THE BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

• The Battle of Leyte Gulf was faught between Japan and the Allies (Austrailia and the U.S.)
• Faught at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines from Oct. 23rd, 1944- Oct. 26th, 1944
• Considered the largest naval battle in history

ALLIED GOALS

• Cut off crucial supply of oil
• Isolate Japan from the countries it occupied

THE BATTLE

• The U.S. arrived on the island of Leyte on Oct. 20th
• Allies began to move toward the Philippines, Japan sent Admiral Kurita Takeo to Leyte Gulf, group was demolished
• Japan eventually decoyed the U.S.'s Third Fleet which led to them finding the San Bernardino Strait, Takeo's fleet passed it
• Takeo came close to Leyte Gulf, but the U.S. aircraft was so powerful that he had to withdrawal from Philippine waters

OUTCOME

• Allied forces won
• Most of Japan's resources had been destroyed
• Thousands of soldiers dead

SIGNIFICANCE

• This battle was a big win for Allied forces
• Allies cut off Japanese supply lines
• Largest naval battle in history