Today in the Second World War

The 1st of September

Hidden History
September 01, 2023

Welcome to a special edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. Today marks the 84th anniversary of the day that changed the course of human history: September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland and ignited the inferno that became World War II. As we delve into significant battles, untold stories, and reflections on peace in today's issue, we honor the sacrifices and valor of those who lived through these harrowing years. May their experiences serve as a stark reminder of the costs of conflict and the enduring importance of peace.

"The assertion that it is the intention of the German Reich to coerce the Austrian State is absurd" - Adolf Hitler - 30th January 1934

World War

Using the staged Gleiwitz radio station attack as an excuse, Germany declared war on Poland. Meanwhile, the radio station in Minsk, Byelorussia increased the frequency of station identification and extended its playing time in an attempt to help German aviators navigate. Among the opening acts of the European War, the German Luftwaffe bombed the town of Wielu in Poland, causing 1,200 civilian casualties.

Britain and France turned to Italy in response to his proposal to revamp the conditions of the Versailles Treaty rather than declaring war on Germany. Meanwhile, Italy declared itself a non-belligerent nation in the European War.

Adolf Hitler relieved Italy from having to fight in the war against Poland and possibly with the western powers in writing, asking only for political and economic support.

In Britain, evacuation of civilians in large cities began; three million women and children would be evacuated, though most of these will return when the anticipated air raids did not materialize. Also, Air Raid Precautions were introduced and a blackout enforced from sunset to sunrise.

German troops removing the Polish emblem from the wall of a post office in Danzig, 1 September 1939.

Conscription

1940: In an unprecedented event in United States history, conscription in peace-time was signed into law by Franklin Roosevelt.

FDR signing a bill.

Dry Tanks

1944: Having established a bridgehead over the Meuse River at Commercy and Verdun in France, the US Third Army runs out of petrol after outrunning their communications. It would not be until 5 September 1944 that some petrol was flown in to allow the advance to continue, but the Germans had been given vital days to arrange their defences and prepare to make a stand.

US Third Army

Photo of the Day

Group portrait of the officers and crew of USS Archerfish, Tokyo Bay, Japan, 1 September 1945.

As we close today's special edition marking the 84th anniversary of the onset of World War II, we are reminded of the invaluable lessons and sacrifices that shaped our past and influence our present. Thank you for joining us in this solemn reflection; may it serve as a lasting tribute to those who lived, fought, and perished, and as a reminder of the need for enduring peace. Until tomorrow, let us carry their stories in our hearts and strive for a world without conflict.

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

Have a great weekend :)

Recommended Books:

The Allies Strike Back, 1941-1943 (The War in the West): Holland, James

Following the acclaimed first volume of his trilogy, The Rise of Germany, and offering frank assessments of successes and failures on both sides, James Holland has crafted a masterful and gripping narrative of the events that ultimately determined the outcome of World War II.

The Second World War: Beevor, Antony

A masterful and comprehensive chronicle of World War II, by internationally bestselling historian Antony Beevor.

Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II: Black, Matthew

Never has the saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” had more truth than when the US government and the criminal underground joined forces to defeat the Nazi menace. For the first time ever the full story of how Charles “Lucky” Luciano—the U.S. Mafia boss who put the “organized” into organized crime—was recruited by U.S. Naval Intelligence in 1942 to aid the Allied war effort in the U.S. invasion of Sicily, a turning point in WWII.

The Apprentice of Buchenwald: The True Story of the Teenage Boy Who Sabotaged Hitler’s War Machine (Holocaust Survivor True Stories): Schneider, Oren

Alexander Rosenberg was a smart and curious teenager who spoke many languages, collected stamps, played the violin, and lived a pampered life with his affluent parents in a tranquil Czechoslovakian town. The rise of fascism and Nazi Germany causes his protected existence to collapse, alongside the illusion of secular Jewish assimilation in 1930s Europe.

Lost at Sea: Eddie Rickenbacker's Twenty-Four Days Adrift on the Pacific-A World War II Tale of Courage and Faith: Wukovits, John

The forgotten story of American war hero Eddie Rickenbacker's crash landing in the Pacific during World War II, and his incredible twenty-three-day crusade to keep his crew alive.

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