Japanese Bombing of Calcutta : A Symbol Of Resilience

During World War II, the city of Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) in India was the target of several bombing attacks by the Japanese Imperial Army. These bombings were part of a larger strategy by the Japanese to disrupt the British military and economic operations in the region.

On December 20, 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army launched its first bombing raid on Calcutta. The attack was carried out by approximately 50 bombers and was aimed at the city's port and industrial areas. The bombing caused significant damage to infrastructure and resulted in the deaths of around 800 people.

The second bombing raid on Calcutta took place on December 22, 1942, and was even more devastating than the first. The Japanese dropped over 100 bombs on the city, causing widespread destruction and killing over 3,000 people. This attack was particularly devastating as it took place on a Sunday when many people were out in the streets.

The bombing raids on Calcutta were part of a larger Japanese strategy to disrupt British operations in the region. The Japanese believed that by bombing the city's port and industrial areas, they could slow down the British war effort and weaken their ability to resist the Japanese advance.

In addition to the bombing raids, the Japanese also launched naval attacks on British ships in the Bay of Bengal. These attacks were aimed at disrupting British shipping lanes and preventing the British from sending reinforcements and supplies to the region.

Despite the devastating nature of the bombing raids, the people of Calcutta refused to be cowed by the Japanese. The city quickly recovered from the attacks and continued to play a vital role in the British war effort.

The bombing of Calcutta was a tragic and devastating event in the history of the city, but it also served as a symbol of the resilience and determination of the people who lived there. The people of Calcutta refused to be defeated by the Japanese, and their resolve was an inspiration to those who witnessed it.