WWII - Battle of Bataan (1942): Every Hour
Music:
Miya San, Miya San
Aikoku Kōshinkyoku
Sources:
wikipedia.org
philippinediaryproject.com
history.army.mil
Introduction
With the failure of War Plan Rainbow 5 to defend the entire archipelago from the Japanese invasion, the United States Army was forced to switch its plans into War Plan Orange 3. The plan was to retreat to the Bataan Peninsula that was blessed with geographic defensive positions.
After the Japanese forces under General Masaharu Homma successfully crossed the Layac Junction near Bataan, the American forces who previously held the line between Floridablanca and Lubao retreated to Bataan. In Bataan is where General Douglas MacArthur planned to make their final stand in Luzon against the Japanese forces. But with the lack of necessary supplies to wage a defensive war for a long period of time, this battle would be more about attrition and suffering.
The Japanese were not in a pleasant position either, since their supplies were also lacking for a long term war in Bataan, which could force them to resort to looting the citizens in the Philippines.
Conclusion
With the fall of Bataan, one last step remained in order for the Japanese to secure the supply route to Manila. It was to capture the island of Corregidor, which was still under the USAFFE.
The Battle of Bataan was the symbol of the last major Allied resistance in the Asia-Pacific Theater of World War II.