Tenitative Landing Areas Nagasaki

Probable planning for Operation Downfall – the invasion of the Japanese home islands.

This incredible trio of maps, marked SECRET, was printed in August 1945 as Enclosure (A) in an unidentified military briefing report. They were likely compiled or approved by Lt. Col. Jack Juhan, executive officer of the 8th Marine Regiment, whose signature can be seen below the scale. As described by the title(s), the maps show proposed American landing areas along the east and west banks of the port of Nagasaki, Japan.

Red lines denote shoreline obstacles (seawalls or piers) while various large buildings and landmarks are labeled. Different zones are assigned various assault vehicles (LCTs, LCVP, AKA, LST, etc.) based on their physical characteristics like size, depth, etc. Such detailed information was obtained through aerial reconnaissance photos, the sorties for which are named and dated. The last available date is 8/13/45 – four days after the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.

The area shown (south of Dejima Wharf) was largely spared the worst destruction of the impact, shockwave, and subsequent fires. The Japanese government had not yet surrendered, so perhaps the maps were issued as amended plans for Operation Downfall (the invasion of the Japanese home islands). To contemplate sending American soldiers into an irradiated battlezone is telling of the serious situation when considering all options to end the war.