Showing posts with label Auschwitz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auschwitz. Show all posts

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Friday, February 2, 1945. Malta concludes, FDR and Churchill depart for Yalta. German murders.

The Malta Conference ended.  Churchill and Roosevelt agreed to withdraw two divisions from Greece and three from Italy to commit them to northwest Europe.

They left for Yalta.

The Vistula–Oder Offensive ended in Soviet victory with a voluntary halt of the Red Army.  Curiously, the Red Army was only 43 miles from Berlin, and the city was undefended.

The liberation of Auschwitz was mentioned for the first time, in Pravda, which failed to note that the inmates were mostly Jewish.

German politician Carl Friedrich Goerdeler was hung for his role in the July 20 plot.

Catholic Priest Fr Alfred Delp was executed as well.

Adoration of God is the road that leads man to himself.

Fr. Alfred Delp,

Soviet POWs made a mass escape from the Mauthausen concentration camp.

"Snow-caped infantrymen the 60th Inf. Regt., 9th Inf. Div., U.S. First Army, move towards Dedenborn, Germany, as Nazis retreat during heavy fighting on this sector. 2 February, 1945.
60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Photographer: Linden, 165th Signal Photo Co."

Lt. Jack L. Knight, a cavalryman of the Mars Task Force performed the actions which resulted in his being awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor while in combat at LoiKang, Burma.
He led his cavalry troop against heavy concentrations of enemy mortar, artillery, and small arms fire. After taking the troop's objective and while making preparations for a defense, he discovered a nest of Japanese pillboxes and foxholes to the right front. Preceding his men by at least 10 feet, he immediately led an attack. Single-handedly he knocked out 2 enemy pillboxes and killed the occupants of several foxholes. While attempting to knock out a third pillbox, he was struck and blinded by an enemy grenade. Although unable to see, he rallied his platoon and continued forward in the assault on the remaining pillboxes. Before the task was completed he fell mortally wounded. 1st Lt. Knight's gallantry and intrepidity were responsible for the successful elimination of most of the Japanese positions and served as an inspiration to officers and men of his troop.
Last edition:

Monday, January 27, 2025

Saturday, January 27, 1945. Auschwitz Liberated.

The Red Army liberated Auschwitz and the full horror of the German murderous oppression came into very sharp focus.

The Red Army also took Memel.

It was within 100 miles of Berlin.

The US 3d Army crossed the Our and took Oberhausen.

Charles Maurras, editor of Action Francaise, was sentenced to life imprisonment for collaboration.  He was released shortly before his death in 1952, but remained very far right in his views.

The Ledo Road was cleared in Burma.


"Men of C and E Cos., 6th Ranger Bn., are shown advancing toward the Japanese prisoner of war camp at Cabanatuan, Luzon, P.I. 27 January, 1945. 6th Ranger Battalion."  The story of the behind the lines raid has been committed to a book and movie, The Great Raid.  This Ranger Battalion was unique in that it was not an all volunteer Ranger unit from the onset, but rather started off partially as a pack mortar battalion.

Last edition:

Friday, January 26, 1945. Audie Murphy.

Friday, January 17, 2025

Wednesday, January 17, 1945. The Red Army enters a destroyed Warsaw.

The Red Army finally took a destroyed Warsaw.  Hitler reacted by sacking generals Smilo Freiherr von Lüttwitz and Walter Fries.

Von Lüttwitz, who had seen combat in World War One and Two, went on to be a general in the Bundesherr.  He died in 1975 at age 79.  

Freis was subjected to a trial for his role in the city following in which Hitler requested a death sentence.  Amazingly, the court refused and Fries survived the war as well and died in 1982 at age 88.

The SS marched prisoners out of Auschwitz.

Swedish businessman and humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg disappeared after being detained by the Soviets in Budapeast.  He likely died in a Soviet jail cell two years later.

