Ep 23. Pacific: February 1942 - July 1945

Pacific: February 1942 - July 1945 is the twenty-third episode of the first season of the groundbreaking documentary series, The World At War. This episode covers the hostilities between the Allied Forces and Japan during World War II in the Pacific Theater, from the intense fighting in the early months of 1942 through the eventual surrender of Japan in the summer of 1945.

The episode begins by examining the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and the subsequent victories by the Japanese Empire across the Pacific, including the capture of the Philippines, Singapore, and much of Southeast Asia. The program also looks at the controversial decision by the Japanese military to bomb Darwin, Australia in 1942, and the Japanese submarine attack on Sydney Harbor that same year. The series emphasizes how these attacks brought the reality of war home to many Allied civilians and soldiers, and were instrumental in shaping public opinion and attitudes during the war.

The film then turns to the turning point of the Pacific War – the Battle of Midway in June 1942. This decisive engagement, which marked a major victory for the US Navy over the Japanese Imperial Navy, is recounted through interviews with surviving veterans, footage from the battle, and detailed analysis of the tactics and strategies employed by both sides. The episode also covers other key battles in the Pacific campaign, including the fierce fighting on Guadalcanal, the struggle for the Solomon Islands, and the wresting control of New Guinea from Japanese forces.

The program also explores the complex and often fraught relationships between the Allies fighting in the Pacific. The episode examines the tensions between the US and Australian forces, as well as the challenges in coordinating the efforts of the British, American, and Chinese armies in the region. The attitudes toward Asian allies such as the Chinese and the Filipinos are also explored.

Throughout the episode, the show brings to life the experiences of ordinary soldiers fighting in the Pacific war. Accounts from soldiers and veterans of both sides are heard, telling of the harsh realities of jungle warfare, the debilitating effects of tropical diseases, and the challenge of fighting on unfamiliar terrain. The show examines how the war had a profound impact on the outlooks and lives of those who served, as well as the broader political and social implications of the war in the Pacific.

The episode concludes with the dropping of the atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 and examines the decision-making process that led to this controversial action. The aftermath, including the Japanese surrender, the occupation of Japan by the US-led Allied forces, and the beginning of the Cold War, is also touched upon.

As with all episodes of The World At War, Pacific: February 1942 - July 1945 is a meticulously researched and brilliantly executed piece of documentary filmmaking. It provides viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the Pacific War, and the significant events that occurred during this period of history, while also highlighting the personal experiences of those who fought in the conflict.