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19th September 1943On this day:
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Remembering those who died this day.
The names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed,
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Add a Name to this List
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The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website.
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- 22nd April 2024 - Please note we currently have a huge backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site. If you have already submitted a story to the site and your UID reference number is higher than 263973 your information is still in the queue, please do not resubmit, we are working through them as quickly as possible.
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Want to find out more about your relative's service? Want to know what life was like during the War? Our
Library contains an ever growing number diary entries, personal letters and other documents, most transcribed into plain text. |
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Wanted: Digital copies of Group photographs, Scrapbooks, Autograph books, photo albums, newspaper clippings, letters, postcards and ephemera relating to WW2. We would like to obtain digital copies of any documents or photographs relating to WW2 you may have at home. If you have any unwanted
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Did you know? We also have a section on The Great War. and a
Timecapsule to preserve stories from other conflicts for future generations.
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Want to know more about the 19th of September 1943? There are:20 items tagged 19th of September 1943 available in our Library
These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Second World War. |
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Stories from 19th September 1943
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Sgt. Eddie Douglas Adkins. United States Army, 2nd Batallion 3rd Regiment. My father, Doug Adkins of Borger, Texas, served his country in World War II. He served in H Company, 36th Division. While taking part in the invasion of Italy, he was captured by the Germans and was a prisoner of war from September 19, 1943, through April 19, 1945. Daddy kept a diary during this time, hiding it from his captors. “Food was the only item that received protection priority over the diary", he would later write. He also reflected, “Now, it can be seen that life would have been less miserable had we borne our lot with less complaint.”
The following “Stories of War” are taken from my father’s diary, his letters, and a speech he gave in 1967:
Recounting the battle on the day of his capture: “At 1:00 p.m., we knew the battle had started…John Lemke fell dead at my feet. Eddie Walsh laid face down gasping and heaving for breath with a bullet through his helmet and into his head. John Lovell lay face up with a pleading look on his face, unable to talk, his right leg almost severed at the knee. I carried him a few yards, seeking the help of a corpsman. John needed every drop of blood he had left, but I carried some of it away on my arms and chest…I was captured about 6:30 p.m. It was an event that had never entered my mind until 10 minutes before it happened.”
From the days immediately after capture: “Walked all day in a hot sun with no head gear. No food until late that night which then was very little. We rushed like wild animals at anything that resembled water all day…Another day of walking. The animal spirit in us grew worse as our thirst and hunger increased…Walked 34 Ks today…Spent another cold night on the ground. We are very dirty.”
In a Christmas Eve letter home: “Peace and Quiet reigned in our chapel tonight; War and Turmoil reign only a few hundred miles in all directions. God makes many things difficult to understand.”
While being moved to another camp just months before liberation: “Another day of suffering and exhausting travel. Karl Johnson was killed today by one of the guards. He was a good friend and well-liked…These were the most miserable days I have ever lived. The men are almost like animals where food is concerned…We slept in the rain…Our existence in the lowest type of living continues…As I ask God to soon give us better living conditions, I do not forget to give Him thanks for delivering us this far.”
In a letter home to his mother after liberation: “I will be home soon…We are now in the good care of the wonderful Americans. I never knew it meant so much to be an American…”
On a ship reaching America’s shores: “…We can plainly see the bright lights of the city. It is a wonderful sight. It is also a wonderful feeling to know that those lights are coming from the shores of the most wonderful country in the world…It is sad, indeed, to think of those who gave their lives…, that these harbor lights may continue to send out friendly gleams of liberty and freedom. God has been merciful to me.”
From a Veteran’s Day speech, 1967: “A man of value gives more to life than he takes from it…Our flag is synonymous with freedom, but there are responsibilities we must meet to protect this freedom…Young people: be proud of your country, protect your country, and pray for your country.”
Heroic or Meritorious Achievement
Robin Adkins
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L/Bdr. William John Papworth. British Army, 5th Medium Regiment Royal Artillery. William John Papworth, 5th Royal Artillery. During WW2 this Australian soldier fought for our country. He died in the Battle of Salerno.
Carmen Adamek
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Pte. Stanley Hopper. British Army, 16th Btn. Durham Light Infantry. (d.19th Sep 1943) Stanley Hopper died aged 27 whilst serving with the DLI. Born in Hebburn in 1916 he was the son of William and Annie Hopper (nee Hill) of Jarrow and
Husband of Margaret Hopper (nee Charlick) of Jarrow
Stanley is buried in Bone War Cemetery Annaba and is commemorated on the WW2 Roll of Honour Plaque in the entrance of Jarrow Town Hall. Vin Mullen
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