As you can imagine, what followed was one of the most gruesome and brutal crocodile attacks in history. 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 . 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. 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.. Havelock Island, where the attack took place, lies 72 kilometres (45mi) from the Lohabarrack Salt Water Crocodile Sanctuary. . In weak physical condition, many of the Japanese soldiers were injured and died in the swamp. 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 issues surrounding this mystery arent just about getting the facts right. However, gasoline demand has dropped to levels not seen since the early days of the pandemic, revealing how consumers' habits are changing. What awaited them there was a horror beyond comprehension. Wood, The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. As a result, saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodile species in the world and the largest reptile. Somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 soldiers from the Imperial Japanese Armys 54th Division were entrenched on Ramree. 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. All rights reserved. Pooley, S. (2016). Nevertheless, some information does exist: for example, it was reported by CAMPFIRE in Zimbabwe that in the first ten months of the year in 2005 crocodiles were the number one cause of death in humans where wildlife was involved with the number of deaths cited as 13. [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. A SCIENTIST was eaten alive by a 17ft long crocodile after being dragged into its enclosure while she fed it last week. The largest crocodile alive is Cassius who is about 100 years old. 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. Tehran remains unusually mum while Neon Defender warships ply Persian Gulf. pp. On 21 January, an hour before the 71st Indian Infantry Brigade (Brigadier R. C. Cotterell-Hill) was to land, Queen Elizabeth opened fire with 69 rounds of 15in (380mm)-shell from the main battery, the fall of shot being watched by aircraft from Ameer. However, there is no specific mention of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese. As part of his research, he visited the marshes of Ramree Island and interviewed locals. 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). One thing is for certain: When given the choice of surrendering or taking chances in a crocodile-infested swamp, choose surrender. The armor of the Pangolin is used to protect it. 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. However, there is no specific mention of the crocodile attack devouring over 900 Japanese. In addition, the references made to crocodiles are minimal compared to the passages detailing the dangers of malaria. There were 2 experts from the small Japanese village, one was Kyoko, the other was Kaori. Refresh the. (2014). 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. 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 battleship, named for five brothers killed in the Pacific, was the first American warship designated in honor of more than one person. It is mentioned in his1962 book Wildlife Sketches: Near and Far. The new discoveries have been given the names Riparovenator milnerae and Ceratosuchops inferodios, translating respectively to "Milner's riverbank hunter," in honor of paleontologist Angela Milner, and the more colorful "hell-heron horned crocodile-face.". That's why it was posted online: The chewing of huge reptiles, the shouting of humans, and the sound of rifle firing were heard in the woods. The rest were according to legend, eaten by crocodiles. Oct 11, 2016 Goran Blazeski During World War II, The Japanese Imperial Army captured Ramree Island in 1942. The crocodiles have a long history of attacking humans who wander into their habitats, seeing them as little more than taller, more awkward prey. Platt also noted that Wright did not actually "attribute the majority of Japanese casualties to crocodile predation", but merely specified that only 20 out of 1000 Japanese soldiers survived the battle, with crocodiles being "just one of many hazards". So, instead of accepting their fate, they chose to make an 8-mile journey through the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island. However, first they had to drive off the Japanese invasion force which had already claimed the island. A Japanese air raid on 11 February seriously damaged a destroyer with a near miss and forty small craft were sent by the Japanese from the mainland to rescue the survivors of the garrison. The following day, the 4th Indian Infantry Brigade (Brigadier J. F. R. Forman) landed, took over the beachhead and occupied Kyaukpyu. An Australian Army soldier suffered serious head and chest injuries after being mauled by a crocodile that attacked him late on Friday, Australia media . Reviews indicate that at least half of all attacks by the Nile and saltwater crocodiles are fatal[1] (in Australia, however, only about 25% of saltwater crocodile attacks are fatal). Fair winds and following seas to Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nicholas Manganiello. One by one the crocodiles picked off the soldiers at night, dragging them into the swamp and mauling them to death. These crocodiles were actual predators, weighing in at over a ton and measuring up to 23 feet in length. 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. Photoshopped image courtesy of opposingfronts.com. Despite these numerous hazards, one danger stood out as the greatest. + A sting operation is a more sophisticated way to trap criminals. British troops sit near a temple on Ramree Island. Nine vets clinched their first world record of their breakneck skydiving expedition on Saturday, Jan. 14. 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. Users Online Now: 2,152 : Visitors Today: 415,658: Pageviews Today: 948,169: ----------------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. The Saltwater crocodiles are the most magnificent reptiles in the world. 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. 