Tarawa Atoll
A high altitude shot showing Betio and the next few islands in the Tarawa atoll.
"Tail" eastern Tarawa
After a few Naval bombardments but before this area was captured.
"The Pier"
Probably taken from the "Kingfisher" observation aircraft during the invasion.
"Green Beach"
A view of the rubber boat flotila after the 6th Marines had landed. Notice the two
Stuart tanks to the left of the rubber boats.
Airfield
An oblique view from the southwest of Betio.
"Black Beach 1"
Another shot from the observation aircraft showing two 127mm AA guns on Black 1 and "The Pocket".
"Black Beach 1 - 24 November 1943"
Photographed by a plane from the USS Essex on 24 November at 500 feet.
"From the southwest"
Note the LVTs and landing craft near the pier.
"Red Beach 3"
A view from the north. Note "Bonnyman's Hill" near the bottom, the vehicle (LVT?) on the runway, and the disabled tank "Cannonball" near the upper right.
"September Pier"
A photograph probably taken in September 43. The flyable Japanese aircraft had been evacuated by November.
"The Beak"
The majority of Red Beach 1 is shown here. The NE tip of Betio, in the center bottom of the photo, is where 3/2 and parts of 2/2 landed. Betio has been described as shaped like a bird, with this area being the beak. Note the LVTs on the beach.
"The Pocket"
This "Pocket" was the last area of organized Japanese resistance on Betio.
"Pierhead"
The pierhead was the first part of Betio to be assaulted and where the majority of supplies were landed. The wingtip of one of the Kingfisher observation planes is visible on the left.
Red Beach 2
Red Beach 2 is in the center of this photo. The boat basin is to the left and the pier is just out of the picture. Notice both wingtips of the Kingfisher.
"To the Beach"
Higgins boats and amtracs are probably past the line of departure and heading for the beach. The vehicles in the center appear to have turned 180 degrees.
Send an Email:
copyright 1999 T.O.T.W.
Created September 1999 - Updated 8 February 2005
Return to Index Return to Map Index