Battle of Tarawa Timeline

The American plan to strike at the Japanese homeland saw a concerted movement along two distinct fronts. One such front involved the taking of the Marshall Islands from the Japanese but, in turn, also required the taking of the Gilberts Islands to help protect the advance. The Tarawa Atoll lay within this island chain and was surrounded by thick coral which made for a natural defense. The Japanese already maintained a useful airbase on the small island and managed a seaplane base out of Makin. US forces would have to wade far offshore against a prepared and fortified enemy before setting foot onto the beaches to begin the fight against some 5,000 Japanese Army soldiers ready to die for their emperor. The Battle of Tarawa was at hand.

US success hinged upon speed of execution and a delayed Japanese response. US Navy firepower and air cover added an advantage but the Japanese defenders were prepared and, in some cases, well-stocked for a prolonged fight. The Japanese would not be able to match warship for warship but its submarine fleet would come into play.

As such, Japanese submarines were sent to the region to counter the presence of US warships in in the region. US forces first targeted Makin and US Navy warplanes were sent in to soften the Japanese resistance. This was followed by an impressive naval bombardment from US warships. US ground troops then hit the beaches though the reef surrounding the islands forces many to wade into shore, opening up to enemy fire. The beachhead was ultimately under US control and this action signaled further landings elsewhere.

A second landing against Makin pitted some 6,500 US Marines against only 800 Japanese soldiers but their advantageous position kept the Marines from an easy victory. Fighting would cover some three days before Makin would eventually fall to the Americans. Next in the crosshairs lay the small atoll of Tarawa and its valuable airfield.

The airfield was garrisoned by no fewer than 5,000 battle-hardened Japanese soldiers and its defense was stout and at the ready. Yet another US landing saw some 5,000 Marines launched against this Japanese contingent without the benefit of offshore bombardment or air cover due to the proximity of friendly forces against the enemy. The experienced and prepared Japanese soldiers made short work of the arriving Marines, many who died before they could set foot on the beaches and the coral reef before the beaches again came into play. Once ashore, the advance was slow going and lethal close-quarters fighting raged on for the period of three days before the island was made secure. The delay caused by the dogged Japanese defenders ultimately exposed US Navy supply and transport ships to enemy fire, resulting in the loss of the USS Liscombe Bay and over 600 of her personnel. Likewise, the USS Independence light carrier suffered a torpedo hit and was removed from the battle for repairs.

With the island now in check, the airfield lay firmly under US control. Nearly all of the Japanese defenders were killed in the fighting save for 150 souls. Conversely, 990 Americans were killed and a further 3,400 were injured.