Today in the Second World War

Welcome to today's edition, where we cast a light on the events of November 23 in the context of World War II. This date holds stories of strategic shifts, heroic acts, and pivotal moments that influenced the course of the war. As we delve into the narratives of this day, we aim to bring you a rich tapestry of history, highlighting how these events continue to resonate in our current world. Join us in uncovering the enduring impact and lessons of this critical juncture in history, as we remember and learn from the past.

"Attended thanksgiving service…for liberation of Paris…hearing the Marseillaise gave me a great thrill. France seemed to wake again after being knocked out for five years." - General Sir Alan Brooke - 28th August 1944

No Surrender

1939: While patrolling north of the Faroe Islands on 23 November 1939, HMS Rawalpindi investigated a possible enemy sighting, only to find that she had encountered two powerful German warships, the battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, which had been conducting a sweep between Iceland and the Faroes. Rawalpindi was able to signal the German ships' location back to base. Despite being hopelessly outgunned, 60-year-old Captain Edward Coverley Kennedy RN of Rawalpindi decided to fight, rather than surrender as demanded by the Germans. He was heard to say "We'll fight them both, they'll sink us, and that will be that. Good-bye".

The German warships sank Rawalpindi within 40 minutes. She managed to score one hit on Scharnhorst, which caused minor splinter damage. 238 men died on Rawalpindi, including Captain Kennedy. Thirty-seven men were rescued by the German ships, a further 11 were picked up by HMS Chitral (another converted passenger ship).

Random

1942: Major General Tomitaro Horii, his chief of staff, and another staff officer died when the canoe on which they traveled aboard capsized in the Kumusi River in Australian Papua.

Thanksgiving

1944: General Dwight Eisenhower ordered that every soldier under his command should receive a full Thanksgiving Day holiday turkey dinner. Battalion cooks tried to comply in the Hürtgen Forest on the Belgian-German border, if only with turkey sandwiches, but as US soldiers climbed out of their foxholes to line up, they were hit by German artillery fire and suffered heavy casualties.

Photo of the Day

M3 medium tank number 309490 of D Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Armored Regiment, US 1st Division at Souk el Arba, Tunisia, 23 Nov 1942.

As we wrap up today's edition, we thank you for joining us in revisiting the significant moments of World War II that occurred on November 23. Our journey through these historical narratives not only honors the past but also enlightens our understanding of the present. We hope that today's insights have deepened your appreciation for the complexities and the enduring impact of this global conflict. Keep the spirit of remembrance and learning alive, and join us again as we continue to explore the vast and intricate history of World War II.

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

Have a great week :)

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