Persistence and Strength of Japanese Defense Tactics in World War II

The Japanese defended their positions fiercely during World War II, with British imperial forces slowly eating away at their defenses. Japanese soldiers rarely ran or retreated, instead choosing to die where they fought. Their tactic involved destroying the Japanese bunker by bunker, trench by trench, through gradual perseverance and focused firepower. Lieutenant Linthorn Hagett of the Dorsets praised the Japanese as magnificent trench warriors who held their positions until the end, unlike any other army. The Japanese were skilled at holding well-sighted positions, had a good eye for the ground, and relied on rushing and shouting during attacks. They were considered formidable fighters, and capturing prisoners was challenging as many wounded Japanese soldiers would have a primed grenade under them.