Thank you for sharing your outstanding video.My father Sgt. Davis Preston proudly served with the US Marine’s on Guadalcanal,Okinawa and Saipan.This video provided knowledge that will be passed on to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We appreciate that you have honored these brave men.
Vandergrifts 1st Marine Division was told not to expect combat until 1943, giving them several months of preparation. Once the airstrip on Guadalcanal was detected they had only a couple weeks to prepare, ready or not. Bolt action rifles and WW1 gear were par for the course for the Marines and, with the exception of a few senior Officers and Enlisted, had no combat experience when they landed on the beach. They had to make do with only half their supplies with no idea when or if they would ever be resupplied/reinforced/relieved. Legendary group of people who did so much with so little for so long. Made me proud to be an Infantry Marine. 0352 T.O.W. anti tank guided missile gunner, 1986-1993.
This is a very good documentary. Guadalcanal, always seems to be eclipsed, by events in Europe or bigger campaigns in the Pacific. If, we would have lost, it would have been disasterous.
My grandfather's brother was one of the Marines on Guadalcanal. My grandfather served on the heavy Cruiser USS St Paul. Which bombarded Tokyo, Shadowed carriers, and was present for the Japanese surrender!
10:59 They were not three Marines divisions. General Alexander Patch, an Army officer, relieved the 1st Marine Division starting in October 1943 with elements of the Americal Division. The Americal Division was an augmentation of disparate national guard units. It was activated 27 May 1942 on the island of New Caledonia. It was the only U.S. Army division formed outside of United States. Following the withdrawal of the 1st Marine Division, the Americal Division continued operations on Guadalcanal as part of the U.S. XIV Corps with the Army's 25th Infantry Division and the 2nd Marine Division that arrived earlier as reinforcements to the 1st Marine Division until all of the Japanese resistance had ended.
@@KoolT But was he in the First Marine Division in World War II? Anyway, I'm wondering how your comment would up in my reply chain. Anyway, this all began because the video that's the source of this all didn't identify the troops replacing the 1st Division as being US Army soldiers, not Marines. Specifically, they were from the Americal division, which was formed on the island of New Caledonia. Nope, not California. It had a division number, either 24 or 25, but I'm not going to look it up again because it was still called "Americal" when it was in Vietnam. The new commander on Guadalcanal was a pretty interesting guy named Alexander Patch. After whomping Japanese, he went on to whomp Nazis, one of the very few generals who got to do both. Patch led the Seventh Army through France into Germany. He remained in command when the 7th returned to Fort Hood, Texas, where he died two days after his 56th birthday on November 21, 1945. I wasn't present at any of this, being born in 1950, but I became very aware of the Americal division before I finished high school, especially after we lost two alumni in the 1968 Tet offensive.
@@oldgringo2001 when I was a young PFC at Fort Hood Texas back in the early 90's, my first Platoon Sergeant had an Americal Division combat patch with his CIB. The way he explained it the Americal was once again reformed in Vietnam from what would normally be replacements around a cadre of experienced NCO's and officers. To my knowledge as a unit the Americal has never set foot in the Continental United States. Being disbanded overseas much like the WWII version.
If I recall correctly, Patch never forgave the media doing something somewhat similar to what this documentary did in not giving the army sufficient credit, in his view. Patch would push to abolish the Marine Corp after the war, though he died shortly thereafter if I recall correctly.
My grandfather and my uncle were in 1st division there were no other division was the better than them they both fought all the engagement both got purple hearts Semper Fi
The U.S. Navy's decisive victory in the air-sea battle (June 3-6, 1942) and its successful defense of the major base located at Midway Island dashed Japan's hopes of neutralizing the United States as a naval power and effectively turned the tide of World War II in the Pacific
Besides of the fatal lost of the Kido Butai (the supereliie of the navy´s pilots. Japan lose the offensive power based in navy+ air attack+ landings. When the japanese built a minor carrier force , USA launch 40 carriers. Without the navy+pilots, Japan is not capable to use the sucessfull estrategy used years before. Is time for Japan for built in land and use short distance (leap frog), just when the idea was to cut Australia from USA (taking Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia). Still very powerfull the IJN (Imperian japanese navy), they fears is what USA used Carrier in the same way, avoiding any confontation. Curioslly USA prefers escort carriers, and do not see the carriers usefull for landing in some atoll. USA will use "task Force combination" destroying the japanese Navy. Midway is a decissive defeat for many reasons.
@@richardbowers3647 Some are good at politics. Others are good at war. The training was fine. The high ranking Americans just refused to believe that their new radar technology worked worked, their new torpedoes had the range they were rated at and lastly that the Japanese could beat them. All training in academies hinge on never underestimating you enemy and know your weapons. The training didn't fail. The people failed.
I told my boss, the way to be promoted is to drink with your bosses, not trying to get more work out of your workers. I suppose it is the same in the military?
Even after the Battle of Midway the Japanese were still on the offensive. They thought that way, they acted that way. They continued to advance, overland, towards Port Morsby and occupied the island of Tulagi. They began to build an airstrip on the island of Guadalcanal, which is why the United States Marine’s 1st Division landed and then seized the airstrip. A 6 month Battle-of-Attrition followed, and it was this grinding of Imperial Japanese Navy and Army units that turned the tide in the Pacific.
When the marines first walked onshore at guadalcanal the raider battalion( minus 80 hand-picked men that were onboard 2 subs for the stunning making island raid)had a tough fight on tulagi where they killed all but 3 Japanese
The turning point was either at Guadalcanal or the Kokoda Track. The Japanese army was stopped both places. The Japanese decided to shift resources from the Kokoda track to reinforce Guadalcanal, so they thought that was more important. They still lost it. They couldn't replace everything they lost in Iron Bottom Sound either. They couldn't replace the pilots they were losing. They bled out in the Solomons.
alot of people forget that while these battles were taking place the Japanese were still highly offensive in China, Thailand, Indonesia etc, all throughout there, and were fighting Australia NZ and so on. This side of the Pacific war isnt discussed much at all
Midway was the clear turning point. Japan lost most of its aircraft carriers during the battle. With the ability to quickly produce replacements, and Japan having no such ability, the United States became the dominant naval force in the Pacific. Within a year of Midway the U.S. Navy dwarfed that of Japan. Japan still attempted some offensive operations, but as a whole the war was decided at Midway. Guadalcanal was a very tough fight, but the United States had control of the sea lanes as well as air dominance with their aircraft carriers. As a result, Japans defeat on Guadalcanal was an absolute certainty. Was it a tough fight? Yes. But Japan had no way to replenish its forces and the United States knew it. Game over.
