion in the stern area. Panic broke out amongst the overcrowded soldiers and many had to jump into the sea after lifeboats either failed to launch or capsized. Ships in the area came in to help and some 550 sailors and soldiers were pulled to safety, many covered in oil and injured.

No Belief

1941: Soviet spy Richard Sorge, a reporter in the German Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, informed Moscow that the Germans planned to invade in late June. Joseph Stalin, as he had done in so many other reports by his agents, still refused to believe this important intelligence.

Massive Raid

1942: By adding 367 training aircraft, British Air Marshal Harris managed to mount the first thousand-plane raid against Germany (the actual count was 1,046), Operation Millennium. Originally targeted for Hamburg, it was switched to Köln due to weather. Over 1,400 tons of explosives were dropped on that city during the night of 30-31 May 1942, killing 500, injuring 5,000, and making nearly 60,000 homeless. 40 British bombers failed to return. The German government estimated that Köln received 900 tons of high explosive and 110,000 incendiary bombs, and about 400 were killed.

Photo of the Day

The chief shipbuilders of carrier Shokaku posing with the hull of the ship two days prior to launching, Yokosuka, Japan, 30 May 1939

Bonus Photo

Destroyed British Cruiser Mk IV tank in France, on or shortly after 30 May 1940

As we conclude today’s exploration of the impactful events of May 30th during World War II, we hope the insights and stories have deepened your appreciation of this crucial period in history. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the past, as we strive to keep the memory of these significant moments alive. We look forward to bringing you more enlightening content in our next issue. Until then, continue to explore and reflect on the lessons of history and their relevance to our present and future.

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

Have a great week :)

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