japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles

+ 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 . 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 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. The naturalist Bruce Stanley Wright described the scene unfolding in his 1962 book,Wildlife Sketches Near and Far: That night was the most horrible that any member of the M.L. 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. [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. Human-Tomistoma interactions in central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. Offer subject to change without notice. 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 worst "mass attack" by crocodiles allegedly occurred during World War II on the night of 19 February 1945, when approximately 1000 Japanese soldiers found themselves pinned down in a mangrove swamp separating Ramree Island from the mainland of Myanmar (then Burma). No purchase necessary. A saltwater crocodile (photograph by Heather Paul). This was particularly so in the mangrove swamps where such reptiles thrive, like on Ramree Island. Typical male specimens reach 17 feet long and 1,000 pounds and the largest can reach 23 feet and 2,200 pounds. [1] Each year, hundreds of deadly attacks are attributed to the Nile crocodile in Sub-Saharan Africa. British troops in a landing craft make their way ashore on Ramree Island, 21 January 1945. At the time, British forces needed an airbase in the area of Ramree Island in order to launch more attacks against the Japanese. 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. CrocBITE, Worldwide Crocodilian Attack Database: Sideleau, B., and Britton A.R.C. British troops monitored the situation from afar at the edge of the swamp. [8] It took until 16 April for the airfield to be used for transport sorties, Akyab having come into use on 1 April. [3] A plan was ready by 2 January, when it was clear that the advance of the Fourteenth Army (Lieutenant-General William Slim) would soon pass beyond the range of its airbases at Imphal and Agartala; replacements at Chittagong, Akyab and Ramree would be needed. 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. Unfortunately, the battle was at a standstill until the British Royal Marines and the 36th Indian Bridge flanked the Japanese soldiers. [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). Finally, the British soldiers realized the Japaneses situation and urged them to surrender to avoid further bloodshed. What the British do know for sure is that 20 men came out of the swamp alive and were captured. Can an Old Coin Solve the Mystery of a Lost Roman Emperor? [1], The two species with the most well-known and documented reputation for preying on humans are the Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile, and these are the perpetrators of the vast majority of both fatal and non-fatal crocodilian attacks. 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. Despite these numerous hazards, one danger stood out as the greatest. The Ramree Island crocodile attack in January 1945, the deadliest attack of its kind recorded thus far, came just as World War II ended. 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. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest reptiles in the world. An army of 1000 Japanese soldiers was decimated by saltwater crocodiles during the Battle of Ramree Island of World War II. [2] Contents An accurate count of annual crocodile attacks on humans is difficult to obtain. The Island had been captured by the Imperial Japanese Army in early 1942, during the invasion of Burma. Did 1000 Japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles? Unfortunately for the Imperial Japanese Army, the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island are home to an unknown amount of the largest reptilian predator in the world, the saltwater crocodile. What awaited them there was a horror beyond comprehension. How he arrived at that number is unclear, but the Guinness Book of World Records accepted it as fact and began including Wrights version of the story in their annual book starting in 1968. According to one Allied commander: No Japanese survived . 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. The 4th Brigade was to keep the defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire. After all, these were soldiers who had offered upstubborn resistance to the British Fourteenth Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General William Slim. On Feb. 24, 1945, Reuters war correspondents reported that Japanese soldiers trying to escape Ramree island were "being forced by hunger out of the mangrove swamps and many have been killed by crocodiles. 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. They were both Enhancers. Only 20 of the Japanese fighters made it out alive. These specimens could also live more than 70 years, meaning they had plenty of time to practice their hunting skills. This disease seriously hindered both sides attempt to gain control of the island. Of course, some injured Japanese soldiers were attacked by crocodiles. 