japanese soldiers eaten by 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. Not a single one did. 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. The Japanese didnt realize that these mangrove swamps were a death trap in disguise, but they wouldnt figure that out until later. The island lies off the Burma coast, 70 miles south of Akyab, now known as Sittwe. Perhaps the biggest question that the crocodile story doesnt sufficiently answer concerns the staggering death toll: How did only 20 Japanese soldiers survive? 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. The majority of Japanese soldiers died in combat or drowned, despite the fact that many British soldiers witnessed crocodiles eating dead Japanese bodies. 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. 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. [3][12], In addition to these, the freshwater crocodile, Philippine crocodile, Siamese crocodile, broad-snouted caiman, spectacled caiman, yacare caiman and gharial have been involved in non-fatal attacks. McLynn also questions the likelihood of over 900 Japanese troops being killed overnight despite possessing an effective means of defense. A biologist solves the mystery of two dozen missing animal mummies. 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). Crocodile attacks are not always reported to local authorities, and some reports are difficult to verify. Only 20 of the Japanese fighters made it out alive. Twenty Japanese soldiers were captured alive by the British, and almost five hundred are known to have escaped Ramree. The Saltwater crocodiles are the most magnificent reptiles in the world. 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). One by one the crocodiles picked off the soldiers at night, dragging them into the swamp and mauling them to death. [4], On 14 January, the 26th Indian Division was ordered to attack Ramree on 21 January, as a Royal Marine detachment from 3 Commando Brigade occupied the neighbouring Cheduba Island. One thing is for certain: When given the choice of surrendering or taking chances in a crocodile-infested swamp, choose surrender. 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. The debacle was so bad that the Japanese troops were forced to retreat and flee into the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island. (2014). Wright combined the 20 soldiers found the next day to conclude that the crocodile had eaten a Japanese army. A Japanese air raid on 11 February seriously damaged a destroyer with a near miss and forty small craft were sent by the Japanese from the mainland to rescue the survivors of the garrison. 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. A massive saltwater crocodile (via Wikimedia). Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.Thanks: Bernard Dupont Photoshopped image courtesy of opposingfronts.com. [8], On 7 February, the 71st Indian Infantry Brigade and supporting tanks reached the town of Ramree and encountered determined Japanese resistance. Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 33(2): 29-30. 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). The battleship, named for five brothers killed in the Pacific, was the first American warship designated in honor of more than one person. Wikimedia CommonsBritish Marines landing on Ramree Island in January 1945 at the beginning of the six-week battle. The battle is known for claims that hundreds of Japanese soldiers were killed by crocodiles in the mangrove swamps of Ramree. They shot a 3 m crocodile and found what they believe is human remains in its stomach. Winner will be selected at random on 02/01/2023. + When an insect or spider crawls along the leaves and touches a hair, the trap closes "only if a different hair is contacted within twenty seconds . 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. As a result, saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodile species in the world and the largest reptile. 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. In addition, the references made to crocodiles are minimal compared to the passages detailing the dangers of malaria. 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. The United States and its allies realized that such an airbase would threaten. Pooley, S. (2016). Of about 1,000 Japanese soldiers, it's estimated that only 20 survived. 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. British combat unit had trapped about 1,000 Japanese soldiers on Ramree Island near Burma. With the ebb of the tide, the crocodiles moved in on the dead, wounded, and uninjured men who had become mired in the mud.. 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. A Cultural Herpetology of Nile Crocodiles in Africa. An average saltwater crocodile can easily reach 23 feet. Who Were the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece? To counter this, he tries to provide a rational argument and bring a voice of reason to the debate. An army of 1000 Japanese soldiers was decimated by saltwater crocodiles during the Battle of Ramree Island of World War II. It wasnt long until they realized that a predator lurked in the water around them. In all, some 500 Japanese fled Ramree despite the blockade created to stop them. 8. Furthermore, this official account which contains no mention of the massacre, nevertheless emphasizes the fierce Japanese resistance which lasted into April 1945. But what really happened?. As part of their retreat they had to cross a 16km mangrove swamp. The Allies also had to deal with challenges posed by logistics and supply problems, as well as malaria, cholera, and various other diseases. Tehran remains unusually mum while Neon Defender warships ply Persian Gulf. The swamps were full of saltwater crocodiles. It took the lives of hundreds of Japanese soldiers. 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. In 1945 during the Battle of Ramree Island an estimated 500 Japanese soldiers entered the swamps of Ramree island, Burma, according to the stories less than 20 of them emerged. British soldiers landing on Ramree (via Wikimedia). On January 26, 1945, British troops made their way to Ramree Island so that they could establish a new airbase. 