During World War II, many soldiers became lost in battle and were believed to be dead until returning years later. These soldiers, known as the living war dead, were recognized internationally and symbolized the extreme toll of war on soldiers and their families.
A Japanese soldier believed that Japan would not surrender as long as any one Japanese remained alive, due to the phrase "100 million souls dying for honor" meaning that the population of Japan would fight until the last person to resist the American and English invasion during WWII.
In the last battle of consequence during the Malayan campaign, Australian and Indian troops ambush a Japanese column, leading to a tactical victory for the Allied forces. The Japanese had already strategically defeated the troops, having fought and advanced 600 miles in seven weeks against a highly reputed military army.
The Japanese strategy in World War II involved taking islands, forcing the allies to take them back, and winning through the ability of their people to suffer more. This strategy led to the death of 75% of Japanese soldiers due to disease and starvation, but also created a sense of admiration from their enemies for their determination and courage.
Japanese naval troops beheaded seven Australian men and women including a 16-year-old girl according to captured diaries quoted in various sources. The inhumane treatment and torture of Australian troops was done by order of Japanese officers to prevent their soldiers from surrendering during the war.
The Second World War saw more civilian deaths, which complicates the good vs. evil narrative of the war since both sides have different views and interpretations of what constitutes good or evil.