Reverse Slope.

This is coolbert:

Another reprise on the Reverse Slope Defense.

While reading this book entitled, "Last Stands, Famous Battles Against The Odds", for the umpteenth time, I found this interesting item concerning the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. American forces attacking, Japanese defending.

"It was here that the full scope of the Japanese preparations first became apparent. Machine-gun posts, mortars and anti-tank guns were all skillfully sited and camouflaged, many in underground bunkers and caves. Firing positions were often situated on reverse slopes, where they could not be identified by artillery spotters and where they could get clear shots at the Americans as they came over the crests."

The use of the reverse slope defense and it's advantages was WELL KNOWN to the Japanese. As a defensive measure it was employed to the fullest on Okinawa. To the detriment of the American forces.



The caption under the above photo says:

"This Marine patrol scouts out the rugged terrain and enemy positions on the reverse slope of one of the hills in the path of the 1st Division's southerly attack"

Advantage number one:

"Firing positions . . . could not be identified by artillery spotters"

Advantage number two:

"they [the Japanese] could get clear shots at the Americans as they came over the crests"

With regard to the latter, this is SKYLIGHTING. You are exposed fully as you come over the top of the hill. The enemy is looking UP at you and sees you clearly. AGAIN as you go back over the top of the hill when retiring from an unsuccessful attack. YOU CANNOT stay on the same side of the hill as the Japanese defender as you are fully exposed to the full range of the Japanese weaponry and cannot properly respond with your own full complement of weaponry.

coolbert.