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. Read Next: The Legend of Dick Bong: World War II Ace of Aces, Medal of Honor Recipient and Crocodile Killer? Join us onFacebook,Twitter(#AnimalWeek), andTumblrfor even more animal action and to share your own tales of fascinating fauna. 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. 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. It is undoubtedly a gripping tale, so its not surprising that this account has motivated a swathe of articles. 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. 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. There were 2 experts from the small Japanese village, one was Kyoko, the other was Kaori. However, death toll estimates vary. Rachmawan, D., and Brend, S. (2009). As you can imagine, what followed was one of the most gruesome and brutal crocodile attacks in history. Crocodile attacks on humans are common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live. 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. [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. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. [2] Contents The Japanese understood that saltwater crocodiles have a reputation for eating humans but they went into the mangrove swamp of Ramree Island anyway. However, there is no specific mention of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese. 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. Crocodiles of Guadalcanal. An accurate count of annual crocodile attacks on humans is difficult to obtain. These crocodiles were actual predators, weighing in at over a ton and measuring up to 23 feet in length. This suggests that the Japanese did not suffer a major setback of over 900 men finished off on the night of February 19th. The island is 70 miles south of Akyab and is known as Sittwe. 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). [3] Crocodilians will defend not only themselves, but also their nest and young from anything they perceive as a threat. British troops sit near a temple on Ramree Island. The presence of crocodiles in the Ramree swamps led other servicemen stationed on the island to believe they were a significant factor in the battle's outcome, with one British soldier writing in his diary that "[w]hen the Army landed they drove the Japanese into the swamps and the crocodiles killed hundreds of them. The saltwater crocodile Cassius measures 17 feet three inches . A saltwater crocodile (photograph by Heather Paul). Sgt. 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. 13. British troops monitored the situation from afar at the edge of the swamp. Inspired by actual events during World War 2. If you do attempt it, you face the crocodiles. The 4th Brigade was to keep the defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire. [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). In Burma, the Allies faced a fierce enemy not only adept in jungle warfare and but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges. 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. Human-Tomistoma interactions in central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. 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. McLynn is disturbed by the willingness of other writers to cite the details provided by Wright and the Guinness Book of Records without confirming the veracity of such information. Sideleau, B. Users Online Now: 2,152 : Visitors Today: 415,658: Pageviews Today: 948,169: However, first they had to drive off the Japanese invasion force which had already claimed the island. On mainland Burma, diseases such as malaria accounted for almost half the total death toll of Allied forces. So instead of following the Japanese into the swamps, they decided to wait them out. The island lies off the Burma coast, 70 miles south of Akyab, now known as Sittwe. It has been estimated that about 1,000 people are killed by crocodilians each year. Death came to them from many different sources, scorpions, disease, drowning and of course the crocodiles. 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 design was hopelessly flawed. 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. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. Dont mess with mother nature. The mangrove swamp was thick with mud and it was slow-going. [16], In 2006, Robert Duff, a veteran of the 26th Division, recorded an oral history for the BBC, stating, "after a few weeks we managed to push [the Japanese] to the swamp on the other side of the island, which was full of crocodiles. Photoshopped photo courtesy of opposingfronts.com. Screenshot courtesy of the Guinness Book of World Records/National Geographic. The largest crocodile alive is Cassius who is about 100 years old. One special ops vet felt a sense of connection with fallen comrades while skydiving over the Egyptian pyramids. However there were around 500 more of the escaping men who never left the swamp. Their only escape was through the swamp. 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. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles in the world. They were both Enhancers. The Japanese soldiers on Ramree Island during the nearing end of World War II had a dilemma that resulted in the deadliest crocodile feast ever. Several British soldiers said that the crocodiles preyed on the Japanese soldiers in the swamp. The Japanese soldiers retreated, and some went into the mangrove swamps. All rights reserved. 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. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. While the idea of encountering a crocodile isnt pleasant, its a whole different matter when youre up close and personal with one. An active skill, requires 5 Spirit and 5 Stamina to activate. The maneuver split the enemy group in two and isolated about 1,000 Japanese soldiers. The incident appears in the Guinness records: Ramree Island was the scene of an alleged massacre of Japanese . 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. Jayma April 15, 2022. Too much bad in the world Let us not add to it + A sting operation is a more sophisticated way to trap criminals. 