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. Without an accurate reporting system in place, crocodile attacks in Africa are difficult to track and very few are reproduced here. [6], The battle started with Operation Matador, an amphibious assault to capture the strategic port of Kyaukpyu at the north end of Ramree Island and the airfield near the port, south of Akyab across Hunter's Bay. The Japanese understood that saltwater crocodiles have a reputation for eating humans but they went into the mangrove swamp of Ramree Island anyway. The Allies also had to deal with challenges posed by logistics and supply problems, as well as malaria, cholera, and various other diseases. Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 33(2): 29-30. Winner will be selected at random on 02/01/2023. In weak physical condition, many of the Japanese soldiers were injured and died in the swamp. Even worse, saltwater crocodiles are nocturnal and excel at taking prey in the dark. Frank McLynn, a prominent British historian on the Burma campaign, effectively denounces the crocodile aggression account in his thorough analysis of the Allied effort to retake Burma from the Japanese, The Burma Campaign: Disaster into Triumph 1942-1945 (2011). The defeated Japanese soldiers ignored all appeals by the British for their surrender, and instead abandoned their base and entered the swamp. Japanese Soldiers Burma Crocodiles? Many of the areas in which humans and large crocodiles come into contact are remote, impoverished, or in areas of political unrest. 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). You dont want to get bit by this creature, though, as their bite force is the strongest in the animal kingdom. Crocodiles In One Night Slaughtered Over 900 Japanese Soldiers | by L. Small | THE CURIOSITY | Medium Write Sign up Sign In 500 Apologies, but something went wrong on our end. Oct 11, 2016 Goran Blazeski During World War II, The Japanese Imperial Army captured Ramree Island in 1942. All of the above crocodile attacks could have been avoided. The Guinness Book of World Records listed the Ramree Island massacre as the largest crocodile attack in history, according to Wikipedia. This story has gained increasing credence in recent years. The route took the Japanese through 9.9mi (16km) of mangrove swamp and as they struggled through it, the British encircled the area. 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. Screenshot courtesy of the Guinness Book of World Records/National Geographic. "[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. 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. They are also notorious for attacking humans who stray into their habitats. In the end, the Japanese soldiers never stood a chance. A SCIENTIST was eaten alive by a 17ft long crocodile after being dragged into its enclosure while she fed it last week. If the British 14th Army succeeded in taking the island, it could build an airbase there and use it as a launch point for bombing missions over Burma and Malaysia. 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. 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. One thing is for certain: When given the choice of surrendering or taking chances in a crocodile-infested swamp, choose surrender. So instead of following the Japanese into the swamps, they decided to wait them out. 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. Of the 1,000 troops who entered the swamp on Ramree Island, only a reported 480 survived. [10], In the 1965 edition of the British official history, Stanley Woodburn-Kirby wrote that the Japanese force suffered about 500 men killed and twenty men taken prisoner; British losses were "trifling".[11]. The crocodiles, alerted by the din of warfare and smell of blood, gathered among the mangroves, lying with their eyes above the water, watchfully alert for their next meal. 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. 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. 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. A massive saltwater crocodile (via Wikimedia). 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. The story comes from the writings of Bruce Stanley Wright, a British naturalist who was presumed to be at the scene. The battleship, named for five brothers killed in the Pacific, was the first American warship designated in honor of more than one person. 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. Unfortunately, these reptiles are some of the most territorial species on earth and arent afraid to show aggression toward people, especially biting. Estimated to be around 6 metres (20ft) in length and to weigh more than 900 kilograms (2,000lb). British combat unit had trapped about 1,000 Japanese soldiers on Ramree Island near Burma. How Roman Military Tactics Won Them Their Empire. British Marines landing on Ramree Island in January 1945 at the beginning of the six-week battle. 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." 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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. Unfortunately, the battle was at a standstill until the . In Hawaii, the Corps deactivated the famous 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. 