I wrote a blog in 2019 about The White Buses (click here to read the blog). It was the story of how Count Folke Bernadotte, a Swedish diplomat, negotiated with Himmler toward the end of World War II for the release of thousands of women imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps. Using buses painted white while adorned with the Red Cross symbol, the destination for the women was to be neutral Sweden and freedom. While many of them were saved from SS death marches as Soviet troops advanced westward, their journey through Germany on the White Buses was no less perilous.

White Bus no. 36. Photo by anonymous (c. April/May 1945). “When Sweden Rescued 31,000 Non-Swedes from Nazi Germany.” https://abitofhistoryblog.com/2017/08/09/the-white-buses/

One of our readers, Professor Roger Ritvo contacted me about the blog and filled me in on his research project about the White Buses. At some point in our discussions, I suggested he write a guest blog based on his research. (Co-authors of the article are Caitlyn Traffanstedt and Allison Stone.) Fortunately for us, Roger agreed, and I have had the opportunity to read their two articles, 10 Gifts from the White Bus Rescue of 15,345 Nazi Prisoners in 1945 (Part 1) and Ten Gifts (Part 2).

Our blog today is a collection of selected excerpts of the paper, and we have chosen several of the gifts to share with you. I hope you enjoy this sampling and if you do, I have listed the links to their articles in the recommended reading section below. Read More Ten Gifts of the White Bus Rescue–Guest Blog

For those of you who read our blogs, you may remember the one about Coco Chanel and her wartime activities (click here to read the blog, Coco Chanel: Nazi Spy or Collaborator?). Well, today’s blog touches on a similar theme only this time, we examine the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and their attitudes, sympathies, and activities with the Nazis that certainly raised suspicions about their loyalties to England.

Did You Know?

Did you know that I wrote a blog about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion? (Click here to read the blog, The Ten Percenters). It was the largest all-Black, all-female group to serve in World War II and its nickname was the “Six Triple Eight.” Not only were the soldiers presented with the herculean task of clearing a massive backlog of mail, but they were also met with discrimination at every turn. President Biden signed a bill in March authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal for the unit.

Romay Davis, 102, poses with a photo showing her in World War II. Photo by Jay Reeves (c. July 2022). AP Photo.

There are six surviving members of the Six Triple Eight. The oldest survivor, Romay Davis, 102, was recognized for her service at a ceremony at Montgomery (Alabama) City Hall. Romay said in an interview, “It isn’t mine, just mine. No. It’s everybody’s. The mail situation was in such horrid shape they didn’t think the girls could do it. But they proved a point.”

Yes, they did prove a point.

David, Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor, and Mrs. Simpson

Born to the future King George V and Queen Mary as their eldest son, Edward Albert Christian Andrew Patrick David (1894−1972)⏤simply known as “David” to the family⏤became the Prince of Wales in 1911 after his father ascended the English throne. Despite a limited role in World War I, David learned to fly and took his first military flight in 1918.

Edward, the Prince of Wales in a post-World War I portrait. Photo by anonymous (c. 1919). PD-Copyright expired. Wikimedia Commons.

Four of the five sons of King George V. From left to right: Prince George, Duke of Kent, King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor), Prince Albert, Duke of York (future King George VI), and Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Photo by anonymous (date unknown). PD-Expired copyright. Wikimedia Commons.

Queen Mary (third from left) and her son, Edward, the Prince of Wales (third from right). Photo by anonymous (c. 1915-1920). Bain News Service. PD-No known copyright restrictions. Wikimedia Commons.

The Prince of Wales was a handsome and unmarried man. His favorite pastime was partying and developing relationships with married women. Some have characterized his behavior during the interwar period as “reckless.” His father was disappointed and believed David would eventually ruin himself. Read More Prince, King, and … Traitor?