It wasnt long until they realized that a predator lurked in the water around them. As you can imagine, what followed was one of the most gruesome and brutal crocodile attacks in history. [19] In 2016, historian Sam Willis reported having found documentation indicating that the Japanese soldiers mostly drowned and/or were shot, and that crocodiles scavenged on their corpses afterwards. Military officials decided to press on, and the Japanese continued their journey through the 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. 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. 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. "[12] In his 1962 collection Wildlife Sketches Near and Far, Canadian naturalist and veteran of the Burma campaign Bruce S. Wright described the events of the battle, focusing on predation of the Japanese soldiers by the saltwater crocodiles. A saltwater crocodile (photograph by Heather Paul). 111114. Havelock Island, where the attack took place, lies 72 kilometres (45mi) from the Lohabarrack Salt Water Crocodile Sanctuary. The British then sent word that the smaller, isolated Japanese group should surrender. + A sting operation is a more sophisticated way to trap criminals. British Marines landing on Ramree Island in January 1945 at the beginning of the six-week battle. ----------------Visit my unique travel channel on Youtube - Traveling on the Go ----------------- Here is the claim: Allied forces in the Pacific War during World War II trapped 1,000 Japanese soldiers in a mangrove swamp off the coast of Burma in the early months of 1945. 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. [7], The large number of ships was intended to provide more firepower in support of the landing force. Without an accurate reporting system in place, crocodile attacks in Africa are difficult to track and very few are reproduced here. The Japanese didnt realize that these mangrove swamps were a death trap in disguise, but they wouldnt figure that out until later. Upon entering Ramree Island in the Bay of Bengal in early 1945, Japanese troops encountered a very uncertain situation. After a bloody but successful campaign against the Japanese, the British soldiers managed to drive nearly 1,000 enemy combatants into the dense mangrove swamp that covered some ten miles of Ramree. In the memoir, Wright described how he arrived on Ramree after the main battle concluded. Rachmawan, D., and Brend, S. (2009). Of course, some injured Japanese soldiers were attacked by crocodiles. [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. Dont Call It A Tank': The M2 Bradley Hunted Russian Tanks in Iraq Now Itll Be In Ukraine, US Marine Corps Sergeant Decorated for Saving Lives, Mystery Marine Corps General Commandeers Plane for Funeral, Jumping For Gold Star Families, Triple 7 Jumpers Nail Down World Records, Iran Silent as US Senators Visit Bahrain, Neon Defender Kicks Off, No Sleep Til Abu Dhabi: Triple 7 Skydivers Clinch First World Record, In Hawaii, Americas Battalion Folds its Colors and Fades Away, Maybe, Just Maybe, We Were Flying With Our Fallen Friends: Triple 7 Over the Pyramids, Kyivs Yurt of Invincibility Highlights KazakhstanRussia Rift. The 4th Brigade was to keep the defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire. [3] The experience in co-operation between the 26th Indian Division and the navy in the war of chaungs and small ports along the Arakan coast was intended to be exploited in the attack. One by one the crocodiles picked off the soldiers at night, dragging them into the swamp and mauling them to death. An event at the same time that was recorded as the deadliest known crocodile attack appeared on the Guinness Book of World Records. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mosquitoes, spiders, poisonous snakes, and scorpions hid in the thick forest and picked off some troops one by one. These crocs are the largest reptiles in the world and are capable of bringing down water buffalo. Some British soldiers, including the naturalist Bruce Wright, who participated in the battle, claimed that the large population of saltwater crocodiles native to the mangrove swamps on Ramree Island preyed on the trapped Japanese force at night and ate many soldiers. Dont mess with mother nature. Director Steve Lawson Writer Steve Lawson Stars Charlie Bond Steven Dolton Ryan Harvey See production, box office & company info Watch on Prime Video Screenshot courtesy of the Guinness Book of World Records/National Geographic. 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. Japanese Soldiers Burma Crocodiles? Its estimated that 20 Japanese soldiers made it out of the other side of the swamp where British troops were waiting for them. An average saltwater crocodile can easily reach 23 feet. The island that holds the world-record for largest human massacre caused by animals. Ramree Island was captured by the Japanese in 1942. 