Battle of Corregidor
Corregidor Island, at the entrance to Manila Bay, Philippines
What happened
American and Filipino forces under Major General Jonathan Wainwright fought the Japanese army under Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma. After the fall of Bataan in April 1942, the fortified island of Corregidor, known as 'The Rock', was the last American and Filipino stronghold guarding Manila Bay. On the night of 5 May, Japanese troops landed on its beaches, and tanks followed the next morning.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Japan needed the island to use Manila Bay and its harbour.
What came next
The prisoners were moved to camps on Luzon later in May 1942. American and Filipino forces retook Corregidor in February 1945.
Did you know?
A roll call of 25 Texas A&M students and former students on Corregidor in April 1942 inspired the 'Aggie Muster', which the university still holds every year.
Timeline
- 12 March 1942General MacArthur leaves the Philippines.
- 9 April 1942Bataan falls.
- 6 May 1942Corregidor surrenders.
- 16-26 February 1945American and Filipino forces retake Corregidor.
- 1968The Pacific War Memorial is completed on the island.