Leyte Gulf – Opening Moves

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, fought between October 23 and 26, 1944, remains the largest naval battle in history, both in terms of the number of ships involved and the expanse of ocean over which it was fought. Set against the backdrop of the US-led Allied forces’ efforts to retake the Philippines from Japanese occupation,

this battle was pivotal in weakening the already dwindling Japanese naval forces. Here’s an insight into the strategic setting, plans, order of battle, and advantages leading up to the battle.

By late 1944, the tide of World War II had turned decidedly against the Axis powers. In the Pacific Theater, the US-led Allies had leapfrogged across the central Pacific, capturing key islands and steadily reducing Japan’s defensive perimeter. The Philippines, occupied by Japan since 1942, represented not only a strategic goal but also a point of national pride for the Americans due to the painful loss of the archipelago earlier in the war. Its recapture would sever Japan’s supply lines to its occupied territories in Southeast Asia and position the Allies closer to the Japanese home islands.

Recognizing the strategic significance of the Philippines, the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) assembled a plan known as “Sho-Go” or “Victory Operation”. The plan was intricate and ambitious:

1. The Northern Force, led by Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa, would serve as a decoy. Centered around four aircraft carriers (which had very few aircraft due to Japan’s dwindling aviation resources), this force aimed to draw the American Third Fleet away from the Leyte landing areas.

2. The Southern Force, divided into two groups, was to come up through the Sulu Sea, navigate the Surigao Strait, and attack the Allied landing forces at Leyte from the south.

3. The Center Force, the strongest of the three with several battleships and heavy cruisers, intended to traverse the San Bernardino Strait and descend upon the landing areas from the north.

The goal was a combined pincer movement, with all three forces converging on Leyte Gulf to annihilate the US invasion fleet.

Under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz, the Allies initiated the invasion of Leyte on October 20. They were supported by the 7th Fleet, commanded by Admiral Thomas Kinkaid, and the powerful 3rd Fleet under Admiral William Halsey. Unbeknownst to the Japanese, the Allies had intercepted and deciphered much of their radio traffic, giving them insights into the IJN’s intentions. However, interpretations and communication issues between Halsey and Kinkaid would lead to significant complications.

The Allies greatly outnumbered the Japanese in almost every category:

Allies: Nearly 200 ships, including 8 fleet carriers, 8 light carriers, 18 escort carriers, 12 battleships, 24 cruisers, and a plethora of destroyers and support vessels.

Japanese: Approximately 67 ships, including 4 carriers, 9 battleships, 20 cruisers, and 34 destroyers.

The Allied Navy’s held several advantages at the start of the campaign:

1. Intelligence: The ability to decode much of the Japanese naval communications gave the Allies a significant advantage.

2. Air Power: With many carriers and land-based aircraft, the Allies had air superiority, which played a crucial role throughout the battle.

3. Superior Numbers: Simply put, the Allies brought more ships, and specifically more aircraft carriers, to the fight.

4. Advanced Technology: Superior radar and other advancements gave the Allies a qualitative edge in several engagements.

As the fleets converged on Leyte Gulf, it was clear that this battle would be a turning point in the war. The coming fights, including the Battle of Surigao Strait, the Battle off Cape Engaño, and the Battle off Samar, would be both intense and unexpected. The IJN would show incredible tenacity, while the Allies would face moments of confusion and strategic missteps. However, the results of these engagements would shape the final phase of the Pacific War, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf would forever remain a testament to the scale and ferocity of naval warfare.