Twenty-one Photos Showing the Aftermath of the Battle of Manila

Manila, The Philippines, 1945. Twenty-one photos: twelve measuring 2 ½ x 2 ½ inches, most with stamped captions verso; nine measuring 2 x 3 ¾ inches, most with captions on negative. Some wear; excellent.. Imperial Japan occupied the Philippines from 1942 until its surrender in 1945. From early February to early March of 1945, American and Filipino forces fought to drive the Japanese out of the Philippines’ capital city of Manila. Though successful, this campaign was incredibly destructive to both the infrastructure of Manila and to its people—including mass murder and rape of Filipino civilians by Japanese forces. Offered here are twenty-one photographs of buildings taken before and after the destruction of the city, with most (the twelve smaller photos) showing the aftermath. Locations include several churches and university buildings, the treasury building, legislative building, Manila Central Post Office, and others. The photos taken after the battle are arresting, showing Manila’s ruined architecture, burnt out trees, and downed power lines.