Today in the Second World War

As we arrive at December 10, we turn our attention to the significant events of World War II that occurred on this day. This edition is dedicated to exploring the strategic battles, key diplomatic moves, and the individual stories of courage and determination that characterized December 10 in the annals of the war. Our goal is to not only recount these events but also to provide a deeper analysis of their impact and the lessons they continue to offer.

"The enemy win their battles from the air! They knock out my panzers with American armor-piercing shells." - Field Marshall Erwin Rommel

Ominous Warning

1937: Chiang Kaishek rejected Tang Shengzhi's request to negotiate with the Japanese for an evacuation of Nanjing, China. Having received no response to the ultimatum issued on the previous day that expired at noon, the Japanese began the assault at 1300 hours. General Iwane Matsui's order to attack included the wording "[y]ou are to observe military regulations to the letter, to set an example for the future.... Anyone who loots or starts a fire, even accidentally, will be severely punished."

Turned Away

1941: Japanese Destroyer Squadron 6 conducted amphibious invasion on Wake and Wilkes islands in failure, losing one destroyer and three other craft to shore battery and one destroyer to US aircraft, making them the first Japanese ships to be sunk in the Pacific War; this invasion was the only time in the Pacific War that shore defenders overcame an amphibious landing. In the air, USMC Captain Elrod shot down a Japanese G3M2 Type 96 land attack aircraft at Wake, which was the first USMC air-to-air kill of the Pacific War. On the same day, Japanese aircraft destroyed a 125-ton dynamite cache, and the resulting explosion caused damage to coastal batteries.

Force Z

1941: Japanese submarine I-58 spotted British battleship HMS Prince of Wales and battlecruiser HMS Repulse off British Malaya, launched five torpedoes, but all of them missed; beginning at 1117 hours, Japanese aircraft began to attack. Overwhelmed, HMS Repulse was sunk at 1233 hours (513 killed), followed by HMS Prince of Wales at 1318 hours (327 killed); destroyers HMS Electra, HMS Express, and HMS Vampire rescued 1,862 survivors. On land, the British commanders dispatched the 1st Battalion of the 14th Punjab Regiment and the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Gurkha Rifles regiment to Changlun and Asun in northern British Malaya to counter the Japanese advance; contact was made at Changlun at 2100 hours, where two Japanese tanks were destroyed before the Punjabi troops fell back toward Asun.

Photo of the Day

Soviet naval infantrymen manning a machine gun position at the edge of the Gulf of Finland near Leningrad, Russia, 10 Dec 1942

As we wrap up today's edition focused on December 10 in World War II, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for joining us in this reflective journey through history. Today, we delved into a blend of strategic developments, courageous battles, and compelling personal narratives that marked this day in the annals of the war. We trust that these insights have not only enriched your understanding but also connected you more deeply with the past and its ongoing impact on our world. As we part ways, let's carry forward the lessons and stories of resilience, determination, and innovation that we've encountered. We invite you to continue this journey with us as we explore further the multifaceted tapestry of World War II.

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Have a great week :)

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