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It’s easy to think of The Battle of Okinawa as a vicious land battle, a very heavily entrenched force warring against an even larger dislodging force. But to think of the engagement solely in those terms is to miss a large part of the struggle, because there was an equally desperate fight going on at sea.
While the Japanese Navy and Air Force had been worn down to the point of lacking any decisive power, each had some nasty punches left to throw. Today’s History Lesson will concentrate on the assault from the air.
Japan’s kamikaze program was only about five months old as an official entity, but there was no shortage of young pilots ready and willing to die for the Emperor. Massed kamikaze attacks were first used with modest success during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and plans were put in place for a massive 4,000-plane attack as the U.S. Fleet approached Okinawa, the final barrier to mainland Japan.
Fortunately, the U.S. military had long ago deciphered the Japanese codes and were well aware that the attacks were coming. So U.S. fighter and bomber forces had reduced that 4000-plane inventory substantially. But still, the first of the “Floating Chrysanthemum” (the Japanese loved flowers) attacks at Okinawa, on April 6, 1945, comprised several hundred Japanese aircraft…more than enough to keep the boys manning the guns busy. Many were shot down or crashed due to mechanical issues, but enough of them got through. Fortunately, the prized targets (carriers and battleships) were spared, but the outer picket forces, made up of destroyers, minesweepers, and light cruisers, took the brunt of the attacks.
By day’s end, three destroyers had been sunk and numerous more were put out of action. The kamikazes that actually made it through to Okinawa destroyed an LST and two vital ammunition boats. And this was just the start of the “Divine Wind” that would blow throughout the remainder of the island battle.
The attacks from the air would continue the next day, but April 7th’s action would also include a very special Japanese mission from the sea, and we’ll look at that tomorrow.
Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Battle: Okinawa 1945 – The Last Epic Struggle of WWII – I’m actually in the middle of reading this book right now, and it’s just been excellent. I always wish these “campaign” books had more maps, but it’s immensely readable. Highly recommended.
Today's History Lesson 