Ep 11. Battle of Midway and Beyond (April - June 1942) - World War 2: The Call of Duty

In this episode of World War 2: The Call of Duty, we explore the events of April to June of 1942, focusing on the Battle of Midway and its aftermath. This battle, fought between the United States and Japan, marked a turning point in the war in the Pacific.

The episode begins by highlighting the strategic importance of Midway Island, which was a critical refueling point for both Japanese and American forces. The American victory at Midway not only prevented Japan from taking control of the island, but it also dealt a significant blow to their naval capabilities, ultimately paving the way for the Allied victory in the Pacific.

The episode also delves into the intelligence operation that helped the US win the Battle of Midway. The US had broken the Japanese naval code, enabling them to anticipate the Japanese attack and prepare their forces accordingly. The show explores the intricacies of code-breaking during the war and the role it played in the Allied victory.

After Midway, the US began a series of island-hopping campaigns, where they gradually seized control of islands in the Pacific, inching closer and closer to Japan. The episode explores the challenges and sacrifices of these campaigns, as American troops faced fierce opposition and harsh conditions in the jungle terrain.

Alongside the American campaigns, the show also looks at the Japanese defense efforts, highlighting their fanatical commitment to the war and their refusal to surrender. The episode explores the Kamikaze attacks that became a key Japanese tactic in the latter stages of the war, where pilots would deliberately crash their planes into Allied warships.

The episode concludes by setting the stage for the next major Allied offensive in the Pacific, the invasion of Guadalcanal. This campaign, which began in August 1942, would prove to be one of the most grueling and costly battles of the war, as the Allies faced fierce opposition from Japanese forces entrenched on the island.

Overall, this episode of World War 2: The Call of Duty offers a detailed look at the pivotal events of April to June 1942, as the tide of the war began to turn in favor of the Allies. From the Battle of Midway to the island-hopping campaigns and the Kamikaze attacks, the episode provides a comprehensive timeline of the major events and tactics of this crucial period in World War 2.