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October 18th, set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, brought forth pivotal moments, acts of heroism, and tales that shaped the broader narrative of the conflict. Today, we journey back to this singular day, unveiling the events and chronicles that have cemented October 18th's place in wartime history. Join us in this exploration, where the pages of the past come alive with stories of determination and hope.
"Our citizens can now rejoice that a momentous victory is in the making. Perhaps we will be forgiven if we claim we are about midway to our objective." - Admiral Chester Nimitz - June 1942
War Looming?
1938: Germany recalled its ambassador in Washington DC, United States.
The embassy.
Rapid Moves
1939: The heads of state of Finland, Norway, and Sweden met to discuss the tension between Finland and the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, Germany sent a message to Sweden noting that Germany would remain neutral should war break out between Finland and the Soviet Union, advising Sweden to do the same.
Dutch liner Simon Bolivar struck a German magnetic mine in the English Channel 10 miles east of Harwich, England, United Kingdom at 1030 hours; the mine was laid in this shipping lane without warning on the previous day; 86 were killed. The Netherlands made an official protest to Germany regarding this violation in international shipping law.
British armed merchant cruiser HMS California stopped and captured German merchant ship Borkum in the Denmark Strait.
Representatives from Britain, Japan, and the United States reached an agreement regarding to the presence of troops of all three powers in and near the Gulangyu island international zone near Xiamen, China since May 1939; all three pledged to withdraw troops from the international zone and to suppress anti-Japanese activities in the international zone.
Adolf Hitler ordered the German military to plan for the invasion of the Soviet Union, using Poland as a staging point.
Jews in Wloclawek, Poland were forced to wear the Star of David. On the same day, the first Jewish ghetto was established in Lublin, Poland.
General Johannes Blaskowitz sent a message to Adolf Hitler, complaining of SS atrocities in Poland.
US President Franklin Roosevelt banned any American port from taking in any foreign combat submarines.
Dutch liner Simon Bolivar
Work Complete
1944: Erwin Rommel was given a state funeral.
Funeral procession of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, Ulm, Germany, 18 October 1944.
Retribution
1945: The war crimes trials in Nürnberg, Germany began. Erich Raeder and Hans Fritzsche arrived in Nürnberg under Soviet guard on the same day.
View from above of the judges' bench at the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Allied-occupied Germany.
Photo of the Day
Battleship USS Massachusetts refueling in the Philippine Sea from the oiler USS Kaskaskia, 18 October 1944. Note Massachusetts’ starboard twin mount 5”/38 caliber guns at their full 85-degree elevation.
As we wrap up our journey through October 18th's events in World War II, we're reminded of the intricate balance of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped the era. Your engagement helps keep these stories alive, bridging the past to our present. We eagerly await our rendezvous tomorrow, where new tales from WWII await discovery. Until then, let the lessons of history guide our path.
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Have a great week :)
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