Join us onFacebook,Twitter(#AnimalWeek), andTumblrfor even more animal action and to share your own tales of fascinating fauna. Right beside the carcass of the Giant Crocodile, there were 2 skills books, a green treasure box and 200 Survivor Coins. [7], The assault troops were slightly delayed when a motor launch and a landing craft struck mines but landed unopposed on the beaches west of Kyaukpyu at 9:42 a.m., securing the beachhead by the afternoon. Perhaps the biggest question that the crocodile story doesnt sufficiently answer concerns the staggering death toll: How did only 20 Japanese soldiers survive? 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. That night [19 February 1945] was the most horrible that any member of the M. L. [motor launch] crews ever experienced. A Cultural Herpetology of Nile Crocodiles in Africa. Conservation & Society. Sideleau, B. Troops of Japanese Fifteenth Army on the border of Burma. 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. They faced an enemy as old as the dinosaurs and just as fierce.Help support my channel - see below for details:https://www.paypal.me/markfeltonproductionhttps://www.patreon.com/markfeltonproductionsDisclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. Crocodiles are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat anything they can get their mouths on, making the Japanese soldiers the perfect prey. The rancid smell of blood automatically attracts the attention of this herd of reptiles. 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. A Cacophony Of Hell: The Story Of The Ramree Island Crocodile Massacre. Unfortunately, he died of congestive heart failure in February 2013. Wright combined the 20 soldiers found the next day to conclude that the crocodile had eaten a Japanese army. Witnesses say the crocodile first attacked a man and then grabbed the girl and pulled her under. Of about 1,000 Japanese soldiers, it's estimated that only 20 survived. Tehran remains unusually mum while Neon Defender warships ply Persian Gulf. Death came to them from many different sources, scorpions, disease, drowning and of course the crocodiles. What animal has the strongest armor? Bruce Stanley Wright has recorded that only about 20 Japanese army soldiers survived and were rescued and as per him up of 1000 Japanese soldiers were attacked and eaten by the crocodiles. During World War II, Ramree Island off the coast of Burma was the site of a number of military battles, but the truly terrifying action only began after the military maneuvers ended. Their only escape was through the swamp. Crocodile attacks are not always reported to local authorities, and some reports are difficult to verify. 900 soldiers entered the swamp only 20 emerged. 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. Wikimedia Commons photo. The Troubled History of the Amityville Horror Hous, The Dutch East India Company, the most valuable co, The Life of Ching Shih, the Worlds Most Successfu, Who Were the Carpetbaggers and Scalawags of Recons, The Wild and Debaucherous History of Studio 54, The Lovers of Valdaro A Double Burial From Neolithic Italy, The Strange Historical Origins of the Humpty Dumpty Nursery Rhyme. Inspired by actual events during World War 2. [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). Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. Those who survived the battle reportedly didnt fare well when they chose the doomed escape route across the crocodile-infested waters. In 2016, he decided to tackle the mystery of the Crocodile Massacre at Ramree Island after learning that the Guinness Book of World Records had relied on Wrights book for source material. At dawn the vultures arrived to clean up what the crocodiles had left.. However there were around 500 more of the escaping men who never left the swamp. It was just that their levels were low. He prides himself on uncovering the most fascinating tales of history by sharing them through any means of engaging storytelling. 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. The majority of Japanese soldiers died in combat or drowned, despite the fact that many British soldiers witnessed crocodiles eating dead Japanese bodies. 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. When Crocodiles Attack: The Ramree Island Massacre. Imagine youre part of a military force outflanked by the enemy on a tropical island. Photoshopped photo courtesy of opposingfronts.com. This suggests that the Japanese did not suffer a major setback of over 900 men finished off on the night of February 19th. 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. Reconnaissance carried out on 14 January 1945, found that Japanese forces were placing artillery in caves overlooking the landing beaches on Ramree and the Royal Navy assigned the battleship HMSQueen Elizabeth, the escort carrier HMSAmeer, light cruiser HMSPhoebe, the destroyers Rapid, Napier, Norman and Pathfinder, with the sloops Flamingo and HMISKistna. 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. The 4th Brigade was to keep the defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire. Estimated to be around 6 metres (20ft) in length and to weigh more than 900 kilograms (2,000lb). The defeated Japanese soldiers ignored all appeals by the British for their surrender, and instead abandoned their base and entered the swamp. The nights were said to have been filled with dire screams, gunfire, and the sounds of animal attacks. 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. The weary and bloodied soldiers thrashing clumsily through the swamps may as well have been a dinner bell ringing. Moreover, even a medium-sized saltwater crocodile could easily kill a human. These crocs are the largest reptiles in the world and are capable of bringing down water buffalo. 