On the 1st of September 1939 the German army under the command of Chancellor Adolf Hitler launched the invasion of Poland, thus triggering the beginning of World War II.
The battle for Poland lasted about one month before a Nazi victory but that invasion plunged the world into a war which lasted 6 years for many and claimed millions of lives.
The armed forces in Britain and France were immediately mobilized in response. Many Polish towns were bombed and Danzig (Gdansk) fell under German control.
(Photo source HERE)
It is interesting to note that excerpts from Hitler's proclamation to Germans citizens were read aloud on that first day of September's BBC program, revealing his objectives whilst in London preparations for war were under way: Queen Elizabeth visited the Women's Voluntary Service and the evacuation of the children started. Additionally the BBC bulletin called for all emergency services personnel to report for duty immediately.
Although many of these evacuees returned home within a few months, some never would as there were no home to return to.
Google Sources HERE, HERE, HERE)
Two days later at At 1115 BST the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, announced the British deadline for the withdrawal of German troops from Poland had expired.
Mr Chamberlain continued: "I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received and consequently this country is at war with Germany."
According to the Guinness Book of Records, "the most costly war in terms of human life was World War II (1939–45), in which the total number of fatalities, including battle deaths and civilians of all countries, is estimated to have been 56.4 million, assuming 26.6 million Soviet fatalities and 7.8 million Chinese civilians were killed.
The country which suffered most in proportion to its population was Poland, with 6,028,000 or 17.2 per cent of its population of 35,100,000 killed."
Today experts believe 50-70 million people were killed in as a direct result of World War 2.
Something to think of as we listen to broadcast news and hear of wars in so many places on this little planet!
Finally, I wonder how many recognize this young WATS?
(Photo source HERE)
In the meantime, today is LABOUR DAY in the USA and many families get together to celebrate the last few days of Summer!
So to friends and neighbours, HAPPY LABOUR DAYS FOLKS!
All before my time but as a child I remember the grown ups always talking about the war so have always been aware how much it changed their lives.
ReplyDeleteMerle..................
Same here Merle and whilst ex-RAF flyboy was just a kiddie, he remembers it too well.
DeleteAll the best,
Noelle,
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with Basque, is it a bit of French and Spain? So, are you both of these, how interesting? I've always been into my heritage, only because I'd like to know where my roots begin. We all come from a long line of something or other, and many people don't even know what heritage they are, or they are many different things and call themselves "muts." I guess it's important to me because that is what flows through my parents veins, and I loved them both dearly (although they aren't on this earth any more). Thank you for your comment, and whatever you are, you are a wonderful and cherished friend of mine.
love,
~Sheri
Dear Sheri,
DeleteAccording to the dictionary, a Basque is: a member of a people living in the Basque Country of France and Spain. Culturally one of the most distinct groups in Europe, the Basques were largely independent until the 19th century.
Fiercely independent however, they are an entity by themselves as well demonstrated by my grandmother, very proud, fiery and with an incredible amount of love for us!
My paternal genealogy tree goes back to 1647, a time of Guilds in the Flanders and very prized by one and all. The first 'foreigner' to enter our family was a Yank in 1951 and the second a Brit, ex-RAF flyboy!
Blessings,
I didn't know what Flemish was either, had to look that one up. Is that Dutch? I have a few blog friends from the Netherlands, and they are the nicest people.
ReplyDeleteA special heritage you are, indeed, Noelle.
~Sheri
Well the Flanders are called the Low Lands and were once part of the Netherlands. Dad was born there as well.
DeleteNow you know more than most Sheri!
Hugs,
Yay! I thought I recognized that lovely young woman:) BTW, great link to WW2 photos! It was a very costly war indeed. Our family lost an uncle in the war--albeit in the Pacific campaign.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder Noelle. It is something we must never forget.
Blessings,
Aimee