Agree Midway was the turning point but don’t agree that within one year of Midway. This would be only June 1943. It was just getting more even at this point. Only 2-3 Essex carriers. It was more 1944 which the US waited until they had a massive advantage and that’s when the US really opened up. The key here is that Japan wasn’t looking for a long drawn out war. Their only chance trying to push the US back to the west coast by 1942. The IJN had their chance and blew it. They had a massive advantage in mid 1942 and failed to utilize those resources/vessels.
I agree in part. You are mistaken, I think on the battle of Guadalcanal being a foregone conclusion. They built up their force to over 20,000 just like we did. As the person being interview stated, Japan did NOT push the issue. They were winning the naval engagements there and did NOT capitalize on their success with aggression. They could have continued to supply, just as we did if they would have been aggressive. Their hesitation that list them the chance there is the same that cost them at Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway.
@@chargree I actually disagree. The problem for Japan was what the IJA was trying to do vs the IJN. The IJA had control also which was a mistake. The US military was smarter in making the navy commander CINPAC. There really was no point in trying to take Port Moresby. How the Battle of Coral Sea went for the IJN was a blessing in disguise. The IJN actually won the battle anyhow. Taking out Lexington and damaging Yorktown and only losing Shokaku to damage and light carrier Shoho being sunk. The Battle for Midway was set and capturing Midway was the most important battle. It was the perfect opportunity to unleash Yamato and utilize their battleships and shell Midway. The IJN carriers should have been placed behind and loaded with 2/3 fighters. Had this type of battle plan been used then Zuikaku would have been brought to Midway. There was no need for the Aleutians either. This Northern Force should have been re-arranged and used as a seek and destroy force looking for enemy carriers. Had this unit went further east instead of north then the cruisers and destroyers would have eventually gotten in range of any wounded US carriers that would have eventually been spotted. The overwhelming surface ships. 22 cruisers and 64 destroyers plus 11 battleships and 9 carriers would have simply been too much for Task Force 16 and 17 which only had 8 cruisers and 15 destroyers plus 3 carriers which Yorktown was already damaged and could only do mid 20 knots. What was mentioned above was not the entire IJN force either. Other vessels could have been set down south and see what the Allied Forces would do.
@@chargree i disagree. Japan didn’t have the ability to replenish its forces at Guadalcanal. The U.S. Navy’s heavy presence on the water surrounding Guadalcanal, coupled with the U.S. Navy’s complete air dominance due to their carriers operating almost unimpeded, made victory on Guadalcanal a certainty. The Japanese simply could not sustain combat operations long enough to really win that battle. American forces were being replenished daily. Men and supplies, replacements for casualties, etc, continued unabated. Like I said, game over in large part because those 4 aircraft carriers of Japan were sunk at midway.
It’s amazing how close we were to getting our buts kicked in the pacific. It must’ve looked pretty grim in 1942 and 43. War is a crazy thing. Thank God for those 11 aircraft carriers nowadays
Yes the Gaudacanal Land and Naval Campaign was a long drawn out battle where the Leadership on both sides made very questionable decisions and though the US won in the end they lost more ships and 5 fleet carriers though their losses were made up by May 1943.
Recommend reading: Shattered Sword by Jon Parshall about the Battle for Midway. Could have done with less European theater part plenty of videos on that elsewhere. Excellent video overall.
Another fantastic documentary. You guys are right there with Mark Felton’s of the industry, buy significantly more polished. Love Mark Felton and his videos are seemingly rough by design. You more fall in line with Time Ghost Army. Great work!
I think Churchill's comment about El Alamein is very fitting in regard to the Pacific war. "This might not be the beginning of the end, but perhaps it is the end of the beginning."
I was disappointed with this video because it was so sadly lacking in proper focus. How many 1000 bomber raids did Harris launch against Guadalcanal, how much was force H committed to battling the Japanese, and when did the French fleet at Toulon or the victors at Leningrad enter the Guadalcanal battle? Never even close! Very brief tangential mentions of these factors might be justifiable, but in my mind devoting a full 20 minutes on these subjects in a 50 minute video on the Guadalcanal campaign goes well beyond the pale. But maybe that's just me.
Finding the right reel footage to go with the narration can be a problem. Some use what applies, most just use whatever is available. See: "Dark Skies/Seas" approach to World War II reel footage.
I agree, in fact, most of these shows on battles are beyond awful. You real can't even begin to present a clear picture of the facts and background of an island campaign within a hour let alone the 12 minutes devoted here in this video. Not discussed but germane to the battle was the intraservice disconnect between the Japan's Navy and Army, the belief that American soldiers had no stomach for fighting (a belief re-enforced by the poorly trained, organized, and supplied US forces in the Philippines and the few other islands that were quickly overtaken), the effect it would have on Japanese forces in New Guinea, the politics behind the important decisions at high command level on both sides, the reasons for the logistical limitations, etc. While these video snippets are okay in a mindless sort of way, the only way to gain some real knowledge is to read a couple of good books on the subject.
Yes...though neither side knew it at the time...it was the END of Japanese expansion and it showed that they were no longer 'supermen' and that the Marines and American production were unstoppable
The American victory at the battle of Midway made the battle of Guadalcanal possible! Had the Japanese still had those four carriers with their seasoned pilots and planes there is no way that the Americans could resupply the Marines on Guadalcanal. The Japanese still would have lost the war but it would have been a much longer, much more difficult campaign, if you can imagine that!
It might just be me, but I always thought that Leningrad was in northwest Russia. Also I am pretty sure the Germans were on the receiving end. Unless of course the Japanese somehow got some army units over there.
Harris's bombing campaign wasn't a questionable strategy at all, it was the only recourse the UK had at the time. And if it meant one German gun was pointing upwards at the sky as opposed to pointing at a British soldier , then it was worth it.
