The Start Of U.S. Air Raids

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 3):

September 21, 1944

In the morning of September 21, 1944, the Japanese were doing anti-aircraft gun practice using a towed aircraft target while Japanese planes dived and circled around the city and its harbor. They have been practicing since September 16. 

Suddenly at around 9:20 a.m., a swarm of American planes blasted the plane and target. The sky was filled with planes estimated around 150 to 300. 

In Manila Bay, there were almost 40 Japanese supply vessels that were anchored, while some were moored at the Manila harbor. American planes were on a bombing spree. They destroyed and sank 15 ships. Grace Park, Camp Murphy, Nichols Air Field and Neilson Airport among others were also bombed. 

Later in the day, President Jose P. Laurel issued Proclamation No. 29, declaring martial law in all of the Philippines and suspending the privileges of the writ of habeas corpus. He also issued Proclamation No. 30 the following day announcing the existence of a state of war between the Philippines and the US and Great Britain. 

After September 21, the air raids were done everyday by dive bombers and later by the P-38 fighter-bombers. The skies in Manila, during and after an air raid, would be darkened by the mushroom-like puffs of exploding anti-aircraft shells that were aimed at the Allied airplanes. 

The first American air raid over Manila on September 21, 1944, was the prologue to the forthcoming Battle of Manila. This month-long battle, resulted in the death of more than 100,000 civilians and the complete destruction of the city.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: history.navy.mil