5 Notorious Kamikaze Tactics Of World War 2

The Second World War was a time of unprecedented global conflict, with various nations employing innovative and often desperate tactics to gain an advantage over their enemies. Among the most infamous of these tactics were the kamikaze attacks employed by the Japanese military. The term "kamikaze" translates to "divine wind," and these pilots were revered as heroes in Japan for their willingness to sacrifice themselves in the name of their country.

The kamikaze tactic was a last-ditch effort by the Japanese to counter the overwhelming superiority of the Allied forces, particularly the United States. As the war turned increasingly in favor of the Allies, the Japanese military became more and more desperate, leading to the development of these suicidal tactics.

The concept of kamikaze attacks was first introduced in 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The initial attacks were carried out by pilots who were already on suicidal missions, but the tactic soon evolved into a formalized program. The Japanese military established a special corps of pilots, known as the Shinpū Tokubetsu Kōgekitai, who were specifically trained for these missions.

The tactics employed by the kamikaze pilots varied, but most involved flying a heavily armed and armored aircraft directly into an enemy ship or installation. The pilots were often young, inexperienced, and poorly trained, but they were driven by a strong sense of duty and loyalty to their country.

One of the most notorious kamikaze tactics was the use of "body armor" – a special suit worn by the pilots to protect them from the intense heat and flames generated by the explosion. This armor was designed to allow the pilots to survive the initial impact and ensure that they remained conscious long enough to deliver the fatal blow.

Kamikaze Tactics and Their Impact on World War 2

Kamikaze tactics had a significant impact on the course of World War 2, particularly in the Pacific Theater. The Allies, who had grown accustomed to the conventional bombing tactics employed by the Japanese, were initially caught off guard by the kamikaze attacks.

The most significant effect of the kamikaze tactic was the increased casualty rate among Allied naval forces. The USS St. Lo, a light aircraft carrier, was the first major warship to be sunk by a kamikaze attack, resulting in the loss of over 100 lives. The USS Intrepid, a fleet aircraft carrier, was also severely damaged in a kamikaze attack, with over 60 crew members killed or injured.

The kamikaze tactic also had a significant psychological impact on the Allies. The knowledge that the Japanese were willing to sacrifice their own lives in order to inflict damage on their enemies made the Allies increasingly wary of engaging the Japanese in combat.

The Main Kamikaze Tactics Used During World War 2

There were several main kamikaze tactics used during World War 2. These tactics were often simple, yet effective, and were designed to exploit the weaknesses of the Allied naval forces.

• Dive-bombing: This tactic involved flying a heavily armed and armored aircraft directly into an enemy ship or installation. The pilot would typically aim for a vital area, such as the bridge or engine room, in order to inflict maximum damage.
• Torpedo attacks: This tactic involved flying a heavily armed and armored aircraft low over the water, releasing a torpedo at the last possible moment. The pilot would then attempt to crash into the target, ensuring that the torpedo struck its mark.
• Crash-diving: This tactic involved flying a heavily armed and armored aircraft directly into an enemy ship or installation, without attempting to release any ordnance. The pilot would simply aim for the target and crash into it, hoping to cause maximum damage.

Kamikaze Aircraft and Their Roles

The Japanese military used a variety of aircraft for kamikaze missions, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.

• Mitsubishi A6M Zero: This was one of the most widely used kamikaze aircraft, known for its speed, agility, and maneuverability. The A6M Zero was a highly effective fighter plane, and its use as a kamikaze aircraft made it a formidable opponent.
• Nakajima B6N Tenzan: This was a torpedo bomber that was often used for kamikaze missions. The B6N Tenzan was known for its speed and agility, making it a difficult target for Allied anti-aircraft fire.
• Mitsubishi G6M Betty: This was a bomber aircraft that was often used for kamikaze missions. The G6M Betty was known for its speed and maneuverability, making it a popular choice for kamikaze pilots.

Consequences of Kamikaze Tactics

The consequences of the kamikaze tactics employed by the Japanese during World War 2 were severe. The Allies suffered significant losses, particularly in terms of naval vessels and personnel.

The kamikaze tactic also had a significant impact on the Japanese military. The loss of so many young, well-trained pilots was a severe blow to the Japanese military, and the tactic ultimately proved to be unsustainable.

In addition, the kamikaze tactic had a profound impact on the Japanese people. The sacrifice of so many young lives was seen as a national tragedy, and the tactic ultimately contributed to the growing resentment towards the Japanese military.

Gallery of Kamikaze-Related Images

Kamikaze Image Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary goal of the kamikaze tactic?

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The primary goal of the kamikaze tactic was to inflict maximum damage on Allied naval forces, particularly aircraft carriers and battleships.

What was the typical profile of a kamikaze pilot?

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The typical profile of a kamikaze pilot was a young, inexperienced pilot with limited flying hours. Many kamikaze pilots were in their early twenties and had received minimal training.

What was the most significant impact of the kamikaze tactic?

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The most significant impact of the kamikaze tactic was the increased casualty rate among Allied naval forces. The tactic also had a profound psychological impact on the Allies, who were increasingly wary of engaging the Japanese in combat.

What was the typical aircraft used for kamikaze missions?

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The typical aircraft used for kamikaze missions was the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a highly maneuverable and heavily armed fighter plane.

What was the legacy of the kamikaze tactic?

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The legacy of the kamikaze tactic is complex and multifaceted. While the tactic ultimately proved to be unsustainable, it remains a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Japanese pilots who flew these missions.

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