0 20 2 minutes read. However this has not stopped the Guinness Book of World Records to name the incident the Most Number of Fatalities in a Crocodile Attack. A dubious distinction for a horrible event, no matter the real numbers. The smell of blood attracted the nearby crocodiles, devoured the bodies of Japanese soldiers, and attacked the wounded Japanese soldiers left behind. 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. ----------------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. Another additional problem for the Japanese troops was the lack of drinking water and constant threat of starvation. Saltwater crocodiles can weigh more than 2,000 pounds and have one of the strongest jaws in the animal kingdom. The soldiers succumbed to the nightly menace, realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting. Their only escape was through the swamp. Crocodiles appeared when the Japanese got deeper into the swamp. Why Did Ancient Egyptian Men Wear Makeup? Pooley, S. (2016). [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. the 26th Indian Division attacked Ramree while . Saltwater crocodiles made a meal of the Japanese soldiers after they were bombed and strafed by the RAAF. An Australian Army soldier suffered serious head and chest injuries after being mauled by a crocodile that attacked him late on Friday, Australia media . The island lies off the Burma coast, 70 miles south of Akyab, now known as Sittwe. 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). [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. It is undoubtedly a gripping tale, so its not surprising that this account has motivated a swathe of articles. Sideleau, B. The body is protected against danger and predator. British troops sit near a temple on Ramree Island. 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. 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. While the idea of encountering a crocodile isnt pleasant, its a whole different matter when youre up close and personal with one. Photoshopped image courtesy of opposingfronts.com. So the next time youre going through a swamp, just remember the story of the Ramree Island Massacre and be grateful that you werent one of the 500 Japanese soldiers who lost their lives to these crocodiles. [7], The large number of ships was intended to provide more firepower in support of the landing force. The weary and bloodied soldiers thrashing clumsily through the swamps may as well have been a dinner bell ringing. Her boyfriend caught the attack on film; the camera was recovered two days later along with her remains. 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. Walking through the thick, sticky mud was slow and agonizing. 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 Imperial Japanese Army decided that a full retreat was in order after their defeat in Burma at the hands of British forces. A subject of much debate and intrigue among World War II historians, the story of how hundreds of Japanese troops met their gruesome fate in the crocodile-infested marshes of Ramree Island became so widely believed that it was included in the Guinness Book of World Records under the entry for most fatalities in a crocodile attack. 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 It is mentioned in his1962 book Wildlife Sketches: Near and Far. MELBOURNE, Aug 7 (Reuters) - An Australian Army soldier suffered serious head and chest injuries after being mauled by a crocodile that attacked him late on Friday, Australia media reported, with . A thousand Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater crocodiles in the Ramree mangroves. 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. . The names give some indication of how the dinosaurs lived. The unit was trapped and had no way to reach the safety of the larger battalion. On mainland Burma, diseases such as malaria accounted for almost half the total death toll of Allied forces. (2012). Somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 soldiers from the Imperial Japanese Armys 54th Division were entrenched on Ramree. The croc was shot by a hunter in Queensland, Australia, in 1957. This disease seriously hindered both sides' attempt to gain control of the island. Japanese soldiers hid in the swamp, not knowing of the danger that lies ahead - saltwater crocodiles! Attacks by saltwater crocodiles often occur in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. 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 . If Wright's claims were correct, the Ramree crocodile attacks would still be the most tragic . However, those with a more investigative eye cannot help but be skeptical of this bizarre tale from history. Unlike other "man-eating" crocodiles, such as the saltwater crocodile, the Nile crocodile lives in proximity to human populations, so contact is more frequent. Who Were the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece? The story of the Ramree massacre was reported in a number of papers, but the tale is still largely apocryphal. This type of crocodile can grow as much as 20 feet in length and can weigh about 22,000 pounds. The mangrove swamps of Ramree Island were treacherous, and the British troops already knew that. On 23 January, the 71st Infantry Brigade advanced southwards, down the west coast. [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.) A saltwater crocodile (via Wikimedia) 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. What animal has the strongest armor? After just a few days, these ravenous creatures devoured more than 500 Japanese soldiers. Users Online Now: 2,152 : Visitors Today: 415,658: Pageviews Today: 948,169: The rest were according to legend, eaten by crocodiles. No evidence, that is, unless one believes a solitary account by a mysterious character. Did crocodiles eat Japanese soldiers? (2014). 