Today in the Second World War

The 20th of January

Hidden History
January 20, 2024

Welcome to the January 20 edition of our World War II Daily newsletter. Today, we focus on the strategic military operations, diplomatic efforts, and personal stories of courage that marked this date during the war. Our narrative spans from the tactical decisions and actions on the battlefields to the intricate political negotiations that influenced the course of the conflict, as well as the resilience of individuals facing the harsh realities of war. We aim to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview, blending historical accuracy with vivid storytelling, to offer a nuanced view of January 20's role in the broader context of World War II. Join us as we explore these pivotal moments, highlighting the courage, struggles, and determination that define this day in the history of the war.

“I claim we got a hell of a beating. We got run out of Burma and it is as humiliating as hell. I think we ought to find out what caused it, go back and retake it.” – May 1942 - General Joseph Stilwell

War to the People

1944: The heaviest RAF raid on Berlin to date was launched, with 769 aircraft (495 Lancaster, 264 Halifax, 10 Mosquito) dropping over 2,300 tons of explosives on the German capital. 13 Lancaster and 22 Halifax bombers were lost. Damage on Berlin was thought to be extensive, but this could not be confirmed due to bad weather on the next day.

Bombing of Berlin

Photo of the Day

Colonel Karl Lorenz, commander of an infantry regiment of German Army 'Großdeutschland' Division, talking to soldiers in the southern Eastern Front, mid-Jan 1944; note Panzer V Panther Ausf. A tank

As we conclude today's edition of our World War II Daily newsletter for January 20, we thank you for your commitment to exploring and understanding this pivotal period in history with us. Our journey through the events and personal stories of this day during the war years has been aimed at providing a comprehensive view of the strategic, political, and human aspects of World War II. We hope that our insights have deepened your knowledge and appreciation of this crucial era. Join us again tomorrow as we continue to delve into the intricate narrative of World War II, uncovering more stories and lessons that resonate with our present and future. Until then, let's carry the lessons and memories of these times forward, using them to inspire and guide our current and future endeavors.

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

At Dawn We Slept by Gordon W. Prange

Revisit the definitive book on Pearl Harbor in advance of the 78th anniversary (December 7, 2019) of the "date which will live in infamy".

Judgement at Tokyo by Gary J. Bass

A landmark, magisterial history of the trial of Japan’s leaders as war criminals—the largely overlooked Asian counterpart to Nuremberg.

The Things Our Fathers Saw by Matthew A. Rozell

How soon we forget. Or perhaps, we were never told. That is understandable, given what they saw. But, it happened.

Operation: Snare Drum: A WWII Submarine Adventure Novel by Scott W. Cook

December 7, 1941 - America is attacked by the Japanese and dragged into a worldwide struggle for power unlike anything ever seen on Earth.

Pacific Sniper: A World War II Thriller by David Healey

In December 1941, the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor plunges the United States into war. Fresh from the hardscrabble mountains of Appalachia, Deacon Cole joins the fight against Imperial Japan.

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