The German SS Donau was sunk by the Norwegian resistancde in Oslofjord

AP War Correspondent, Olen Clemente, Point Barrow, Alaska, at 3:00 p.m., Christmas Day, 1944. Photograph released January 17, 1945.

Last edition:

Tuesday, January 16, 1945. Der Führerbunker.

    Sunday, January 5, 2025

    Friday, January 5, 1945. They gave all.

    British forces prevailed in the Battle of Bure.

    The Navy shelled Iwo Jima, Haha Jima and Chichi Jima. The USAAF also hit them with B-29s.

    Suribachi Wan in the Kurils was bombarded by surface vessels.

    Shwebo was taken by the British 2nd Division of British 33rd Corps (Stopford).  Indian paratroopers were dropped south of Rangoon.

    The opening mission of Operation Cornflakes, an attempt to distribute propoganda via the German mail system, opened with a mail train being bombed followed by an air drop of fake mail to German homes.


    Ala Gertner, age 32, was executed at Auschwitz for her role in the Sonderkommando revolt of October, 1944.

    Julies Leber, age 53, was also executed by the Germans for his role in being an opposition politician and German resistance member.  An Alsatian who had originally chosen a career in the German Army, he was wounded in World War One and resigned from the army after the Kapp Putsch, which he opposed.  He was a member of the July 20 plot and was anticipated to have a future role in the replacement German government.

    The Soviet government recognized the Communist Provisional Government, which the UK and US did not.

    Pepe Le Pew debuted in "Odor-able Kitty".

    Last edition:

    Thursday, January 4, 1945. Fighting in snowy Belgium.

    Labels: 

    Tuesday, November 26, 2024

    Sunday, November 26, 1944. Covering up a crime against humanity.

    Himmler ordered the crematorium at Auschwitz destroyed to cover up the concentration camp's crime against humanity.

    "American infantryman kneels in the rubble to draw a bead on a sniper in the burning building. Germany, 26 November, 1944."

    2nd Battalion, 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division,

    The U.S. Seventh Army captured Steige and Villé.  T he 1st Army captured Weisweiler to the west of Cologne.

    "This is all that is left of an American half track after a direct hit from a German shell. 26 November, 1944. 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion, 4th Armored Division."

    The Red Army captured capture Michaloyce, Slovakia.

    General Alexander was promoted to Field Marshal and appointed the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean.

    Last edition:

    Saturday, November 25, 1944. Heavy resistance on Leyte, V2 attack in London.

    Tuesday, October 29, 2024

    Sunday, October 29, 1944. Shelling chocolate bars.

    Knocked out Panther, October 29, 1944.  Oddly, it's labeled as to what it is.

    The Red Army and the Romanian Army commenced the Budapest Offensive.

    The Red Army prevailed in the Petsamo–Kirkenes Offensive.

    The RAF tried for the Tirpitz again, and again without success.

    Himmler ordered the gas chambers closed at Auschwitz and other death camps.  Keep in mind, most of the death camps were in the east, which the Red Army was now approaching.


    The final of three acts by Pvt. Barney F. Hajiro occurred which resulted in his being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private Barney F. Hajiro distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 19, 22, and 29 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres and Biffontaine, eastern France. Private Hajiro, while acting as a sentry on top of an embankment on 19 October 1944, in the vicinity of Bruyeres, France, rendered assistance to allied troops attacking a house 200 yards away by exposing himself to enemy fire and directing fire at an enemy strong point. He assisted the unit on his right by firing his automatic rifle and killing or wounding two enemy snipers. On 22 October 1944, he and one comrade took up an outpost security position about 50 yards to the right front of their platoon, concealed themselves, and ambushed an 18-man heavily armed, enemy patrol, killing two, wounding one, and taking the remainder as prisoners. On 29 October 1944, in a wooded area in the vicinity of Biffontaine, France, Private Hajiro initiated an attack up the slope of a hill referred to as "Suicide Hill" by running forward approximately 100 yards under fire. He then advanced ahead of his comrades about 10 yards, drawing fire and spotting camouflaged machine gun nests. He fearlessly met fire with fire and single-handedly destroyed two machine gun nests and killed two enemy snipers. As a result of Private Hajiro's heroic actions, the attack was successful. Private Hajiro's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the United States Army.