When America entered into World War 2, our military was around 600,000. of ill-equipped, poorly trained, and undisciplined troops. Initially, battle hardened fanatical Japanese soldiers were kicking our arses on all fronts. Our win at Midway was partially lucky, but a great deal expertise and was one of the first turning points. We licked their Navy at Midway. Guadalcanal pitted a bunch of fire pissing Marines against the Japanese army and the Marines won. It marked the first defeat of the Japanese on land, so it was a turning point. All battles involve skill, strategy , logistics, and luck. What was significant about Guadacanal was the fighting skills of American Marines. I cherish the memory of these men.
The number of casualities in a single day of both the world wars was so huge that today's wars seem like mere skirmishes compared to them. It makes you feel for the number of families being told everyday that they had lost their son's. It must have been horrendous for the families with no bodies to bury . 1200 sailors lost at sea in a single battle. It was just too much.God i hope this never happens again because the type of weapons humanity possesses today could wipeout humanity in mere months.
I'm sorry but the bombing absolutely affected German production. There were fighters that never finished development. Delays in production, etc. You cannot say it didn't affect the war. Win it the war no it did not. Save a bunch of allied lives? Yes. A lot of the airmen died but imagine how some land and sea battles might have swung if the germans had a few hundred extra tanks at certain times or more subs? More gasoline available. Spare parts. Or most importantly more transport. The Germans were consistently hampered by lack of fuel and lack of trucks and ships. So much that they were still dependant on horses and had a terrible time finding sea transport. You can't say the US strategic bombing and the commonwealth bombing of workers and industrial areas did not have an effect.
Quite right. In the Whirlwind episode of The World at War, Hitler's armaments minister Albert Speer (who was in a position to know) explained the bombing tied down hundred of thousands of soldiers on defence, plus huge amounts of equipment. It was, he said, our Second Front.
I’m not going to argue with you but up until we crossed the Rhine River production of tanks and planes was at the highest of the entire war. Strategic Bombing did no slow then down at all. Fuel? Yes. But not armament production.
Extremely superficial. Description of what happened at Leyte Gulf was very misleading. Doesn't even mention the US destroyers and Jeep carriers who sacrificed themselves to save the landing force while Halsey had fallen for the bait and got lured away.
It's a 50 minute program, they can only fit in so much in detail. Relax. This isn't meant to be comprehensive, it's an overview. You can only fit but so much in less than an hour.
After Midway while we had sunk 4 Japanese carriers we still only had 5 of our own they still had 4 also. Their surface fleet outgunned us in terms of battleships heavy cruisers and light cruisers. While we had ships in the pipeline of production they weren't in combat yet including our first new battleships since the 20s. Troop wise it was about even along with airpower what was going to tell the tale at Guadalcanal was logistical support and how fast battle damaged ships and planes could be replaced or repaired and put back into combat. We had more logistical support and supplies than the Japanese could ever imagine and while at the start of the Guadalcanal campaign it wasn't up to standard by the end of it the sheer amount of supplies and material we could move proved decisive. When the Japanese troops were slicing rice grains in half our troops were getting all support they needed. Or as my late grandfather told me. He said at first we had to strip our own ship of food and ammunition to give to the Marines on Guadalcanal by the end we were bringing out their dirty laundry and then bringing it back cleaned and pressed from the rear echelon that wanted to do something to help. His transport ship made something like 150 runs into Guadalcanal during that 6 month period hauling in food ammo replacement men spare parts and hauling out wounded men.
Yes. The Guadalcanal campaign was the turning point. It was proof of concept for what had to be done to take back the Japanese conquest of the Western pacific. Failure by the US and its allies at Guadalcanal would have severed supply lines to Australia, Admiral King most likely would have been fired, Japanese expansion would have continued, and ally military leaders would have been at a complete loss as to how to proceed in the pacific theater. 🤪All that and I didn't even have to watch the 49-minute video. Although I did watch in its entirety.
The battle of Midway just stopped Japan's eastward expansion but I don't consider it a turning point in the Pacific War. It nevertheless sunk 2/3 of the japanese carriers, forcing the japanese to rely on ground air bases, like Guadalcanal, instead of floating ones.
Pls think/comment: I’ve been unhappy with MacArthur’s trashing of the Aussies, yet perhaps his commentary triggered their legendary jungle fighting. . .
*The 'Turning Point' for Japan was a failure to invade Pearl Harbor...it meant the U.S. Navy still had a vital asset intact for haborage, re-fueling, and repair and munitions storage along with an established aircraft staging area which could easily support hundreds of aircraft of all types* _____________ *The 'worst possible defeat' was losing four carriers in only a day since Japan's carriers existed primarily as a 'mobile strike force' in ranges of 400-miles or more...without the carriers Japan would be forced to fight a defensive war in which they knew in advance was a losing strategy because the distances were too great* _____________ *Yamamoto had warned the 'War Cabinet repeatedly that "An offensive war can be maintained for no more than 6-months because our strategic reserves of oil will be gone, as well as at least 10 to 20% of our most capable ships...after 6-months an 'armistice' must be agreed-on or we will be slowly overwhelmed by America's factories of endless production"*
A "Turning Point" is an arbitrary abstract notion. You might say that Pearl Harbor December 1941 was the turning point of the Pacific war. It's not wise to tug on the tail of the tiger.
----- Are you going to count the number of US NAVY SAILORS that lost their lives during the Guadalcanal campaign. In fact, more sailors than Marines lost their lives during the Guadalcanal campaign. For bad and good, you need to give the sailors of the US Navy their due !!!
The Navy took a beating at Guadalcanal. But all they talk about is the marines. I have said many times that Guadalcanal was the true turning point of WWll. It really makes me wonder if people ever really attempt to pickup a book, let alone attempt to read one..
You have to cringe how in the reporting of the Battle Of Leyte Gulf they entirely gloss over the mistakes made by Halsey. Not even a mention of the suicidal courage of Taffy Three and the charge by US destroyers and destroyer escorts against battleships and cruisers. The USS Johnston should never be forgotten!