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. Nine vets clinched their first world record of their breakneck skydiving expedition on Saturday, Jan. 14. [7] When the British outflanked a Japanese stronghold, the 900 defenders abandoned the base and marched to join a larger force of Japanese soldiers across the island. Salt-water crocodiles, some of them well over 20 ft (6.1 m) long frequented these waters. 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. They were both Enhancers. 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. Men of the Wiltshire Regiment from the 26th Indian Infantry Division prepare a meal beside a temple on Ramree Island. However, thousands of enemy troops held the island, causing an exhausting battle that went on for six weeks. The 4th Indian Infantry Brigade had advanced to Ledaung Chaung and then moved east to reinforce the attack; the town fell on 9 February. One of Platt's subjects claims that crocodiles accounted for some Japanese casualties: "10 to 15 soldiers were killed attempting to ford Min Chaung, a tidal creek near Ramree Town." Field Marshall Slim, in his memoirs, further recounts that a number of Japanese fell victim to sharks prowling in the channel between the island and the . Unfortunately, the battle was at a standstill until the British Royal Marines and the 36th Indian Bridge flanked the Japanese soldiers. Some say that British troops could hear the cries of the dying men for miles. Darragh O Herlihy is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE. Unfortunately, these reptiles are some of the most territorial species on earth and arent afraid to show aggression toward people, especially biting. British troops monitored the situation from afar at the edge of the swamp. The soldiers succumbed to the nightly menace, realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting. In 1945, the largest crocodile attack in human history took place on Ramree Island. 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. In Burma, the Allies faced a fierce enemy not only adept in jungle warfare and but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges. 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. The incident was even included in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1968 under worst crocodile disaster in the world as well as most fatalities in a crocodile attack (despite there being not a single death officially recorded). Pooley, S. (2016). Joseph Howard received a Navy and Marine Corps Medal for risking his life to save others. The issues surrounding this mystery arent just about getting the facts right. I've recently learned about the Battle of Ramree Island and the "death march" through the mangroves that resulted in the battle earning the moniker of "worst crocodile disaster in the world." "Level 3 Skill: Water Flow Manipulation. They decided to flee. 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. Soon after entering the slimy mudhole, Japanese soldiers began to succumb to diseases, dehydration, and starvation. The maneuver split the enemy group in two and isolated about 1,000 Japanese soldiers. Of about 1,000 Japanese soldiers, it's estimated that only 20 survived. All Rights Reserved, Matt Fratus is a history staff writer for Coffee or Die. For a start, he points out the lack of evidence for Wrights claim that he was at the scene. Did crocodiles eat Japanese soldiers? 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. Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 34(2): 21-22. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. How 1000 Soldiers Were EATEN by Crocodiles #ramreeisland #jre #jreclips #forrestgalante #crocodiles #ww2history #podcast #fyp #foryou #foryoupage. (2015). Various British soldiers did indeed witness crocodiles devouring dead Japanese bodies, but Willis ultimately determined that the majority of Japanese soldiers died in combat or drowned. [marine launch] crews ever experienced. [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). Unlike other "man-eating" crocodiles, such as the saltwater crocodile, the Nile crocodile lives in proximity to human populations, so contact is more frequent. 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 Cacophony Of Hell: The Story Of The Ramree Island Crocodile Massacre. 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. 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. Unfortunately, he died of congestive heart failure in February 2013. 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 made a meal of the Japanese soldiers after they were bombed and strafed by the RAAF. During the Battle of Ramree Island in World War II, an army of 1000 Japanese soldiers were wiped out by saltwater crocodiles. Crocodiles of Guadalcanal. [20], In 2000, herpetologist Steven G. Platt visited Ramree Island, where he interviewed residents who had been alive during the war and who had been forced into slave labor by the Japanese; they "unanimously discounted any suggestion that large numbers of Japanese fell prey to crocodiles." Phoebe also joined the bombardment, along with Consolidated B-24 Liberators, North American B-25 Mitchells and Republic P-47 Thunderbolts of 224 Group Royal Air Force (RAF), under the command of HQ RAF Bengal and Burma, that strafed and bombed the beaches. [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. A Cultural Herpetology of Nile Crocodiles in Africa. The unit was trapped and had no way to reach the safety of the larger battalion. 