    NBC broadcast a Jewish religious service from US occupied Aachen.

    D-ration chocolate bars and bottles of Halazone pills are packed into 105mm howitzer shells to be fired to men in an Infantry battalion that is cut off by Germans in the Belmont sector, France. 29 October, 1944. ABL Bat., 131st Field Artillery Battalion, 36th Infantry Division.

    Last edition.

    Saturday, October 28, 1944. Slovaks put down, French Resistance ordered to disarm, Bulgaria quits, Day of Liberation of Ukraine from Fascist Invaders (День визволення України від фашистських загарбників).


    Monday, October 28, 2024

    Saturday, October 28, 1944. Slovaks put down, French Resistance ordered to disarm, Bulgaria quits, Day of Liberation of Ukraine from Fascist Invaders (День визволення України від фашистських загарбників).

    The Slovak National Uprising came to an end.

    Charles de Gaulle ordered French Resistance elements to disarm.

    Bulgaria signed an armistice with the Allies.  Bulgarian troops were placed under Soviet command.

    Agreement Between the Governments of United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, on the One Hand, and the Government of Bulgaria, on the Other Hand, Concerning an Armistice

    The Government of Bulgaria accepts the armistice terms presented by the Government of the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United Kingdom acting on behalf of all the United Nations at war with Bulgaria.

    Accordingly the representative of the Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean, Lieutenant General Sir James Gammell, and the representative of the Soviet High Command, Marshal of the Soviet Union, F. I. Tolbukhin, duly authorized thereto by the governments of the United States of America, the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics and the United Kingdom acting on behalf of all the United Nations at war with Bulgaria, on the one hand, and representatives of the Government of Bulgaria, Mr. P. Stainov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. D. Terpeshev, Minister Without Portfolio, Mr. N. Petkov, Minister Without Portfolio and Mr. P. Stoyanov, Minister of Finance, furnished with due powers, on the other hand, have signed the following terms:

    ARTICLE ONE.

    (A) Bulgaria having ceased hostilities with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on September 9, and severed relations with Germany on September 6, and with Hungary on on September 26, hostilities has ceased against all the other United Nations.

    (B) The Government of Bulgaria undertakes to disarm the German armed forces in Bulgaria and hand them over as prisoners of war. The Government of Bulgaria also undertakes to intern nationals of Germany and her satellites.

    (C) The Government of Bulgaria undertakes to maintain and make available such land, sea and air forces as may be specified for service under the general direction of the Allied ( Soviet) High Command. Such forces must not be used on Allied territory except with the prior consent of the All Government concerned.

    (D) On the conclusion of hostilities against Germany the Bulgarian armed forces Bust be mobilized and put on a peace footing under: supervision of the Allied Control Commission.

    ARTICLE TWO.

    Bulgarian armed forces and officials must be withdrawn within the specified time limit from the territory of Greece and Yugoslavia in accordance with the pre-condition accepted by the Government of Bulgaria on October 11; the Bulgarian authorities must immediately take steps to withdraw from Greek and Yugoslav territory Bulgarians who were citizens of Bulgaria on January 1, 1941, and to repeal legislative and administrative provisions relating to the annexation or incorporation in Bulgaria of Greek or Yugoslav territory.

    ARTICLE THREE.

    The Government of Bulgaria will afford to Soviet and other Allied forces freedom of movement over Bulgarian territory in any direction if, in the opinion of the Allied (Soviet) High Command, the military situation so require the Government of Bulgaria giving to such movements every assistance with its own means of communication, and at its own expense, by land, water and in the air.

    ARTICLE FOUR.