The fact is that turning of the war was the Battle of Coral Sea. That was the high-water mark for the Japanese Army and Navy. Guadalcanal was the first step back. Midway was a devastating defeat for Japan and hasten the end of the war by at least a year. But at Coral c the Japanese were stopped for the first time since the Japanese defeated the Russians at the turn of the century. And showed the world that could be beat
@@tacituskilgore8379 there was less than 5 minutes about Leningrad at the end. This was a full episode of War Stories which you can find actual episodes released from them!
As much as anything else, the attrition of all the sea and land battles around Guadalcanal crippled Japan of it's best Naval Air groups which were irreplaceable in any timely manner. . Midway set up the opportunity for the US to choose an offensive campaign and Guadalcanal was a good one. So take your pick or credit both. I'd add the US shipyards and factories for some credit.
...yes...definitely..it stopped Japan's southward expansion towards Australia...the ONLY island the Japanese EVER abandoned...it ended the myth of Japanese invincibility and established the first airfield..an unsinkable aircraft carrier from which to provide air cover for future Naval operations towards the Japanese mainland...
It ended up being the turning point, but even if Japan sunk every ship and killed/captured every soldier and marine the War Production Might of the US would overwhelm Japan starting late ‘43 regardless.
Notice that as soon as America entered the pacific war Japan began to lose and kept on losing. Their bid for empire had origins in emotional fervor and a losing strategy for the long run. Six months. The I.J. A. ran wild in that time, a lightning occupation of the pacific basin. The hubris of imperial doctrine caused countless lives. Guadalcanal was the beginning of the end for Japanese tyranny.
Took about six months and some terrible defeats. Battle of the Coral Sea was first non-victory for Japanese and stalled their momentum. Tarnished their naval invincibility and then Midway destroyed it. Australians in New Guinea and Americans on Guadalcanal did same to Japanese ground forces. Still, Japanese remained a dangerous, relentless and resourceful opponent to the bitter end.
"Britain Stands Alone" @14:15 with Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa and Tommy's Pee'd in the Water Jacket of their Vickers Guns while they "Went to War for Poland"
I see Guadalcanal as A turning point, not THE turning point. The Battle of Midway takes that honor, IMO. But, it was the turning point for the land battle, since it was the first land battle defeat of Japan, I believe.
@18:40 "there was never, never a feeling that we shouldn't be doing this, never" I do not think that is accurate. From what I recall. I believe the British objected to the civilian targets. I think Antony Beevor spoke about this. I know I have run across it before somewhere. The British objected strongly. Not sure if it was from a war crimes perspective.
They firebombed before we did. Not many rules are followed after shooting begins. War crimes all the time. I think it's a big part of the human condition.
I'm not so sure that the British were at any time squeamish when it came to German civilian deaths, the fire storm that raged through Dresden after an allied bomber force had finished their work of destruction and death. If however there was some reservation, this was eased by the righteous nature of the attack justified by Churchill when he paraphrased the Bible verse, "they have released the wind, now they will suffer the whirlwind" or something like that.
The European war was prioritised for one main reason,-Russian involvement ,if the Normandy landings hadn't taken place all of mainland Europe would have been in Russian hands
Thank you for sharing your outstanding video.My father Sgt. Davis Preston proudly served with the US Marine’s on Guadalcanal,Okinawa and Saipan.This video provided knowledge that will be passed on to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. We appreciate that you have honored these brave men.
Vandergrifts 1st Marine Division was told not to expect combat until 1943, giving them several months of preparation. Once the airstrip on Guadalcanal was detected they had only a couple weeks to prepare, ready or not. Bolt action rifles and WW1 gear were par for the course for the Marines and, with the exception of a few senior Officers and Enlisted, had no combat experience when they landed on the beach. They had to make do with only half their supplies with no idea when or if they would ever be resupplied/reinforced/relieved. Legendary group of people who did so much with so little for so long. Made me proud to be an Infantry Marine.
0352 T.O.W. anti tank guided missile gunner, 1986-1993.
All of the battles were interesting but the outcome of the battle for Crete was surprising.
Great video!
This is a very good documentary. Guadalcanal, always seems to be eclipsed, by events in Europe or bigger campaigns in the Pacific. If, we would have lost, it would have been disasterous.
Winning Guadalcanal saved Australia.
My dad is a 98-year old US Navy veteran. Guadalcanal was his first engagement.
My grandfather's brother was one of the Marines on Guadalcanal. My grandfather served on the heavy Cruiser USS St Paul. Which bombarded Tokyo, Shadowed carriers, and was present for the Japanese surrender!
My father was one of these eastern SOLOMON ISLAND Marines.
my fathers third wife's second removed fiance's younger brother was in this unit and killed 76 men with her bare hands
Hold on you might still make the last battle of the Last war.
10:59 They were not three Marines divisions. General Alexander Patch, an Army officer, relieved the 1st Marine Division starting in October 1943 with elements of the Americal Division. The Americal Division was an augmentation of disparate national guard units. It was activated 27 May 1942 on the island of New Caledonia. It was the only U.S. Army division formed outside of United States. Following the withdrawal of the 1st Marine Division, the Americal Division continued operations on Guadalcanal as part of the U.S. XIV Corps with the Army's 25th Infantry Division and the 2nd Marine Division that arrived earlier as reinforcements to the 1st Marine Division until all of the Japanese resistance had ended.
The Americal Division was active during the Vietnam War. I didn't know until years later that it had fought on Guadalcanal.
My dad was in the First Marine Division
@@KoolT But was he in the First Marine Division in World War II? Anyway, I'm wondering how your comment would up in my reply chain.
Anyway, this all began because the video that's the source of this all didn't identify the troops replacing the 1st Division as being US Army soldiers, not Marines. Specifically, they were from the Americal division, which was formed on the island of New Caledonia. Nope, not California. It had a division number, either 24 or 25, but I'm not going to look it up again because it was still called "Americal" when it was in Vietnam.
The new commander on Guadalcanal was a pretty interesting guy named Alexander Patch. After whomping Japanese, he went on to whomp Nazis, one of the very few generals who got to do both. Patch led the Seventh Army through France into Germany. He remained in command when the 7th returned to Fort Hood, Texas, where he died two days after his 56th birthday on November 21, 1945.
I wasn't present at any of this, being born in 1950, but I became very aware of the Americal division before I finished high school, especially after we lost two alumni in the 1968 Tet offensive.
