Today in the Second World War

The 23rd of March

Author

Hidden History
March 23, 2024

In this March 23 edition of our World War II-themed newsletter, we journey back to a pivotal era where courage, sacrifice, and the quest for peace shaped the destiny of nations. As we reflect on the events that unfolded during this day in history, we honor the legacy of those who fought bravely on the battlefronts and those who endured on the home front. Our stories delve into the strategic decisions, unsung heroes, and enduring lessons of the war, reminding us of the price of freedom and the importance of safeguarding peace. Through remembering the past, we aim to inspire a future grounded in unity, understanding, and a collective commitment to prevent history's darkest hours from repeating.

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“A pint of sweat will save a gallon of blood.” War as I Knew It, 1947 - George S. Patton

Forgetful

1941: German submarine U-110 fired a spread of three torpedoes at Norwegian ship Siremalm 200 miles southwest of Iceland at 0427 hours. One torpedo hit but failed to explode, while the other two missed. U-110 next attempted to attack with her deck gun, but a crewman had forgotten to remove the water plug from the gun, causing it to explode, wounding three men and causing some damage.

U-110

Foreshadowing

1942: Intelligence experts at US Navy Station CAST at Corregidor, Philippine Islands tentatively linked the Japanese Navy code name AF to Midway Atoll.

US Navy Station CAST

Genocide

1943: Heinrich Himmler's statistician reported to him that, thus far, 633,300 Russian Jews had been "resettled", with the latter word a likely euphemism for "exterminated".

January 1942 German map titled "Jewish Executions Carried Out by Einsatzgruppe A". Number of Jews murdered in the Russian SFSR is shown as 3600. Map reads at the bottom: "estimated number of Jews still on hand is 128,000".

Outside the Box

1944: 9 US B-17 bombers attacked the Japanese base at Rabaul, New Britain, causing damage to the airfields. One of the bombers dropped large bombs in the Rabalanakaia volcano in an attempt to artificially cause an eruption, but the attempt was unsuccessful; the Americans did not realize that the volcano was actually dormant.

Rabalanakaia volcano

Photo of the Day

Japanese cargo ship Nittsu Maru sinking in the Yellow Sea, off China, after being torpedoed by American submarine USS Wahoo, 23 Mar 1943; photo taken from Wahoo's periscope

Bonus Photo

US 25th Division squad leader pointing at a suspected Japanese position at the edge of Baleta Pass, near Baguio, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 23 Mar 1945

As we wrap up this edition, our reflection on the events of March 23 during World War II serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage that defined a generation. Through these stories, we are reminded of the importance of remembering our past to forge a future marked by peace and unity. Let us honor those who have come before us by learning from their experiences and striving to create a world that reflects the lessons of history. Thank you for joining us in this journey of remembrance and inspiration, as we continue to keep the legacy of the Greatest Generation alive for future generations to cherish.

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Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Ghost That Died at Sunda Strait by W. G. Winslow

Recounting the last stand of the heavy cruiser Houston, this tale of survival brings to life the 1942 battle at Sunda Strait.

Lost at Guadalcanal: The Final Battles of the Astoria and Chicago as Described by Survivors and in Official Reports by John J. Domagalski

The dramatic account of two American warships in the South Pacific, this book follows the USS Astoria (CA–34) and USS Chicago (CA–29) during the late summer of 1942, when both participated in the early days of the critical battle for Guadalcanal. Drawing on a variety of firsthand accounts, some previously unpublished, the book tells the story from the perspective of the men aboard each ship, transporting readers inside the gun turrets, behind the lookout binoculars, and below deck as the battle rages. Individual stories of heroism, sacrifice and survival unfold as both vessels meet their fates in the South Pacific.

The Sinking of the Bismarck: The History of the Battle that Destroyed Nazi Germany’s Most Famous Battleship by Charles River Editors 

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