    The Government of Bulgaria will immediately release all Allied prisoners of war and internees. Pending further instruction the Government of Bulgaria will at its own expense provide all Allied prisoners of war, internees and displaced persons and refugees, including nationals of Greece and Yugoslavia, with adequate food, clothing, medical services and sanitary and hygienic requirements and also with means of transportation for the return of any such persons to their own country.

    ARTICLE FIVE.

    The Government of Bulgaria will immediately release, regardless of citizenship or nationality, all persons held in confinement in connection with their activities in favor of the United Nations or because of their sympathies with the United Nations cause or for racial or religious reasons, and will repeal all discriminatory legislation and disabilities arising therefrom.

    ARTICLE SIX.

    The Government of Bulgaria will cooperate in the apprehension and trial of persons accused of war crimes.

    ARTICLE SEVEN.

    The Government of Bulgaria undertakes to dissolve immediately all pro-Hitler or other Fascist political, military, para-military and other organizations on Bulgarian territory conducting propaganda hostile to the United Nations and not to tolerate the existence of such organizations in the future.

    ARTICLE EIGHT.

    The publication, introduction and distribution in Bulgaria of periodical, or non-periodical literature, the presentation of theatrical performances or films, the operation of wireless stations, post, telegraph and telephone services will take place in agreement with the Allied (Soviet) High Command.

    ARTICLE NINE.

    The Government of Bulgaria will restore all property of the United Nations and their nationals, including Greek and Yugoslav property, and will make such reparation for loss and damage caused by the war to the United Nations, including Greece and Yugoslavia, as may be determined later.

    ARTICLE TEN.

    The Government of Bulgaria will restore all rights and interests of the United Nations and their nationals in Bulgaria.

    ARTICLE ELEVEN.

    The Government of Bulgaria undertakes to return to the Soviet Union, to Greece and Yugoslavia and to the other United Nations, by the dates specified by the Allied Control Commission and in a good state of preservation, all valuables and materials removed during the war by Germany or Bulgaria from United Nations territory and belonging to state, public or cooperative organizations, enterprises, institutions or individual citizens, such as factory and works equipment, locomotives, rolling-stock, tractors, motor vehicles, historic monuments, museum treasures and any other property.

    ARTICLE TWELVE.

    The Government of Bulgaria undertakes to hand over as booty to the Allied (Soviet) High Command all war material of Germany and her satellites located on Bulgarian territory, including vessels of the fleets of Germany and her satellites located in Bulgarian waters.

    ARTICLE THIRTEEN.

    The Government of Bulgaria undertakes not to permit the removal or expropriation of any form of property (including valuables and currency), belonging to Germany or Hungary or to their nationals or to persons resident in their territories or in territories occupied by them, without the permission of the Allied Control Commission. The Government of Bulgaria will safeguard such property in the manner specified by the Allied Control Commission.

    ARTICLE FOURTEEN.

    The Government of Bulgaria undertakes to hand over to the Allied (Soviet) High Command all vessels belonging to the United Nations which are in Bulgarian ports no matter at whose disposal these vessels may be, for the use of the Allied (Soviet) High Command during the war against Germany or Hungary in the common interest of the Allies, the vessels to be returned subsequently to their owners.

    The Government of Bulgaria will bear full material responsibility for any damage to or destruction of the aforesaid property up to the moment of its transfer to the Allied (Soviet) High Command.

    ARTICLE FIFTEEN.

    The Government of Bulgaria must make regular payments in Bulgarian currency and must supply goods (fuel, foodstuffs, et cetera), facilities and services as may be required by the Allied (Soviet) High Command for the discharge of its functions.

    ARTICLE SIXTEEN.

    Bulgarian merchant vessels, whether in Bulgarian or foreign waters, shall be subject to the operational control of the Allied (Soviet) High Command for use in the general interest of the Allies.

    ARTICLE SEVENTEEN.

    The Government of Bulgaria will arrange, in case of need, for the utilization in Bulgarian territory of industrial and transport enterprises, means of communication, power stations, public utility enterprises and installations, stocks of fuels and other materials in accordance with instructions issued during the armistice by the Allied (Soviet) High Command.

