After the Allies had defeated the Japanese in the Solomons and the
Dutch East Indies, the capture of the Philippines became General
MacArthur's next objective. For this offensive to succeed,
MacArthur felt compelled to secure his eastern flank by seizing
control of the Palau Islands, one of which was Peleliu. The task of
capturing this island, and the enemy airfield on it, was initially
handed to Admiral Nimitz. The Palau Islands, however, formed part
of Japan's second defensive line, and Peleliu's garrison amounted
to more than 10,000 men. Consequently, when the US preliminary
bombardment began on 12 September 1944, it was devastating. For two
days the island was pounded relentlessly. Such was the scale of the
destruction that the commander of the 1st Marine Division, Major
General William H. Rupertus, told his men: 'We're going to have
some casualties, but let me assure you this is going to be a fast
one, rough but fast. We'll be through in three days - it may only
take two.' At 08.32 hours on 15 September 1944, the Marines went
ashore. Despite bitter fighting, and a ferocious Japanese defence,
by the end of the day the Marines had a firm hold on Peleliu. But
rather than Japanese resistance crumbling during the following days
as had been expected, it stiffened, as they withdrew to their
prepared defensive positions. The woods, swamps, caves and
mountains inland had been turned into a veritable fortress - it was
there where the real battle for possession of Peleliu was fought.
Day after day the Americans battled forward, gradually wresting
control of Peleliu from the Japanese. Despite Major General
Rupertus' prediction, it was not until 27 November, after two
months, one week and five days of appalling fighting, and a final,
futile last sacrificial charge by the remaining enemy troops, that
the Battle of Peleliu came to an end.
General
Imprint: |
Frontline Books
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Series: |
Images of War |
Release date: |
August 2021 |
Authors: |
Jim Moran
|
Dimensions: |
246 x 189 x 33mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
224 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-5267-7821-5 |
Categories: |
Books >
Humanities >
History >
General
Books >
History >
General
|
LSN: |
1-5267-7821-1 |
Barcode: |
9781526778215 |
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