. To begin with, it had not been possible to foresee how greatly the Jap garrison would outnumber our jumpers at first. Final estimates showed that the total Jap strength on the Island had been as many as 6000 men, perhaps more. 2500 of these were undoubtedly stationed in the main rock fortress, the others being in the Malinta Hill section, completely separated from the Rock by the beach-neck. The first paratroop wave, therefore, was outnumbered by more than two to one for the three hours they spent in securing the jump field and awaiting the arrival of reinforcements. Even with the arrival of the 2nd Battalion, the total force, when inevitable jump casualties were deducted, was considerably inferior in numbers to the Japs, giving the enemy an advantage of at least 300 to 500 men, and possibly much more than this.