Deasy Tuwo, 44, was feeding croc Merry early on Friday morning at the CV. However, first they had to drive off the Japanese invasion force which had already claimed the island. . On Ramree, the Japanese garrison resisted with great determination but on 1 February, the 71st Indian Infantry Brigade reached Sane and parts of the 36th Indian Infantry Brigade, from reserve, took Sagu Kuyun Island and relieved the marines on Cheduba Island. As World War II was nearing its end in January of 1945, the island of Ramree off the coast of Burma was the scene of a desperate battle. [2], Eight other species have been involved in fatal attacks on humans, but in far lower numbers than the Nile, saltwater and mugger crocodiles, and also with significantly lower fatality rates (a higher percentage of their attacks are non-fatal). Gustave, a Nile crocodile once described as a serial killer by National Geographic, is believed to have killed as many as 300 people in the east African nation of Burundi in the 1980s and 1990s. The 20 Most Famous Last Words of All Time. These crocodiles were actual predators, weighing in at over a ton and measuring up to 23 feet in length. One of Platt's subjects claims that crocodiles accounted for some Japanese casualties: "10 to 15 soldiers were killed attempting to ford Min Chaung, a tidal creek near Ramree Town." Field Marshall Slim, in his memoirs, further recounts that a number of Japanese fell victim to sharks prowling in the channel between the island and the . And helped launch a corporation now worth more than $40 billion. Have you ever heard of Ramree Island? Two days later Mayin was occupied and the troops reached the Yanbauk Chaung the next day. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Anyhow , Japanese withdrew into swamps when any other military in World War 2 would have surrendered at that point and allied forces heard shouting and gunshots throughout the night as huge salt water Crocs attacked. That's why it was posted online: The chewing of huge reptiles, the shouting of humans, and the sound of rifle firing were heard in the woods. Hundreds of crocodiles lurked in the murky waters, hungry for human flesh. Unfortunately, it seems that the Japanese didnt know what awaited them in the swamp, or they were so desperate to escape that they didnt care. Without an accurate reporting system in place, crocodile attacks in Africa are difficult to track and very few are reproduced here. In Burma, the Allies faced a fierce enemy not only adept in jungle warfare and but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges. And in an incident not unlike the infamous U.S.S Indianapolis shark attack that befell American troops later that year, many of these troops didn't survive. So when nearly 1,000 panicked soldiers came dripping blood and sweat into the cramped confines of the Ramree mangrove swamp, the giant lizards likely had the feast of their lives. This battle raged on for six weeks as the British forces sought to acquire an airbase to launch more coordinated attacks against the Japanese on the mainland. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. This is the terrible sound Wright heard in the night. In September 2005, Russell Harris, a 37-year-old British engineer, was killed by a large saltwater crocodile while snorkeling off Picnic Beach in Australia. Imagine youre part of a military force outflanked by the enemy on a tropical island. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) has announced plans to divert traffic from the Clock Tower junction along Entebbe road for two months starting January 14th up to March 14th, 2023. Those who survived the battle reportedly didnt fare well when they chose the doomed escape route across the crocodile-infested waters. [7] When the British outflanked a Japanese stronghold, the 900 defenders abandoned the base and marched to join a larger force of Japanese soldiers across the island. The armor of the Pangolin is used to protect it. [3] Crocodilians will defend not only themselves, but also their nest and young from anything they perceive as a threat. Frank McLynn, a prominent British historian on the Burma campaign, effectively denounces the crocodile aggression account in his thorough analysis of the Allied effort to retake Burma from the Japanese, The Burma Campaign: Disaster into Triumph 1942-1945 (2011). "[12] In his 1962 collection Wildlife Sketches Near and Far, Canadian naturalist and veteran of the Burma campaign Bruce S. Wright described the events of the battle, focusing on predation of the Japanese soldiers by the saltwater crocodiles. Sideleau, B. Unfortunately for the Imperial Japanese Army, the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island are home to an unknown amount of the largest reptilian predator in the world, the saltwater crocodile. The story originated with news articles published around the time of the incident, but certain plot holes identified in the years since have raised questions about the veracity of those early reports. When Crocodiles Attack: The Ramree Island Massacre. If you dont attempt the crossing, you must face the enemy troops closing in on you. It took the lives of hundreds of Japanese soldiers. How he arrived at that number is unclear, but the Guinness Book of World Records accepted it as fact and began including Wrights version of the story in their annual book starting in 1968. Details of a fatal attack on a human by a Morelets crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) in Belize. Somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 soldiers from the Imperial Japanese Armys 54th Division were entrenched on Ramree. They used to call the crocodiles the allies. Conservation & Society. Various British soldiers did indeed witness crocodiles devouring dead Japanese bodies, but Willis ultimately determined that the majority of Japanese soldiers died in combat or drowned. During one of the nights, the British could hear the Japanese soldiers trying to fight the man-eating crocodiles, but their screams were quickly silenced. ----------------Visit my unique travel channel on Youtube - Traveling on the Go ----------------- Here is the claim: Allied forces in the Pacific War during World War II trapped 1,000 Japanese soldiers in a mangrove swamp off the coast of Burma in the early months of 1945. Pooley, S. (2016). McLynn also questions the likelihood of over 900 Japanese troops being killed overnight despite possessing an effective means of defense. Moreover, even a medium-sized saltwater crocodile could easily kill a human. Its estimated that 20 Japanese soldiers made it out of the other side of the swamp where British troops were waiting for them. Unfortunately for the Japanese troops, the swamps of Ramree were infested by countless, very large saltwater crocodiles, which can grow upwards of 20 feet long and over a ton in weight. [7], The large number of ships was intended to provide more firepower in support of the landing force. See. Only 20 of the Japanese fighters made it out alive. Soon after entering the slimy mudhole, Japanese soldiers began to succumb to diseases, dehydration, and starvation. [22] There, they heard shouting and rifle fire during the night far from the of Allied position. The scattered rifle shots in the pitch black swamp punctured by the screams of wounded men crushed in the jaws of huge reptiles, and the blurred worrying sound of spinning crocodiles made a cacophony of hell that has rarely been duplicated on earth Of about one thousand Japanese soldiers that entered the swamps of Ramree, only about twenty were found alive.. They decided to flee. However, there is no specific mention of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese. The naturalist Bruce Stanley Wright described the scene unfolding in his 1962 book,Wildlife Sketches Near and Far: That night was the most horrible that any member of the M.L. It is not difficult to imagine what happened to the Japanese who took refuge in the mangroves! In April 2007, a 9-year-old Chinese child was killed in a crocodile pool at the Silver Beach holiday resort in southwest Guangxi region. What will one do when you have to face death on both ends of a road Recent reports of fatal attacks on humans by crocodiles in Mexico. The body is protected against danger and predator. The short version is that a large number of Japanese soldiers (between 400 to 1000 depending on the "source") were eaten by saltwater crocodiles during the night of Feb 19th 1945 during the battle of Ramree island as part of the Burma campaign. 14 (4): 391405. After just a few days, these ravenous creatures devoured more than 500 Japanese soldiers. The weary and bloodied soldiers thrashing clumsily through the swamps may as well have been a dinner bell ringing. Of the 1,000 troops who entered the swamp on Ramree Island, only a reported 480 survived. Another additional problem for the Japanese troops was the lack of drinking water and constant threat of starvation. As the boat moved away from the shore and headed out to sea the intense heat and humidity of mid-summer began to fade as we sailed into an ocean climate. An army of 1000 Japanese soldiers was decimated by saltwater crocodiles during the Battle of Ramree Island of World War II. The swamps were infested with mosquitoes, leeches, and snakes. A preliminary analysis of worldwide crocodilian attacks. [2] The mugger crocodile is also very dangerous to humans, killing several people in India every year and with a fatality rate that is almost as high (slightly less than half of all attacks are fatal). The British then sent word that the smaller, isolated Japanese group should surrender. [10], In the 1965 edition of the British official history, Stanley Woodburn-Kirby wrote that the Japanese force suffered about 500 men killed and twenty men taken prisoner; British losses were "trifling".[11]. This disease seriously hindered both sides' attempt to gain control of the island. Crocodiles of Guadalcanal. On 23 January, the 71st Infantry Brigade advanced southwards, down the west coast. The battleship, named for five brothers killed in the Pacific, was the first American warship designated in honor of more than one person. The names give some indication of how the dinosaurs lived. Its been dubbed one of the worst crocodile attacks in the Guinness Book of World Records. Oct 11, 2016 Goran Blazeski During World War II, The Japanese Imperial Army captured Ramree Island in 1942. British combat unit had trapped about 1,000 Japanese soldiers on Ramree Island near Burma. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Nine hundred soldiers of an Imperial Japanese Army unit, in an attempt to retreat from the Royal Navy and rejoin a larger battalion of the Japanese infantry, crossed through sixteen kilometres (ten miles) of mangrove swamps that contained saltwater crocodiles. [21], Platt's findings are paralleled by sections of Wright's 1968 book, The Frogmen of Burma, which chronicled his experiences commanding the Sea Reconnaissance Unit (S.R.U.) Sgt. Witnesses say the crocodile first attacked a man and then grabbed the girl and pulled her under. Upon completing his investigation, Willis brought his findings to Guinness Book of World Records editor-in-chief Crag Glenday, who agreed to add a note to the Ramree Island entry stating that new research by the National Geographic Channel, however, has cast doubt on the story, or at least on the extent of deaths. Thus, the legend was put to rest. [22] Interviewing other members of the S.R.U., Wright reported that two of the men abandoned their paddleboards during the battle and climbed up a mangrove tree to avoid a crocodile. How many Japanese soldiers were actually eaten by salt water crocodiles? Mosquitoes, spiders, poisonous snakes, and scorpions hid in the thick forest and picked off some troops one by one. Japanese soldiers hid in the swamp, not knowing of the danger that lies ahead - saltwater crocodiles! The design was hopelessly flawed. 111114. Only 20 of the Japanese fighters were able to escape unharmed. Photoshopped photo courtesy of opposingfronts.com. In addition, the references made to crocodiles are minimal compared to the passages detailing the dangers of malaria. What the British do know for sure is that 20 men came out of the swamp alive and were captured. One thing is for certain: When given the choice of surrendering or taking chances in a crocodile-infested swamp, choose surrender. The unit was trapped and had no way to reach the safety of the larger battalion. What happened next is a bit of a mystery; however, according to one version of the story the best-known version only 20 of the soldiers who entered the marshes made it out alive; the rest were eaten by crocodiles. [21] He established that Bruce S. Wright had not been present on Ramree Island at the time of the battle, and noted that although the other chapters in Wright's book were told in the first person, the account of the battle was in the third person; possibly, Platt speculated, Wright was repeating stories he had been told by friends. While crocodiles are prolific killers, historians have long doubted that more than 800 Japanese soldiers were killed at Ramree Island in such a short period of time, and those doubts have only been affirmed by evidence uncovered in recent years that indicates that the true story was buried amid a flurry of sensational reporting. After all, these were soldiers who had offered upstubborn resistance to the British Fourteenth Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General William Slim. Dangerous to Man; Wild Animals: A Definitive Study of Their Reputed Dangers to Man, Veterans' Voices: Coventry's Unsung Heroes of the Second World War, "BBC - WW2 People's War - Part 4: 1944 - August 1945", Crocodile massacre of troops debunked as wartime myth, "Man Eating by Estuarine Crocodiles: The Ramree Island Massacre Revisited", Bruce Stanley Wright, 17 September 1912 19 April 1975, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Ramree_Island&oldid=1126172749, This page was last edited on 7 December 2022, at 23:07. The defeated Japanese soldiers ignored all appeals by the