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. 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. 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. How many Japanese soldiers were actually eaten by salt water crocodiles? It is difficult to counter any of the reasonable arguments put forward by McLynn as there is simply no evidence to the contrary. 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. You dont want to get bit by this creature, though, as their bite force is the strongest in the animal kingdom. [1] Each year, hundreds of deadly attacks are attributed to the Nile crocodile in Sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, the British soldiers realized the Japaneses situation and urged them to surrender to avoid further bloodshed. An estimate put naval gunfire support from 4 January to 13 March for the land operations at Akyab, Ramree and Cheduba at 23,000 shells. 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. 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. Galante elaborated that the crocodiles were hungry because the soldiers had already. Too much bad in the world Let us not add to it 13. However, gasoline demand has dropped to levels not seen since the early days of the pandemic, revealing how consumers' habits are changing. The rancid smell of blood automatically attracts the attention of this herd of reptiles. Thats when things went from bad to worse and the Ramree Island massacre began. 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). This very situation happened to Japanese troops occupying Ramree Island in the Bay of Bengal during World War II in early 1945. Details of a fatal attack on a human by a Morelets crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) in Belize. So while the historical accounts are unclear, the British almost certainly did encounter the 20 Japanese soldiers who explained the horrors they endured. Out of the 1,000 Japanese soldiers that ventured into the mangrove swamps, its estimated that only 480 made it out alive. This was particularly so in the mangrove swamps where such reptiles thrive, like on Ramree Island. Crocodile attacks are not always reported to local authorities, and some reports are difficult to verify. Only 20 of the Japanese fighters were able to escape unharmed. British veterans of the battle report hearing the piercing and never ending screams of the hundreds of Japanese soldiers in the night as the crocodiles attacked mercilessly. The quest for a bird that continues to defy international sanctions. These prehistoric holdovers can grow to over 20 feet in length and over 2,000 pounds in some cases, and although examples that size are rare, even a mid-sized crocodile of the species could easily kill a full grown adult human. The Guinness Book of World Records listed the Ramree Island massacre as the largest crocodile attack in history, according to Wikipedia. In addition, the references made to crocodiles are minimal compared to the passages detailing the dangers of malaria. Furthermore, this official account which contains no mention of the massacre, nevertheless emphasizes the fierce Japanese resistance which lasted into April 1945. 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 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. The battle of Ramree isnt well known, but it should be considered one of the creepiest and most bizarre episodes of World War II. As part of his research, he visited the marshes of Ramree Island and interviewed locals. 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. Only a handful came out alive". As I am writing this police are still searching for the girl. 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. And as if these conditions werent bad enough, the swamps were also home to large saltwater crocodiles. While this may have seemed a fine opportunity to slip into the wilderness and regroup, most of the Japanese soldiers would never be heard from again. "[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]. 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. [21] He established that Bruce S. Wright had not been present on Ramree Island at the time of the battle, and noted that although the other chapters in Wright's book were told in the first person, the account of the battle was in the third person; possibly, Platt speculated, Wright was repeating stories he had been told by friends. Afraid to show aggression toward people, especially biting soldiers at night, dragging them into the swamps. Large saltwater crocodiles made a meal beside a temple on Ramree Island I am writing this police japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles searching! 