The Raid at Cabanatuan
In January 1945, the US Army carried out one of the most daring – and most successful – rescue missions not just of the whole of the Second World War, but in the whole history of warfare. This liberation of the prisoners held in the Japanese camp just outside of the city of Cabanatuan become known as ‘The Great Raid’. Indeed, this episode of history had it all: cunning, courage, audacity and, above all, a happy ending.
The rescue mission grew out of the Battle of Bataan, a huge military defeat for the Americans and their allies. Here, the Imperial Japanese Army took tens of thousands of prisoners. They made them march huge distances in unbearable conditions in what became known as the Bataan Death March. The prisoners were finally locked up in the Cabanatuan camp. And, while many were soon transferred elsewhere, by the beginning of 1945, around 500 men were still being held here in unspeakable conditions. As well as disease and starvation, the prisoners also had to deal with the cruelty of their captors and the constant threat of execution. With General Douglas MacArthur and the US Army advancing, many prisoners thought their time was up.
The American High Command was determined to get the men out, however difficult that might be. The Sixth Army was tasked with drawing up a rescue plan. They recognized the vital role Filipino guerrillas could play in any assault, not least since they knew the layout of the land. Around 100 Rangers and Scouts and 200 guerrillas were assigned to the mission. On January 30, they were given the green light.
Having trekked almost 50km to get into position, the men waited for darkness to fall. Then, all at once they attacked. A special P-61 Black Widow night fighter plane flew overhead and distracted the guards. The Japanese were, therefore, caught completely by surprise when the Americans and Filipinos breached the camp perimeters. An estimated 500 Japanese soldiers were killed in a brief but intense firefight. Just four Americans died. All but two of the prisoners were safely escorted back across American lines to safety.
The Raid at Cabanatuan wasn’t just a huge military victory. The rescued men were able to tell the story of the Bataan Death March. It wasn’t just their comrades and commanders who were shocked. The American public was also horrified, and they resolved anew to get behind the Pacific War effort. The men involved in the rescue mission were commended for their actions by none other than President Roosevelt and their bravery that night has gone on to inspire numerous books and movies.