Japan's declining light forces and naval air arm left its heavy surface ships as the strongest remaining tool for defending the Philippines. The southern and center forces were to time their advance on the landing area while avoiding carrier attack and fighting through surface opposition. A northern diversion was meant to pull away the powerful American covering force, and the trap was genuinely well laid. Its success helped produce the one-sided Battle of Surigao Strait and the desperate defense off Samar.
Chapter · 45:42-48:05
How the Shogo diversion opened the road to Samar
Japan's two-direction attack and carrier diversion succeeded in drawing the American covering force away from San Bernardino Strait.
Battle Of Leyte GulfBattle Of Surigao StraitBattle Off SamarBattleshipsBrunei BayCarrier Air PowerCombined FleetCruisersDestroyersEscort CarriersInvasion ConvoysKurita’s Center ForceLingga RoadsNaval DeceptionNorthern ForceOperational PlanningPhilippinesSan Bernardino StraitShogo PlanSouthern ForceWilliam Halsey Jr.