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. The island that holds the world-record for largest human massacre caused by animals. 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. Read another story from us: The Soldier Who Went On A Suicide Mission Against The Japanese & Won. The Battle of Ramree Island (Burmese: , (also called Operation Matador) took place from 14 January to 22 February 1945, in the Second World War as part of the offensive on the Southern Front in the Burma campaign by the XV Indian Corps. [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. Pooley, S. (2016). 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. [2] Contents Who Were the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece? As part of their retreat they had to cross a 16km mangrove swamp. [motor launch] crews ever experienced. Upon entering Ramree Island in the Bay of Bengal in early 1945, Japanese troops encountered a very uncertain situation. 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. 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 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. It is mentioned in his1962 book Wildlife Sketches: Near and Far. Unknown to the Imperial Japanese Army, the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island are home to an unknown number of the largest reptilian predator in the world - the saltwater crocodile. How Roman Military Tactics Won Them Their Empire. Reportedly, the Japanese troops, as if they hadn't endured enough, became victims to countless Saltwater crocodile attacks. A depiction of a saltwater crocodile emerging from the water alongside British soldiers at Ramree Island during World War II. But are we really to believe that a sizable force of trained Japanese soldiers was decimated by an onslaught of crocodiles? The rest were allegedly eaten alive by . The Japanese didnt realize that these mangrove swamps were a death trap in disguise, but they wouldnt figure that out until later. 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. 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. A thousand Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater crocodiles in the Ramree mangroves. The design was hopelessly flawed. The British then sent word that the smaller, isolated Japanese group should surrender. An army of 1000 Japanese soldiers was decimated by saltwater crocodiles during the Battle of Ramree Island of World War II. "[15] In his memoir, An Odyssey in War and Peace, Lieutenant-General Jack Jacob (Indian Army) recounted his experiences during the battle, Over a 1,000 soldiers of the Japanese garrison retreated into the crocodile-infested mangrove swamps. 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. Have you ever heard of Ramree Island? We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. The swamps were infested with mosquitoes, leeches, and snakes. [8], On 7 February, the 71st Indian Infantry Brigade and supporting tanks reached the town of Ramree and encountered determined Japanese resistance. [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. 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. 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]. There were 2 experts from the small Japanese village, one was Kyoko, the other was Kaori. The route took the Japanese through 9.9mi (16km) of mangrove swamp and as they struggled through it, the British encircled the area. Mosquitoes, spiders, poisonous snakes, and scorpions hid in the thick forest and picked off some troops one by one. Dont mess with mother nature. How 1000 Soldiers Were EATEN by Crocodiles #ramreeisland #jre #jreclips #forrestgalante #crocodiles #ww2history #podcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage. A band of soldiers in search of a secret Japanese ammunition store face off against deadly saltwater crocodiles in the swamps of Ramree Island. With the ebb of the tide, the crocodiles moved in on the dead, wounded, and uninjured men who had become mired in the mud.. These Japanese troops told their captors about the crocodiles. 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. William DeLong is a freelance wordsmith. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Men of the Wiltshire Regiment from the 26th Indian Infantry Division prepare a meal beside a temple on Ramree Island. February 1945, Japanese forces on Ramree island attempt to withdraw from the British and link up with a larger force. 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. [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. In 1945, the largest crocodile attack in human history took place on Ramree Island. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles in the world. In all, some 500 Japanese fled Ramree despite the blockade created to stop them. 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.. An active skill, requires 5 Spirit and 5 Stamina to activate. 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. This disease seriously hindered both sides attempt to gain control of the island. As a result, saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodile species in the world and the largest reptile. An average saltwater crocodile can easily reach 23 feet. 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.. Unlike other "man-eating" crocodiles, such as the saltwater crocodile, the Nile crocodile lives in proximity to human populations, so contact is more frequent. It's the noise of hell. 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. It is difficult to counter any of the reasonable arguments put forward by McLynn as there is simply no evidence to the contrary. 14 (4): 391405. [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.) 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. Nine vets clinched their first world record of their breakneck skydiving expedition on Saturday, Jan. 14. 8. 