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Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime”.)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile.

The history of the Graf Spee from the time of its wartime duties till today remains a fascinating subject for me. Wondering what happened to the scuttled wreck prompted me to do a little research.

The Graf Spee was scuttled in shallow waters and much of its superstructure remained above the waterline. Over the years, the wreck started sinking in the mud and today only the top of the mast remains visible above the surface.

In 2004 a salvage team began the process of raising the Spee. The operation was being funded in part by the Uruguayan government and in part by private funds. The government is involved because because the wreck is considered a navigational hazard.

The operation to raise the ship was expected to take several years. Film director James Cameron ("The Titanic") was filming the salvage work. It was planned that the ship be restored and exhibited in a marine museum in Montevideo.

Then, inexplicably, in 2009 all salvage work in Uruguayan waters was halted by presidential order.

Now I want to research WHY it was halted.....and if plans are in the works to begin salvage operations again.

The saga of the Graf Spee remains a fascination to this day, at least to this landlubber.

Leni

Day 18 of the Winter War, December 17, 1939

Central Isthmus: this morning Soviet infantry and tanks launched their first major offensive at Summa. The tanks penetrate the Finnish positions, but the infantry are held at the front line.
Photo: SA-KUVA

Massive Soviet offensive continues in Taipale

Central Isthmus: this morning Soviet infantry and tanks launched their first major offensive at Summa. The tanks penetrate the Finnish positions, but the infantry are held at the front line.
Eastern Isthmus: at 8.15 Soviet troops continue the offensive at Taipale. The attempted breakthrough is thwarted mainly by Finnish artillery fire.
Petsamo: the vanguard of the Russian regiment overcomes the Finnish holding detachment near Porojärvi.
Northern Finland: fighting to retake the parish village at Suomussalmi continues.
Petsamo: Detachment Pennanen retreats to the River Kornettijoki, 120 km south of Petsamo. The fighting disperses into skirmishes between patrols.
Ladoga Karelia: Finland is forced to send 17-19-year-old schoolboys into battle at Salmi.
Mursula: the Finnish force fighting at Mursula on the shores of Lake Ladoga lose 26% of its strength and has to retreat. 32 Finnish soldiers are dead or missing. The enemy loses 300 men.
Helsinki: Isoviha ('The Great Wrath'), directed by Kalle Kaarna, receives its premiere screening in Helsinki. Starring Hilkka Helinä, Kalevi Mykkänen and Santeri Karilo, Isoviha was banned during the negotiations on the eve of the war, and the version screened now is still partly censored.