As it Happened: Saipan

On 15 June 1944 US troops invade the Japanese-held island of Saipan. The Japanese defenders are determined to fight to the last man and taking the island will be a brutal, costly endeavour.

A very interesting documentary, detailing the Saipan campaign. Shows well just how tough an assignment it was for the US forces, the practical difficulties they faced, the tenacity of the Japanese defenders and the hard slog it was for every bit of ground. Also covered is the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the massive naval battle that developed out of the US invasion of the Marianas Islands.

Well-narrated with relevant, insightful interviews and decent graphics and archival footage.