Fourty Coats, Thanks for publishing the email re Paul Tibbets, I was going to but the thought of typing that long a piece put me off, or was there some other way? I can still see him taking the salute as we marched past him at MacDill during the occasional ceremonial parades we used to have there. Memories. Mauri

I first heard the name 'Enola Gay' less than thirty years ago in a book by Martin Amis. I am grateful for the extension of my education. This post by Forty Coats/Maurice Dawes is a thought provoking piece of history. Were we right to bomb Nagasaki and Hiroshima? Less extreme Jihadists must ask themselves the same about 9/11.

Dabbler, While there are several arguments for and against re dropping the atomic bombs on Japan, I do believe it was the right decision as it saved countless Allied lives that would have been lost in the planned invasion of Japan. Just think of the lives that would have been saved if it had been available a couple of years before D Day I'm quite sure if Germany or Japan had had it they would not have hesitated in using it, think of the atrocities both those countries committed without nuclear weapons. Mauri

On Aug 9, 1945, Japanese Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki met with the 6 man Supreme Council for the Direction of War and proposed that Japan accept the surrender ultimatum of the Allied Powers.
He was opposed by die-hard War Minister Korechika Anami and others, who wanted to carry on, hoping for some heavenly intervention, like the Kamikaze, or divine wind, that had saved the nation against the invading Mongols in 1281
In addition to the atomic onslaught, Japan had to contend with the massive Soviet invasion of Manchuria, which followed after during the opportunity provided by the Hiroshima raid.
Foreign Minister Togo argued that a draft including all men between 15 and 60 and women between 17 and 45, would bring an additional 28 million people to the country' s defence.
So in my view, the dropping of the second bomb on Nagasaki, not only saved the lives of many Allied troops but saved the lives of many Japanese lives as well.
40

Mauri and 40coats
Thanks for your considered comments, which add to my knowledge, and coincide with my opinion, and help ease my conscience.
Joe

Fortycoats and Mauri. Phew! that was a fascinating read. I'm glad you posted it in otherwise I would never have heard that interview. It was just spellbinding, a minute by minute account up to the very minute the bomb was dropped. I don't know if there was another way to end the war, as I'm not into the workings of the military, but this way worked. There are always lives lost in any conflict, which is regrettable, but I also think the end justifies the means.

Ann, I was only 21 when I visited Hiroshima during one of our routine stop overs in Kure Japan this was during the Korean War. At the time I was with a group of other guys and yes it was an erie experience but I don't think I really appreciated the significance of what had taken place as much as I would today.?As to whether it was a good decision to drop the bomb and then a second one on Nagasaki, that will be something I think will be debated for evermore. Mauri