Before the month ends, just a small precis on some of the happenings relating to our favourite subject..ww2
History this Month
April
7th April 1940
A large element of the naval resources of the Reich were committed to the Operation 'Weserubung', the invasion of Norway and Denmark. The Germans were aware of the huge risks involved, particularly as the mission involved passage through British waters, but considered it a risk worth taking in achieving their aim. In fact, losses of up to fifty percent of the total German force was considered acceptable. Despite British reconnaissance of the harbour, a British fleet leaving Scapa Flow north allowed the Germans to pass through Norwegian ports with relative ease.
27th April 1944
Predicting that a landing in France would be imminent a training exercise for D-Day off the south coast of England goes disastrously wrong when 749 American troops lose their lives. Their convoy was too poorly escorted and was attacked by German boats. Following the event, limited and misleading details are released to the public.
12h April 1945
The death of President Roosevelt was announced on this day in 1945 and his loss was mourned by the other Allied leaders. He had leant consistent support to the war effort well before the United States had become officially involved. He had succeeded in filling vital political and military posts with the right candidates and he was admired by Stalin and Churchill. Stalin paid tribute to Roosevelt, telling Churchill that the President was "an unswerving champion of close co-operation between our three countries."
15th April 1945
Just eight months after the disaster that was Operation Market Garden, Canadian troops capture Arnhem and move on towards Groningen.
16th April 1945
the Battle for Berlin was launched as Stalin ordered a major and rapid offensive on the German capital city. He doubted the Allies motives and was wary of Eisenhower's promise, believing that the Western Allies still hoped to head for Berlin. He appointed two strong Marshalls to the post of leading the battle and made available 2 million men, 6000 tanks, 5500 aircraft and 16000 guns for the final assault. the German defensive lines at Oder were already weakened by earlier bombardments and the German troops were seriously lacking in guns, tanks and air support.
23rd April 1945
Hitler ordered the arrest of Hermann Goring after the Luftwaffe leader, whose efforts during the German retreat had failed to impress his Fuhrer, had offered to lead the Reich should Hitler prove unable to continue to operate command from his bunker. Goring's hope was that Hitler would capitulate, allowing him the opportunity to travel to Paris and negotiate the terms of any surrender with Eisenhower.
28th April 1945
Mussolini and two companions were captured near Lake Como as he attempted to escape towards Switzerland. He was shot, his body was mutilated and finally hung up in public.
29th April 1945
Hitler made Admiral Donitz his successor before marrying Eva Braun. His last message to the German people blames them for his failure to "rid the world of Bolshevism". Donitz prepares for the final days of the Reich and the task of saving as many German lives as he can with unconditional surrender so close. Dachau was liberated by the Allies, releasing 30 000 people into freedom. In Italy German troops surrendered to the Allies.
30th April 1945
Hitler committed suicide with Eva Braun at about 3.30 p.m. There are various theories regarding his last actions and disputes as to how he died and what happened to their bodies continues until this day. But it seems likely that their bodies were burned. Only 3 hours before Soviet troops had taken the Reichstag and other government buildings.
__________________
Prepare to repel borders.
William L. McGonagle, MOH, U. S. Navy, Commanding Officer, USS LIBERTY 1967.
|