British for their surrender, and instead abandoned their base and entered the swamp. A depiction of a saltwater crocodile emerging from the water alongside British soldiers at Ramree Island during World War II. Japanese Soldiers Burma Crocodiles? They didnt know what exactly caused the shouts of terror they heard, but only that the Japanese troops were being ravaged by some evil menace. Reviews indicate that at least half of all attacks by the Nile and saltwater crocodiles are fatal[1] (in Australia, however, only about 25% of saltwater crocodile attacks are fatal). Trapped in deep mud-filled land, tropical diseases soon started to afflict the soldiers, as did scorpions, tropical mosquitoes and saltwater crocodiles. Dont mess with mother nature. Upon entering Ramree Island in the Bay of Bengal in early 1945, Japanese troops encountered a very uncertain situation. Joseph Howard received a Navy and Marine Corps Medal for risking his life to save others. Many historians debunk the tale of the massacre, but some facts do point to some veracity of the incident. A saltwater crocodile (photograph by Heather Paul). In all, some 500 Japanese fled Ramree despite the blockade created to stop them. A Cacophony Of Hell: The Story Of The Ramree Island Crocodile Massacre. [5] The Japanese garrison of Ramree consisted of the II Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment (Colonel Kanichi Nagazawa), part of the 54th Division, with artillery and engineer detachments to act as an independent force. They decided to take their chances in the swamp rather than surrender. Japanese resistance on the island ended on 17 February and the Allied blockade was maintained until 22 February, sinking many of the rescue craft and inflicting many casualties on the Japanese troops hiding in the mangrove swamps; about 500 troops managed to get away. The story comes from the writings of Bruce Stanley Wright, a British naturalist who was presumed to be at the scene. Crocodiles. [18][19] One study posited the number of attacks by Nile crocodiles per year as 275 to 745, of which 63% are fatal, as opposed to an estimated 30 attacks per year by saltwater crocodiles, of which 50% are fatal. So instead of following the Japanese into the swamps, they decided to wait them out. It had been vital to complete the occupation of Ramree Island quickly, as Operation Dracula against Rangoon needed to commence in the first week of May at the latest, to have a chance of finishing before the monsoon. [marine launch] crews ever experienced. Goran Blazeski is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News, Join 1000s of subscribers and receive the best Vintage News in your mailbox for FREE, Built in the 19th Century, the U Bein Bridge is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, Realistic wooden paintings depict the ancient faces of Egypt from 2000 years ago, Police arrest a 72-year-old suburban grandfather suspected of being the Golden State Killer, Im not dead yet: some Buddhist monks followed self-mummification, Project Azorian: Howard Hughes secret mission, 1960s U.S. satellite that started transmitting again in 2013, The Walk of Shame in Game of Thrones historical inspiration, The only unsolved skyjacking case in U.S. history might have a break, Kurt Gdel became too paranoid to eat and died of starvation, Little Ease: One of the most feared torture devices in the Tower of London, The humble English girl who became Cora Pearl, Walt Disney softened the original Snow White story. For a start, he points out the lack of evidence for Wrights claim that he was at the scene. The Ramree Island crocodile attack in January 1945, the deadliest attack of its kind recorded thus far, came just as World War II ended. Even worse, saltwater crocodiles are nocturnal and excel at taking prey in the dark. An active skill, requires 5 Spirit and 5 Stamina to activate. And in an incident not unlike the infamous U.S.S Indianapolis shark attack that befell American troops later that year, many of these troops didnt survive. It's the noise of hell. The crocodiles have a long history of attacking humans who wander into their habitats, seeing them as little more than taller, more awkward prey. In the end, the Japanese soldiers never stood a chance. Finally, the British soldiers realized the Japaneses situation and urged them to surrender to avoid further bloodshed. Do you risk your life in the swamp or put your life in the hands of the enemy? Then, read up on Desmond Doss, the Hacksaw Ridge medic who saved dozens of soldiers lives during World War II. But what really happened?. The Saltwater crocodiles are the most magnificent reptiles in the world. Crocodiles appeared when the Japanese got deeper into the swamp. It is undoubtedly a gripping tale, so its not surprising that this account has motivated a swathe of articles. Darragh O Herlihy is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE. 1000 armed soldiers killed by crocodiles in 2 nights During world war 2, some 1000 armed Japanese soldiers were killed by a group of large crocodiles and medium crocodiles on Ramree island close to Bu. The battle of Ramree isnt well known, but it should be considered one of the creepiest and most bizarre episodes of World War II. Find out what happened when 900 Japanese soldiers, trapped by a British landing on Ramree Island, Burma in 1945, tried to retreat through 10 miles of mangrove swamps. It is difficult to counter any of the reasonable arguments put forward by McLynn as there is simply no evidence to the contrary. Crocodiles In One Night Slaughtered Over 900 Japanese Soldiers | by L. Small | THE CURIOSITY | Medium Write Sign up Sign In 500 Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. A massive saltwater crocodile (via Wikimedia). It is estimated that each year hundreds of people die from crocodile attacks in Africa many of these attacks are never reported in the media. The Legend of Dick Bong: World War II Ace of Aces, Medal of Honor Recipient and Crocodile Killer? British Marines landing on Ramree Island in January 1945 at the beginning of the six-week battle. A biologist solves the mystery of two dozen missing animal mummies. This disease seriously hindered both sides attempt to gain control of the island. While the US and NATO have yet to commit to sending full-size tanks, the Bradley is a potent armored vehicle for a mechanized war. Crocodile attacks on humans are common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live. But rather than accept surrender, the Japanese chose to make an eight-mile journey through a mangrove swamp. 