Скачать или смотреть "ACTION AT ANGUAR" 1944 INVASION OF ANGUAR ISLAND, PALAU 81st INFANTRY DIVISION WWII 22014

Made in 1945, ACTION AT ANGUAR documents the invasion and capture of Angaur Island in the Palau group by the 81st ("Wildcat") Infantry Division in its first battle. The film begins in July 1944 as the troops relax at Honolulu and on Waikiki Beach. It then shows troops boarding transports and shows activities aboard a troop transport, including a wild Neptune ceremony at the Equator, en route to Guadalcanal for a practice landing in August. On Sept. 17, 1944 after a bombardment by ships and carrier planes the division begins a landing. The film contains many scenes of U.S. troops burning and blasting Japanese soldiers from their cave emplacements. Explains the tactics for securing "Suicide Hill." Shows Gen. Robert Richardson. The film ends with images of U.S. wounded being evacuated and receiving medical treatment, and exhausted or shell-shocked soldiers (at 26:30) taking some r&r from combat.

Summary: The 81st Wildcats reflect on their transition from training in Waikiki to a grueling combat mission during WWII. After a long sea journey filled with anticipation, they arrive off Guadalcanal for a dry run before moving on to the critical assault on Angaur Island in the Palau group. Facing fierce resistance from well-entrenched Japanese forces using caves, snipers, and mortars, the Wildcats endure heavy fighting to secure beachheads and key objectives like phosphate plants. Despite intense enemy attacks, including mortar strikes on their supply dumps, they gradually push inland, capturing strategic positions such as Shrine Hill and “Suicide Hill.” The successful operation marks their first major battle victory, solidifying their reputation and readiness for future combat challenges.

0:00 – Main titles
0:30 – Reflection on the 81st Wildcats’ past training days in Waikiki, July 1944, preparing for combat.
1:31 – While troops relaxed, headquarters planned upcoming operations under General Richardson.
2:08 – The unit embarks on a 6,000-mile sea journey, uncertain of their destination.
4:21 – Thirty days at sea allow time for reflection and anticipation.
5:13 – Arrival off Guadalcanal for a dry run, remembering previous battles fought there.
6:22 – Announcement of the next mission: capturing the Palau Islands to secure MacArthur’s flank.
7:00 – Preparations and plans for landing on Angaur Island begin.
8:18 – September 17th: Carrier ships begin bombardment, marking the start of the assault.
11:40 – First wave lands on the beaches under heavy enemy fire and difficult terrain.
13:21 – The enemy uses guerrilla tactics, forcing the troops to clear every position methodically.
14:22 – Despite intense resistance, beachheads are established and supply lines opened.
15:05 – Ammunition dumps come under mortar attack; firefighters work to save supplies.
16:02 – Japanese snipers and mortars continue to harass troops; red and blue beachheads join.
17:00 – Tough fighting at Shrine Hill; enemy uses fortified caves and barricades.
18:04 – After intense combat, key objectives including phosphate plants are secured.
19:16 – Continued resistance from Japanese forces; troops cautiously advance.
19:51 – Aviation engineers work to build an airstrip for reconnaissance and future operations.
20:42 – Troops advance toward “Suicide Hill,” encountering heavy enemy fire and snipers.
23:29 – Troops begin encircling maneuvers to clear enemy positions.
24:50 – By nightfall, major resistance on Angaur ends, marking the conclusion of the battle.
25:19 – Victory earned after heavy fighting; the 81st Wildcats prove their combat worth.
26:08 – Despite casualties, the unit emerges strong and ready for what comes next.


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 http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com