Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the Hidden History Newsletter, this August 8th edition. As we journey 84 years back in time, we pause to reflect on the remarkable courage, sacrifice, and tenacity that shaped the most monumental conflict in human history. Today, we dive deep into the Battle of Guadalcanal, a critical turning point in the Pacific theatre, through vivid firsthand accounts, archival insights, and expert commentary. Whether you're a historian, a student, or a curious mind, let's together unravel the threads of the past that continue to weave the fabric of our present.

"The assault on Malta will cost us many casualties...but...I consider it absolutely essential for the future development of the war. If we take Malta, Libya will be safe."- Count Ugo Cavallero - Italian Chief of Staff 1940-1943

Loyalty to the Führer

1934: Per orders given by Adolf Hitler six days prior, the German Wehrmacht swore a personal oath of loyalty to Hitler rather than to the country.

No Mercy from the Japanese

The Australian merchant ship Mamutu, sailing from Port Moresby in New Guinea for Australia and carrying 32 crew and 82 passengers, including 28 children, was shelled and sunk by a Japanese submarine which then machine gunned the survivors in the water. Only one person was rescued.

Largest Ever

1940: Battleship No. 1, the future battleship Yamato, was launched at Kure Naval Arsenal, Japan.

Guadalcanal

US Marines captured the unfinished Japanese Lunga Point Airfield at Guadalcanal at 1600 hours, which would later renamed Henderson Field by the Americans. The US Marines also captured Tulagi (307 Japanese killed, 3 Japanese captured, 45 Americans killed), Gavutu, and Tanambogo (476 Japanese killed, 20 Japanese and Koreans captured, 70 Americans killed) islands in the afternoon.

In the pre-dawn morning, 7 Japanese cruisers and 1 destroyer under Gunichi Mikawa departed Kavieng, New Ireland and Rabaul, New Britain, sailing south without being detected; after sundown, the force caught Allied warships by surprise off Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands; in the Battle of Savo Island, Japanese cruisers Chōkai, Aoba, Kako, Kinugasa, and Furutaka used Type 93 torpedoes and gunfire to sink US cruisers USS Quincy, Vincennes, and Astoria and Australian cruiser HMAS Canberra; 1,077 US personnel were killed in this battle (Canberra was badly damaged and was ultimately scuttled by a US destroyer).

Tragic Mistake

A British Mosquito night fighter of 604 squadron reported that they had brought down a German Do 217 aircraft, which was operating over the English Channel launching V-1 flying bombs; tragically it was found that their victim was an Allied Albemarle transport aircraft flown by the SOE to drop supplies to agents in France; the crew of Australians were lost.

Ace of Aces

Michael Wittmann was one of the most successful tank aces of World War II. He was credited with the destruction of 138 tanks and 132 anti-tank guns, along with a significant number of other enemy vehicles. Wittmann rose to the rank of SS-Hauptsturmführer (captain) and was awarded numerous medals for his exploits, including the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords.

On August 8, 1944, during the Battle of Normandy, Wittmann was leading a group of Tiger tanks in an attack against Allied forces near the village of Cintheaux. He was in command of Tiger number 007. According to most accounts, Wittmann's Tiger was hit and destroyed during this action, and Wittmann and his crew were killed.

There has been much debate about what exactly destroyed Wittmann's tank. Some accounts have suggested that it was hit by an aircraft, while others have stated that it was destroyed by another tank. The most widely accepted theory is that Wittmann's Tiger was knocked out by a tank from the British 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry or the Canadian Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment. However, the exact identity of the unit and crew responsible has not been definitively determined.

The exact circumstances of Wittmann's death also remain somewhat mysterious. Some reports suggest that Wittmann's body was found outside of his destroyed tank, while others state that he was found inside it. According to some accounts, Wittmann's body was initially buried near where his tank was destroyed, and was later moved to the La Cambe German war cemetery in Normandy.

Despite these uncertainties, there's no doubt that Michael Wittmann was one of the most effective and feared tank commanders of World War II. His exploits made him a legend within the German military, and his death marked a significant moment in the Battle of Normandy.

Convenient Timing

On August 8, at 2300 hours Moscow Time, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan, effectively tearing up the non-aggression pact.

The Soviet invasion of Manchuria, which began 61 minutes later at the start of the next day, was a massive operation that involved more than 1.5 million troops. The Soviet forces quickly overwhelmed the Japanese Kwantung Army, which was not prepared for such a large-scale attack. By the end of August, the Soviets had taken control of Manchuria, northern Korea, southern Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands.

The Soviet Union's entry into the war was a significant factor in Japan's decision to surrender. The Japanese had been hoping that the Soviet Union, as a neutral party, might mediate a peace deal with the Allies that would be more favorable to Japan. But the Soviet declaration of war dashed those hopes.

In the aftermath of the war, the Soviet Union's occupation of North Korea set the stage for the division of the country into North and South Korea, which would soon become a flashpoint for the Cold War. The territorial concessions that the Soviets gained also contributed to ongoing tensions between Japan and Russia.

In summary, the Soviet invasion of Manchuria was a pivotal moment in World War II, marking the end of the war in Asia and shaping the geopolitical landscape of the post-war world.

Photo of the Day

Japanese G4M aircraft making a torpedo run against the American Guadalcanal-Tulagi invasion force, 8 August 1942.

Bonus Photo

Floating Japanese G4M1 bomber off Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 8 Aug 1942 as seen from the destroyer USS Ellet. The bomber was shot down during an aerial torpedo attack on the Allied shipping off Tulagi.

As we conclude today's edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we hope our deep dive into the events of August 8th, specifically the Battle of Guadalcanal, has not only provided you with valuable insights but also sparked a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made and courage exhibited during this monumental period. Your continued support fuels our dedication to bringing history to life. Until our next edition, let's remember the past to better understand the present, and always keep the spirit of learning alive.

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