The Pacific War in Color

Colour film shot before war breaks out on the Pacific captures a world of fun and sun, but will be replaced with images of cataclysmic horror. Witness Japan's violent onslaught, from its raid on China to its attacks on Pearl Harbor and Australia.

Months after the Pearl Harbor attack, shock waves reverberate in every corner of the Pacific; Americans deploy to stem the enemy's advance; after culture clashes, Allied forces later bond over efforts to thwart Japan's move to control New Guinea.

In 1943, the United States engages in a new series of island-hopping invasions; the first stop is the Tarawa Atoll, where troops embark upon the largest amphibious invasion ever staged in the Pacific to fight one of the costliest battles of the war.

The US gains the upper hand by summer 1944, with the help of better training, supply lines and troop numbers. The army go for Japan's inner defence ring, as they strive to gain control of Saipan in the Marianas.

The allied forces prepare to occupy the islands of Tinian and Guam, as they signify a threat to American air operations. At the same time, General Curtis LeMay must plan and execute a fire bombing against Japan.

On the island of Peleliu, the allies fight to clear the way for MacArthur's return to the Philippines. But at the same time, Japan makes a horrifying new move.