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). It is difficult to counter any of the reasonable arguments put forward by McLynn as there is simply no evidence to the contrary. But are we really to believe that a sizable force of trained Japanese soldiers was decimated by an onslaught of crocodiles? These specimens could also live more than 70 years, meaning they had plenty of time to practice their hunting skills. The body is protected against danger and predator. Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 28(1): 911. 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. Imagine youre part of a military force outflanked by the enemy on a tropical island. Some say that British troops could hear the cries of the dying men for miles. 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. 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). 111114. Wikimedia Commons photo. 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. Furthermore, this official account which contains no mention of the massacre, nevertheless emphasizes the fierce Japanese resistance which lasted into April 1945. The saltwater crocodile Cassius measures 17 feet three inches . 8. 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. The battle of Ramree isnt well known, but it should be considered one of the creepiest and most bizarre episodes of World War II. All of the above crocodile attacks could have been avoided. Offer subject to change without notice. Not a single one did. No Japanese survived . It was this fortunate blow that killed the Giant Crocodile. 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. On the 19th of the month, the Japanese unit attempted to make its way through 10 miles of swamp to link up with a larger unit. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Who Were the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece? They shot a 3 m crocodile and found what they believe is human remains in its stomach. 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. The soldiers succumbed to the nightly menace, realizing that saltwater crocs were nocturnal and excelled at night hunting. The story comes from the writings of Bruce Stanley Wright, a British naturalist who was presumed to be at the scene. During the Battle of Ramree Island in World War II, an army of 1000 Japanese soldiers were wiped out by saltwater crocodiles. The 20 Most Famous Last Words of All Time. 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. Some of them being so badly injured and mauled that they were later recaptured by the British forces. The debacle was so bad that the Japanese troops were forced to retreat and flee into the mangrove swamps of Ramree Island. Out of the 1,000 Japanese soldiers that ventured into the mangrove swamps, its estimated that only 480 made it out alive. However, death toll estimates vary. Even worse, saltwater crocodiles are nocturnal and excel at taking prey in the dark. Human-Tomistoma interactions in central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. 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 In the end, the Japanese soldiers never stood a chance. The largest crocodile ever killed was a saltwater crocodile that measured 23 feet and weighed 2,370 pounds. Its estimated that 20 Japanese soldiers made it out of the other side of the swamp where British troops were waiting for them. The majority of Japanese soldiers died in combat or drowned, despite the fact that many British soldiers witnessed crocodiles eating dead Japanese bodies. [1] Unlike the predatory attacks by Nile and saltwater crocodiles, victims of mugger crocodiles are often not eaten, indicating that many attacks by this species are territorial or defensive rather than predatory. Wikimedia CommonsBritish Marines landing on Ramree Island in January 1945 at the beginning of the six-week battle. 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. A biologist solves the mystery of two dozen missing animal mummies. And helped launch a corporation now worth more than $40 billion. In addition, saltwater crocodiles are far from a misunderstood monster. Unfortunately, these reptiles are some of the most territorial species on earth and arent afraid to show aggression toward people, especially biting. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Ramree Island was captured by the Japanese in 1942. 900 soldiers entered the swamp only 20 emerged. Those who survived the battle reportedly didnt fare well when they chose the doomed escape route across the crocodile-infested waters. On mainland Burma, diseases such as malaria accounted for almost half the total death toll of Allied forces. Explore this storyboard about World War II, Adolf Hitler, Military by HowStuffWorks on Flipboard. [7], The large number of ships was intended to provide more firepower in support of the landing force. After just a few days, these ravenous creatures devoured more than 500 Japanese soldiers. The island that holds the world-record for largest human massacre caused by animals. A thousand Japanese soldiers were purportedly killed by saltwater crocodiles in the Ramree mangroves. We went in with boats and interpreters using loudhailers asking them to come out. 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 . Typical male specimens reach 17 feet long and 1,000 pounds and the largest can reach 23 feet and 2,200 pounds. 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 story of the Ramree massacre was reported in a number of papers, but the tale is still largely apocryphal. By doing this, allied forces split the remaining party in two, leaving a group of 1,000 soldiers isolated and trapped. Where did Japanese soldiers get eaten by crocodiles? In addition, the references made to crocodiles are minimal compared to the passages detailing the dangers of malaria. 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. 14 (4): 391405. He prides himself on uncovering the most fascinating tales of history by sharing them through any means of engaging storytelling. The Allies also had to deal with challenges posed by logistics and supply problems, as well as malaria, cholera, and various other diseases. Reportedly, the Japanese troops, as if they hadn't endured enough, became victims to countless Saltwater crocodile attacks. Thats when things went from bad to worse and the Ramree Island massacre began. 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. 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