Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the July 6th edition of the Hidden History Newsletter. In the forthcoming pages, we bring the echoes of our past to life through captivating articles, intriguing anecdotes, and compelling visuals that emphasize the importance of understanding our history, and how it continues to influence our present and future.

"With Malta in enemy hands, the Mediterranean route would be completely closed to us...this tiny island was a vital feature in the defence of our Middle East position." - General Hastings Ismay

Operation Lever

Operation Lever: British Royal Navy Force H under Vice Admiral James Somerville returned to Mers-el-Kébir, Algeria. At dawn, Swordfish aircraft from carrier HMS Ark Royal scored several torpedo hits on French battleship Dunkerque, killing 154 and wounding 8. One torpedo hit patrol boat Terre Neuve, detonating depth charges, killing 8; shock waves from the explosion further damaged Dunkerque.

Failed Capture

British submarine HMS Shark, damaged by attacks from German auxiliary minesweepers M1803 (trawler Spitzbergen), M1806 (trawler Cuxhaven), and M1807 (trawler Mulsum) in Boknafjord near Stavanger, Norway on the previous day, became captured by the Germans. She was in the process of being towed by the German ships when she suddenly sank, killing 3. The remaining 32 crew members were rescued and became prisoners of war.

Courage in Syria

Lieutenant Roden Cutler won the Victoria Cross for clearing enemy positions in Syria. Wounded, he lay in the open for 26 hours before comrades could get to him, by which time his leg required amputation.

Dangerous Times

Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in the "Secret Annexe" above her father's office in an Amsterdam warehouse.

Where To?

German 4th Panzer Army reached the outskirts of Voronezh, Russia and German 6th Army reached Ostrogozhsky 70 miles south of Voronezh, making the Soviets realize that the Germans were heading to the Caucasus region to the south rather than Moscow to the north. Joseph Stalin ordered Voronezh to be held at all costs in order to main control of the rail network linking the Caucasus region with the areas to the north. Stalin also allowed Semyon Timoshenko to withdraw east of the Don River.

Photo of the Day

Overhead view of a South African Air Force raid on the German airfield at Martuba, Libya, 6 July 1942. Note circular dust patterns of bomb bursts and lines of dust kicked up by scrambling aircraft.

As we draw the curtain on today's Hidden History Newsletter, we hope that our journey through the compelling events of July 6th during WWII has enriched your understanding of our shared past. Remember, the stories of sacrifice, bravery, and resilience we uncover daily serve as reminders of our collective strength and capacity for growth. Join us again tomorrow as we dive further into the complex chronicle of the Second World War. Until then, let us carry forward the echoes of our past, using them as guiding lights for our present and future. Stay strong, stay curious, and keep history alive.

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

Have a great week :)

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