@@oldgringo2001 when I was a young PFC at Fort Hood Texas back in the early 90's, my first Platoon Sergeant had an Americal Division combat patch with his CIB. The way he explained it the Americal was once again reformed in Vietnam from what would normally be replacements around a cadre of experienced NCO's and officers. To my knowledge as a unit the Americal has never set foot in the Continental United States. Being disbanded overseas much like the WWII version.
If I recall correctly, Patch never forgave the media doing something somewhat similar to what this documentary did in not giving the army sufficient credit, in his view.
Patch would push to abolish the Marine Corp after the war, though he died shortly thereafter if I recall correctly.
1st marine division are legends
My grandfather and my uncle were in 1st division there were no other division was the better than them they both fought all the engagement both got purple hearts Semper Fi
@@robertkoth4022 you must be proud fella 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸
Worst nightmare of enemies...
The war was won in the Pacific before it was ever fought. As soon as we developed our wartime Pacific navy it was just a matter of time.
The die was cast as the first bomb fell on Pearl Harbor. They didn't stand a chance of defeating America.
Coral Sea was the first time we stopped the advance, Midway was the turning point, Guadalcanal was the first step in taking back.
This channel is a gem. very nice
You guys are doing great with your documentary
Too nice video with clear explaining of war situations in several different status thanks for sending too nice historic channel
midway...a naval victory...then...the land battle victory. on Guadalcanal ...thank you naval. and marines
Yess!! Thank you for making a another amazing and well informed video.
The U.S. Navy's decisive victory in the air-sea battle (June 3-6, 1942) and its successful defense of the major base located at Midway Island dashed Japan's hopes of neutralizing the United States as a naval power and effectively turned the tide of World War II in the Pacific
Besides of the fatal lost of the Kido Butai (the supereliie of the navy´s pilots. Japan lose the offensive power based in navy+ air attack+ landings. When the japanese built a minor carrier force , USA launch 40 carriers. Without the navy+pilots, Japan is not capable to use the sucessfull estrategy used years before. Is time for Japan for built in land and use short distance (leap frog), just when the idea was to cut Australia from USA (taking Fiji, Samoa, New Caledonia). Still very powerfull the IJN (Imperian japanese navy), they fears is what USA used Carrier in the same way, avoiding any confontation. Curioslly USA prefers escort carriers, and do not see the carriers usefull for landing in some atoll. USA will use "task Force combination" destroying the japanese Navy. Midway is a decissive defeat for many reasons.
What amazed me was how many incompetent admirals and captains, as well as lost ships, the US Navy had to go through before the end of the campaign.
American military training is probably flawed!!!
@@richardbowers3647 Some are good at politics. Others are good at war. The training was fine. The high ranking Americans just refused to believe that their new radar technology worked worked, their new torpedoes had the range they were rated at and lastly that the Japanese could beat them.
All training in academies hinge on never underestimating you enemy and know your weapons.
The training didn't fail. The people failed.
Watch...DRACHINFEL...
I told my boss, the way to be promoted is to drink with your bosses, not trying to get more work out of your workers. I suppose it is the same in the military?
Military tactics have and always will be trial and error...learning from mistakes. I'm just thankful they weren't as incompetent as the ww1 officers
Even after the Battle of Midway the Japanese were still on the offensive. They thought that way, they acted that way. They continued to advance, overland, towards Port Morsby and occupied the island of Tulagi. They began to build an airstrip on the island of Guadalcanal, which is why the United States Marine’s 1st Division landed and then seized the airstrip. A 6 month Battle-of-Attrition followed, and it was this grinding of Imperial Japanese Navy and Army units that turned the tide in the Pacific.
When the marines first walked onshore at guadalcanal the raider battalion( minus 80 hand-picked men that were onboard 2 subs for the stunning making island raid)had a tough fight on tulagi where they killed all but 3 Japanese
Yes Japan was set back at Midway, but still were on the offensive. After beat up Naval airpower on Midway, they redeployed Army Air power from Asia.
The turning point was either at Guadalcanal or the Kokoda Track. The Japanese army was stopped both places.
The Japanese decided to shift resources from the Kokoda track to reinforce Guadalcanal, so they thought that was more important. They still lost it. They couldn't replace everything they lost in Iron Bottom Sound either. They couldn't replace the pilots they were losing. They bled out in the Solomons.
alot of people forget that while these battles were taking place the Japanese were still highly offensive in China, Thailand, Indonesia etc, all throughout there, and were fighting Australia NZ and so on.
This side of the Pacific war isnt discussed much at all
Wow! This is an eye opener. I didn’t know Americans and Japanese fought over Leningrad! 👁🖕🏿👁
lol
It's just a mistake duuuuh
Not enough topic about Guadal Canal.. ? Just to make the doc bit longer..
This film includes sections on boyj Guadalcanal and Leningrad.
Good to see the New Zealand f4u at the start
5 minutes of Guadalcanal...
I'm glad you're not selling anything as mislabeled as this video!
I really wish that such obvious combat footage from Tarawa wouldn't be used in a documentary about Guadalcanal
you REALLY need to rename this video if you're gonna start out with guadalcanal!!!
Midway was the clear turning point. Japan lost most of its aircraft carriers during the battle. With the ability to quickly produce replacements, and Japan having no such ability, the United States became the dominant naval force in the Pacific. Within a year of Midway the U.S. Navy dwarfed that of Japan. Japan still attempted some offensive operations, but as a whole the war was decided at Midway. Guadalcanal was a very tough fight, but the United States had control of the sea lanes as well as air dominance with their aircraft carriers. As a result, Japans defeat on Guadalcanal was an absolute certainty. Was it a tough fight? Yes. But Japan had no way to replenish its forces and the United States knew it. Game over.
Agree Midway was the turning point but don’t agree that within one year of Midway. This would be only June 1943. It was just getting more even at this point. Only 2-3 Essex carriers.
It was more 1944 which the US waited until they had a massive advantage and that’s when the US really opened up.
The key here is that Japan wasn’t looking for a long drawn out war. Their only chance trying to push the US back to the west coast by 1942.
The IJN had their chance and blew it. They had a massive advantage in mid 1942 and failed to utilize those resources/vessels.