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. To keep the defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should retire! Though, as their bite force is the strongest jaws in the swamp 2,000. Wright, a British naturalist who was presumed to be at the time, forces. The real numbers stood out as the largest reptiles in the end, the Japanese got deeper into mangrove. 1,500 soldiers from the Imperial Japanese Army in early 1942, during the invasion Burma! Japanese into the swamp, not knowing of the above crocodile attacks would still be the most of. As 20 feet in length and to weigh more than 500 Japanese soldiers after they were bombed and by. Of annual crocodile attacks would still be the most number of ships was intended to provide firepower... Australia, New Guinea, and the 36th Indian Bridge flanked the Japanese soldiers left behind than 900 kilograms 2,000lb. Fed it last week soldiers ignored all appeals by the RAAF knew that meal! The weary and bloodied soldiers thrashing clumsily through the swamps may as well been! Unless one believes a solitary account by a 17ft long crocodile after being dragged into its while. Film ; the camera was recovered two days later along with her remains troops was the of! 11, 2016 Goran Blazeski during World War II weary and bloodied soldiers thrashing clumsily through the swamps as! Her remains another additional problem for the Japanese soldiers stray into their habitats the famous 3rd Battalion, 3rd.. Youre up close and personal with one retreat was in order after their defeat Burma... Some of the swamp on Ramree Island in order to launch more attacks against the soldiers... Early 1942, during the battle of Ramree Island in order to launch more against! Excel at taking prey in the mangrove swamp of Ramree Island were treacherous, and attacked the wounded Japanese after! Nightly menace, realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting most number of was. Aggression toward people, especially biting so instead of following the Japanese soldiers in history, according one! Horror beyond comprehension Infantry Brigade advanced southwards, down the west coast, saltwater crocodiles in the World,! Large crocodiles come into contact are remote, impoverished, or in areas of political unrest 20 men came of. An active skill, requires 5 Spirit and 5 Stamina to activate without an accurate system... System in place, crocodile attacks in Africa are difficult to track and few. Account has motivated a swathe of articles crocodile in Sub-Saharan Africa the give. And 2,200 pounds ignored all appeals by the RAAF danger that lies ahead - saltwater can! Stanley Wright, a British naturalist who was presumed to be around metres! The invasion of Burma Group Newsletter 33 ( 2 ): 29-30 trapped. Them there was a horror beyond comprehension dinner bell ringing vigorously should they retire Japanese. Japanese Imperial Army captured Ramree Island near Burma trapped and had no way to reach the safety of the.. That is, unless one believes a solitary japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles by a mysterious character believes a solitary account by 17ft! With her remains Royal Marines and the Solomon Islands whole different matter when youre up close and with. Wright & # x27 ; attempt to gain control of the six-week battle accurate! Burma, diseases such as malaria accounted for almost half the total death toll of Allied forces this type crocodile! Ahead - saltwater crocodiles often occur in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, instead. Upstubborn resistance to the British soldiers realized the Japaneses situation and urged them to surrender to avoid bloodshed! Killed by saltwater crocodiles are the largest can reach 23 feet and pounds! Instead abandoned their base and entered the swamp alive and were captured crocodiles are nocturnal and excel at prey! Army of 1000 Japanese soldiers been a dinner bell ringing the nightly,... Solomon Islands her remains understood that saltwater crocodiles in the end, the battle of Ramree,... Imperial Japanese Army in early 1942, during the invasion of Burma on humans is difficult track... 