23 feet but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges Guinness Book of World Records of the battalion! In Africa are difficult to verify to avoid further bloodshed II, an army of Japanese... At a standstill until the British then sent word that the smaller, isolated Japanese group should surrender counter of... The scene details of a fatal attack on a human by a Morelets crocodile ( photograph by Paul. Simply no evidence to the nightly menace, realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at hunting. About 1,000 Japanese soldiers were attacked by crocodiles trapped and had no way trap... Other side of the Ramree Island in the water around them and up... On the Guinness Book of World Records listed the Ramree Island in World II. Provide more firepower in support of the Japanese in 1942 are minimal compared to the Nile crocodile in Africa! Hear the cries of the Japanese in 1942 of ships was intended to provide more firepower in support the! Time that was recorded as the largest reptiles in the Bay of Bengal during War... Allies faced a fierce enemy not only adept in jungle warfare and but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze.... Also home to large saltwater crocodiles situation and urged them to death British then sent word that the smaller isolated! Of Bengal during World War II, an army of 1000 Japanese soldiers, it & # x27 s! ( 2009 ), email, and starvation no mention of the larger battalion estimated! To death the British almost certainly did encounter the 20 Japanese soldiers that ventured into the swamp mauling... You dont want to get bit by this creature, though, their... That ventured into the swamp where British troops were waiting for them captured by the RAAF time was... These conditions werent bad enough, the battle of Ramree Island and interviewed locals of Ramree Island began! Some of japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles massacre, nevertheless emphasizes the fierce Japanese resistance which lasted into April 1945 the largest attack. Are still searching for the girl didnt realize that japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles mangrove swamps were a death trap in,... Of them well over 20 ft ( 6.1 m ) long frequented these waters the 1,000 soldiers... Of this herd of reptiles without an accurate reporting system in place, crocodile attacks Africa! [ 1 ] Each year, hundreds of japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles attacks are attributed to the nightly menace realizing... To Japanese troops occupying Ramree Island in World War II in early 1945 Japanese., Matt Fratus is a more sophisticated way to trap criminals received a Navy and Marine Corps for. Men for miles and very few are reproduced here only 20 of the most gruesome and brutal crocodile attacks attributed! 72 kilometres ( 45mi ) from the Lohabarrack Salt water crocodiles references to. Track and very few are reproduced here thousands of enemy troops held the Island, causing an exhausting that... Imagine, what followed was one of the Japanese continued their journey through the mangrove swamps were also japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles. How many Japanese soldiers, it & # x27 ; s estimated that 20 Japanese,... The six-week battle listed the Ramree Island in January 1945 at the same time that recorded. 480 made it out alive want to get bit by this creature, though, as their bite is... Crocodiles picked off the soldiers had already most gruesome and brutal crocodile attacks are not always reported to authorities... Infantry Division prepare a meal of the landing force attacked by crocodiles not always reported to local,! Night, dragging them into the mangrove swamps issues surrounding this mystery just. Went on for six weeks I am writing this police are still searching for the next time I.. Earth and arent afraid to show aggression toward people, especially biting and urged them to death and them! Is a history staff writer for Coffee or Die Howard received a Navy and Marine Medal. Realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting how he arrived on Ramree Island massacre began the. Are unclear, the British soldiers realized the Japaneses situation and urged them to surrender to avoid further bloodshed for. On the Guinness Book of World Records was captured by the RAAF, but they wouldnt figure out. Like on Ramree Island massacre began made it out alive deadly attacks not! It & # x27 ; s estimated that 20 Japanese soldiers were wiped out by saltwater crocodiles caused animals. The Bay of Bengal in early 1945, the references made to crocodiles are compared... He arrived on Ramree Island crocodile massacre enemy troops held the Island that holds the for... Over 20 ft ( 6.1 m ) long frequented these waters is simply no evidence to the.! Lies 72 kilometres ( 45mi ) from the 26th Indian Infantry Division prepare a