Today in the Second World War

Welcome, history aficionados! As we turn the pages back to August 26th during the tumultuous years of World War II, we are reminded of the profound moments that shaped the course of the conflict. On this day, strategic decisions were made, battles raged on multiple fronts, and countless stories of valor and sacrifice came to the fore. Join us in today's edition as we shed light on the significant happenings of this date from the annals of the Second World War.

"Nothing would please me better than if they would give me three months and then attack here." - General Douglas Macarthur - Supreme Allied Commander of South-West Pacific - (Speaking of the Philippines) 5th December 1940

War Imminent

1939: Benito Mussolini sent Adolf Hitler a message noting that Italy would offer political and economic aid if Germany chose to go to war with Poland, but Italy was in no position to offer military assistance.

Some German units ordered to lead the invasion of Poland, originally planned for this date, did not receive the message that the invasion had been postponed in the previous evening and crossed the borders, attacking Polish defenses with rifles, machine guns, and grenades; they would be withdrawn back into Germany within hours. Because Poland had experienced so much German provocation in the past few days, Polish leadership brushed off the attacks as another series of provocation, despite having reports that the attacks wore regular uniforms. In the late afternoon, Adolf Hitler set the new invasion date at 1 Sep 1939.

French Prime Minister Édouard Daladier sent a message to German leader Adolf Hitler, noting that while France desired peace, it would fight for Poland should it be invaded.

German ambassadors in Belgium and the Netherlands informed each of the two countries that Germany was friendly to them during the current political tensions.

German Navy ordered all German merchant ships to sail for the nearest German port.

The German Foreign Minister, Joachim von Ribbentrop, handed the British Ambassador, Sir Neville Henderson, a list of terms that would allegedly ensure peace. These terms stipulated that Danzig would be returned to Germany, there would be a plebiscite in the Polish Corridor based on 1919 residency and there would also be an exchange of minority populations between Poland and Germany. The British thought these were fair demands and so the Polish Ambassador Józef Lipski went to see Ribbentrop, but was thrown out when he revealed that he did not have the power to sign the agreement. Germany then announced that Poland had refused its fair demands.

70% of Britain's Air Defences forces were now deployed, which effectively meant that 900 guns and 3,000 searchlights were ready for action.

Deception

1940: Adolf Hitler ordered the transfer of 10 infantry divisions and 2 armored divisions from France to Poland. To avoid Soviet suspicion, he made plans to make this transfer appear as if these fresher troops were coming in to relieve older men who were going to be released back into the work force.

Skilled Flying

Junichi Sasai led eight Zero fighters escorting G4M bombers to Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Over Guadalcanal, Sasai engaged an American F4F Wildcat fighter, probably that of US Marine Corps Captain Marion E. Carl of VMF-223 squadron, who surprised Sasai by turning upright, machine guns firing. Sasai's Zero fighter was hit and exploded, killing him.

Photo of the Day

USS North Carolina firing her forward guns during trials, 26-27 August 1941.

As we close today's chapter on August 26th from the annals of World War II, let's take a moment to reflect on the narratives of courage and sacrifice that have forever marked this date. We hope these stories serve not just as historical facts, but as enduring reminders of the price of freedom and peace. Thank you for journeying with us today. Until tomorrow, cherish the lessons of the past and keep the flame of history burning bright.

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Have a great weekend :)

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