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This film depicts the landings and operations of the U.S. forces on Tinian Island in the Marianas Islands in World War II. The Battle of Tinian took place from 24 July until 1 August 1944.
The film opens with a map showing the Marianas (:20). While Saipan had been hit by U.S. forces, Tinian was closely observed and studied (:37). Daily plane strikes and naval bombardments hit the island (:49) and photograph reconnaissance missions were carried out. The beaches which were chosen for landings are pointed out a few miles from the Fabius San Hilo Point (1:26). 90% of Tinian’s land is cultivated for sugar cane growth (2:50). Special points of interest include Tinian town on Tinian harbor (2:58) as well as two villages near Ushi Point Airfield (3:03). The road (3:13) and railways (3:44) which connect the island are shown. The landings on the chosen beaches were to be completed with tactical surprise (4:05). The northern sector including Ushi Point Airfield and Asica Bay follow (4:30). The southern sector was to include a second airfield and the harbor area (4:44). The western sector was to be responsible for the northwest section and the landing beaches (4:58). An artillery battalion which was attached to the 50th Infantry Regiment included three battalions and twelve 75 mm guns (5:08). One battalion was to hit the Tinian harbor area, another to hit the Asica harbor area, and the third in the White Beaches area (5:17). The reserve forces were to be in the Mount Lasso area (5:26). All troops were commanded by Major General Henry Schmidt of the USMC (6:41). The organization of divisions follows (6:53). A demonstration group was to confuse the Japanese by enacting a diversionary maneuver (9:02). Softening up attacks hit the day prior to landings (9:53). Propaganda leaflets were dropped (11:51). Supplies for the mission were ferried over from Saipan (13:57). Footage from the long-range bombardment from Saipan to Tinian is shown as the attack began (15:50). Forces are seen moving equipment as one regiment from the 2nd Marine Division remained on Saipan while two embarked for the landings (16:50). Supplies and the 4th Marine Division begin loading into LST’s (17:00). July 24th was chosen for the landings (17:58) as troops are seen heading towards the beaches (17:58). As soon as they began landing, LBT’s were launched (18:16). Weapons which supported the landings include 96 105 howitzers, 36 155 mm howitzers and 24 155 mm guns (18:47). Blasts are seen erupting from heavy cruisers and destroyers (19:01). Transport crafts are seen a few yards from the beach with troops wading the few remaining yards (20:44) as underwater mines dotted the area (20:56). Two of the crafts were hit by the underwater mines (21:00). A pile of the anti-boat mines follows as engineers removed about fifteen from the shoreline (21:05). The diversionary maneuver was enacted off Tinian town as troops circled the shoreline in landing vehicles appearing as though they were about to land which drew heavy enemy fire (21:15). The 4th Division moved inland from the beaches (21:37). Reserve regiments of the 4th begin landing (21:44). Tanks roll in from the waters as shoreline mines were cleared (21:52). Bulldozers and tractors were moved on to the beaches (22:14) and the beaches are crammed with men and supplies (22:55). Counter attacks from Japanese forces hit during the night (23:12). US planes dropped bombs to end the assault (23:22). While the 4th moved through undergrowth which slowed their advance (23:57), Japanese forces hit from hidden cave positions (24:06). The beaches were hit with Japanese mortar and artillery fire restricting the flow of supplies (24:30). Carrier and land-based bombers dropped paint bombs and gas diesel filled belly tanks in support of the capture of Ushi Air field (25:26). Ushi (26:25) was captured and put into operation quickly. Japanese soldiers surrendering (27:01) as the second airfield was captured and half of Tinian was now under U.S. control (27:08). Troops moving with tanks towards Tinian town (27:30). The Japanese were pushed back to their final defensive positions (27:38). Explosions from the 1,000 pound bombs dropped by B-25’s follow (28:29). As Tinian town was secured (29:16) the Japanese forces were pushed back to under ¼ of the island (29:20). P-47’s, B-25’s, and TBF’s hit them prior to the following day’s attack (29:46). Artillery are seen hitting the plateau in which Japanese forces were entrenched along the southern peninsula (30:11).
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFilm.com