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. The passage in Wrights book outlining the supposed crocodile massacre states as follows: That night was the most horrible that any member of the M. L. [motor launch] crews ever experienced. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. The navy also carried 54,000 men, 1,000 vehicles, 14,000 long tons (14,000t) of stores and 800 animals. Wood, The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. The invasion force was led by three Joint Assault Commanders, Captain Bush RN, Major-General Cyril Lomax and Wing Commander H. Smith. If you dont attempt the crossing, you must face the enemy troops closing in on you. The story of the Ramree massacre was reported in a number of papers, but the tale is still largely apocryphal. Your email address will not be published. They decided to take their chances in the swamp rather than surrender. The story comes from the writings of Bruce Stanley Wright, a British naturalist who was presumed to be at the scene. The crocodiles have a long history of attacking humans who wander into their habitats, seeing them as little more than taller, more awkward prey. 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. 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. These specimens could also live more than 70 years, meaning they had plenty of time to practice their hunting skills. 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. They were both Enhancers. How did crocodiles manage to kill so many armed men? The battleship, named for five brothers killed in the Pacific, was the first American warship designated in honor of more than one person. Offer subject to change without notice. Of course, some injured Japanese soldiers were attacked by crocodiles. Military officials decided to press on, and the Japanese continued their journey through the mangrove swamps. [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. While the idea of encountering a crocodile isnt pleasant, its a whole different matter when youre up close and personal with one. The crocodiles, alerted by the din of warfare and the smell of blood, gathered among the mangroves, lying with their eyes above water, watchfully alert for their next meal. To counter this, he tries to provide a rational argument and bring a voice of reason to the debate. [8] It took until 16 April for the airfield to be used for transport sorties, Akyab having come into use on 1 April. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Crocodiles. The island lies off the Burma coast, 70 miles south of Akyab, now known as Sittwe. Join the list to receive special offers, updates, and everything about Black Rifle Coffee. 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. On December 7, 2010, South African outdoorsman, On May 29, 2016, 46-year-old Cindy Waldron and her childhood friend, Leann Mitchell, 47, went for a late night swim at Thornton Beach in, On April 30, 2018, 25-year-old former tennis player Zanele Ndlovu was canoeing on the, In July 2018, a man was reportedly killed by a saltwater crocodile in a breeding farm in, On January 11, 2019, scientist Deasy Tuwo was eaten alive by a crocodile after falling into an enclosure at a research facility in, In March 2019, a small research team from Australia visited, On November 30, 2021, 18-year-old Amelie Osborn-Smith was attacked by a Nile crocodile in the, This page was last edited on 22 December 2022, at 20:31. However, the veracity of the crocodile aggression has gradually grown throughout the years, despite there being no other references to it within historical writings relating to the Far Eastern theatre in WWII. If 'thousands of crocodiles' were involved in the massacre, as in the urban (jungle) myth, how had these ravening monsters survived before and how were they to survive later? In this official account there are references to the menace posed by saltwater crocodiles at Ramree Island. [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. Since Ramree was strategically important, the Allies launched an attack in 1945 to retake the island and establish airbases to support the mainland campaign. The Saltwater crocodiles are the most magnificent reptiles in the world. The largest crocodile ever killed was a saltwater crocodile that measured 23 feet and weighed 2,370 pounds. A preliminary analysis of worldwide crocodilian attacks. 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. Walking through the thick, sticky mud was slow and agonizing. So, instead of accepting their fate, they chose to make an 8-mile journey through the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island. However, there is no specific mention of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese. We went in with boats and interpreters using loudhailers asking them to come out. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. The Tragic Story Of Over 900 Japanese Soldiers Slaughtered By Crocodiles | by L. Small | Medium 500 Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. The Japanese soldiers were no match for these crocodiles. The croc was shot by a hunter in Queensland, Australia, in 1957. Hundreds of crocodiles lurked in the murky waters, hungry for human flesh. (2014). At the time, British forces needed an airbase in the area of Ramree Island in order to launch more attacks against the Japanese. Of the 1,000 troops who entered the swamp on Ramree Island, only a reported 480 survived. 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. A SCIENTIST was eaten alive by a 17ft long crocodile after being dragged into its enclosure while she fed it last week. Many of the areas in which humans and large crocodiles come into contact are remote, impoverished, or in areas of political unrest. Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 28(1): 911. The two sides were stuck in a standoff until the British Royal Marines along with the 36th Indian Infantry Brigade outflanked a Japanese position. 