Fortress Within A Fortress

FORT SANTIAGO, MANILA, LUZON, PHILIPPINES, 23 February 1945: Shells from 240mm and 155mm American guns finally managed to breach a portion of the outer walls of this ancient Spanish fort along the south shore of the Pasig River. To escape the shelling, the defenders simply withdrew into the cellars, dungeons, …

1945-02-23

SF19

FORT SANTIAGO, MANILA, LUZON, PHILIPPINES, 23 February 1945: Shells from 240mm and 155mm American guns finally managed to breach a portion of the outer walls of this ancient Spanish fort along the south shore of the Pasig River. To escape the shelling, the defenders simply withdrew into the cellars, dungeons, and rubble. When the shelling stopped, the Japanese quickly reoccupied their original positions. As the Americans cautiously entered through the narrow front gate, the Japanese unleashed a fusillade of withering fire.

Fort Santiago, Manila, Philippines

The Battle of Manila was a major battle of the Philippine campaign of 1944–45, during the Second World War. It was fought by forces from both the United States and the Philippines against Japanese troops in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The month-long battle, which resulted in the death of over 100,000 civilians and the complete devastation of the city, was the scene of the worst urban fighting fought by American forces in the Pacific theater. Japanese forces committed mass murder against Filipino civilians during the battle and American firepower killed many people. Japanese resistance and American artillery also destroyed much of Manila's architectural and cultural heritage dating back to the city's founding. Manila became one of the most devastated capital cities during the entire war, alongside Berlin and Warsaw. The battle ended the almost three years of Japanese military occupation in the Philippines (1942–1945). The city's capture was marked as General Douglas MacArthur's key to victory in the campaign of reconquest.

Wikipedia: Battle of Dai Do

American

Japanese

Scenario Type = Historical