Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the August 3rd edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. Together, let's learn and honor the immense sacrifices made during humanity's most daunting era, remembering the powerful words of Winston Churchill: "Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Italy - World War 2 Flag "Mussolini is quite humiliated because our troops have not moved a step forward. Even today they have not succeeded in advancing and have halted in front of the first French fortification which put up some resistance." - Count Ciano - Italian Foreign Minister (written in his diary) - 21st June 1940

The Soft Underbelly

Italian troops begin evacuation of Sicily, Italy in 1943.

Patton

The incidents, actually there were two of them, involving General Patton slapping soldiers occurred in August 1943 during the Sicily campaign of World War II. The first incident involved Private Charles H. Kuhl on August 3rd, and the second incident involved Private Paul G. Bennett on August 10th.

In the first incident, Patton was visiting the 15th Evacuation Hospital when he came across Private Kuhl, who did not have any visible wounds. When questioned, Kuhl reported he was suffering from nervousness and having trouble sleeping, symptoms that are now understood to be indicative of combat stress reaction or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patton flew into a rage, calling him a coward and even slapped him across the face with his gloves, then had him removed from the hospital, insisting that such 'cowards' have no place among the wounded.

The second incident involved Private Bennett, who was also suffering from combat stress reaction. When Patton encountered Bennett at the 93rd Evacuation Hospital, he again became enraged and slapped him, while also pulling his sidearm in a threatening manner.

News of the incidents eventually reached other high-ranking officers. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, formally reprimanded Patton and ordered him to apologize. Patton first apologized to the hospital staff, and then to each of the divisions under his command. The incident was kept from the public until November 1943, when it was revealed by reporter Drew Pearson on a radio broadcast. The public reaction was divided, with many Americans shocked and displeased by Patton's actions, while others saw it as a sign of his no-nonsense approach to the war.

The incidents seriously threatened Patton's career, and he was sidelined for nearly a year until the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Today, the incidents are seen as emblematic of the military's historical misunderstanding and mistreatment of psychological wounds suffered by soldiers. PTSD and other forms of combat stress reaction are now recognized as serious and legitimate medical conditions that require appropriate treatment and care.

Photo of the Day

HMS Indomitable and HMS Eagle sailing behind HMS Victorious, 3-10 August 1942; note Hurricane and Albacore aircraft on Victorious' flight deck.

Let these stories of strategy, sacrifice, and resilience inform our present and guide our future. Thank you for joining us today, and we eagerly await your company again tomorrow as we continue our journey into the past, ever remembering that history is not just a record, but a guidepost for the 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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