Today in the Second World War

The 27th of September

Hidden History
September 27, 2023

Welcome to the September 27th chapter of our World War II journey. As we delve deeper into this day's events from a world in turmoil, we encounter tales of courage, pivotal maneuvers, and events that played crucial roles in the broader war canvas. Together, let's navigate these stories, bridging the gap between then and now, and shining a light on moments that should never be forgotten. Let's set forth into history's corridors together.

"I've had my fill of Hitler. These conferences called by a ringing of a bell are not to my liking; the bell is rung when people call their servants. And besides, what kind of conferences are these? For five hours I am forced to listen to a monologue which is quite fruitless and boring." - Benito Mussolini - (To his son in law) - 10th June 1941

Coup Brewing?

1938: Franz Halder and other German Army officers set 29 Sep 1938 as the launch date of their revolt should Adolf Hitler lead Germany into a war over the Sudetenland crisis.

In the early afternoon, Adolf Hitler moved several divisions to the German-Czechoslovakian border. In the late afternoon, he called for a military parade on the Unter den Linden boulevard in Berlin, Germany to rouse a patriotic sentiment; Berlin citizens responded coolly, however. In the United Kingdom, British military mobilized for war, school children were evacuated from London, while trenches were dug in the city's parks. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain recommended Czechoslovakian President Edvard Beneš to accept a partial military occupation of Sudetenland by the Germans. In the United States, President Franklin Roosevelt called for an international conference in an attempt to maintain peace. The King of Sweden also attempted to calm Hitler down, sending him a message advising him that German's current strength was no match for the combined strength of the opposing powers. Even the chief of the German Navy Erich Raeder attempted to convince Hitler to not provoke war. Late in the day, Czechoslovakia finally received some foreign support when Yugoslavia and Romania declared that they would offer military assistance should Hungary use force against Czechoslovakia.

Germany passed law to revoke licenses to practice law for all Jewish attorneys, effective 30 Nov 1938; thereafter Jewish attorneys could only act as "consultants" for other Jews on matters of law.

Halder in 1938.

Warsaw Falls

1939: Warsaw, Poland fell to the Germans after two weeks of siege. Near Grabowiec, Soviets executed 150 Polish policemen.

Representatives of the German Gestapo organization and the Soviet NKVD organization met at Bugiem, Poland (now Brest, Belarus) to coordinate the suppression of Polish resistance efforts.

The Polish government in exile was established in Paris, France.

Adolf Hitler ordered to his top military leaders to begin planning for a war in the west, with a target launch date of 12 November 1939. The generals would complain that the date was too soon.

The position of Polish and German forces during the siege.

Ominous Sign

1941: The first rains fell on Eastern Front of the European War; mud began to become an issue for the attacking German forces.

Horses and cart stuck in mud.

Hero

1942: US Coast Guard Signalman First Class Douglas A. Munro, in charge of twenty-four Higgins boats, was killed during a mission to rescue nearly five hundred US Marines beleaguered by Japanese forces at Point Cruz, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. By placing his own boat as a shield to protect the evacuating Marines he undoubtedly saved many lives. For his devotion to duty he would later be granted a posthumous Medal of Honor by President Franklin Roosevelt. This is the only Medal of Honor awarded to someone from the United States Coast Guard.

Depiction of the event.

Ransom

1943: One of the Nazi officials in Rome demanded that the Jewish community pay one hundred pounds of gold within thirty-six hours or three hundred Jews would be taken prisoner. The Vatican would open its treasury to help the Jews reach the required amount.

German troops started to withdraw all forces out of Ukraine to defensive positions on the west side of the Dnieper River.

The Vatican City came into existence in 1929, a decade before the start of World War II.

Photo of the Day

Sailors assist in grounding US Navy blimp K-11, Airship Patrol Squadron ZP-11, during a storm at NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts, United States, September 27, 1942.

Bonus Photo

Polish insurgent fighter surrendered from his position in the sewers under Warsaw, Poland, 27 Sep 1944; note MP 40 submachine gun.

As today's dive into September 27th of the World War II era draws to a close, we are once again struck by the profound interplay of courage, sacrifice, and history's indelible marks. Thank you for journeying with us, shedding light on moments that have shaped our world. May the tales from yesteryear guide our steps and thoughts. Until we unravel another day's narrative, treasure the past and anticipate our next shared exploration.

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

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand (World War II Collection): Biggio, Andrew

Tales of American combat and comradery in World War II all connected to the iconic rifle of the era, the M1 Garand. An award-winning author puts one such rifle into the hands of a series of vets, records their stories, and gathers their signatures on the rifle, in a pilgrimage and homage to heroism.

The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield by Andrew Biggio

In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle, Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II.

Over The Top: Veterans of the First World War by David Polk

With the stroke of a pen, the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918 promised a World of peace and cooperation. Popularly called "the war to end all wars," the Great War was intended to prevent incidents like the one at Sarajevo in 1914. In general, peace and harmony did continue, at least until Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.This book is written as a tribute to the legacy of the veterans of the Great War. Within these pages are contained eye-witness accounts of these fearless fighters.

Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALS by Andrew Dubbins

With echoes of Unbroken; the derring-do and bravado of The Right Stuff; and the battle-forged camaraderie of Band of Brothers, this is the World War II story of 95-year-old veteran George Morgan and the Underwater Demolition Teams. Forerunners of the Navy SEALs, the elite unit was given nearly impossible pre-invasion missions from D-Day to the most crucial landings in the Pacific Theater.

The War of Words: How America's GI Journalists Battled Censorship and Propaganda to Help Win World War II by Molly Guptill Manning

From New York Times bestselling author Molly Guptill Manning comes The War of Words, the captivating story of how American troops in World War II wielded pens to tell their own stories as they made history.

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