Secrets of World War II episode 10

Secrets of World War II episode 10

Secrets of World War II episode 10: There have been larger land battles and more protracted air campaigns than Okinawa but this was a combined operation, unparalleled in size, scope and ferocity. In April 1945, a U.S. bombardment of the Japanese-held island Okinawa rapidly escalated into the most intense battle of the Pacific. Thousands of Americans perished, and the Japanese lost ten times as many, along with their mightiest carrier, in what is described as “history’s greatest madhouse.” Discover the secret weapon that made such a decisive American victory possible — and significantly shortened the entire war — in “Target Okinawa: The Greatest Sea/Air Battle in History.”


 

 



 

Find out how the Allied code-breakers gained access to Japan’s most confidential battle plans, even before Pearl Harbor. Experience the fiercest battles leading up to Okinawa, Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima. Learn what happened on a top-secret mission to shoot down Japan’s greatest military leader. Uncover the secret maps and plans to launch a suicide “tidal wave” against a U.S. attack made up entirely of Japanese civilians. And see why events at Okinawa led to the first use of the weapon to end all wars, the atomic bomb.

 

Secrets of World War II episode 10

 

You probably know the History, now discover the incredible SECRETS OF WORLD WAR II. Rarely has a war produced such clear cut reasons to fight as World War II. On the one hand were the totalitarian Dictators – Tojo, Hitler and Mussolini. On the other were the great democracies of the Western World which were gradually regaining their feet after the Great War of 1914-18 and the Wall Street Crash. Suddenly, ordinary men and women from all walks of life found themselves thrown into fearsome, nerve-tingling situations worthy of any Hollywood movie. The only difference in this series is that every story is true. Real people emerge as the Heroes of Telemark. Ordinary GIs and US Airforce and Navy personnel suddenly find themselves flying against the Japanese in China, jungle fighting in Burma and being dropped by submarine on enemy coasts at midnight.

These untold stories can now be examined in great detail with the benefit of hindsight, newly-discovered archive film, maps and computer graphics which can complete the picture for today’s viewer. Each fifty-two minute story covers the background to the main action. It will give the viewer a clear view of the historical context, the strategic objective and the tactical effort made by flyers, sailors and foot-soldiers – often in the most oppressive and life-threatening situations – to win victory from the enemy.

This is an inspiring series with a giant canvas including much never before seen colour film. Over 300,000 hours of archive material have been searched for its compilation. Specially orchestrated music and compositions from the great composers all contribute to the excitement and drama of some of the world’s greatest stories of bravery under fire.
It is the largest series of its kind ever produced and with recently released secret footage will give the viewer a new insight into the great untold war stories of World War II. In many cases, this series gives the true stories for the first time this Century.

The Battle of Okinawa

The Battle of Okinawa, also known as Operation Iceberg, was a significant battle fought during World War II between the United States and Japan. It took place between April 1 and June 22, 1945, and resulted in a devastating loss of life for both sides. The battle was fought on the island of Okinawa, which was strategically important to the United States as it was the last stepping stone to Japan. The United States aimed to capture the island in order to use it as a base for the planned invasion of Japan.

Background

The United States had been planning for the invasion of Okinawa since 1944, as the island was seen as a crucial stepping stone for the invasion of Japan. The island was home to a large number of Japanese troops and military installations, making it a formidable target. The United States believed that by capturing Okinawa, they would be able to use the island as a base for their planned invasion of Japan.

The United States launched the operation on April 1, 1945, with a massive amphibious invasion of the island. The invasion force was led by General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. and consisted of over 180,000 troops. The Japanese, led by General Mitsuru Ushijima, had around 100,000 troops on the island.

The Battle:

The Battle of Okinawa was one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The United States faced fierce resistance from the Japanese, who had prepared well for the invasion. The Japanese had built a network of underground caves and tunnels, which they used to launch surprise attacks on the United States troops. The United States faced many challenges during the battle, including the difficult terrain and weather conditions. The island was covered in dense jungle and rugged mountains, making it difficult for the United States troops to move around. The weather was also a major problem, with heavy rain and high winds making it difficult for the United States to launch air strikes.

Despite these challenges, the United States was able to make steady progress on the island. They were able to capture key locations, including the city of Shuri, which was a major Japanese stronghold. The United States also employed a new tactic, called the “island hopping” strategy, which involved bypassing heavily fortified areas and focusing on weaker points in the Japanese defenses. The Japanese, meanwhile, continued to fight fiercely. They launched numerous counterattacks and employed brutal tactics, such as using civilians as human shields. The battle resulted in a devastating loss of life, with over 200,000 civilians and military personnel killed.

Conclusion:

The Battle of Okinawa was a significant and bloody battle fought during World War II. It was a crucial step in the United States’ plan to invade Japan, and resulted in a devastating loss of life for both sides. The United States faced many challenges during the battle, including the difficult terrain and weather conditions, but was able to make steady progress on the island. The Japanese, meanwhile, fought fiercely and employed brutal tactics. The battle had a significant impact on the outcome of the war, and continues to be remembered as one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

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