Today in the Second World War

In the unique cadence of leap years during World War II, February 29 stands as a day of historical anomaly, offering a momentary pause in the relentless march of time to reflect on the extraordinary circumstances of the era. The leap days of 1940 and 1944, in particular, witnessed crucial developments in the conflict, from decisive battles to acts of unsung heroism, encapsulating the resilience and determination of those involved. As we explore the events that unfolded on this rare date, we're reminded of the broader narrative of the war and the human stories woven into its fabric. Today, we honor the significance of February 29 in WWII, recognizing it as a day that, though infrequent, bore witness to the enduring spirit and tenacity of a world at war.

“The Soviet Union, as everybody who has the courage to face the fact knows, is run by a dictatorship as absolute as any other dictatorship in the world.” – FDR speaking before the American Youth Congress on February 10, 1940 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Winter War

1940: Negotiations to end the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union began, but fighting continued. Soviet troops crossed the frozen Gulf of Finland and landed 15 miles west of Viipuri in an attempt to surround the city, but they were defeated by Finnish troops, capturing only Teikari Island. Elsewhere, Finnish troops wiped out the surrounded Soviet troops in the East Lemetti pocket at 0400 hours, capturing 5 field guns, 1 anti-tank gun, 71 tanks, 12 armored cars, 6 anti-aircraft machine guns, 206 trucks, and 70 machine guns.

Photo of the Day

MacArthur and his acting aide Colonel Lloyd Lehrabas inspected the results of the heavy naval bombardment on Los Negros, Admiralty Islands, 29 Feb 1944

As we conclude our special leap day journey through the events of February 29 during World War II, we are reminded of the unique place this day holds in the annals of history. It's a day that, though rare, encapsulated the essence of an era defined by unprecedented global conflict and human resilience. Thank you for joining us in this extraordinary exploration, where we've delved into the leap year's contributions to the war's narrative. May the stories of bravery, strategy, and perseverance we've shared inspire us to appreciate the depth and breadth of history, even on its most uncommon days. We look forward to continuing our journey through the past, uncovering and commemorating the moments that have shaped our world.

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Have a great week :)

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