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. [2], The early capture of Akyab made the 26th Indian Infantry Division (Major-General Henry Chambers) available for an attack on Ramree Island, 70mi (110km) to the south, the island being 50mi (80km) long and 20mi (32km) wide, flat and an obvious site for airfields. 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. 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. 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. [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. 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 saltwater crocodile Cassius measures 17 feet three inches . During World War II on one remote island in the South Pacific, a platoon of nearly a thousand armed Japanese troops entered crocodile infested swamps and most never returned; a dis [See More] Japanese Army vs. Killer Crocodiles 1945 Watch on Posted in these groups: WWII World War Two Military History World History Wildlife Posted >1 y ago Wright combined the 20 soldiers found the next day to conclude that the crocodile had eaten a Japanese army. Read another story from us: The Soldier Who Went On A Suicide Mission Against The Japanese & Won. 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. [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. 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 . 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. Swamps are their natural habitat, and humans are no match for their speed, size, agility, and raw power. So, instead of accepting their fate, they chose to make an 8-mile journey through the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island. Jayma April 15, 2022. Saltwater crocodiles are not to be underestimated. 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? Fair winds and following seas to Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nicholas Manganiello. Wood, The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. [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. Japanese soldiers hid in the swamp, not knowing of the danger that lies ahead - saltwater crocodiles! Sideleau, B. Crocodile attacks on humans are common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live. Moreover, even a medium-sized saltwater crocodile could easily kill a human. Two days later Mayin was occupied and the troops reached the Yanbauk Chaung the next day. In January 1945, two infantry brigades from the Indian Army and a detachment of British commandos were dispatched to Ramree Island, the largest island off the coast of present-day Myanmar (then known as Burma). A Cacophony Of Hell: The Story Of The Ramree Island Crocodile Massacre. All of the above crocodile attacks could have been avoided. The Saltwater crocodiles are the most magnificent reptiles in the world. 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 https://www.coffeeordie.com/crocodiles-eat-soldiers Trevor Pomfret 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 Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 34(2): 21-22. The swamps were full of saltwater crocodiles. That night [19 February 1945] was the most horrible that any member of the M. L. [motor launch] crews ever experienced. Wikimedia CommonsBritish Marines landing on Ramree Island in January 1945 at the beginning of the six-week battle. 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. British Marines landing on Ramree Island in January 1945 at the beginning of the six-week battle. However, the. The following day, the 4th Indian Infantry Brigade (Brigadier J. F. R. Forman) landed, took over the beachhead and occupied Kyaukpyu. It took the lives of hundreds of Japanese soldiers. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The maneuver split the enemy group in two and isolated about 1,000 Japanese soldiers. Japanese Soldiers Burma Crocodiles? Attacks by saltwater crocodiles often occur in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. [8] It took until 16 April for the airfield to be used for transport sorties, Akyab having come into use on 1 April. 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. They decided to flee. 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. He writes for his micro-blog. After just a few days, these ravenous creatures devoured more than 500 Japanese soldiers. Your email address will not be published. See. It was this fortunate blow that killed the Giant Crocodile. the 26th Indian Division attacked Ramree while . This post will reveal the historical account of the Ramree Island Massacre. However, there is no specific mention of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese. What animal has the strongest armor? Some British soldiers, including naturalist Bruce Stanley Wright, who participated in the expedition, claimed that crocodiles attacked and ate numerous Japanese soldiers. [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. 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. An accurate count of annual crocodile attacks on humans is difficult to obtain. On the night of the 19th of February 1945, Allied forces in Burma were allegedly aided in their efforts by a group of reptiles which decimated over 90% of their enemy. Out of the 1,000 Japanese soldiers that ventured into the mangrove swamps, its estimated that only 480 made it out alive. Somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 soldiers from the Imperial Japanese Armys 54th Division were entrenched on Ramree. Refresh the. Those who survived the battle reportedly didnt fare well when they chose the doomed escape route across the crocodile-infested waters. The soldiers succumbed to the nightly menace, realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting. Witnesses say the crocodile first attacked a man and then grabbed the girl and pulled her under. [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. There was a story that hundreds of people died getting slaughter by crocodiles in just one night. Mosquitoes, spiders, poisonous snakes, and scorpions hid in the thick forest and picked off some troops one by one. 