Today in World War II History—April 12, 1944 POSTED: Friday, April 12, 2019 by Sarah Sundin Prince Umberto of Italy, 1944 (United Kingdom government photo) 75 Years Ago—April 12, 1944: German troops begin evacuating the Crimea by sea. King Vittorio Emanuele of Italy transfers most powers to his son Prince Umberto but retains the throne.