World War II in Colour: Season 1, Episode 5

1 - 5: Red Sun Rampant

On December 7th, 1941, WWII changed dramatically as Japanese planes swooped in for a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor. A conflict that had been fought almost entirely in Europe was now to be fought worldwide. The attack on Pearl Harbour brought the "sleeping giant" of America into the war and saw the emergence of the aircraft carrier as the pre-eminent weapon of the seas. For the next 6 months, Japan continues to have successful attacks. However, by the end of the battle for Guadalcanal in Feb 1943, they were completely on the defensive.