NOVEMBER 23
1927
Stanisław Przybyszewski was a Polish novelist, dramatist and poet of the decadent naturalistic school. He lived for a time in Berlin where he studied architecture, then medicine. He became fascinated by the philosophy of Nietzsche, and began referring to himself as a Satanist, immersing himself in the bohemian lifestyle of the city. He wrote in German as well as Polish. His greatest work was Homo Sapiens, published in 1896. The story, with ornate language, describes an individual's destruction through alcoholism, deviance, and eroticism, and is believed to have portrayed the author's own experiences in Berlin and Munich. Though it was well received in Germany, its US publisher refused to sell it because it was considered obscene. It influenced many European youths who were caught up in the fashion of the 'decadent'. He died on November 23, 1927 at the age of 59.
1939
HMS Rawalpindi Was Sunk. On November 23, 1939 while patrolling north of the Aroe Island, the HMS Rawalpindi was attacked and sunk by two of the most powerful German ships, the Scharnhorst and the Gneisenau. At the time Rawalpindi was investigating a possible enemy sighting, and inadvertently found herself within sights of the two German warships. The Rawalpindi managed to signal command base of the German ships position, but its fate was sealed. The Germans demanded surrender, and though she was hopelessly outgunned, 60 year old Captain Edward Coverley Kennedy, decided to fight rather than surrender. It was reported that he said, "We'll fight them both, they’ll sink us, and that will be that. Good-bye". The German warships attacked and sank Rawalpindi within 40 minutes. She did manage to score one hit on Scharnhorst, albeit one of minor consequence which caused just spinter damage. Casualties were 238 men killed on Rawalpindi, including Captain Kennedy. Thirty-seven men were rescued by the German ships, and another 11 were picked up by HMS Chitral.
1944
The Liberation of Strasbourg. On November 23, 1944, units of the French 2nd Armored Division entered the city and raised the Free French tricolore over Strasbourg cathedral at 2:30 pm. It was a dramatic and symbolic high point for the rehabilitation of the honor of French armed forces as the Allies advanced across France toward Germany in 1944. Its liberation resulted in an outpouring, a torrent of joy among the French people. General Charles de Gaulle was steadfast that only French forces should retake it. After the victory of Kufra, General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque and his troops swore an oath to fight until "our flag flies over the Cathedral of Strasbourg".
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