By Rebecca Drew
INCREDIBLE photographs of the US Army during the Pacific War have been brought to life through vivid colourisation.
Breath-taking images show men being stretchered away to hospital, captured Japanese prisoners of war crammed onto a boat and men fighting at Okinawa.
One picture shows a group of soldiers on the shores of Tarawa, whilst another shows the deceased being taken away covered by the American flag.
The images were brought to life by electrician Royston Leonard (54) from Cardiff, Wales.
“The Japanese code was to not surrender and to fight to the death which was their way to die in battle with honour, almost no prisoners were taken unless they were badly injured and could no longer fight,” said Royston.
“I’ve seen a lot of photos of the European war in colour but almost nothing from the Pacific War.
“The Japanese held every inch of every island they were on and the American soldiers had to fight for every inch that was taken as nothing was given for free.
“Colourisation is a hobby for me.”
The unexpected Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941 signalled the start of the Pacific War and the USA’s involvement in World War Two.
The attack led America to declare war on Japan and begin what became known as the Pacific War, which was a small part of the overall world war.
There were around 36-million casualties during the Pacific War.
“I learned colourisation by trying out ideas by myself,” added Royston.
“I have learned so much from colourising, I feel it has helped my photography along the way.”
