Today in the Second World War

On this day in World War II history, we explore the events that shaped the trajectory of the conflict and the lives of those involved. From key military operations to the significant personal stories of heroism and resilience, May 2nd offers a rich tapestry of historical insights. Join us as we delve into the moments that defined this day and reflect on the broader implications of these events. Together, let's uncover the lessons of the past and how they continue to influence our world today.

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

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“We must be very careful not to assign this deliverance the attributes of a victory. Wars are not won by evacuations” – in a speed to Parliament on June 4th, 1940 - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

Lost Gold

1942: Already-damaged HMS Edinburgh, carrying £5,000,000 worth of Soviet gold meant as down payment for US weapons and other war supplies, was spotted by German destroyers Z7 Hermann Schoemann, Z24, and Z25 at 0630 hours. In the ensuing engagement, Edinburgh hit Z7 while destroyer HMS Forester was hit by Z7's torpedo and destroyer HMS Foresight was hit by shellfire. Z7 would be scuttled at 0830 hours. HMS Edinburgh suffered a torpedo hit which killed 57. Now structurally unsound, she was scuttled by HMS Harrier and HMS Foresight at 0900 hours. The gold also went to the bottom of the Barents Sea.

No Surrender

1943: Viktor Lutze, head of the SA, was killed by partisans; he was succeeded by Wilhelm Scheppmann. The cause of death was officially stated as an automobile accident.

Coincidence?

1944: 54-year-old Leonard Dawe, a teacher, compiled a cross-puzzle which was published in the Daily Telegraph on this date. He was put under MI5 investigation as the crossword puzzle contained the code names of the American landing beaches in Normandy, France.

Surrender

1945: British Field Marshal Harold Alexander accepted the surrender of the Axis forces in Southern Europe. Over 1,000,000 men in northern Italy and Austria laid down their arms.

General Helmuth Weidling accepted General Vasily Chuikov's terms of unconditional surrender; the surrender of the Berlin garrison in Germany was to be effective at 1500 hours.

In a report to the House of Commons the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced the unconditional surrender of the German land, sea and air forces, commanded by Colonel-General Heinrich von Wietinghof-Scheel, Commander-in Chief South-West Command and Commander-in Chief of Army Group C. The instrument of surrender signed at the Allied Forces Headquarters at Caserta on Sunday afternoon, 29 Apr 1945, by two German plenipotentiaries and Lieutenant-General W. D. Morgan, Chief of Staff at Allied Forces Headquarters would see the surrender of all German forces in Northern Italy to the Isonzo River, in the North-East, and the Austrian provinces of Salzburg, Vorarlberg, anf the Tyrol plus portions of Carinthia and Styria, Hostilities would end at 12 o'clock GMT on Wednesday, 2 May 1945.

British government announced that London, England, United Kingdom was now a "Go Home" area, ending the nearly six-year evacuation.

Photo of the Day

Red Army soldier Mikhail Alekseevich Yegorov of Soviet 756 Rifle Regiment flying the Soviet flag over the Reichstag, Berlin, Germany, 2 May 1945

Bonus Photo

German troops surrendering their weapons near a subway entrance, Berlin, Germany, 2 May 1945

As we wrap up today’s journey into the events of May 2nd during World War II, we thank you for your continued engagement. We hope these stories have provided you with new insights and perspectives. Join us again in the next edition as we continue to uncover more fascinating moments from history. Until then, keep reflecting on the past and its importance to our present and future.

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Have a great week :)

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