US Navy shoots down an Emily 1943

This U.S. Navy film, produced during the height of World War II, offers a rare glimpse into the Pacific War through vivid color footage, something seldom seen from that era. The docu-drama The Fighting Lady focuses on the story of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, chronicling life at sea, the dangers faced by her crew, and the intense air battles of the time.

Among its many gripping sequences is a remarkable and tragic scene featuring the Japanese Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily” flying boat, a large, long-range maritime patrol aircraft known for its distinctive design, impressive range, and formidable defensive armament. In the clip, Emily is spotted and engaged by U.S. carrier-based aircraft. Despite taking multiple direct hits, the aircraft remains airborne for a time, stubbornly refusing to go down. Eventually, after sustaining catastrophic damage, it succumbs to the assault and crashes into the sea, leaving behind only smoke and debris on the waves.

Watching this footage of the plane being torn apart is heartbreaking, but such is the brutal reality of war.