Gladiators of World War II — Season 1, Episode 9: Part 9: Kamikaze

Episode synopsis

In autumn 1944, with ultimate defeat beginning to stare them in the face, the Japanese introduced a new and terrible weapon - suicide attack aircraft. The young pilots who volunteered for Kamikaze missions knew that they were embarking on a one way flight, but pressed on regardless, causing severe casualties to Allied shipping in the Pacific. Their spirit was the personification of the Bushido code, in which to die for the Emperor was a warrior's greatest glory.

About Gladiators of World War II

In this BBC documentary series newly declassified documents are used to examine the strategic roles played in the war by thirteen of the world's regular and resistance land, sea and air forces.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Part 1: Waffen-SS
• E2Part 2: Special Operations Executive
• E3Part 3: SAS
• E4Part 4: Desert Rats
• E5Part 5: Free Polish Forces
• E6Part 6: RAF Fighter Command
• E7Part 7: The Paras and Commandos
• E8Part 8: Norwegian Resistance Fighters
• E10Part 10: The Royal Navy
• E11Part 11: The Chindits
• E12Part 12: Free French Forces
• E13Part 13: The Anzacs