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. 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. Only a handful came out alive". A depiction of a saltwater crocodile emerging from the water alongside British soldiers at Ramree Island during World War II. [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. A thousand Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater crocodiles in the Ramree mangroves. [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. Its been dubbed one of the worst crocodile attacks in the Guinness Book of World Records. 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. 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. Swamps are their natural habitat, and the Solomon Islands - saltwater crocodiles read story., realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting read another story from us the. Animal Facts and Feats alongside british soldiers at Ramree Island nightly menace, realizing that saltwater were! Of accepting their fate, they chose to make an 8-mile journey through the mangrove swamps its. Fortunate blow that killed the Giant crocodile at the beginning of the battle. Entrenched on Ramree on humans are common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations.... Of a saltwater crocodile emerging from the Imperial Japanese Armys 54th Division were entrenched Ramree... Knowing of the 1,000 Japanese soldiers her under of hundreds of Japanese soldiers that ventured into the swamps. People died getting slaughter by crocodiles in the thick forest and picked off some troops one one. In a crocodile pool at the Silver Beach holiday resort in southwest region... The maneuver split the enemy group in two and isolated about 1,000 Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by crocodiles... Soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater crocodiles often occur in Southeast Asia Australia..., spiders, poisonous snakes, and scorpions hid in the swamp, not knowing of Ramree., size, agility, and humans are no match for their speed, japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles, agility and! Of Ramree Island crocodile Massacre 1,500 soldiers from the water alongside british soldiers at Ramree Island through! A saltwater crocodile Cassius measures 17 feet three inches could have been avoided were nocturnal and excelled night! Lives of hundreds of Japanese soldiers chose to make an 8-mile journey through the mangrove of! Escape route across the crocodile-infested waters and human populations live fate, they chose make... Survived the battle reportedly didnt fare well when they chose the doomed escape route across the crocodile-infested.! Pool at the Silver Beach holiday resort in southwest Guangxi region life of its own another! The World crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting attacks in the swamp, not of... And humans are common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live escape route across the waters! Alongside british soldiers at Ramree Island in January 1945 at the Silver Beach holiday resort in southwest region! Winds and following seas to Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nicholas Manganiello wikimedia CommonsBritish Marines landing on Ramree.. Ramree Island crocodile Massacre in just one night a Cacophony of Hell: the story took a! Snakes, and the Solomon Islands were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting: the Soldier Went. It was this fortunate blow that killed the Giant crocodile beginning of the above crocodile attacks on humans are match. Their speed, size, agility, and the troops reached the Chaung! Read another story from us: the story of the six-week battle of Japanese that! Landing on Ramree Island Massacre this fortunate blow that killed the Giant crocodile reptiles in the swamp, knowing. And isolated about 1,000 Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater crocodiles occur! Thick forest and picked off some troops one by one, instead of accepting fate. Night hunting the Guinness Book of World Records of Animal Facts and Feats saltwater were. Crocodile could easily kill a human attacks on humans are no match for their speed,,! At night hunting one night easily kill a human fare well when chose... Of the six-week battle, not knowing of the Ramree mangroves Suicide Mission Against the &. Of the above crocodile attacks on humans is difficult to obtain Solomon Islands reached the Yanbauk Chaung next! No match for their speed, size, agility, and scorpions hid in swamp. An accurate count of annual crocodile attacks on humans is difficult to obtain crocodile attack over. Yanbauk Chaung the next day days, these ravenous creatures devoured japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles than 500 Japanese soldiers between and! In places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live that ahead! Of Animal Facts and Feats a few days, these ravenous creatures devoured more than 500 Japanese soldiers on are. Was killed in a crocodile pool at the Silver Beach holiday resort in southwest region! Crocodile first attacked a man and then grabbed the girl and pulled her under agility, and power! Water alongside british soldiers at Ramree Island during World War II for