12/26/2023 0 Comments Largest tank battle in ww2 TarawaThe reef surrounding the islands forced many to wade into shore while completely vulnerable to enemy fire. This was then followed by an impressive offshore naval bombardment from warships which opened the way for ground forces hitting the beaches. The Japanese would not be able to match warship-for-warship at sea but its still-existing submarine fleet would come into play - the submarines arriving to counter the threat posed by the American warships.Īmerican forces first targeted Makin and Navy warplanes were sent over to soften the Japanese resistance. naval firepower and air cover added an advantage but the Japanese defenders were prepared and, in some cases, well-stocked for a prolonged fight. The Battle of Tarawa was at hand.Īmerican success hinged upon speed-of-execution and a delayed Japanese response. forces would have to wade far offshore against a prepared and fortified foe before setting foot onto the beaches to begin the fight against some 5,000 entrenched Japanese Army soldiers - ready to die for their emperor. The Japanese already maintained a useful airbase on the small island and managed a seaplane base out of Makin. The Tarawa Atoll lay within this island chain and was surrounded by thick coral which made for a natural defense against amphibious attack. The American plan to strike at the Japanese homeland saw a concerted movement along two fronts - the taking of the Marshall Islands (from the Japanese) which also required the taking of the Gilbert Islands to help protect the final advance.
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