    ARTICLE EIGHTEEN.

    For the whole period of the armistice there will be established in Bulgaria an Allied Control Commission which will regulate and supervise the execution of the armistice terms under the chairmanship of the representative of the Allied (Soviet) High Command and with the participation of representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom. During the period between the coming into force of the armistice and the conclusion of hostilities against Germany, the Allied Control Commission will be under the general direction of the Allied (Soviet) High Command.

    ARTICLE NINETEEN.

    The present terms will come into force on their signing.

    Done at Moscow in quadruplicate, in English, Russian and Bulgarian, the English and Russian texts being authentic.

    OCTOBER 28, 1944.

    For the Governments of the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the United Kingdom:

    Marshal F. I. TOLBUKHIN, representative the Soviet High Command.

    Lieutenant General JAMES GAMMELL, representative of the Supreme Allied Commander for the Mediterranean

    For the Government of Bulgaria: P. STAINOV, D. Terpeshev N. PETKOV and P. STOYANOV.

    Protocol to the Agreement Concerning an Armistice With Bulgaria

    At the time of signing the armistice with the Government of Bulgaria, the Allied Governments signatory thereto have agreed to the following:

    One.

    In connection with Article IX it is understood that the Bulgarian Government will immediately make available certain foodstuffs for the relief of the population of Greek and Yugoslav territories which have suffered as a result of Bulgarian aggression. The quantity of each product to be delivered will be determined by agreement between the three governments, and will be considered as part of the reparation by Bulgaria for the loss and damage sustained by Greece and Yugoslavia.

    Two.

    The term "war material" used in Article XII shall be deemed to include all material or equipment belonging to, used by, or intended for use by enemy military or pare-military formations or members thereof.

    Three.

    The use by the Allied (Soviet) High Command of Allied vessels handed over by the Government of Bulgaria in accordance with Article XIV of the armistice and the date of their return to their owners will be the subject of discussion and settlement between the Allied Governments concerned and the Government of the Soviet Union.

    Four.

    It is understood that in the application of Article XV the Allied (Soviet) High Command will also arrange for the provision of Bulgaria currency, supplies, services, et cetera, to meet needs of the representatives of the Government of the United Kingdom and the United States Bulgaria.

    Done at Moscow in triplicate, in English Russian languages, both English and Russian being authentic.

    The Battle of Dukla Pass concluded with no practical result.

    German actor and director Kurt Gerron was murdered at Auschwitz.

    From a female Russian sniper's diary:

    October 25-28, 1944

    The last territory of what is now Ukraine, but what was then part of Hungary, was cleared of German control.  Hence, today is  the Day of Liberation of Ukraine from Fascist Invaders (День визволення України від фашистських загарбників).

    Last edition:

    Friday, October 27, 1944. Somewhere in Germany.

    Friday, October 18, 2024

    Wednesday, October 18, 1944. Levée en masse.

    The Greek government in exile returned to Athens.  The British took Santorini and Scarpanto.

    Germany announced the formation of the Volkssturm with all German men not serving in the Wehrmacht liable for conscription into it if they were between 16 and 60 years of age.

    The British 8th Army took Galeata.

    Rommel's state funeral took place.

    Austrian composer Viktor Ullmann was murdered at Auschwitz at age 46.

    Last edition:

    Tuesday, October 17, 1944 The Battle of Leyte Gulf.

    Thursday, October 10, 2024

    Tuesday, October 10, 1944. The murder of the Romani children.

    800 Romani children were murdered at Auschwitz.

    Aircraft from the USS Bunker Hill sank six Japanese midget submarines at Okinawa, along with numerous other ships.

    Austrian industrialist and officers asked Reichsstatthalter Baldur von Schirach to declare Vienna an open city.

    Alba was temporarily liberated from the Italian Social Republic by communist and monarchist partisans.

    Last edition:

    Monday, October 9, 1944. The Fourth Moscow Conference Commences.

    Monday, October 7, 2024

    Saturday, October 7, 1944. Fighting in the Arctic.

    The Sonderkommando Revolt occurred at Auschwitz when the Jewish detailed prisiones rose up with makeshift weapons.  Three SS guards were killed, 200 members of the Sonderkommando, but hundreds of prisoners, all of whom were soon captured and executed, briefly escaped.

    Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon signed the Alexandria Protocol leading to the establishment of the Arab League in March of the following year.

    The Red Army commenced the Petsamo–Kirkenes offensive in the Petsamo region ceded by Finland and Norway.

    Members of "I" Co., 7th Inf. Regt., 3rd Division, move up an alley to screen their movement from German observation, as they go toward the edge of the town. Their mission is to take up a position outside of the town. 7 October, 1944.

    The St. Louis Cardinals beat the St. Louis Browns 5 to 1 in game four of the 1944 World Series.

    Last edition:

    Friday, October 6, 1944. Collapsing.

    Friday, August 2, 2024

    Tuesday, August 2, 1944. Murder of the Gypsies.

    The last of the gypsies were murdered at Auschwitz.  4,200 people were murdered.

    In their memory, this is Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma.

    Clearly seeing which way the wind was blowing, Turkey broke off diplomatic relations with Germany.

    The Germans launched 316 V-1s on London.  100 reached the city.

    Pfc. Joseph A. Calvello of New York City, N.Y., examines the sponge rubber interior of a Russian tire found on a 4.5 cm. anti-tank gun left behind by the retreating Germans in France.

    The Allies ceased air strikes on French bridges as the pace of Allied advances increased.


    The newly activated 3d Army reached Dinan and the outskirts of Rennes.  The 1st Army captured Villedieu.


    The USS Fiske was sunk in the Atlantic by the U-804.  

    German midget submarines attacked Allied shipping in the Channel and sank two vessels, including the HMS Quorn.  Of the 58 German Marder submarines used in the attack, only 19 survived.

    Fighting continued on Guam, and in Warsaw.

    The Arado Ar 234 B Blitz made its first combat flight, a reconnaissance mission over the Allied beachhead in Normandy.

    Last edition:

    Monday, August 1, 1944. The Warsaw Uprising Starts.

    Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Tuesday, May 16, 1944. The Romani Uprising, Advancing in Italy

    Romani, gypsies, rebelled at Auschwitz.  Tipped off by a Yugoslavian member of the SS, a Pole alerted the Gypsies the night prior of the SS plan to destroy their camp the following day. Armed with shovels and other tools, they refused to come out of their buildings, and a confused SS withdrew.  The event was bloodless, but the destruction of the camp and the murder of its occupants was only postponed.

    Perhaps coincidentally, or not, the first train carrying Hungarian Jews arrived at Auschwitz on this day as well.

    Pvt. Joseph A. Zbin, Cleveland, Ohio, of Co. A, 338th Inf. carrying a 90 lb load of mortar ammo through town of Scauri. 16 May, 1944.  He's armed with a M1 Carbine.  He died in 1977 at age 55 back in Ohio.

    Allied forces generally advanced in Italy, save for at Monte Cassino where the Polish 2nd Corps was meeting difficult resistance.

    Twenty three year old 1st Lt. Keith J. Bauer, 937th F.A. Battery, of Arkansaw Wis., washes up on this day in 1944.  His post-war plans were, reportedly to "get married", "get a farm", "get out of the Army".  Bauer was from a farm family.  Bauer was a pilot and was still in the Army in 1954, so apparently his plans changed, or he was recalled during the Korean War.  In this photograph you can tell that he's an officer simply because his wool shirt has epaulets.

    The Soviet Air Force bombed the rail yards at Minsk.

    The Allied powers entered into an agreement with Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway about immediate post-war governance.

    British Coast Command harried German submarines.

    Anti-aircraft crew training at Ft. Bliss, May 16, 1944.

    Last prior edition:

    Monday, May 15, 1944. Deportation of the Hungarian Jews.