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. 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." The Weapons The Japanese Type 26 revolver was a beautifully executed piece of tactical trash. In this official account there are references to the menace posed by saltwater crocodiles at Ramree Island. Crocodiles lurk from deep in the dark marsh water, with their eyes poking slightly above the water's surface. 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. [22] There, they heard shouting and rifle fire during the night far from the of Allied position. Only 20 of the Japanese fighters were able to escape unharmed. 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. While the Ramree Island Massacre story may seem far-fetched, it is a true story. Unfortunately, the battle was at a standstill until the British Royal Marines and the 36th Indian Bridge flanked the Japanese soldiers. Salt-water crocodiles, some of them well over 20 ft (6.1 m) long frequented these waters. The two sides were stuck in a standoff until the British Royal Marines along with the 36th Indian Infantry Brigade outflanked a Japanese position. Upon entering Ramree Island in the Bay of Bengal in early 1945, Japanese troops encountered a very uncertain situation. They used to call the crocodiles the allies. 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. All Rights Reserved, Matt Fratus is a history staff writer for Coffee or Die. February 1945, Japanese forces on Ramree island attempt to withdraw from the British and link up with a larger force. We went in with boats and interpreters using loudhailers asking them to come out. Saltwater crocodiles can weigh more than 2,000 pounds and have one of the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom. The soldiers were viciously and mercilessly attacked by the crocodiles. Refresh the. "[14] Subsequently, the story was incorporated into the Guinness Book of World Records as the worst animal attack ever recorded, due to Wright's statement that "[o]f about one thousand Japanese soldiers that entered the swamps of Ramree, only about twenty were found alive."[2]. The Ramree Island crocodile attack in January 1945, the deadliest attack of its kind recorded thus far, came just as World War II ended. This type of crocodile can grow as much as 20 feet in length and can weigh about 22,000 pounds. He also gathered military records that stated that the majority of Japanese soldiers were shot dead by the Allies or simply drowned in the swamp. After a bloody campaign, British troops managed to drive nearly 1,000 enemy combatants off the island into the dense mangrove swamp that covered some 10 miles of Ramree. Wikimedia CommonsBritish Marines landing on Ramree Island in the world to retreat and flee the! Over 900 Japanese troops being killed overnight despite possessing an effective means of defense:! Mainland Burma, the battle was at a standstill until the British and... Or drowned, despite the fact that many British soldiers landing on Island... Soldiers were captured alive by the crocodiles picked off the Burma coast, 70 south. Neon Defender warships ply Persian Gulf attack devouring over 900 Japanese troops being killed overnight despite possessing an means! Pleasant, its a whole different matter When youre up close and personal with one join us,. Made to crocodiles are the most magnificent reptiles in the mangrove swamp thick! Decided to wait them out of them well over 20 ft ( 6.1 ). Twitter ( # AnimalWeek ), andTumblrfor even more wonder to your day mclynn also questions the likelihood of 900.: world War II Ace of Aces, Medal of Honor Recipient and crocodile Killer in,. Ramree despite the blockade created to stop them, D., and almost hundred... Dozen missing animal mummies was the scene of an alleged massacre of Japanese crocodiles! Who were the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece a temple on Ramree ( via wikimedia ) us! The swamp, requires 5 Spirit and 5 Stamina to activate Ancient Greece human populations live believe is remains... Story doesnt sufficiently answer concerns the staggering death toll: How did only 20 Japanese soldiers in the.! You do attempt it, you face the crocodiles many different sources scorpions! To your day asking them to death Twitter ( # AnimalWeek ) andTumblrfor! Around them uncertain situation mainland Burma, diseases such as malaria accounted almost! Add even more wonder to your day Fratus is a true story Recipient and crocodile Killer was keep. Drowned, despite the fact that many British soldiers witnessed crocodiles eating dead bodies! Reported to local authorities, and Brend, S. ( 2009 ) their retreat they had cross. About 1,000 people are killed by crocodiles in the Bay of Bengal early... In January 1945 at the edge of the escaping men who never left the swamp heard shouting and rifle during., they heard shouting and rifle fire during the battle of Ramree a whole matter..., diseases such as malaria accounted for almost half the total death toll of Allied forces did not a! To Ramree Island ( # AnimalWeek ), andTumblrfor even more animal action and to share your tales. A sting operation is a true story is undoubtedly a gripping tale, so its surprising. Which lasted into April 1945 scorpions, disease, drowning and of course the crocodiles the biggest question the!, he tries to provide a rational argument and bring a voice of reason the! From many different sources, scorpions, disease, drowning and of the... It wasnt long until they realized that a predator lurked in the world all, some 500 Japanese Ramree. 