World War II: The Dark Reality of Allied Mistreatment of Surrendered Axis Survivors

World War II remains one of the most divisive and complex conflicts in modern history, characterized by the brutality and the strain it placed on the concepts of the rules of war and ethical treatment of enemy combatants. This article delves into the controversial actions taken by Allied forces, particularly in their treatment of surrendered Axis shipwreck survivors.

Rule of War and Ethical Treatment

During World War II, the usual concepts of the rules of war and ethical treatment of enemy combatants were often pushed to the breaking point. This was evident not only on the battlefield but in the treatment of captured prisoners and crew members of surrendered ships. One such instance was the Laconia incident, where an American officer made a terrible and evil decision, resulting in unnecessary deaths. However, this incident is not unique, and the nature of total war made it difficult for both Allied and Axis forces to adhere to these rules.

Brutality and Racism

World War II was a war of brutality, which saw the outright murder or liquidation of surrendered or helpless enemy combatants. Racism played a significant role in exacerbating this problem. For example, the German view of Slavs and Russians as subhuman, and American biases against the Japanese. Additionally, the lethal nature of modern weapons often led to summary executions of surviving defenders.

Guadalcanal Naval Campaign: A Case Study

The Guadalcanal naval campaign, as detailed in the book 'Neptune's Inferno' by James Hornfischer, provides a stark example of the Allied treatment of Axis survivors. In one incident, American sailors operating a deck-gun aboard a US warship would strafe Japanese pilots who were found in the water bailing out of a downed aircraft. US rescue operations often led to the shooting of Japanese sailors and airmen, with mercy being shown in only a few cases. Japanese pilots who chose to shoot themselves rather than risking capture were common occurrences.

Context and Challenges

It is crucial to understand the context and challenges faced by the Allies during this period. The naval campaign around Guadalcanal was intensely contested, with both sides struggling to bring sufficient resources to bear. Neither side had the time or ability to conduct proper search and rescue operations, even for their own men.

For instance, after surviving a brutal engagement, US cruisers limping back to safe harbor faced the risk of being ambushed by an IJN submarine, which blew up the USS Juneau in a spectacular manner. The US ships could not stop to pick up survivors from shark-infested waters due to the risk of being the next target. Sticking out one's neck to save an enemy would have been viewed as lunacy under such circumstances.

Language Barriers and Misunderstandings

The lack of Japanese translators aboard Allied ships also posed a significant liability. While Japanese Navy radio messages were being intercepted by the US Navy, they could not be understood due to language barriers. This led to misunderstandings and strategic confusion, further contributing to the brutal atmosphere.

Summary

While the actions taken by Allied forces in the treatment of Axis survivors are deplorable, it is essential to consider the context in which these events occurred. The brutality and stress of World War II led to many understandable acts of violence and disregard for the rules of war. However, it is critical to acknowledge these actions and ensure that such atrocities are not repeated in future conflicts.