Today in the Second World War

As the dawn breaks on March 27, we find ourselves drawn once more into the profound depths of World War II's enduring legacy. On this day, we remember the valor, the sacrifices, and the monumental shifts that shaped the world during one of history's darkest yet most defining eras. Our newsletter, a tribute to the resilient spirit of all who were touched by the war, aims to illuminate the lesser-known narratives, analyze pivotal battles, and honor the memory of the countless lives that were intertwined in the global struggle for freedom and peace. With each story, photograph, and artifact, we endeavor to bridge the past with the present, inviting our readers to reflect, learn, and never forget the lessons carved by the war into the annals of human history.

Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/2BeQCABp2SA

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“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

Victory

1941: Allied tanks and infantry captured heights beyond the Dongolaas Gorge in Eritrea, Italian East Africa. By 1000 hours, Keren was captured without opposition as Italian troops fled toward Asmara. The Battle of Keren ended with 536 Allies killed and 3,229 wounded, while the Italians suffered 6,500 casualties.

Mishap

1941: Oberleutnant zur See Helmut Pöttgen of German submarine U-46 fell overboard from the submarine and was lost.

Backing Out

1941: General Dusan Simovic and other anti-German officers overthrew the pro-Axis government in Yugoslavia, placing Regent Prince Paul with King Petar II and intending to back out of the Tripartite Pact. Upon hear the news, Adolf Hitler ordered an invasion of Yugoslavia; the German foreign ministry prepared messages to Hungary, Bulgaria, and Italy for them to join in the partition Yugoslavia. On the same day, 500 German military aircraft were dispatched for Bulgaria and Romania.

Extermination

1942: German propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels wrote in his diary on this date, regarding the deportation of Jews, "a fairly barbaric process is utilized. Of the Jews themselves, not much remains".

Mysterious

1942: US Navy Admiral John Wilcox, Jr. drowned after being swept overboard from USS Washington during a storm at about 1030 hours.

Slaughter

1944: German SS troops massacred all Jewish children under the age of 13 in Kovno, Lithuania.

Mistake

1944: P-40 and Beaufighter aircraft of Royal Australian Air Force 78 Squadron operating out of Kiriwina, Australian Papua misidentified two United States Navy PT Boats in Bangula Bay, New Britain and began multiple strafing runs. For the most part, the PT Boats did not return fire and in the end, PT-353 and PT-121 both burned and sank with 8 men killed, 14 wounded, and 13 rescued.

Bad Torps

1944: The submarine USS Tullibee was sunk by one of her own Mark XIV torpedoes which made a circular run when launched against Japanese vessels off Palau Islands.

Bushido

1944: Lookouts on USS Hoel spotted a 40-foot outrigger canoe in the open ocean southwest of Emirau Island with 27 Japanese naval landing force troops. As Hoel approached, the Japanese began shooting one another. Hoel answered with 40mm fire and all aboard the canoe were killed. No sign of any intent to surrender was observed. Hoel made a special note that, “The Japanese personnel were all of large stature. All appeared to be in excellent physical condition.”

Photo of the Day

Vittorio Veneto firing during Battle of Matapan near Gavdos, Greece, 27 Mar 1941

Bonus Photo

General Victor Denain, General Wladyslaw Sikorski, and General Józef Zajac at the Polish Air Force training center at Bron, Poland, 27 Mar 1940; note MS 406 fighters

As the sun sets on another day of remembrance, we close this edition of our newsletter with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection. The echoes of World War II continue to resonate through the corridors of time, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Today, as we recounted tales of courage, remembered the fallen, and celebrated the victories that shaped our world, we are reminded of the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. Let us carry forward the lessons learned with a commitment to peace, understanding, and unity. Until we meet again in our next edition, we bid you farewell, with the hope that the stories we share inspire not just memory, but action towards a world that cherishes freedom and justice for all.

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Have a great week :)

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