February 7, 1945. Manila. Much of the north bank of the Pasig River were already in ruins, destroyed by Japanese fire and explosions. All the bridges on the river—Ayala, Quezon, Sta. Cruz, and Jones Bridges—were already destroyed days before.
The Filipino and American forces then at the north bank were also unsure whether the Imperial Japanese forces would station their 14,000 men in Intramuros to hold it as their last stand, or hold their entire garrison along the north bank to the west. Nevertheless, intel had it that the Imperial Japanese offensive were strong on the west of Manila. Thus, the liberation forces concentrated their shelling to that area from the east of the liberated Malacañang.
With much casualty, the liberation force was able to finally cross the river using amphibious tractors and assault boats, clearing Paco and Pandacan districts. Major Chuck Henne, who was witness to the whole operation, described it:
Hollywood could not have staged the smoke, flash and bang more dramatically. Leaving the riverbank, the company I boats were making good progress, moving in a ragged crescent when the Jap fire strormed through them. The worst damage came from the automatic weapons: machine guns and automatic cannon. These fires coming from the west, from down river, ripped through the formation, scattering the boats, turning the move into a mad dash for the cover of the bank. It was spellbinding to watch pieces of paddles and splintered chunks of boat plywood fly through the air while men paddled with shattered oars and rifles to work their boats to the far bank, seemingly oblivious to what was happening to them.
At Paco, the retreating Imperial Japanese soldiers, knowing their imminent defeat, began shooting at running and panicking civilians. Many were killed.
Another liberation unit followed in crossing the river and liberated the Provisor Island near the destroyed Ayala Bridge, where the once working power plant of the city was.
The government center was within reach. But the battle is far from over.
Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1945 Battle of Manila, the gruelling battle for the liberation of the city that lasted from February 3 to March 3, 1945.
*Photos from John Tewell
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