Usmc Training Film “ the Marianas Operation Phase 1 Saipan Pt 2 ” 43844 (1944)

Synopsis

This film provides a detailed look at troop movements during the first phase of the Mariana’s Operation as US forces moved to capture Saipan during WW2 in 1944. It is an official US Marine Corp Official Operation Report and was produced by the Marine Corp Photographic Service (:08). It opens with the scheme of maneuver for the 2nd Division during the second part of the operation (:22). It shows where combat team 8 was to land on D-Day (:35) as well as which points they were to secure (:47). The landing of combat team 6 (1:12) follows as they were to cover the left and the north flank. Combat team 2 was to conduct a diversionary demonstration at Tanapag Harbor (1:28). The scheme of maneuver for the 4th Division is also shown (2:22) as they were to seize Aslito Airfield (2:44). Control vessels hoisted the Wave 1 flag (3:26) as they move for the beaches (3:29). Shoreline installations are hit in preparations for the landings (3:38) and troops unload onto the beach (4:02). Air support covered artillery, tanks and men moving in (4:39). The 2nd Division hit light resistance at first, which increased (5:08). The 4th Division hit heavy resistance upon landing (5:23). Mines were located and dangerous areas were marked off (5:48). The front line which was established by late afternoon on D-Day is shown (6:14) as well as the line which the 4th Division had created (6:20). A radio station was captured by elements on the right of the 2nd Division (6:28). The 4th Tank Battalion of the 4th…

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Details

Running time

29 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage