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Post by Sir John on Aug 23, 2012 23:29:20 GMT -5
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Post by Swampy on Aug 23, 2012 23:51:38 GMT -5
And don't forget the Japanese were bogged down in China, with a million soldiers fighting a never-ending war against the Chinese. Not only that, the Japanese soldier was taught to engage in suicidal attacks, which definitely undermined his effectiveness. Last, but not least, many Japanese units were holed up in islands that were simply by-passed, so they were never brought into action - IOW, the Japanese scattered their efforts.
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Post by Sir John on Aug 24, 2012 16:35:10 GMT -5
Swampy,
The fascinating conclusion from that essay is the view on 'Midway'.
Just think, a 100% disaster in that battle and the situation is reversed in a year. No wonder they lost the war on 7th Dec 1941.
SJ
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Post by boxcar on Dec 3, 2012 2:32:27 GMT -5
One on one, they were a very formidable enemy, but one should not fight an enemy on his terms. We fought them with overwhelming numerical superiority in numbers (when we could), and later overwhelming superiority in aviation technical ability. (One exception to this overwhelming superiority in numbers would be the battle of Midway and that of the Coral Sea. These were one on one battles)
We won by cutting off their supplies of materials and oil and then cut off their transportation capabilities. Yes we bypassed islands and left their military without supplies.
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Post by Swampy on Dec 3, 2012 2:38:10 GMT -5
One on one, they were a very formidable enemy, but one should not fight an enemy on his terms. We fought them with overwhelming numerical superiority in numbers (when we could), and later overwhelming superiority in aviation technical ability. (One exception to this overwhelming superiority in numbers would be the battle of Midway and that of the Coral Sea. These were one on one battles) We won by cutting off their supplies of materials and oil and then cut off their transportation capabilities. Yes we bypassed islands and left their military without supplies. Exactly! Don't fight the enemy with his weapons; fight him with yours. |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2012 10:20:59 GMT -5
Swampy, The fascinating conclusion from that essay is the view on 'Midway'. Just think, a 100% disaster in that battle and the situation is reversed in a year. No wonder they lost the war on 7th Dec 1941. SJ I spent quite a bit of time TDY to Midway several times when I was flying special missions out of Japan. It was strange walking the beaches and imagining what had happened there just 20 or so years prior. Many of the old bombed out buildings and structures were still there as well as obstructions in the water which were meant to slow down an invasion. Since this was over 40 years ago, I doubt they are still there. Midway has the whitest beaches I've ever seen this side of the Greek islands. Gooneybirds (albatross) are worth the price to be there just to see them take off and land. What a hoot! |
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Post by Sir John on Dec 3, 2012 13:53:03 GMT -5
Denny,
" Midway has the whitest beaches I've ever seen this side of the Greek islands."
When in Hawaii in 2000, we did the bus tour bit, and the driver told us that the pretty white sand on Waikiki? was actually imported from near Newcastle, about 100 km north of Sydney.
The natural sand is black volcanic stuff.
SJ
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2012 16:52:51 GMT -5
John, Not that I'm doubting your word, but sand literally turns over constantly. So any sand that was imported years ago is long gone. I doubt that it reproduces.  Denny |
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Post by Sir John on Dec 3, 2012 16:55:33 GMT -5
No, I think it is replenished as required.
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