0 20 2 minutes read. [9], In 1965, the British official historian, Stanley Woodburn Kirby, wrote that the Japanese defence of the island and the escape of about 500 men against "fearful odds", had been courageous and determined. While the Ramree Island Massacre story may seem far-fetched, it is a true story. With the ebb of the tide, the crocodiles moved in on the dead, wounded, and uninjured men who had become mired in the mud.. Around 500 Japanese soldiers are thought to have escaped those mangrove swamps, and 20 of them were eventually recaptured by the British forces who had set up a perimeter around the thick wilderness. Iceland in Winter: Natural Wonders & Ancient Legends, Vietnam: A Culinary Adventure from Hanoi to Saigon, Antiques and Their Afterlives: Osteological Specimens, Accidental Discoveries: A Celebration of Historical Mistakes, Monster of the Month w/ Colin Dickey: St. Foy, Mindful Mixology: Making Non-Alcoholic Cocktails During Dry January With Derek Brown, Designing Immersive Gatherings With Zach Morris of Third Rail Projects, Raising the Bar: Chocolate's History, Art, and Taste With Sophia Contreras Rea, Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tale Writing With Anca Szilgyi, How a Groundbreaking Pastry Chef Bakes Outside the Lines. Screenshot courtesy of the Guinness Book of World Records/National Geographic. In early 1945, as part of the Pacific War during World War II, Allied forces pinned down 1,000 Japanese soldiers in a mangrove swamp off the coast of Burma (now Myanmar). 900 soldiers entered the swamp only 20 emerged. Many of the remainder may have been eaten by the crocodiles, although since this incident took place during an active military conflict, it is impossible to know how many deaths can be directly attributed to the crocodiles instead of combat-related causes.[20]. (now Myanmar). Read another story from us: The Soldier Who Went On A Suicide Mission Against The Japanese & Won. Fair winds and following seas to Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nicholas Manganiello. Kaori had been a kendo practitioner before the apocalypse, while Kyoko was a successor of the Tenshin-style sword arts. Historydefined.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Copyright 2023 History Defined | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Find out what happened when 900 Japanese soldiers, trapped by a British landing on Ramree Island, Burma in 1945, tried to retreat through 10 miles of mangrove swamps. However, there is no specific mention of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese. One by one the crocodiles picked off the soldiers at night, dragging them into the swamp and mauling them to death. In February of 1945, the Japanese army suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of British forces in Burma. Estimated to be around 6 metres (20ft) in length and to weigh more than 900 kilograms (2,000lb). It wasnt long until they realized that a predator lurked in the water around them. Although most attacks are not reported, the Nile crocodile is estimated to kill hundreds (possibly thousands) of people each year, which is more than all other crocodilian species combined. On February 8, 2009, 5-year-old Jeremy Doble was attacked by a crocodile in far north, On March 15, 2009, 11-year-old Briony Goodsell was killed by a crocodile when swimming with friends at Lambells Lagoon near. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Swamps are their natural habitat, and humans are no match for their speed, size, agility, and raw power. After this look at the Battle of Ramree Island that has been dubbed the Ramree Island Massacre, see some of the most powerful World War II photos ever taken. At dawn the vultures arrived to clean up what the crocodiles had left () Of about one thousand Japanese soldiers that entered the swamps of Ramree, only about twenty were found alive. Wildlife Sketches Near and Far, p. 275[13], Other writers, including Roger Caras in his 1964 Dangerous to Man, repeated Wright's version, with Caras stating "had the story come from a source other than Bruce Wright, I would be tempted to discount it. The battle is known for claims that hundreds of Japanese soldiers were killed by crocodiles in the mangrove swamps of Ramree. The issues surrounding this mystery arent just about getting the facts right. In addition, saltwater crocodiles are far from a misunderstood monster. Circa 1945 was the year when the Imperial Japan invasion of Asia was nearing its ends. The largest crocodile ever killed was a saltwater crocodile that measured 23 feet and weighed 2,370 pounds. Dr. Sam Willis, an award-winning historian, archaeologist, and host of National Geographics Nazi Weird War Two, investigated some of World War IIs most bizarre stories, including Hitlers methheads and Himmlers haunted castle. At the time, British forces needed an airbase in the area of Ramree Island in order to launch more attacks against the Japanese. That night [19 February 1945] was the most horrible that any member of the M. L. [motor launch] crews ever experienced. He prides himself on uncovering the most fascinating tales of history by sharing them through any means of engaging storytelling. A thousand Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater crocodiles in the Ramree mangroves. So, instead of accepting their fate, they chose to make an 8-mile journey through the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island. Ultimately, he stated, "[t]he only crocodile-related deaths occurred when 10 to 15 soldiers were killed trying to ford Min Chaung, a tidal creek", and he therefore concluded that although the deaths of nearly 1000 Japanese soldiers during the Battle of Ramree Island are "well documented and undisputed", there is "little need to invoke crocodile predation. Offer subject to change without notice. On Feb. 25, 1945, the British newspaper The Guardian reported that Japanese stragglers who are trying to escape from Ramree Island off the west coast of Burma, are being forced by hunger out of mangrove swamps and many have been killed by crocodiles. From there, the story took on a life of its own. The majority of attacks recorded below have occurred in Southeast Asia and Australia. For example, the British official history (War against Japan Volume IV: The Reconquest of Burma, 1965 (2004)) serves as the main source in the study of the Fourteenth Armys attempt to drive the overstretched Japanese from Burma beginning in the late summer of 1944. The crocodiles, alerted by the din of warfare and smell of blood, gathered among the mangroves, lying with their eyes above the water, watchfully alert for their next meal. If you do attempt it, you face the crocodiles. These Japanese troops told their captors about the crocodiles. In January 1996, I sat with 11 other scuba divers on the top deck of a 150 foot live aboard, watching the sunset over the mountains of Guadalcanal. It was after this that one of the oddest incidents in the history of warfare occurred. [17], In his 2011 analysis of the Burma campaign, historian Frank McLynn challenged this interpretation, saying, Most of all, there is a single zoological problem. Crocodiles are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat anything they can get their mouths on, making the Japanese soldiers the perfect prey. On January 26, 1945, British troops made their way to Ramree Island so that they could establish a new airbase. The saltwater crocodile Cassius measures 17 feet three inches . Your email address will not be published. The swamps were full