ADKO

PT5

4 min read

This article, “Pacific Theatre Part 5,” by Lestrade aka Unpopular Opinion, questions the historical narrative of the Battle of Wake Island. The author argues that the events surrounding the battle, from the initial attack to the Japanese occupation and subsequent American retaking, are fabricated and part of a propaganda effort to boost American morale. The author meticulously dissects various accounts, photographs, and historical records, highlighting perceived inconsistencies, logical flaws, and outright implausibilities.

The article begins by setting the stage with the attack on Pearl Harbor and then shifts to the Pacific theater, suggesting that much of what is presented as fact about Imperial Japan’s actions is untrue. The author uses Wikipedia and other sources as a starting point for their investigation, but quickly casts doubt on the information presented.

The focus then turns to Wake Island, a small atoll described as strategically important due to its long runway. The author questions the US military’s preparedness and the effectiveness of its defenses, pointing out the lack of crucial equipment like radar and adequate anti-aircraft capabilities. The initial attack on December 8, 1941, is presented as suspiciously lenient, with the author suggesting that the Japanese deliberately avoided destroying defensive emplacements and instead targeted parked aircraft.

The subsequent narrative of the battle, including the Japanese naval landing attempt and the eventual American surrender, is presented as unbelievable, especially the idea that the outnumbered US Marines could repel a naval force. The author casts doubt on the sinking of Japanese destroyers Hayate and Kisaragi, questioning the evidence and the availability of their wrecks.

The article further scrutinizes the Japanese occupation of Wake Island, highlighting the alleged mistreatment and eventual massacre of American prisoners of war (POWs). The author questions the logistics of the Japanese holding the island for years without adequate resupply, the believability of certain escape accounts, and the inconsistencies in casualty numbers reported across different sources. The author also critiques the photographs presented as evidence, suggesting they are doctored or staged.

The article concludes by reiterating the author’s belief that the entire Battle of Wake Island narrative is a manufactured story, akin to an “Alamo adventure” designed for public consumption, and not a reflection of historical reality. The author suggests that the true objective of the war might have been something else entirely, alluding to a potential “friendship” forged along the way.

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