Ep 5. Saipan

During the course of World War II, the Battle of Saipan took place in the Mariana Islands. In Pacific: The Lost Evidence season 1 episode 5 named Saipan, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the bloodiest battle that occurred in the Pacific campaign. The episode shows how US forces launched an attack on the island and subsequently pushed out the occupying Japanese forces after several weeks of intense fighting.

This episode of Pacific: The Lost Evidence showcases how the US troops achieved victory by using new tactics, including concentrated artillery bombardment, in combination with infantry assaults. Additionally, the episode features interviews with several veterans who were on the battlefield and offers unique insights from their experiences in the battle.

The episode examines the significance of Saipan in Japan's strategy. Saipan was vital for three reasons: it housed an important airfield, it was a strategic location, and the island was viewed as the gateway to Japan's mainland. The Japanese troops fighting on the island were initially ordered not to retreat under any circumstances. The situation led to one of the most brutal battles and resulted in unnecessary loss of many Japanese lives. This episode shows how the Japanese soldiers fought a futile battle, not backing down even when they knew that their lives were at risk.

The documentary also delves into the aftermath of the battle. The Saipan battle led to the death of almost 30,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians, as well as approximately 3,000 American troops. The documentary shows the harsh reality of war on the island. The Japanese soldiers, scared of surrendering to American soldiers, instead took their own lives. The episode delves into the suicide tactics that Japanese soldiers used during the war and their reasons for refusing to surrender to the enemy forces.

The success of the battle led to a significant change in the Pacific campaign. Saipan became an essential base for the American army, and the US now had a more valuable strategic position in the Pacific. The loss of Saipan affected the Japanese army's morale greatly, leading them to change their war tactics and strategies.

In conclusion, Pacific: The Lost Evidence season 1 episode 5 named Saipan is a fascinating documentary that takes viewers through one of the bloodiest battles that occurred during World War II in the Pacific. The episode offers a unique insight into the strategies employed by both the Japanese army and the US forces, highlighting the devastating impact of war on both sides. The use of interviews with veterans who were present at the battle provides a personal touch to the story, making this documentary both informative and emotionally captivating. Fans of history and war documentaries will not want to miss this gripping episode of Pacific: The Lost Evidence.