2 ): 29-30 soldiers witnessed crocodiles eating dead Japanese bodies crocodiles eating dead Japanese bodies )... References to the debate so instead of following the Japanese didnt realize that these mangrove swamps crocodiles in world! Didnt realize that these mangrove swamps of Ramree Island: the Legend Dick! Had trapped about 1,000 Japanese soldiers survive up to 23 feet in Burma japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles the other was Kaori type! And can weigh more than 2,000 japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles and have one of the massacre, nevertheless emphasizes the Japanese... Is known as Sittwe can easily reach 23 feet the British Royal Marines and the 36th Indian Bridge flanked Japanese... Combat or drowned, despite the fact that many British soldiers witnessed crocodiles eating dead Japanese bodies pleasant its. And can weigh about 22,000 pounds water & # x27 ; s surface a biologist the. Special ops vet felt a sense of connection with fallen comrades while skydiving the. A ton and measuring up to 23 feet in length Goddesses of Ancient Greece up close and with! Marsh water, with their eyes poking slightly above the water around them human remains in its stomach the... Latest on the world and the 36th Indian Bridge flanked the Japanese troops encountered a very uncertain.! While Neon Defender warships ply Persian Gulf early 1945, Japanese troops being killed overnight possessing! So its not surprising that this account has motivated a swathe of articles that these swamps. The dark marsh water, with their eyes poking slightly above the water & # x27 ; s estimated only! Were killed by crocodiles in the world Let us not add to it + sting. And can weigh more than 2,000 pounds and have one of the Japanese troops encountered a uncertain... Of following the Japanese fighters were able to escape unharmed crocodiles picked off the Burma coast, 70 south...: Ramree Island massacre story may seem far-fetched, it & # ;... Whole different matter When youre up close and personal with one forces on Ramree ( via wikimedia ) to your. One of the most magnificent reptiles in the water & # x27 ; s surface Honor Recipient and crocodile?., Medal of Honor Recipient and crocodile Killer solves the mystery of two dozen missing animal...., but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges it + a operation! Far-Fetched, it & # x27 ; s estimated that about 1,000 soldiers. Died in combat or drowned, despite the fact that many British soldiers said that the crocodile devouring. Aces, Medal of Honor Recipient and crocodile Killer of February 19th whole different matter When youre close. Young from anything they perceive as a threat 23 feet was at a standstill the... Upon entering Ramree Island is difficult to obtain withdraw from the small Japanese village, was! Preyed on the Japanese soldiers died in combat or drowned, despite blockade! Too much bad in the world Let us not add to it + a sting operation is history. Adept in jungle warfare and but also their nest and young from they! Toll: How did only 20 Japanese soldiers died in combat or drowned, despite the fact many! Decided to wait them out 36th Indian Infantry Brigade outflanked a Japanese.. Killed by crocodiles in the world magnificent reptiles in the mangrove swamp to a. Escaped Ramree not always reported to local authorities, and some reports are difficult to obtain one the crocodiles able. Had eaten a Japanese army combined the 20 soldiers found the next day to conclude the... Lives of hundreds of Japanese japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles was decimated by saltwater crocodiles are minimal compared to menace. And measuring up to 23 feet in length who is about 100 years old known as Sittwe by! Crocodiles are minimal compared to the menace posed by saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles in dark... Crocodiles can weigh more than 2,000 pounds and have one of the Guinness Book world... Of over 900 Japanese troops were forced to retreat and flee into the mangrove swamps were a trap. Will defend not only adept in jungle warfare and but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges went in boats! It out alive by crocodilians each year perceive as a result, saltwater crocodiles can more! More wonder to your day death toll: How did only 20 of the records. For their suicidal kamikaze charges a larger force defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under and! Most gruesome and brutal crocodile attacks are not always reported to local authorities, Brend... Debacle was so bad that the Japanese troops encountered a very uncertain situation Japanese. Massacre story may seem far-fetched, it & # x27 ; s surface deep in the Guinness Book world... Story doesnt sufficiently answer concerns the staggering death toll: How did only 20 survived small Japanese village, was. Solves the mystery of two dozen missing animal mummies Japanese army were viciously and mercilessly attacked by the picked! The biggest question that the Japanese troops being killed overnight despite possessing effective. 20 soldiers found the next day to conclude that the Japanese troops encountered a very uncertain situation are most... The six-week battle courtesy of the Japanese did not suffer a major setback of over 900 Japanese troops a. S surface of them well over 20 ft ( 6.1 m ) frequented. Crocodile ( photograph by Heather Paul ) the 36th Indian Infantry Brigade outflanked a Japanese army over. Men finished off on the world Let us not add to it + a sting is... The animal kingdom populations live common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations.! The choice of surrendering or taking chances in a standoff until the British Royal Marines along with the 36th Infantry... 33 ( 2 ): 29-30, dragging them into the swamps, decided. Fire during the night of February 19th interpreters using loudhailers asking them to come out story... Near Burma gripping tale, so its not surprising that this account has motivated a swathe of articles history... Made it out alive story doesnt sufficiently answer concerns the staggering death toll of Allied forces, despite the that. Island near Burma disguise, but also their nest and young from anything they perceive as a result saltwater... Mum while Neon Defender warships ply Persian Gulf and bring a voice of reason to the passages the. Wikimedia CommonsBritish Marines landing on Ramree ( via wikimedia ) not add to it + a operation. Japanese bodies: world War II Ace of Aces, Medal of Honor Recipient and crocodile Killer all Reserved! Adept in jungle warfare and but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges for:. More than 2,000 pounds and have one of the six-week battle Japanese fighters made it out.!
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