I agree in part. You are mistaken, I think on the battle of Guadalcanal being a foregone conclusion. They built up their force to over 20,000 just like we did. As the person being interview stated, Japan did NOT push the issue. They were winning the naval engagements there and did NOT capitalize on their success with aggression. They could have continued to supply, just as we did if they would have been aggressive. Their hesitation that list them the chance there is the same that cost them at Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway.
@@chargree I actually disagree. The problem for Japan was what the IJA was trying to do vs the IJN. The IJA had control also which was a mistake.
The US military was smarter in making the navy commander CINPAC.
There really was no point in trying to take Port Moresby. How the Battle of Coral Sea went for the IJN was a blessing in disguise. The IJN actually won the battle anyhow. Taking out Lexington and damaging Yorktown and only losing Shokaku to damage and light carrier Shoho being sunk.
The Battle for Midway was set and capturing Midway was the most important battle. It was the perfect opportunity to unleash Yamato and utilize their battleships and shell Midway.
The IJN carriers should have been placed behind and loaded with 2/3 fighters. Had this type of battle plan been used then Zuikaku would have been brought to Midway.
There was no need for the Aleutians either. This Northern Force should have been re-arranged and used as a seek and destroy force looking for enemy carriers. Had this unit went further east instead of north then the cruisers and destroyers would have eventually gotten in range of any wounded US carriers that would have eventually been spotted.
The overwhelming surface ships. 22 cruisers and 64 destroyers plus 11 battleships and 9 carriers would have simply been too much for Task Force 16 and 17 which only had 8 cruisers and 15 destroyers plus 3 carriers which Yorktown was already damaged and could only do mid 20 knots.
What was mentioned above was not the entire IJN force either. Other vessels could have been set down south and see what the Allied Forces would do.
@@chargree i disagree. Japan didn’t have the ability to replenish its forces at Guadalcanal. The U.S. Navy’s heavy presence on the water surrounding Guadalcanal, coupled with the U.S. Navy’s complete air dominance due to their carriers operating almost unimpeded, made victory on Guadalcanal a certainty. The Japanese simply could not sustain combat operations long enough to really win that battle. American forces were being replenished daily. Men and supplies, replacements for casualties, etc, continued unabated. Like I said, game over in large part because those 4 aircraft carriers of Japan were sunk at midway.
It’s amazing how close we were to getting our buts kicked in the pacific. It must’ve looked pretty grim in 1942 and 43. War is a crazy thing. Thank God for those 11 aircraft carriers nowadays
Not that close
Counting pocket Carriers America had almost 100 active carriers at the end of ww2
The Guadalcanal campaign part does not not cover all the Guadalcanal naval battles like the battles of Eastern Solomons,Santa Cruz & Tassafaronga.
Yes the Gaudacanal Land and Naval Campaign was a long drawn out battle where the Leadership on both sides made very questionable decisions and though the US won in the end they lost more ships and 5 fleet carriers though their losses were made up by May 1943.
@@geoffhunter7704 yep my dad lead heavy cruiser got sunk there he swim all night the north Hamton
My father fought in that battle.
Recommend reading: Shattered Sword by Jon Parshall about the Battle for Midway. Could have done with less European theater part plenty of videos on that elsewhere. Excellent video overall.
The title is completely misleading.
Another fantastic documentary. You guys are right there with Mark Felton’s of the industry, buy significantly more polished. Love Mark Felton and his videos are seemingly rough by design. You more fall in line with Time Ghost Army. Great work!
Thank you for the RNZAF Corsairs in the thumbnail.
I think Churchill's comment about El Alamein is very fitting in regard to the Pacific war. "This might not be the beginning of the end, but perhaps it is the end of the beginning."
The end of the beginning? That makes no sense
Smh guy at 14:19 just gonna forget about Canada like we weren’t a major ally
I was disappointed with this video because it was so sadly lacking in proper focus. How many 1000 bomber raids did Harris launch against Guadalcanal, how much was force H committed to battling the Japanese, and when did the French fleet at Toulon or the victors at Leningrad enter the Guadalcanal battle? Never even close! Very brief tangential mentions of these factors might be justifiable, but in my mind devoting a full 20 minutes on these subjects in a 50 minute video on the Guadalcanal campaign goes well beyond the pale. But maybe that's just me.
Finding the right reel footage to go with the narration can be a problem. Some use what applies, most just use whatever is available. See: "Dark Skies/Seas" approach to World War II reel footage.
I agree, in fact, most of these shows on battles are beyond awful. You real can't even begin to present a clear picture of the facts and background of an island campaign within a hour let alone the 12 minutes devoted here in this video. Not discussed but germane to the battle was the intraservice disconnect between the Japan's Navy and Army, the belief that American soldiers had no stomach for fighting (a belief re-enforced by the poorly trained, organized, and supplied US forces in the Philippines and the few other islands that were quickly overtaken), the effect it would have on Japanese forces in New Guinea, the politics behind the important decisions at high command level on both sides, the reasons for the logistical limitations, etc.
While these video snippets are okay in a mindless sort of way, the only way to gain some real knowledge is to read a couple of good books on the subject.
As soon as Anti Aircraft ammo switched to proximity fused it was over.
Yes...though neither side knew it at the time...it was the END of Japanese expansion and it showed that they were no longer 'supermen' and that the Marines and American production were unstoppable
The American victory at the battle of Midway made the battle of Guadalcanal possible! Had the Japanese still had those four carriers with their seasoned pilots and planes there is no way that the Americans could resupply the Marines on Guadalcanal. The Japanese still would have lost the war but it would have been a much longer, much more difficult campaign, if you can imagine that!
It might just be me, but I always thought that Leningrad was in northwest Russia. Also I am pretty sure the Germans were on the receiving end. Unless of course the Japanese somehow got some army units over there.
Total and complete. If we need to know more look up failure.
Harris's bombing campaign wasn't a questionable strategy at all, it was the only recourse the UK had at the time. And if it meant one German gun was pointing upwards at the sky as opposed to pointing at a British soldier , then it was worth it.
doubt the 10 airmen on one bomber would agree with this if asked
I understand. I think there just weren't any good alternatives.
SEMPER Fi....................