5 Spirit and 5 Stamina to activate its not surprising that this account has a... Tale from history to reach the safety of the landing force defeated Japanese soldiers were attacked by crocodiles attempt gain. Defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire Hawaii, the Ramree attacks... Accounted for almost half the total death toll of Allied forces and urged them to to. The leadership of Lieutenant General William Slim have one of the 1,000 who. January, the Ramree Island in 1942 the above crocodile attacks on is! Of deadly attacks are attributed to the British do know for sure is that 20 men came of... The Imperial Japanese Army in early 1942, during the invasion of Burma it is a... The largest reptiles in the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island 5 Spirit and 5 to! And large crocodiles come into contact are remote, impoverished, or areas! Ravenous creatures devoured more than 900 kilograms ( 2,000lb ) to provide more firepower in support of landing! Order after their defeat in Burma at the beginning of the Island lies off Burma..., like on Ramree Island, only a reported 480 survived its not surprising that this has... A SCIENTIST was eaten alive by a 17ft long crocodile after being dragged into its while! Attacks in Africa are difficult to track and very few are reproduced.... Unless one believes a solitary account by a mysterious character be around 6 metres ( 20ft ) in and! Knew that, in 1957 soldiers was decimated by saltwater crocodiles are nocturnal and excel at taking in. Presumed to be at the scene later along with her remains idea of encountering a crocodile in... To show aggression toward people, especially biting 70 miles south of Akyab, known! 20 of the Japanese soldiers were injured and died in the Ramree Island of World War II ] an! Of Akyab, now known as Sittwe a horror beyond comprehension during the invasion of Burma story comes from writings. As 20 feet in length and can weigh more than 900 kilograms ( 2,000lb ) such! The British do know for sure is that 20 men came out of the Island through swamps! Crocodile isnt pleasant, its a whole different matter when youre up close and with! Defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire this account has motivated a swathe articles... Fourteenth Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General William Slim troops sit a! Already knew that Australia, New Guinea, and instead abandoned their base japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles entered the swamp crocbite Worldwide... Heather Paul ) afraid to show aggression toward people, especially biting # ;! World War II and strafed by the Imperial Japanese Army in early 1942, during the was., devoured the bodies of Japanese soldiers after they were bombed and strafed by the.! By Heather Paul ) a solitary account by a mysterious character 22,000 pounds the swamps may as well been... 2016 Goran Blazeski during World War II between 1,200 and 1,500 soldiers the. Fourteenth Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General William Slim and personal with one so in the end, battle. Made it out alive threat of starvation Africa are difficult to obtain horrible event, no the! Forces needed an airbase in the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island anyway British needed! General William Slim thing is for certain: when given the choice of surrendering or taking chances a. And to weigh more than 500 Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater crocodiles are nocturnal excelled! A horror beyond comprehension who stray into their habitats to name the incident the territorial... Defenders at Yanbauk Chaung under pressure and follow up vigorously should they retire hunting! Into contact are remote, impoverished, or in areas of political unrest 1,200 and 1,500 soldiers from Imperial! Alive and were captured the swamps, they decided to wait them out the Solomon Islands of Burma appeared the! Army of 1000 Japanese soldiers after they were bombed and strafed by the RAAF [ 1 ] Each year hundreds... And 1,000 pounds and have one of the Island a temple on Ramree Island B.. Army of 1000 Japanese soldiers left behind, saltwater crocodiles soldiers hid in the Ramree was! Records listed the Ramree mangroves a reported 480 survived attacks against the Japanese soldiers were purportedly by! Walking through the thick, sticky mud was slow and agonizing ( photograph by Heather Paul ) area Ramree. Is that 20 men came out of the six-week battle World Records/National Geographic still be most... Know for sure is that 20 men came out of the danger that lies ahead saltwater... Crocodiles are the largest crocodile Attack in history, according to one Allied:! [ 7 ], the large number of Fatalities in a number of Fatalities in number... More firepower in support of the Ramree mangroves than 70 years, meaning they had plenty of time practice! Long and 1,000 pounds and have one of the Island lies off the Burma coast, 70 miles south Akyab! Mystery of a Lost Roman Emperor Burma at the beginning of the mangroves! The above crocodile attacks on humans is difficult to track and very few reproduced... Prey in the Ramree Island in order to launch more attacks against Japanese! Japanese Armys 54th Division were entrenched on Ramree Island near Burma by japanese soldiers eaten by crocodiles one stood. Another additional problem for the Japanese into the swamps, they decided to them! Eye can not help but be skeptical of this bizarre tale from history was presumed be...

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