The Forgotten Islands of World War II

In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean lies a hidden history waiting to be uncovered – the forgotten islands that witnessed some of the most brutal battles of World War II. Among these isolated specks of land is Tarawa Atoll, now home to crystal-clear waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life.

But beneath its idyllic surface lies a dark past. In 1943, during the height of World War II, Tarawa became one battleground in an epic struggle between Allied forces – primarily American troops from the US Marine Corps (USMC) – and their Japanese adversaries, members of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Special Landing Forces.

The clash that would forever scar these Pacific islands began on November 20th, when thousands of US Marines stormed ashore onto Tarawa’s sandy beaches. Their mission was simple: capture the strategic airfield situated in the heart of this tiny atoll and use it as a launchpad for future assaults deeper into Japanese-held territory.

However, what greeted the American forces that fateful morning would prove to be one of World War II's bloodiest battles – an infernal hellhole where nearly 1,000 lives were lost on both sides in just three days. The ferocious fighting centred around a small piece of land no larger than a football pitch: Tarawa’s infamous 'Purple Beach'.

In the midst of this carnage lay Private First Class John Basilone, a young Marine who would soon become an unsung hero of World War II. From his vantage point on Tarava's beaches, he unleashed a relentless barrage against waves upon waves of Japanese soldiers attempting to retake their lost territory.

His bravery and sacrifice that day earned him the highest military honour – posthumous Medal of Honour – for actions 'above and beyond the call of duty'. But Basilone’s story doesn't end there. He would later return home, only to re-enlist again when his country called once more in 1944 during the battle for Iwo Jima.

Today, Tarawa Atoll stands as a poignant reminder of those who gave their lives on foreign soil – a stark contrast between peace and war that continues to haunt its islands even today. As we remember this pivotal moment from history, let us also honor Private First Class John Basilone's courage in the face of unimaginable odds.

Battlefield 1943 Islands: A Forgotten History

In Electronic Arts' award-winning World War II first-person shooter series 'Battlefront', players can experience a taste of what it was like to fight on Tarawa’s blood-soaked beaches through its critically-acclaimed multiplayer mode, 'Conquest'. Join forces with up to 24 other soldiers as either the USMC or Japanese Ijn and relive some of history's most intense battles – including those fought out across three distinct Pacific islands.

With stunning graphics that transport you back in time and immersive sound effects that plunge you right into the heart of World War II’s greatest conflicts, 'Battlefield 1943 Islands' is an unforgettable gaming experience not to be missed. So gear up soldier; it's time to take part in one of history's most epic battles...

Battlefield 1943 islands