The Battle for Tarawa, WWII photo

dan swiger

Well-Known Member
I recently acquired this on Ebay as a 4x5 negative from WWII taken by a Marine combat photographer,
Robert H. Westmoreland.

It is very likely from combat on Tarawa in the South Pacific.
This tightly cropped image shows the elements of battle.
The tank is using a flame thrower to take out an emplacement or bunker that was firing on the Marines.
The Marine is waiting at a protected position until the time comes to advance.
He might even be helping direct the fire.
I'm guessing it was taken with a Crown or Speed Graphic
The film is Kodak, Commercial 6127, 4127 type
The photographer (Westmoreland) would be right in behind the action.
MCP_bwkep_180625001w.jpg
Many would die in combat

There are several more I may get as part of a set.
FullSizeRender (8).jpg
I have scanned this first one, cleaning it up & spotting.
The sky appears "mottled" but that may be from some of the smoke.
 
Last edited:

JimFox

Moderator
Staff member
What an incredible find and a perfect fit here in the Historical Forum. Most of our photos in here have been historical buildings so it's nice to find a different kind of history to post.

Nice work on cleaning it up, and thanks for sharing it here Dan, it's really cool.
 
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