When America entered into World War 2, our military was around 600,000. of ill-equipped, poorly trained, and undisciplined troops. Initially, battle hardened fanatical Japanese soldiers were kicking our arses on all fronts. Our win at Midway was partially lucky, but a great deal expertise and was one of the first turning points. We licked their Navy at Midway.
Guadalcanal pitted a bunch of fire pissing Marines against the Japanese army and the Marines won. It marked the first defeat of the Japanese on land, so it was a turning point.
All battles involve skill, strategy , logistics, and luck. What was significant about Guadacanal was the fighting skills of American Marines. I cherish the memory of these men.
Brilliant
Let’s go brandon 🍦🍦🍦
The number of casualities in a single day of both the world wars was so huge that today's wars seem like mere skirmishes compared to them. It makes you feel for the number of families being told everyday that they had lost their son's. It must have been horrendous for the families with no bodies to bury . 1200 sailors lost at sea in a single battle. It was just too much.God i hope this never happens again because the type of weapons humanity possesses today could wipeout humanity in mere months.
I'm very concerned about what's happening in the Ukraine right now. There have been world wars started over less.
I'm sorry but the bombing absolutely affected German production. There were fighters that never finished development. Delays in production, etc. You cannot say it didn't affect the war. Win it the war no it did not. Save a bunch of allied lives? Yes. A lot of the airmen died but imagine how some land and sea battles might have swung if the germans had a few hundred extra tanks at certain times or more subs? More gasoline available. Spare parts. Or most importantly more transport. The Germans were consistently hampered by lack of fuel and lack of trucks and ships. So much that they were still dependant on horses and had a terrible time finding sea transport. You can't say the US strategic bombing and the commonwealth bombing of workers and industrial areas did not have an effect.
Quite right. In the Whirlwind episode of The World at War, Hitler's armaments minister Albert Speer (who was in a position to know) explained the bombing tied down hundred of thousands of soldiers on defence, plus huge amounts of equipment. It was, he said, our Second Front.
I’m not going to argue with you but up until we crossed the Rhine River production of tanks and planes was at the highest of the entire war. Strategic Bombing did no slow then down at all. Fuel? Yes. But not armament production.
it is May 14 today, so we have another 6 days to get ready. )
Extremely superficial. Description of what happened at Leyte Gulf was very misleading. Doesn't even mention the US destroyers and Jeep carriers who sacrificed themselves to save the landing force while Halsey had fallen for the bait and got lured away.
Van Rhodes , are talking about Taffy 6 ? where they went up against battle ships and crusiers? they were all heros, take care.
It's a 50 minute program, they can only fit in so much in detail. Relax. This isn't meant to be comprehensive, it's an overview. You can only fit but so much in less than an hour.
the Japanese supply costs to carry out operations in the Solomons were enormous. This drained them significantly.
The US Navy suffered over twice the loses protecting Guadalcanal as the Marines protecting Henderson Field
You’re absolutely right.
7:36 USS Washington BB-56, in all her glory ❤️
Love from NC, her sister's and her class's namesake
After Midway while we had sunk 4 Japanese carriers we still only had 5 of our own they still had 4 also. Their surface fleet outgunned us in terms of battleships heavy cruisers and light cruisers. While we had ships in the pipeline of production they weren't in combat yet including our first new battleships since the 20s.
Troop wise it was about even along with airpower what was going to tell the tale at Guadalcanal was logistical support and how fast battle damaged ships and planes could be replaced or repaired and put back into combat.
We had more logistical support and supplies than the Japanese could ever imagine and while at the start of the Guadalcanal campaign it wasn't up to standard by the end of it the sheer amount of supplies and material we could move proved decisive. When the Japanese troops were slicing rice grains in half our troops were getting all support they needed. Or as my late grandfather told me. He said at first we had to strip our own ship of food and ammunition to give to the Marines on Guadalcanal by the end we were bringing out their dirty laundry and then bringing it back cleaned and pressed from the rear echelon that wanted to do something to help. His transport ship made something like 150 runs into Guadalcanal during that 6 month period hauling in food ammo replacement men spare parts and hauling out wounded men.
That would be midway when they lost those valuable carriers.
Totally wrong name
I don't mind more history
What's with the green and light orange colors for forces and vague land sea borders?
my dad lost his ship at quadalcanal at night then swimed all night until pt boat saw him
yup, good doc but really screwed up the title.
No mention of Washinton vs. Kirishima :(
War history of guam and pacific islands 🙏
Your headline is misleading. It talks of Leningrad but then takes us to Guadalcanal
The crocodiles feasted on Japanese corpses. Nice😊
Have an M1 Winchester Carbine and they'd make an awesome home defence weapon!
Ok doesn't the title banner say Guadalcanal?
Yes. The Guadalcanal campaign was the turning point. It was proof of concept for what had to be done to take back the Japanese conquest of the Western pacific. Failure by the US and its allies at Guadalcanal would have severed supply lines to Australia, Admiral King most likely would have been fired, Japanese expansion would have continued, and ally military leaders would have been at a complete loss as to how to proceed in the pacific theater.
🤪All that and I didn't even have to watch the 49-minute video. Although I did watch in its entirety.
Is the movie censored from grafic moments?
The battle of Midway just stopped Japan's eastward expansion but I don't consider it a turning point in the Pacific War. It nevertheless sunk 2/3 of the japanese carriers, forcing the japanese to rely on ground air bases, like Guadalcanal, instead of floating ones.
The US Army’s 23rd Infantry Division, 25th Infantry Division, and the 2nd Marine Division made up the XIV Corps.
It's funny how those two guys, representing the opposing sides over a table, keep looking at each other 😂
Pls think/comment: I’ve been unhappy with MacArthur’s trashing of the Aussies, yet perhaps his commentary triggered their legendary jungle fighting. . .
My wife's uncle fought on "Bloody (Edson's) Ridge"
EOk eis is weis wI ew to e
cameraman always safe
*The 'Turning Point' for Japan was a failure to invade Pearl Harbor...it meant the U.S. Navy still had a vital asset intact for haborage, re-fueling, and repair and munitions storage along with an established aircraft staging area which could easily support hundreds of aircraft of all types*
_____________
*The 'worst possible defeat' was losing four carriers in only a day since Japan's carriers existed primarily as a 'mobile strike force' in ranges of 400-miles or more...without the carriers Japan would be forced to fight a defensive war in which they knew in advance was a losing strategy because the distances were too great*
_____________
*Yamamoto had warned the 'War Cabinet repeatedly that "An offensive war can be maintained for no more than 6-months because our strategic reserves of oil will be gone, as well as at least 10 to 20% of our most capable ships...after 6-months an 'armistice' must be agreed-on or we will be slowly overwhelmed by America's factories of endless production"*
Even if Japan had invaded and taken hawaii, the outcome would have been the same. They never had a chance at defeating America.
A "Turning Point" is an arbitrary abstract notion. You might say that Pearl Harbor December 1941 was the turning point of the Pacific war. It's not wise to tug on the tail of the tiger.
----- Are you going to count the number of US NAVY SAILORS that lost their lives during the Guadalcanal campaign. In fact, more sailors than Marines lost their lives during the Guadalcanal campaign. For bad and good, you need to give the sailors of the US Navy their due !!!
The Navy took a beating at Guadalcanal. But all they talk about is the marines. I have said many times that Guadalcanal was the true turning point of WWll. It really makes me wonder if people ever really attempt to pickup a book, let alone attempt to read one..
@@norshstephens2395 I'll answer the question for you. They don't pick up books and they don't read.
You have to cringe how in the reporting of the Battle Of Leyte Gulf they entirely gloss over the mistakes made by Halsey. Not even a mention of the suicidal courage of Taffy Three and the charge by US destroyers and destroyer escorts against battleships and cruisers. The USS Johnston should never be forgotten!
Nor the Samuel B Roberts
Their coverage of the Battle of Leyte Gulf was full of inaccuracies.
The fact is that turning of the war was the Battle of Coral Sea. That was the high-water mark for the Japanese Army and Navy. Guadalcanal was the first step back. Midway was a devastating defeat for Japan and hasten the end of the war by at least a year. But at Coral c the Japanese were stopped for the first time since the Japanese defeated the Russians at the turn of the century. And showed the world that could be beat
Why am I watching about Gualcanal?? This is supposed to be about Leningrad.
Riiight.
@@tacituskilgore8379 there was less than 5 minutes about Leningrad at the end. This was a full episode of War Stories which you can find actual episodes released from them!
This bit with the two men playing a game with cards representing troops adds absoluletly nothing to this.
As much as anything else, the attrition of all the sea and land battles around Guadalcanal crippled Japan of it's best Naval Air groups which were irreplaceable in any timely manner. . Midway set up the opportunity for the US to choose an offensive campaign and Guadalcanal was a good one. So take your pick or credit both. I'd add the US shipyards and factories for some credit.
11:30 *RIP all those Brave Soldiers now Grey's oUT by TH-cam® well done - it would seem MSM 2021 has rewritten true History !*
IMO Coral Sea/Port Moresby was the turning point as it stopped the southward expansion of the IJN/IJA.
So there were at least two Dunkirk type evacs and loss of heavy equipment.
Nimitz 1905 to 1966....dude looks old. Ill be 53 on dec 25th and look 40. How time changes
...yes...definitely..it stopped Japan's southward expansion towards Australia...the ONLY island the Japanese EVER abandoned...it ended the myth of Japanese invincibility and established the first airfield..an unsinkable aircraft carrier from which to provide air cover for future Naval operations towards the Japanese mainland...
It ended up being the turning point, but even if Japan sunk every ship and killed/captured every soldier and marine the War Production Might of the US would overwhelm Japan starting late ‘43 regardless.
Turning point? One of several.
Coral Sea was bigger IMHO
Turning point was Midway
I would say that it took both Midway and Guadalcanal. Midway showed that the IJN could be beaten and Guadalcanal showed that the IJA could be beaten!
I'd argue that Midway was the actual turning point.
The Battle of Hiroshima was.
Notice that as soon as America entered the pacific war Japan began to lose and kept on losing. Their bid for empire had origins in emotional fervor and a losing strategy for the long run.
Six months. The I.J. A. ran wild in that time, a lightning occupation of the pacific basin. The hubris of imperial doctrine caused countless lives.
Guadalcanal was the beginning of the end for Japanese tyranny.
Took about six months and some terrible defeats. Battle of the Coral Sea was first non-victory for Japanese and stalled their momentum. Tarnished their naval invincibility and then Midway destroyed it. Australians in New Guinea and Americans on Guadalcanal did same to Japanese ground forces. Still, Japanese remained a dangerous, relentless and resourceful opponent to the bitter end.
"Britain Stands Alone" @14:15 with Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa and Tommy's Pee'd in the Water Jacket of their Vickers Guns while they "Went to War for Poland"
Why are you showing film of Tarawa for the battle of Guadalcanal at 9:19? Come on, check accuracy.
General Patch was an army general.
I see Guadalcanal as A turning point, not THE turning point.
The Battle of Midway takes that honor, IMO.
But, it was the turning point for the land battle, since it was the first land battle defeat of Japan, I believe.
Pearl Harbor was the turning point. It brought America into the war with all of its industrial might and resolve to win at all cost.
@18:40 "there was never, never a feeling that we shouldn't be doing this, never"
I do not think that is accurate.
From what I recall. I believe the British objected to the civilian targets. I think Antony Beevor spoke about this. I know I have run across it before somewhere. The British objected strongly. Not sure if it was from a war crimes perspective.
They firebombed before we did. Not many rules are followed after shooting begins. War crimes all the time. I think it's a big part of the human condition.
I'm not so sure that the British were at any time squeamish when it came to German civilian deaths, the fire storm that raged through Dresden after an allied bomber force had finished their work of destruction and death. If however there was some reservation, this was eased by the righteous nature of the attack justified by Churchill when he paraphrased the Bible verse, "they have released the wind, now they will suffer the whirlwind" or something like that.
The European war was prioritised for one main reason,-Russian involvement ,if the Normandy landings hadn't taken place all of mainland Europe would have been in Russian hands
Maybe the defending commander of Crete thought the invasion would come at Cherbourg?
Fact Checker , wow THATS WHAT i WAS THINKING,! GOOD CALL!
American could supply their troops but Japanese couldn't.
Simple one The sagacity and Tenacity of the USMC.