I’ve recently learned about the Battle of Ramree Island and the “death march” through the mangroves that resulted in the battle earning the moniker of “worst crocodile disaster in the world.” Is there an accepted death count attributed to the crocodiles that historians agree on? How overstated, if at all, are the accounts from witnesses detailing the Japanese retreat? Any similar historic events? As well, any other facts you have about the battle are definitely appreciated. Thanks!
I haven’t seen any number given on how many men were killed specifically by crocodiles but we do know that of the approximate 1,000 men who entered the swamp only around 500 emerged alive. One account by the naturalist Bruce Wright who was at the battle claimed “only twenty were found alive” but it’s likely the others escaped to the mainland and linked up with another Japanese battalion that was nearby at the time. Many probably died from crocodiles but there were also venomous snakes and spiders as well as clouds of mosquitoes carrying diseases. They also had wounded from the battle that took place before the retreat into the swamp so it’s likely many couldn’t handle the hard trek through the mangroves and succumbed to their wounds. This is entirely plausible since Japanese resistance on the island ended on the 17th of February but Bruce states the worst crocodile attack was on the 19th so they must’ve spent days in the swamp without supplies. There was also an allied blockade which lasted until the 22nd and is said to have inflicted many casualties on the Japanese troops hiding in the mangroves as well as preventing rescue crafts from getting through.