Monthly Archives: April 2015

Hitler learns Himmler negotiating German surrender to Western Allies 70 years ago today (Apr 28 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 21-Nemesis:Germany(February-May 1945)' (Apr. 28, 1945, at 34:13)

(Saturday, April 28, 1945, evening CEST; during the Battle of Berlin on the Eastern Front during World War II) — German fascist dictator Adolf Hitler learned today (from a BBC report originating from Reuters) that Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, who had left Berlin on April 20, 1945, was trying to discuss surrender terms with the Western Allies through Count Folke Bernadotte.

Enraged, Hitler ordered Himmler’s arrest and had Hermann Fegelein (Himmler’s SS representative at Hitler’s HQ in Berlin) shot.

Deposed Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, mistress executed 70 years ago this hour (Apr 28 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Benito Mussolini: Biography of Fascist Italy's Dictator'

(Saturday, April 28, 1945, 4:10 p.m. CEST; during World War II) — Deposed Italian fascist dictator (and strong ally of German Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler) Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were summarily executed today near Lake Como by Italian partisans as they attempted to flee the country.

Lincoln Funeral Train arrives in Cleveland 150 years ago this hour (Apr 28 1865)

1860s, American Civil War, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Ken Burns The Civil War: Episode 9 The Better Angels of Our Nature (1865) |Ken Burns Docum' (Apr. 28, 1865 at 23:09)

(Friday, April 28, 1865, 6:50 a.m.; during the American Civil War) — The remains U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and his deceased son, William Wallace Lincoln, stopped in Cleveland today for public viewing at Monument Square on a 1,654 mile journey to Springfield, Illinois, for final burial.

Minh replaces Huong as South Vietnamese president 40 years ago this hour (Apr 28 1975)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 28, 1975, at 41:20)

(Monday, April 28, 1975, 5:00 p.m. ICT; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — As overwhelming Communist forces moved to within barely one mile of Saigon’s city limits this morning, South Vietnamese leaders acted at almost the last minute to install Gen. Duong Van Minh (replacing 71-year old Tran Van Huong, who took office a week ago today) as President to end the war on Communist terms. Continue reading Minh replaces Huong as South Vietnamese president 40 years ago this hour (Apr 28 1975) →

North Vietnamese commandos at the gates of Saigon 40 years ago this morning (Apr 28 1975)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Apr. 28, 1975, at 40:59)

(Monday, April 28, 1975, daybreak; during the 1975 Spring Offensive of the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — At daybreak today, South Vietnamese troops faced North Vietnamese commandos at the Newport Bridge. They were at the gates of Saigon. Continue reading North Vietnamese commandos at the gates of Saigon 40 years ago this morning (Apr 28 1975) →

The Beatles film two scenes for ‘Help!’ film 50 years ago today (Apr 27 1965)

1960s, Movies 1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: 'Help 1965' (Apr. 27, 1965, at 56:13-56:19; 1:08:46-1:09:15)

(Tuesday, April 27, 1965) — The Beatles filmed two scenes today for their second feature film Help! today at Twickenham Film Studios: one in which the group donned disguises in an airport terminal as they waited to fly to the Bahamas and a second on a tank turret, which was used as part of the Salisbury Plain sequence.

Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow dies 50 years ago this hour (Apr 27 1965)

1960s


Video: 'PBS American Masters Edward R Murrow This Reporter 1of2'

(Tuesday, April 27, 1965, shortly before noon EDT) — Edward R. Murrow, whose independence and incisive reporting brought heightened journalistic stature to radio and television, died today at his home in Pawling, New York, at the age of 57. Continue reading Broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow dies 50 years ago this hour (Apr 27 1965) →

Eisenhower: U. S. policy in Vietnam still in balance 60 years ago this hour (Apr 27 1955)

1950s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 2' (Apr. 27, 1955, at 13:07)

(Wednesday, April 27, 1955, 10:31-11:06 a.m. EDT; during the Cold War) — United States policy in South Vietnam’s political crisis is still in the balance, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower indicated today.

He said he could not give “any final answer” to questions about South Vietnam, saying the subject was “still under discussion” with Gen. J. Lawton Collins, U.S. special representative to Saigon.