The Battle of Leyte Gulf
In late 1944, after extensive debate, Allied leaders elected to begin operations to liberate the Philippines. The initial landings were to take place on the island of Leyte, with ground forces commanded by General Douglas MacArthur. To assist this amphibious operation, the US 7th Fleet, under Vice Admiral Thomas Kinkaid, would provide close support, while Admiral William "Bull" Halsey's 3rd Fleet would stand further out to sea to provide air and naval support. Moving forward, the landings on Leyte commenced October 20, 1944.
Aware of American intentions in the Philippines, the Japanese initiated plan Sho-Go 1 to block the invasion. This plan called for the bulk of Japan's remaining naval strength to put to sea in four separate forces.
With Halsey removed, three separate forces would approach from the west to attack and destroy the US landings at Leyte.
Crippled by their losses, the Battle of Leyte Gulf marked the last time the Imperial Japanese Navy would conduct large-scale operations during the war. The Allied victory secured the beachhead on Leyte and opened the door for the liberation of the Philippines. This in turn cut off the Japanese from their conquered territories in Southeast Asia, greatly reducing the flow of supplies and resources to the home islands. Despite winning the largest naval engagement in history, Halsey was criticized after the battle for racing north to attack Ozawa without leaving cover for the invasion fleet off Leyte.
Follow the link below to an animated map that shows how the Battle of Leyte Gulf unfolded.
http://www.historyanimated.com/LeyteGulf.html
Aware of American intentions in the Philippines, the Japanese initiated plan Sho-Go 1 to block the invasion. This plan called for the bulk of Japan's remaining naval strength to put to sea in four separate forces.
With Halsey removed, three separate forces would approach from the west to attack and destroy the US landings at Leyte.
Crippled by their losses, the Battle of Leyte Gulf marked the last time the Imperial Japanese Navy would conduct large-scale operations during the war. The Allied victory secured the beachhead on Leyte and opened the door for the liberation of the Philippines. This in turn cut off the Japanese from their conquered territories in Southeast Asia, greatly reducing the flow of supplies and resources to the home islands. Despite winning the largest naval engagement in history, Halsey was criticized after the battle for racing north to attack Ozawa without leaving cover for the invasion fleet off Leyte.
Follow the link below to an animated map that shows how the Battle of Leyte Gulf unfolded.
http://www.historyanimated.com/LeyteGulf.html