The German Army, starting on this day, and running through September 26, murdered 5,000 Italian soldiers on the Greek Island of Cephalonia.
Proceeding the disaster had been a period of indecision by the Italians on whether to resist the Germans or not. The Allies were reluctant to allow the Italians to use aircraft that were in the area, and therefore the Italians did not have air cover. Ultimately, the Italian soldiers did resist and an unsuccessful battle broke out. On September 18 that "because of the perfidious and treacherous behavior on Cephalonia, no prisoners are to be taken." A group of Bavarian soldiers objected and were threatened with summary execution.
The Red Army captured Demidov.
Sarah Sundin notes:
Today in World War II History—September 21, 1943: 80 Years Ago—Sept. 21, 1943: In the Solomon Islands, US secures Arundel and Wana Wana. Soviets cross the Dnieper River south of Kiev, Ukraine.
Kate Smith appeared for a continuous 18 hours on the CBS Radio Network, starting at 8:00 a.m. in a bond drive. 85,000,000 listeners tuned in and $39,000,000 was raised.
