On This Day in WW2: The Battle of Manila Begins (5 February 1945)

The Event

On this day in WW2, American troops advanced into Manila, launching one of the most intense urban battles of the Pacific War. After years of occupation, the return of Allied forces signalled hope for liberation—but the cost would be immense.

Japanese defenders, ordered to fight to the last, turned the city into a fortress. Street-by-street combat, artillery bombardments, and widespread destruction followed. Civilian suffering was catastrophic, with tens of thousands killed as historic districts were reduced to rubble.

Why It Mattered

The Battle of Manila became one of the bloodiest urban battles of WWII and effectively ended Japanese control of the Philippines’ capital. Strategically, it cleared the way for Allied dominance in the Pacific. Historically, it stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of modern warfare.

Remembering the Legacy

Today, the battle is remembered not only for its military significance but for the civilians who endured unimaginable hardship. Artefacts from the Philippines campaign—helmets, medals, documents, and personal effects—offer tangible links to this pivotal moment in WWII history.