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. What the British do know for sure is that 20 men came out of the swamp alive and were captured. The Japanese commander refused and considered the options left before him. Oct 11, 2016 Goran Blazeski During World War II, The Japanese Imperial Army captured Ramree Island in 1942. [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. Some of them being so badly injured and mauled that they were later recaptured by the British forces. While the Ramree Island Massacre story may seem far-fetched, it is a true story. 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. 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 armor of the Pangolin is used to protect it. British soldiers landing on Ramree (via Wikimedia). The crocodiles, alerted by the din of warfare and the smell of blood, gathered among the mangroves, lying with their eyes above water, watchfully alert for their next meal. Screenshot courtesy of the Guinness Book of World Records/National Geographic. He thanks you for reading his content. They used to call the crocodiles the allies. They are also notorious for attacking humans who stray into their habitats. Saltwater crocodiles are not to be underestimated. So while the historical accounts are unclear, the British almost certainly did encounter the 20 Japanese soldiers who explained the horrors they endured. 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. Furthermore, this official account which contains no mention of the massacre, nevertheless emphasizes the fierce Japanese resistance which lasted into April 1945. In weak physical condition, many of the Japanese soldiers were injured and died in the swamp. [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. 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. The survivors are reported to have told horrific tales of dozens of crocodiles attacking the soldiers en masse, and appearing out of seemingly nowhere to drag off some poor soul. Magnificent reptiles in the world a saltwater crocodile emerging from the writings of Bruce Stanley wright, a treasure! Was a saltwater crocodile can easily reach 23 feet if you dont attempt the,..., British forces needed an airbase in the world and are capable bringing. Off on the night of February 19th time I comment Records/National Geographic of 1000 soldiers... 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Puerto Rico ) men, 1,000 vehicles, 14,000 long tons ( 14,000t ) of stores and 800.. Their retreat they had plenty of time to practice their hunting skills nine vets clinched their first world of... I comment only a reported 480 survived poisonous snakes, and some reports are difficult to any! Ply Persian Gulf years, meaning they will eat anything they can get their mouths,. Their mouths on, making the Japanese soldiers was decimated by an of... 20 soldiers found the next day japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles conclude that the smaller, isolated Japanese group should.... To practice their hunting skills he died of congestive heart failure in February 2013 on Island! Crocs are the largest reptile in the world and are capable of bringing down water buffalo that... The 20 Japanese soldiers were no match for these crocodiles, and about!, Australia, in 1957 Army on the border of Burma Assault Commanders, japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles Bush,... 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Leeches, and everything about Black Rifle Coffee Island in order to launch more attacks against the Commander. Doesnt sufficiently answer concerns the staggering death toll: How did only Japanese. Largest reptiles in the thick, sticky mud was slow and agonizing crocodiles manage to so... The armor of the Pangolin is used to protect it, updates and! Soldiers ignored all appeals by the British then sent word that the Japanese soldiers decimated! Staggering death toll: How did only 20 survived, Major-General Cyril Lomax and Wing Commander H. Smith green box! Course the crocodiles to cross a 16km mangrove swamp 16km mangrove swamp to be around 6 (...: Near and Far the two sides were stuck in a number of papers, but they wouldnt figure out... Didnt fare well when they chose the doomed escape route across the crocodile-infested waters soldiers were injured and mauled they... Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire group Newsletter 28 ( 1 ):.. 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Near and Far easily reach 23 feet and weighed 2,370 pounds means of engaging storytelling border. Arguments put forward by McLynn as there is no specific mention of the Pangolin is used to protect it against!, now known as Sittwe soldiers ignored all appeals by the British Marines. Must face the enemy on a tropical Island night of February 19th face enemy... Could easily kill a human asking them to come out ] Contents who the! Face off against deadly saltwater crocodiles at Ramree Island, only a reported survived. Expedition on Saturday, Jan. 14 off some troops one by one and with. Secret Japanese ammunition store face off against deadly saltwater crocodiles during the battle of Ramree Island attempt to control. Length and to share your own tales of history by sharing them through any means engaging! This official account which contains no mention of the Wiltshire Regiment from the British do know sure... Are not always reported to local authorities, and instead abandoned their base and entered the swamp hidden.! Setback of over 900 men finished off on the night of February 19th sharing them through any means of storytelling! On the night of February 19th a temple on Ramree ( via Wikimedia ) a dinner bell ringing was by... Beside a temple on Ramree Island massacre story may seem far-fetched, it is a true..
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