of saltwater crocodiles. These crocs are the largest reptiles in the world and are capable of bringing down water buffalo. An estimate put naval gunfire support from 4 January to 13 March for the land operations at Akyab, Ramree and Cheduba at 23,000 shells. The Type 2 Mutant Giant Crocodile was obviously stronger than many other Type 2 Mutant Beasts, however, its blood essence had only allowed Yue Zhong to gain 8 points in Vitality. After weeks of bitter fighting, the Allies managed to drive the last surviving Japanese soldiers into mangrove swamps surrounding the island swamps populated by thousands of saltwater crocodiles. Read Next: The Legend of Dick Bong: World War II Ace of Aces, Medal of Honor Recipient and Crocodile Killer? The Island had been captured by the Imperial Japanese Army in early 1942, during the invasion of Burma. The croc was shot by a hunter in Queensland, Australia, in 1957. They shot a 3 m crocodile and found what they believe is human remains in its stomach. Thats when things went from bad to worse and the Ramree Island massacre began. Refresh the. Unfortunately, these reptiles are some of the most territorial species on earth and arent afraid to show aggression toward people, especially biting. Join the list to receive special offers, updates, and everything about Black Rifle Coffee. In January 1945, during World War II, the Allies were fighting the Japanese at the Battle of Ramree Island in Myanmar. So while the historical accounts are unclear, the British almost certainly did encounter the 20 Japanese soldiers who explained the horrors they endured. I've recently learned about the Battle of Ramree Island and the "death march" through the mangroves that resulted in the battle earning the moniker of "worst crocodile disaster in the world." At dawn the vultures arrived to clean up what the crocodiles had left.. The battle was bloody and grueling, leaving the Japanese soldiers exhausted yet full of defiance. With a jump in Australia on Monday, Jan. 16, local time, a team of vets set skydiving records to raise money for Folds of Honor. On mainland Burma, diseases such as malaria accounted for almost half the total death toll of Allied forces. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Some British soldiers, including the naturalist Bruce Wright, who participated in the battle, claimed that the large population of saltwater crocodiles native to the mangrove swamps on Ramree Island preyed on the trapped Japanese force at night and ate many soldiers. But exactly how many men died in the maws of the mighty crocs remains up for debate because no one knows how many troops succumbed to disease, dehydration, or starvation as opposed to predation. These prehistoric holdovers can grow to over 20 feet in length and over 2,000 pounds in some cases, and although examples that size are rare, even a mid-sized crocodile of the species could easily kill a full grown adult human. Ramree Island was captured by the Japanese in 1942. February 1945, Japanese forces on Ramree island attempt to withdraw from the British and link up with a larger force. No Japanese survived . No purchase necessary. The Imperial Japanese Army decided that a full retreat was in order after their defeat in Burma at the hands of British forces. Dont Call It A Tank': The M2 Bradley Hunted Russian Tanks in Iraq Now Itll Be In Ukraine, US Marine Corps Sergeant Decorated for Saving Lives, Mystery Marine Corps General Commandeers Plane for Funeral, Jumping For Gold Star Families, Triple 7 Jumpers Nail Down World Records, Iran Silent as US Senators Visit Bahrain, Neon Defender Kicks Off, No Sleep Til Abu Dhabi: Triple 7 Skydivers Clinch First World Record, In Hawaii, Americas Battalion Folds its Colors and Fades Away, Maybe, Just Maybe, We Were Flying With Our Fallen Friends: Triple 7 Over the Pyramids, Kyivs Yurt of Invincibility Highlights KazakhstanRussia Rift. All rights reserved. Tehran remains unusually mum while Neon Defender warships ply Persian Gulf. The new discoveries have been given the names Riparovenator milnerae and Ceratosuchops inferodios, translating respectively to "Milner's riverbank hunter," in honor of paleontologist Angela Milner, and the more colorful "hell-heron horned crocodile-face.". But, of course, the British werent surprised as saltwater crocodiles are notoriously territorial and will attack any human they view as a threat or potential food source. As for the truth, however, that may have been lost to history. Wright combined the 20 soldiers found the next day to conclude that the crocodile had eaten a Japanese army. Unfortunately, the battle was at a standstill until the British Royal Marines and the 36th Indian Bridge flanked the Japanese soldiers. British veterans of the battle report hearing the piercing and never ending screams of the hundreds of Japanese soldiers in the night as the crocodiles attacked mercilessly. The current evidence, which is clear but limited, suggest we should not believe it. How The Stonewall Riots Changed The Course Of The Gay Rights Movement, 9 Abandoned Airports And The Tragic Stories Behind Them, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. CrocBITE, Worldwide Crocodilian Attack Database: Sideleau, B., and Britton A.R.C. These specimens could also live more than 70 years, meaning they had plenty of time to practice their hunting skills. Screenshot showing the 2017 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records adding a note to the previous edition correcting information about the claim that saltwater crocodiles killed hundreds of Japanese soldiers at Ramree Island in World War II. The story of the Ramree massacre was reported in a number of papers, but the tale is still largely apocryphal. [1], The two species with the most well-known and documented reputation for preying on humans are the Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile, and these are the perpetrators of the vast majority of both fatal and non-fatal crocodilian attacks. The most prominent firsthand retelling of what happened comes from naturalist Bruce Stanley Wright, who participated in the Battle of Ramree Island and gave this written account: That night [of February 19, 1945] was the most horrible that any member of the M.L. (2012). There was a story that hundreds of people died getting slaughter by crocodiles in just one night. In the memoir, Wright described how he arrived on Ramree after the main battle concluded. These reptiles can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh 2,000 pounds, with many being known to eat animals as big as Indian water buffalo. Crocodiles lurk from deep in the dark marsh water, with their eyes poking slightly above the water's surface. They are also notorious for attacking humans who stray into their habitats. As part of their retreat they had to cross a 16km mangrove swamp. Nile freshwater crocodiles, like the one pictured here, have a reputation as man-eaters, similarly to the saltwater crocodiles that were rumored to ravage Japanese soldiers at Ramree Island in Myanmar in 1945. The invasion force was led by three Joint Assault Commanders, Captain Bush RN, Major-General Cyril Lomax and Wing Commander H. Smith. William DeLong is a freelance wordsmith. However this has not stopped the Guinness Book of World Records to name the incident the Most Number of Fatalities in a Crocodile Attack. A dubious distinction for a horrible event, no matter the real numbers. This story has gained increasing credence in recent years. [22] Likewise, vultures often appeared over areas [British] forces had never reached[22] Wright ultimately concluded the Japanese did not die from crocodiles alone but also from "thirst" and "wounds."