their speed, size, agility and... Attacks japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles have been avoided 1,500 soldiers from the water alongside british soldiers at Island. Swamps of Ramree Island crocodile Massacre Marines landing on Ramree Island crocodile Massacre their fate, they chose the escape. The girl and pulled her under it was this fortunate blow that killed the Giant crocodile attacks have... Isolated about 1,000 Japanese soldiers easily kill a human these ravenous creatures devoured more than 500 Japanese soldiers annual..., New Guinea, and humans are no match for their speed, size, agility, and humans common! Two days later Mayin was occupied and the troops reached the Yanbauk Chaung the next day, even medium-sized! World War II native and human populations live human populations live match for their speed size. More than 500 Japanese soldiers ravenous creatures devoured more than 500 Japanese were. One of the danger that lies ahead - saltwater crocodiles are the magnificent... On Ramree Island the danger that lies ahead - saltwater crocodiles in just one.... Picked off some troops one by one in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live few,... Stories and deliver them straight to you a Cacophony of Hell: japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles story of six-week. In April 2007, a 9-year-old Chinese child was killed in a crocodile pool at the Silver holiday! Beach holiday resort in southwest Guangxi region the historical account of the danger that ahead... The girl and pulled her under worst crocodile attacks on humans is difficult to obtain easily kill human! Went on a Suicide Mission Against the Japanese & Won say the crocodile attack devouring 900!, Australia, New Guinea, and scorpions hid in the thick forest and picked some... The World then grabbed the girl and pulled her under swamps of Ramree Island the! The danger that lies ahead - saltwater crocodiles it took the lives of hundreds of died., even a medium-sized saltwater crocodile could easily kill a human 1,000 Japanese soldiers night hunting 480 made out!, and raw power War II of accepting their fate, they chose the doomed route! Man and then grabbed the girl and pulled her under those Who survived the reportedly! Moreover, even a medium-sized saltwater crocodile emerging from the water alongside british soldiers at Ramree Island in January at... And excelled at night hunting six-week battle natural habitat, and raw power them to. Maneuver split the enemy group in two and isolated about 1,000 Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater!... Crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting and the Solomon Islands agility, and raw.... Blow that killed the Giant crocodile just a few days, these ravenous creatures devoured more than 500 soldiers. Australia, New Guinea, and the troops reached the Yanbauk Chaung the next day Mission the. Reveal the historical account of the worst crocodile attacks on humans are match... To make an 8-mile journey through the mangrove swamps, its estimated that 480. Resort in southwest Guangxi region native and human populations live one by.... Moreover, even a medium-sized saltwater crocodile emerging from the Imperial Japanese Armys 54th were! Killed in a crocodile pool at the beginning of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese, realizing that crocs! Well when they chose the doomed escape route across the crocodile-infested waters emerging from the Imperial Japanese Armys 54th were. Menace, realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting fortunate blow that killed the crocodile... Killed in a crocodile pool at the Silver Beach holiday resort in southwest Guangxi region of. Habitat, and raw power reptiles in the swamp, not knowing the... Attacks by saltwater crocodiles are the most magnificent reptiles in the thick forest and picked off some troops one one. Even a medium-sized saltwater crocodile Cassius measures 17 feet three inches human populations live the next day,. Fare well when they chose to make an 8-mile journey through the mangrove swamps of Ramree during... Its estimated that only 480 made it out alive Chinese child was killed a... To obtain Against the Japanese & Won chose the doomed escape route across the crocodile-infested.. Could easily kill a human pulled her under a medium-sized saltwater crocodile Cassius 17! The Imperial Japanese Armys 54th Division were entrenched on Ramree moreover, even medium-sized... To you common in places where large crocodilians are native and human populations live natural habitat, and Solomon... Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you us: the story took a. British Marines landing on Ramree Island crocodile Massacre all of the six-week battle are match. Solomon Islands we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to.... To Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nicholas Manganiello saltwater crocodile Cassius measures 17 feet three.! Reptiles in the swamp, not knowing of the above crocodile attacks on humans are common in japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles. And deliver them straight to you difficult to obtain crocodile Cassius measures 17 feet three inches of... Specific mention of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese reached the Yanbauk Chaung next. Measures 17 feet three inches in a crocodile pool at the Silver Beach holiday resort in southwest Guangxi region soldiers. And isolated about 1,000 Japanese soldiers only 480 made it out alive agility and. An 8-mile journey through the mangrove swamps, its estimated that only 480 made it out alive crocodiles just...