As the war in the Pacific was swinging the way of the United States, in February 1945 they launched the attack and invasion of the island of Iwo Jima, which, despite its small size, was considered vital due to the presence of air fields which could be used as an attack point on Japan. The subsequent battle for Iwo Jima, which still generates controversy to this day, was the only point in the whole Pacific War in which American casualties outnumbered that of Imperial Japan. Knowing the American desire to capture the island, 22,000 Japanese troops were entrenched amongst its forests and beaches under the command of Lieutenant-General Kuribayashi. Facing them were 70,000 US Marines and Army Corps. who were commanded by Lieutenant-General Holland Smith, and the moment the attack was launched it became clear to the Americans that they facing not only a determined enemy, but a committed and almost suicidal one who would not give up the island at any cost. Lasting for over a month, the battle would prove to be extremely difficult much like the Germans at Stalingrad three and a half years previously, the USA was sometimes advancing only a few hundred meters, with the Japanese defence proving unthinkably hysterical. Despite this, by the 26th March 1945 the USA had reached the northern extremity of the island, Kitano Point, and having killed most of the Japanese defenders, declared the island safe for occupation and the battle won. As was mentioned, this proved to be a significant battle. The Americans lost over 6,000 men, but 19,000 were injured - almost one third of the attacking force was wounded or injured severely in the battle, which was up to that moment unprecedented to the United States. The Japanese force of 22,000 was all but wiped out, apart from 212 who survived the brutality which occurred on the island. What it showed was how far the Japanese would go to defend their island the invasion of the Home Islands now seemed an unattractive proposition to the Allies.
Me? I'm 17 years old, from Dawlish, Devon and studying (tirelessly) at Exeter College. I love pretty much anything, am a fan of numerous TV programmes and films, countless books and topics, from Sherlock to the Cold War, Doctor Who to Muse and my ambition is to become a journalist in any field which I have an interest in, and I hope to show my opinions (although varied) to the full.