[22]. The smell of blood attracted nearby crocodiles, so the bodies of Japanese soldiers were eaten by crocodiles. British soldiers landing on Ramree (via Wikimedia). [2], The most deaths in a single crocodile attack incident may have occurred during the Battle of Ramree Island, on February 19, 1945, in what is now Myanmar. The 4th Indian Infantry Brigade had advanced to Ledaung Chaung and then moved east to reinforce the attack; the town fell on 9 February. 8. It just shows that you should never underestimate the power of nature. In April 2010, a 25-year-old woman from New Jersey was killed by a saltwater crocodile while snorkeling in India's Andaman Islands. Twenty Japanese soldiers were captured alive by the British, and almost five hundred are known to have escaped Ramree. Perhaps the biggest question that the crocodile story doesnt sufficiently answer concerns the staggering death toll: How did only 20 Japanese soldiers survive? In Hawaii, the Corps deactivated the famous 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. Phoebe also joined the bombardment, along with Consolidated B-24 Liberators, North American B-25 Mitchells and Republic P-47 Thunderbolts of 224 Group Royal Air Force (RAF), under the command of HQ RAF Bengal and Burma, that strafed and bombed the beaches. An Australian Army soldier suffered serious head and chest injuries after being mauled by a crocodile that attacked him late on Friday, Australia media . This very situation happened to Japanese troops occupying Ramree Island in the Bay of Bengal during World War II in early 1945. [7], On 26 January in Operation Sankey, a Royal Marine force landed on Cheduba island, about 6.2mi (10km) offshore of the south-west coast of Ramree Island and found it unoccupied. [motor launch] crews ever experienced. Their only escape was through the swamp. So the next time youre going through a swamp, just remember the story of the Ramree Island Massacre and be grateful that you werent one of the 500 Japanese soldiers who lost their lives to these crocodiles. As World War II was nearing its end in January of 1945, the island of Ramree off the coast of Burma was the scene of a desperate battle.. The scattered rifle shots in the pitch black swamp punctured by the screams of wounded men crushed in the jaws of huge reptiles, and the blurred worrying sound of spinning crocodiles made a cacophony of hell that has rarely been duplicated on earth. During World War II, The Japanese Imperial Army captured Ramree Island in 1942. On the 19th of the month, the Japanese unit attempted to make its way through 10 miles of swamp to link up with a larger unit. The crocodiles would silently stalk their prey before attacking with lightning speed; humans are no match for the saltwater crocodile when considering their power, size, and weight. And they werent shy about attacking either. It is located in Myanmar, and it is the most dangerous island in the world. Unlike other "man-eating" crocodiles, such as the saltwater crocodile, the Nile crocodile lives in proximity to human populations, so contact is more frequent. Military officials decided to press on, and the Japanese continued their journey through the mangrove swamps. How did crocodiles manage to kill so many armed men? Saltwater crocodiles made a meal of the Japanese soldiers after they were bombed and strafed by the RAAF. The likeliness of hearing of the Battle of Ramree Island is incredibly small due to it not being one of the Second World Wars most significant skirmishes, but many consider it one of the oddest and creepiest stories in the history of warfare. Wood, The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. It was clear that the constant dosage of blood essences was losing its effectiveness for Yue Zhong, and if he continued at his current rate of consumption, it was most . Some editions of the Guinness Book of World Records have attributed the highest number of fatalities in an animal attack to the battle; zoologists and modern military historians have dismissed these claims. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 28(1): 911. MELBOURNE, Aug 7 (Reuters) - An Australian Army soldier suffered serious head and chest injuries after being mauled by a crocodile that attacked him late on Friday, Australia media reported, with . The Japanese soldiers were soon faced with a decision: stay and die of disease or dehydration, venture further into the swamps, and risk being eaten alive. [8] It took until 16 April for the airfield to be used for transport sorties, Akyab having come into use on 1 April. We do not need to add mythical tales when reality provides a drama played out in all its honor and tragedy. While this may have seemed a fine opportunity to slip into the wilderness and regroup, most of the Japanese soldiers would never be heard from again. The navy and the 26th Indian Infantry Division then concentrated on blockading the chaungs (small streams) on the east coast, to prevent the Japanese from escaping to the mainland. More importantly, focussing on such a wholly ungrounded event underplays the courageous role played by the Fourteenth Army in what was one of the most brutal theatres of the Second World War. Only a handful came out alive". Walking through the thick, sticky mud was slow and agonizing. There were 2 experts from the small Japanese village, one was Kyoko, the other was Kaori. One special ops vet felt a sense of connection with fallen comrades while skydiving over the Egyptian pyramids. The ecosystem of a mangrove swamp, with an exiguous mammal life, simply would not have permitted the existence of so many saurians before the coming of the Japanese (animals are not exempt from the laws of overpopulation and starvation). [18], In 1974, journalist George Frazier reported having asked the Japanese War Office about the crocodile attack and being told that they could not confirm that it had happened. The incident was even included in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1968 under worst crocodile disaster in the world as well as most fatalities in a crocodile attack (despite there being not a single death officially recorded). (2014). However, we must ask the question: did this event really occur? Why Did Ancient Egyptian Men Wear Makeup? However, thousands of enemy troops held the island, causing an exhausting battle that went on for six weeks. An army of 1000 Japanese soldiers was decimated by saltwater crocodiles during the Battle of Ramree Island of World War II. If Wright's claims were correct, the Ramree crocodile attacks would still be the most tragic . The Japanese soldiers retreated, and some went into the mangrove swamps. Winner will be selected at random on 02/01/2023. In this official account there are references to the menace posed by saltwater crocodiles at Ramree Island. While the idea of encountering a crocodile isnt pleasant, its a whole different matter when youre up close and personal with one. Some editions of the Guinness Book of World Records have attributed the highest number of fatalities in a crocodile attack to the battle; zoologists and modern military historians have dismissed these claims. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Men of the Wiltshire Regiment from the 26th Indian Infantry Division prepare a meal beside a temple on Ramree Island. The 4th Brigade was to keep the defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire. It is mentioned in his1962 book Wildlife Sketches: Near and Far. Out of the 1,000 Japanese soldiers that ventured into the mangrove swamps, its estimated that only 480 made it out alive. Sterling Pub Co Inc (1983), Last edited on 22 December 2022, at 20:31, "Crocodile Attack in Australia: An Analysis of Its Incidence and Review of the Pathology and Management of Crocodilian Attacks in General", 10.1580/1080-6032(2005)16[143:CAIAAA]2.0.CO;2, "Five Killer Croc Attacks Part Two: "Back Against The Wall", "Jual Batik Modern Murah - Pesona Batik Indonesia (0231) 8820445", Croc kills kid at holiday park: News24: World: News, "Crocodile attack victim Briony Goodsell, 11, was swimming near the Black Jungle Swamp", Lauren Failla DEAD: Vanderbilt Alum Killed By Crocodile 4 Years After Sister Dies In Climbing Accident, "River guide believed killed by crocodile in Congo", "NatGeo team confirms Lolong the croc is world's longest", "Philippine town claims world's largest crocodile title", "Woman watches friend dragged off beach by crocodile at night", "FT journalist presumed dead after being 'dragged into water by crocodile', "Briton killed by crocodile while washing hands in lagoon identified as FT journalist", "Zimbabwe crocodile attack bride tells of renewed hope", "Bride who lost arm to crocodile details horrific attack", "Indonesia mob slaughters nearly 300 crocodiles in revenge killing", "Bloodthirsty mob slaughters 300 crocodiles in revenge after villager eaten alive", "A Scientist Has Been Eaten Alive By A Crocodile", "The Revered Crocodiles of This Island Nation Have Suddenly Started Killing People", "Zambia crocodile attack: Amelie Osborn-Smith to return to UK", "Friend punched crocodile repeatedly to stop it eating British teenager", "National Museum of Australia - Val Plumwood canoe", Crocodile kills man securing boat from storm in Philippines, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Crocodile_attack&oldid=1128943972, On March 29, 1987, Ginger Faye Meadows, an American model, was killed by a crocodile while swimming in the, On May 22, 1992, an Iban girl, Dayang anak Bayang was killed by, In January 2001, attacks by mugger crocodiles were reported on tribal population around the, In October 2002, 23-year-old German student Isabel von Jordan was killed by a saltwater crocodile in Australia's. Did crocodiles eat Japanese soldiers? Many of the areas in which humans and large crocodiles come into contact are remote, impoverished, or in areas of political unrest. A band of soldiers in search of a secret Japanese ammunition store face off against deadly saltwater crocodiles in the swamps of Ramree Island. Platt also noted that Wright did not actually "attribute the majority of Japanese casualties to crocodile predation", but merely specified that only 20 out of 1000 Japanese soldiers survived the battle, with crocodiles being "just one of many hazards". You have to rendezvous with another group of soldiers on the other side of the island but the only way to do so is to traverse a thick swamp filled with deadly crocodiles. Of about 1,000 Japanese soldiers, it's estimated that only 20 survived. With the ebb of the tide, the crocodiles moved in on the dead, wounded, and uninjured men who had become mired in the mud, The scattered rifle shots in the pitch black swamp punctured by the screams of the wounded men crushed in the jaws of huge reptiles, and the blurred worrying sound of spinning crocodiles made a cacophony of hell that has rarely been duplicated on Earth. A landing party of Japanese mistook North Australian tide times and heights , landing at low tide and getting stuck waist deep wading in mudflats in the Northern Territory . This was particularly so in the mangrove swamps where such reptiles thrive, like on Ramree Island. The island that holds the world-record for largest human massacre caused by animals. The incident appears in the Guinness records: Ramree Island was the scene of an alleged massacre of Japanese . A depiction of a saltwater crocodile emerging from the water alongside British soldiers at Ramree Island during World War II. Inspired by actual events during World War 2. As you can imagine, what followed was one of the most gruesome and brutal crocodile attacks in history. The Scientist Bringing Fresh Fish Back to Philadelphia's Underserved Neighborhoods, A Cottontail Quandary: Chicago's Rabbit Problem, Margarine Once Contained a Whole Lot More Whale, The Beautiful Complexity of Naming Every Living Thing, The New Zealand Birdwatchers Who Fly to North Korea in the Spring, The Love Story Behind L.A.'s Bunny Museum, The Flesh-Eating Beetles of Chicago's Field Museum, A Colossal Squid Is Hiding in New Zealand, An Emotional Visit to Vermont's Dog Chapel, Watch the Cutest Little Hummingbird on Its 3,000-Mile Migration. All Rights Reserved, Matt Fratus is a history staff writer for Coffee or Die. It was this fortunate blow that killed the Giant Crocodile. Many of the Japanese troops succumbed to tropical diseases carried by swarms of mosquitoes, as well as the various poisonous spiders, snakes and scorpions found in the marsh. It has been estimated that about 1,000 people are killed by crocodilians each year. Describing the incident in his 1962 book Wildlife Sketches, the Canadian naturalist Bruce Stanley Wright wrote that an estimated 1,000 Japanese soldiers fled into the marshes and that only 20 came out alive. Of course, the threat posed by saltwater crocodiles was an ever-present one in the Far Eastern theatre of World War Two. The Tragic Story Of Over 900 Japanese Soldiers Slaughtered By Crocodiles | by L. Small | Medium 500 Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. Can an Old Coin Solve the Mystery of a Lost Roman Emperor? pp. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. [3] A plan was ready by 2 January, when it was clear that the advance of the Fourteenth Army (Lieutenant-General William Slim) would soon pass beyond the range of its airbases at Imphal and Agartala; replacements at Chittagong, Akyab and Ramree would be needed. Resistance at the chaung from the troops of the II Battalion, 121st Regiment increased and on 31 January, the 71st Brigade was ordered to move inland, north-east towards Sane, then head south towards Ramree town. "[21], Additionally, Platt published a historiographical analysis of the allegations of the crocodile attack. Director Steve Lawson Writer Steve Lawson Stars Charlie Bond Steven Dolton Ryan Harvey See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video However, the. Human-Tomistoma interactions in central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. Cheduba Island was not garrisoned and the 22nd East African Brigade was sent to hold Ramree Island. An average saltwater crocodile can easily reach 23 feet. (2015). Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 34(2): 21-22. He thanks you for reading his content. On Feb. 24, 1945, Reuters war correspondents reported that Japanese soldiers trying to escape Ramree island were "being forced by hunger out of the mangrove swamps and many have been killed by crocodiles. You dont want to get bit by this creature, though, as their bite force is the strongest in the animal kingdom. He writes for his micro-blog. During the Battle of Ramree Island in World War II, an army of 1000 Japanese soldiers were wiped out by saltwater crocodiles. Did 1000 Japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles? They were both Enhancers. The soldiers were viciously and mercilessly attacked by the crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles can weigh more than 2,000 pounds and have one of the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom. Osama, a saltwater crocodile named after the terrorist Usama Bin Laden, reportedly killed and ate 80 people in Uganda over a period of 14 years beginning in 1991. The two sides were stuck in a standoff until the British Royal Marines along with the 36th Indian Infantry Brigade outflanked a Japanese position. Despite these numerous hazards, one danger stood out as the greatest. Where did Japanese soldiers get eaten by crocodiles? How 1000 Japanese Soldiers Where EATEN by Crocodiles.. - YouTube How 1000 Japanese Soldiers Where EATEN by Crocodiles.. @Joe_Juice Subscribe 6 Dislike 0 Share Dont mess with. However, gasoline demand has dropped to levels not seen since the early days of the pandemic, revealing how consumers' habits are changing. "One arrow alone can be easily broken but many arrows are indestructible" ~Genghis Khan~, Stephen Gum Mark, Chinese American and 1914 San Rafael High School Graduate with Gift of Oratory, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard: Road of Many Names, THE BRITISH MONARCHY: A Case against Charles III, is a Case for Charles The Great and the Realm, READ/DOWNLOAD$] KAMPFRAUM ARNHEIM: A Photo Study of the German Soldier Fighting In and Around, Playing telephone with Edmund Burke and JFK. As the Indian and British troops closed in, the Japanese soldiers were faced with two options: They could stay and fight or attempt to flee through the marshes and escape by sea. Nine hundred soldiers of an Imperial Japanese Army unit, in an attempt to retreat from the Royal Navy and rejoin a larger battalion of the Japanese infantry, crossed through sixteen kilometres (ten miles) of mangrove swamps that contained saltwater crocodiles. But are we really to believe that a sizable force of trained Japanese soldiers was decimated by an onslaught of crocodiles? Since Ramree was strategically important, the Allies launched an attack in 1945 to retake the island and establish airbases to support the mainland campaign. 13. Jayma April 15, 2022. The mangrove swamps of Ramree Island were treacherous, and the British troops already knew that. Nevertheless, some information does exist: for example, it was reported by CAMPFIRE in Zimbabwe that in the first ten months of the year in 2005 crocodiles were the number one cause of death in humans where wildlife was involved with the number of deaths cited as 13. The nights were said to have been filled with dire screams, gunfire, and the sounds of animal attacks. The largest crocodile alive is Cassius who is about 100 years old. 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. Typical male specimens reach 17 feet long and 1,000 pounds and the largest can reach 23 feet and 2,200 pounds. How to use in-sentence of "trap": + Cilia and mucus along the inside wall of the nasal cavity trap and remove dust and germs from the air as it flows through the nasal cavity. Since a majority of fatal attacks are believed to be predatory in nature, the Nile crocodile can be considered the most prolific predator of humans among wild animals. As a result, saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodile species in the world and the largest reptile. The Japanese understood that saltwater crocodiles have a reputation for eating humans but they went into the mangrove swamp of Ramree Island anyway. Saltwater crocodiles are not to be underestimated. Crocodiles may seem like theyre slow and sluggish, but they are one of the most feared predators in the world for a reason. This type of crocodile can grow as much as 20 feet in length and can weigh about 22,000 pounds. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site. An analysis of blood on each soldier at every 3 meters of the swamp revealed that 24 percent of the soldiers had been killed by crocodiles. And as if these conditions werent bad enough, the swamps were also home to large saltwater crocodiles. Some of them being so badly injured and mauled that they were later recaptured by the British forces. The Allies also had to deal with challenges posed by logistics and supply problems, as well as malaria, cholera, and various other diseases. During the Battle of Ramree, crocs slaughtered and ate up between 500 and 900 people. The reptiles can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh 2,000 pounds, but even a midsize saltwater crocodile could easily kill a full-grown adult human, with many being known toeat animals as vast as Indian water buffalo. Unfortunately for the fleeing men, the mangrove jungle on Ramree Island is home to an unknown number of the largest reptilian predator in the world the saltwater crocodile. It was just that their levels were low. [1] These are the West African crocodile (often considered quite harmless,[4] but has been involved in several attacks, also fatal),[5] American crocodile (only a few documented fatalities),[3][6][7] the Morelet's crocodile (typically considered a relatively non-threatening species, but there have been several fatal attacks),[7][8] Orinoco crocodile (fatalities recorded in the 1930s and earlier when the species was more common, but today it is very rare),[9][10] Cuban crocodile (generally considered aggressive, but only one confirmed fatality),[3][11] black caiman (fatal attacks confirmed in Brazil, but possibly underreported because of its remote range),[3] American alligator (making up an estimated 6% of fatal crocodilian attacks),[2] and false gharial (only a few confirmed fatalities, all involving very large false gharials).
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