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Former Navy Underground Headquarters
It was a little rainy today so the Memorial Day picnic I planned on attending was canceled. After thinking about what opportunities were available on Okinawa in which I could remember the ultimate sacrifice paid for by members in the US military, it seemed appropriate to go to one of the battle sites.
James, Aaron, and I drove down to the Former Navy Underground Headquarters which was used in WWII. Although many of the signs were in Japanese, I was still able to learn about the horrendous conditions and radical enemy which U.S. Marines encountered and fought against. I highly recommend this be a stop for all those who visit Okinawa.
The Battle of Okinawa was the last battle of World War II and it turned out to be the bloodiest as well. From April 1, 1945 through June 22, 1945 American and Japanese forces fought for only one person: to utterly destroy their opponent. When the island was finally secured and mopping up operations were complete, more than 76,000 Japanese soldiers were dead. American dead reached more than 6,000 with an additional 66,000 casualties. The Okinawan people suffered through the fierce fighting as
well with one-third (or 122,000 people) of their population perishing.
Prior to the battle, the Japanese correctly anticipated that Okinawa would be a strategic foothold of great importance to the Allies. The island was 320 miles from the Japanese mainland, making it a great staging area for Allied bombers to be dispatched. In addition, naval ships could be deployed to eliminate the Japaneses supply lines. Lastly, if an amphibious assault were to be executed against mainland Japan, Okinawa could be used as a staging area for equipment and troops.
In response to this anticipated invasion and the loss of the elite Imperial Army, 9th Division to a campaign in the Philippines, the Japanese Navy and Army prepared their stand on Okinawa to be executed as a battle of attrition rather than a decisive battle. American firepower and personnel strength were vastly superior to those of the Japanese. Acknowledging that American firepower and personnel strength were vastly superior to those of the Japanese on Okinawa, the Japanese constructed an expansive underground tunnel system to provided both the cover and concealment necessary for the Japanese to inflict the most death and destruction on the Americans as possible. Not only would
the tunnels protect them from aerial assaults, they also allowed the Japanese forces on Okinawa to move among their various positions without being seen by the Allies. (Imagine how you'd feel trying to fight an enemy you couldn't see or one which would disappear and then reappear after you had supposedly cleared an area). Determining the strength of Japanese forces remained hard throughout the Battle of Okinawa in part due to these tunnel systems.
With no mechanized equipment, the Japanese were able to construct 60 miles of underground tunnels and caves using only pick-axes and garden hoes. This is an impressive feat considering the island of Okinawa is only 64 miles long and 18 miles wide (as it's widest spot). "Confidence in victory will be born from strong fortifications" became the moto for workers who toiled away. rallying cry as work on caves and tunnels progressed. The fortifications would prove to be essential to defend against the superior numbers and technology the Americans would bring to bear.
Here are some quick facts about the various tunnel systems that were constructed:
- The Japanese Army headquarters under Shuri Castle had the most elaborate tunnels on Okinawa. They ran 1,280
feet from north to south. They also bunked roughly 1,000 troops.
- The 32nd Army's command cave was also directly under Shuri Castle. It the deepest point is was 160 feet below ground.
- Electricity and bunking areas were constructed underground.
- Temperatures were around 90 degrees with 100 percent humidity.
After the Shuri line was captured by American forces on May 31, Japanese Naval Forces staunchly defended the naval port and air station located on the Oruku Peninsula. Despite the use 200 mm naval guns and 200 mm anti-ship rockets against the 6th Marines, the Japanese Naval Base Force could not withstand the onslaught. On June 11 Rear Adm. Ota Minoru sent his final telegram to the 32nd Army. It read:
Message number 062016
Please convey the following telegram to the Vice Admiral. The Prefectural Governor should be the person to relay this report on the present condition of the war on Okinawa, but the Okinawa Prefectural Government has no means of communication, and the 32nd Division Headquarters appear to be thoroughly occupied with their own correspondence traffic. I feel compelled to file this urgent report though it is without the consent of the Prefectural Governor. Since the enemy attack began, our Army and Navy has been fighting defensive battles and have not been able to tend to the people of the Prefecture.
Consequently, due to our negligence, these innocent people have lost their homes and property to enemy assault. Every man has been conscribed to defense while women, children, and elders are forced into hiding in the small underground shelters which are not tactically significant or are exposed to shelling, air raids, and wind and rain. Moreover, girls have devoted themselves to nursing and cooking, as well as volunteering to carry ammunition and join in attacking the enemy.
This leaves the village people vulnerable to enemy attacks where they will surely be killed. In desperation, some parents have asked the military to protect their daughters, for fear that when the enemy comes, elders and children will be killed and young women and girls will be taken to private areas and harmed.
After military medical personnel had moved on, the volunteer nurses stayed behind to help the badly wounded move. They are dedicated and go about their work with a strong will.
The military has changed its operation, forcing people
Aaron
Commenting on the fact that he doesn't have to duck down in the tunnels. to evacuate residential areas. Those without transportation trudge on in the dark and rain, without complaining, all the while searching for food. Ever since our Army and Navy occupied Okinawa, the inhabitants of this prefecture have endured these constant hardships.
The Okinawan people have been asked to volunteer their labor and conserve all their resources (mostly without complaint.) In their heart, they wish only to serve as loyal Japanese. Finally, . This battle is nearing its end, the situation of the island of Okinawa .
There are no trees, no grass; everything is burnt to the ground. The food supply will be gone by the end of June. This is how the Okinawan people have fought the war.
And for this reason, I appeal to you to give the Okinawan people special consideration from this day forward.
On June 13 Rear Admiral Ota and his staff of 175 committed suicide in the underground tunnels. Pockmarks from their grenade blasts used can still be seen against the walls in one of the underground rooms.
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