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#OTD December 8, 1941 the Battle of Wake Island began when Marshall Islands-based IJNAS G3M3 medium bombers brought the American base under fire for the first time. The attack destroyed 8 of the 12 F4F-3 Wildcat fighters from Marine Air Squadron (VMF) 211.
In addition to VMF-211, the island’s main defense was provided by the 399 officers and men of the 1st Marine Defense Battalion, in addition to assigned USN personnel and 5 US Army communications technicians.
The battle, which lasted until December 23, 1941, demonstrated the manifold difficulties in conducting attacks from the sea against defended islands.
Japanese losses in both men and materiel were considerable, with over 800 personnel lost during the island battle.
Japanese losses in both men and materiel were considerable, with over 800 personnel lost during the island battle.
In its first attempt to place a landing force ashore on 11 Dec., the Japanese lost two destroyers to the fire of the Marines’ 5-inch coastal guns and four of the remaining Wildcats. The losses of the Hayate and Kisaragi marked the first IJN warships sunk by US forces.
Chastened by its losses, the Japanese renewed their efforts against Wake, strengthening their attack force with the addition of Pearl Harbor veterans, the carriers Soryu and Hiryu, as well as substantial cruiser and destroyer elements, recently engaged at Guam.
The 23 Dec. assault came after heavy and sustained air attacks over the preceding days, which, combined with the addition of beefed up air and naval gunfire assets, enabled the assault landing by 1,500 men of the 2nd Maizuru Special Naval Landing Force.
Two former IJN destroyers, now christened Patrol Boats Nos. 22 and 23, ran up onto the beach, disgorging the assault force and commencing a sharply-fought night-long battle between Jap. naval infantry and the besieged Marines.
The details of the fighting are better told elsewhere. Needless to say, in terms of discipline, training, and leadership, seldom were two opposing forces more evenly matched.
2nd Maizuru SNLF lost 140 men in the second and final battle for the island.
2nd Maizuru SNLF lost 140 men in the second and final battle for the island.
The 15 day siege of Wake cost the 1st Marine Defense Bn 49 men killed and another 49 wounded. The remainder began a terrible odyssey as POWs.
Of the over 1,000 US civilians on Wake, 70 lost their lives. They too would become “guests of the Emperor.”
#WWII #SWW
Of the over 1,000 US civilians on Wake, 70 lost their lives. They too would become “guests of the Emperor.”
#WWII #SWW
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