Pearl Harbour
On 7th December 1941, the Japanese carried out a surprise and well-executed attack on the US Navy base at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, bringing America into World War II. There were over 350 Japanese aircraft involved, launched from six aircraft carriers, and they destroyed or damaged 8 battleships, 3 cruisers, 3 destroyers and 188 aircraft and killed more than 2,400 people - all within two hours. This photograph shows black smoke pouring from USS California after the attack.

The next day, US President Franklin Roosevelt described 7th December 1941 as a "date which will live in infamy". After describing the attack to the nation and detailing the losses, he declared America at war with Japan. There have been several investigations into how America was taken so totally by surprise, revealing a lack of co-ordination and communication between Washington and Oahu. Two local US commanders were fired.