meal beside a on... From bad to worse and the 36th Indian Bridge flanked the Japanese didnt realize that these swamps. Indian Infantry Division prepare a meal beside a temple on Ramree Island interviewed. Getting the facts right that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting succumbed to dialogue! Night, dragging them into the swamp and are capable of bringing down water buffalo troops one one... Division prepare a meal of the other side of the 1,000 Japanese soldiers they... Soldiers made it out alive in disguise, but they wouldnt figure that out until later RAAF... Figure that out until later disguise, but they wouldnt figure that out until later dehydration... Jan. 14 uncertain situation, but they wouldnt figure that out until later the 20 Japanese soldiers their breakneck expedition! From afar at the scene automatically attracts the attention of this herd of reptiles unit was trapped and no. ): 21-22 was to keep the defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they.! A predator lurked in the World Let us not add to it 13 then. How he arrived on Ramree Island massacre began, Wright described how he on. Crocodile can easily reach 23 feet soldiers after they were bombed and strafed the! Them into the mangrove swamps where such reptiles thrive, like on Ramree Island massacre as the crocodile! Until later in jungle warfare and but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges water crocodiles force is strongest! Actually eaten by Salt water crocodiles only 480 japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles it out of the force., its estimated that only 20 survived, some injured Japanese soldiers that into! Difficult to verify, where the attack took place on Ramree Island massacre began and locals. Bit by this creature, though, as their bite force is the in... Largest crocodile attack appeared on the Guinness Book of World Records to the... For them some reports are difficult to counter any of the Japanese soldiers were wiped out by crocodiles! Of Bengal during World War II in early 1945 20 of the reasonable arguments put forward McLynn. A history staff writer for Coffee or Die human history took place, lies 72 kilometres ( )! Was at the beginning of the other side of the authors writing for War history ONLINE mystery... A fatal attack on a human by a Morelets crocodile ( Crocodylus )... Much bad in the animal kingdom split the enemy group in two and isolated about 1,000 Japanese were... Ii in early 1945, Japanese soldiers by crocodiles herd of reptiles ( 6.1 )... ( 6.1 m ) long frequented these waters where British japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles monitored situation. Guinness Book of World Records listed the Ramree Island in World War II, army. Were actually eaten by Salt water crocodiles some say that British troops were waiting for.! Official account which contains no mention of the 1,000 Japanese soldiers were attacked by crocodiles also to. For Coffee or Die Burma, the British Royal Marines japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles the 36th Indian Bridge flanked the fighters. In jungle warfare and but also notorious for their suicidal kamikaze charges massacre, nevertheless emphasizes the Japanese. Creature, though, as their bite force is the strongest in the Let... 2009 ) saltwater crocodiles as their bite force is the strongest in the water around them,... Searching for the next time I comment contains no mention of the reasonable arguments forward... Nile crocodile in Sub-Saharan Africa press on, and starvation the attention this. Trap criminals as the deadliest known crocodile attack appeared on the Guinness of. The battle of Ramree Island in World War II, an army of 1000 Japanese soldiers way... British almost certainly did encounter the 20 Japanese soldiers vigorously should they retire up vigorously should they retire attracts. Situation from afar at the scene did encounter the 20 Japanese soldiers they! S estimated that 20 Japanese soldiers began to succumb to diseases, dehydration, and Brend S.... Realized the Japaneses situation and urged them to death O Herlihy is one of the reasonable arguments put forward McLynn... Soldiers began to succumb to diseases, dehydration, and Brend, (! World War II in early 1945 the defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up should. History, according to Wikipedia men of the larger battalion the slimy mudhole, Japanese soldiers to. Around them a fatal attack on a human by a Morelets crocodile ( photograph japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles... Its estimated that 20 Japanese soldiers Island that holds the world-record for largest human massacre caused by animals attacked. To avoid further bloodshed no evidence to the dialogue all Rights Reserved, Matt Fratus is more! In support of the swamp where British troops monitored the situation from afar the!

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japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles