Aussie Manual

Fighting
for Oz
Manual for
New Troops in
the Pacific Theater of
Operations
© John Comiskey & Dredgeboat Publications, 2003
The Australian Imperial Force (AIF)
When World War II began, Australia answered the call. Many of the
men volunteering to fight had fathers that fought in World War I with
the five divisions of the First AIF in the Australia-New Zealand Army
Corps (ANZACs). As a recognition of the achievements of the
th
ANZACs in World War I, the Second AIF divisions began with the 6
th
Division and brigades started with the 16 Brigade. At the beginning
th
th
of the war, only the 6 Division was formed. Two brigades of the 6
th
went to England, arriving in January 1940. The third brigade of the 6
was sent to the Middle East. The disaster in France that year drove
th
th
th
more Australians to volunteer, with the 7 , 8 and 9 Divisions
th
formed in short order. The 9 Division was unique in this process The Hat Badge of the AIF. The sunburst in
the background was originally a hedge of
th
th
because it was formed with elements of the 6 & 7 Divisions in bayonets.
Palestine.
.
th
The 2/13 Battalion
th
th
The 2/13 Battalion was originally assigned to the 7 Division, but was transferred to
th
th
the new 9 Division while in the Mediterranean. The 9 Division fought hard in the
Siege of Tobruk (April-December 1941), earning the sobriquet “The Desert Rats.” The
th
2/13 Battalion was unique in that they were in Tobruk for the eight months of the
th
siege, the other battalions of the 9 being replaced with other Commonwealth troops.
th
The 2/13 led the breakout from the Tobruk encirclement and linked up with the
th
British
8 Army. The men of the Battalion had done their duty and were sent to Syria
The badge of the 2/13th
th
th
Battalion. The colored for reconstitution. In July 1942 the 2/13 was redeployed along with the rest of the 9
bars indicate the Battal- Division to North Africa to fight in the Second Battle of El Alamein (October 1942).
th
ion, while the gray backSpearheading the assault with XXX Corps, the 9 Division played an integral role in
ground represents the 9th
th
the destruction of the Afrika Korps. The 9 Division was the last of the AIF to leave
Division.
North Africa, returning to Australia in February 1943 to fight the Japanese incursions
in Australian New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
th
th
The 2/13 Battalion had won its first Battle Honor with the 9 Division in the Pacific
th
in September 1943 at Lae-Nadzab. The 9 Division had been placed under the
command of American General Douglas MacArthur. The troops were not adequately
prepared to fight the Japanese in the steamy jungles of New Guinea so soon after
slugging it out with the Germans in the deserts of North Africa. What made the
th
situation more difficult for the Diggers of the 9 were the military decisions made by
the high command that were based on inadequate intelligence information. The Allied
command had significantly underestimated the Japanese strength on the island of New
Guinea and deployed their troops based on this perception. The result was a hard road Tactical Sign of the 9th
Division AIF
for the Australians when the fighting began. The situation was further exacerbated by
the fact that MacArthur’s command post for the Allied effort in New Guinea was based far away in Australia.
th
Despite these numerous obstacles, the Australians performed brilliantly, the men of the 2/13 Battalion quickly
mastered the Jungle Craft and distinguished itself with more Battle Honors at the following battles: Finschafen
(Sep 22-Dec 8 1943), Scarlet Beach (Sep 22 1943), Bumi River (Sep 23-24 1943), Jivenaneng-Kumawa (Oct
3-Nov 8 1943), Defense of Scarlet Beach (Oct 16-28 1943), Sio (Dec 21-Jan 15 1944), Miri (Jun 10-23 1945),
Brunei (June 10-Aug 8 1945).
A World View: The position of Papua-New
Guinea relative to Australia is clear in this illustration. In early 1942, the Japanese had invaded
the Australian mainland on the coast of the
Northern Territory. Though only a reconnaissance mission, the Japanese were thrown back by
the locals who were armed with rifles. It became
apparent at that point to the Australians that
their priorities were in the Pacific, not Africa.
The United States Marine Corps made their legendary stand at Guadalcanal, in the Solomons
(east of Papua-New Guinea). This action bought
time for the the Allies to rally in the Pacific and
marked the limit of the Japanese advance in
World War II. The Australians fought in PapuaNew Guinea in 1942 over the Kokoda Track,
which would become known as the Australian
Thermopylae. In 1943, however, the Japanese
would begin their long retreat.
The Battleground
The Island of Papua-New Guinea is rich in natural resources; primarily petroleum, natural gas, gold and copper.
The Japanese were motivated to control this region because of them, seeing it as an integral part of the
envisioned Pan-Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere.
The island is volcanic and mountainous, as well as overgrown with a lush jungle/rainforest. There were no
battlefields in the conventional sense, as the terrain prohibited extended ranges. The island is subjected to
monsoons ten months out of the year, rendering mechanization all but useless. This is an infantryman’s
environment. Because of the tropical atmosphere, the troops on both sides were subjected to diseases like
malaria and parasites like leeches. Heat and humidity were oppressive. This region was challenging to both
sides, with the mutual enemy being the local environment.
Uniforms for the Australian Infantry in the Pacific
The appearance of the Digger for jungle fighting was markedly different from the one seen in the Western
Desert of North Africa. Because of the relatively quick turnaround of troops from one distinct theater of
operations to another, the Digger had to improvise. The following were commonalties with the two sets of kit:
•
•
•
•
•
P37 Webbing
Slouch Hat or Mk. II Steel Helmet
Ammo Boots (brown or black)
No.1 Mk. III Rifle and Sword Bayonet
Khaki Drill Shirt (dyed green for the Pacific)
Some differences:
•
•
•
•
•
American Herringbone Twill Trousers, full length or cut to shorts
American Leggings
Machete or Kukhri
Rain Cape or Gas Cape
Chain for ID disks
Naturally, each soldier would acquire and arrange his kit to suit his tastes. Personals were at the discretion of
the individual. The troops generally favored the Slouch Hat over the Steel Helmet due to comfort and
practicality. Some samples are below:
The Jungle Craft
General: The term jungle craft implies the ability of a soldier to live and fight in the jungle; to
be able to move from point-to-point and arrive at his objective fit to fight; to use ground and
vegetation to the best advantage; and be able to “melt” into the jungle either by freezing or
intelligent use of camouflage; to recognize and be able to use native foods; and possess the
ability to erect rapidly temporary shelters to ward off tropical downpours.
Movement: There is a technique for moving in the jungle. Go slow and watch you step. The
aim should be to move silently without causing any commotion of the animals. Part the jungle,
don’t try to push through it. Use game trails wherever possible; take care to go where you want
to go, not where the game wants you to go.
Halts and Meals: Wake at dawn, drink tea and walk a couple of hours before having a morning
meal; thereafter walk until an hour before sundown, halt and cook the evening meal. Put out the
fire and then move off a mile or so and rest for the night. Do not sleep near a track, game trail,
stream, or on a ridge. These are jungle highways at night and you may be disturbed.
Shooting: The rifle is the infantryman’s primary weapon. It is with this that he will achieve
victory. Quick decisions and timing are as important as accuracy of aim. To exert self-control,
to know when to hold one’s fire, to shoot calmly and accurately at the right moment, are matters
of great importance under conditions where a second shot is most unlikely to be obtained after
a miss. In the jungle 50-75 yards is a long shot.
For automatic weapons the general principles for employment are normally use single
shot fire, save ammunition and don’t disclose the location of your automatic weapons; NEVER
use automatic fire, unless you have a really worth while target or in the final stages of the
assault; once you have disclosed your position by the use of automatic fire, take the first
opportunity of moving to an alternative position to the flank or forward.
Jungle Infantry: It goes without saying that the men who fight in jungles must be well-trained
and well-led and must be jungle-minded. They must move in single file but must be ready at all
times to deploy and drop noiselessly out of sight. Every man must be capable, if the need arises,
of acting as an individual and being able to support himself. Jungle warfare should be regarded
as a game, healthful, interesting and thrilling; the men should feel at home in the jungle and
regard it as a friend. They must realize the absolute necessity for jungle training as a means to
defeat the Japanese who come from one of the most highly industrialized countries in the world
and have no natural advantages as Jungle Infantry.
Patrolling
“The side which wins the patrolling encounters wins the battles.”
(Quotation from Report on Milne Bay Operation)
General: Patrolling is a very wide term. In jungle warfare, where the lack of communications
forces the use of smaller bodies of troops, patrolling has a wider application than ever. It is in
effect the technique of moving and fighting over long distances and for periods which may
extend up to ten days or even more, of bodies of troops up to one company. It is essential that
on every occasion you must produce superior forces against the enemy, so that you can destroy
the enemy, dominate the battlefield, however small this may be, and remain masters of it.
Therefore, if experience shows that the Jap patrols are normally 5 or 6, then yours should be 15
or 20; if the Jap send 30 or 40, send a company. These fighting patrols have the object of
gaining “ground superiority” and this they will achieve most quickly by always being the first
to surprise the Japs.
Strength of Patrols: The strength of the patrol depends on its task. If it is a reconnoitering
patrol it should be just as big as is required and no more. It is seldom likely to be less than one
leader and two men. If, however, the patrol is likely to meet the enemy when on the move and
is likely to have to defend itself it should obviously be in sufficient strength to do so. Japanese
Patrols are normally 30-50 men strong with a mortar detachment, i.e., a strong Platoon. It
follows that our patrols must be as strong or stronger, or else they should be so small they can
“fade” and evade the action while keeping the enemy under observation.
Planning: A patrol commander on being given his orders for his patrol must appreciate the
situation and make a plan the same as for any other operation of war. He must have his object
clearly fixed in his mind. He must remember that it is his duty to bring his patrol fresh to the
sphere of operations.
Miscellaneous: Never send a man out from a patrol on his own more than a few yards. It is
extraordinary how men get lost.
The Attack
Frontal and Flanking Attacks: In general, there are two forms of attack: the frontal and the
flanking attack…
(a) The frontal attack may be employed when time or the nature of the country does not
permit outflanking, or when the enemy is overextended. The attack may often be astride
the axis of advance as this simplifies control and direction, and enables supporting
weapons to be employed quickly. To avoid exposing themselves, troops must keep clear
of the actual track and move under cover along both sides.
(b) The outflanking attack is more difficult than the frontal attack but it may often be
decisive.
The outflanking attack will normally be carried out by dividing a force into four
main components. The first component consists of the fixing element, which secures the
track, or some tactical feature, and fixes the enemy. The second and third components
are the outflanking elements which make the main attack on one or both of the enemy’s
flanks or in his rear. The fourth component is the reserve, the size of which must be
sufficient to exploit the success of either or both of the other two forces, and counter any
hostile reactions.
In order to help outflanking attacks, vigorous action by the fixing force necessary.
This may deceive the enemy as to the point of the main attack, and cause him to employ
his reserves prematurely.
Units making the outflanking attack must adopt a formation that will provide
all-round protection. All-round protection is provided by patrols, scouts, and observers.
To maintain control, and to check direction, short bounds are necessary.
The attack may result in a series of engagements by small parties at close range.
Troops must react promptly and energetically, remembering that the attack must always
be made with speed and determination.
The Defense
General: Although, when training troops for jungle warfare, it is necessary to devote great
attention to offensive tactics, training in defense must not be neglected. A temporary assumption of the defensive may on occasions be necessary in the form of protection at rest at the
completion of a day’s advance, and at the end of each day’s fighting. A passive defense,
however, must never be permitted. The very essence of defense in dense country is that it must
be both mobile and aggressive. Defended localities are required, but their chief purpose is to
provide firm bases from which mobile elements operate for laying ambushes, for offensive
patrolling and for immediate counterattack. Strong reserves, prepared for offensive action,
must be located where they can move immediately to any threatened locality.
Occupation of a Position at Night: A minimum of two hours of daylight must be allowed for
the establishment of a position for the night so that preparations may be completed before
darkness.
The “harbor” will be organized as a perimeter defense. As a guide, the force will
normally be divided into the following parts:
(a) One-half for perimeter defense, of which a third will be disposed in depth to counter
infiltration.
(b) One quarter in reserve for immediate counterattack to expel any penetration.
(c) On quarter for counter-offensive action against such enemy as are located by patrols,
snipers or listening posts outside the perimeter.
Unless the enemy attempts to rush a position, firing at night should be forbidden. Usually
the objects of enemy fire at night are to discover the positions of sentries and posts, to disturb
the defenders and to inflict loss. If his fire is not returned he will fail in his first two objects, and
he is unlikely to be unsuccessful in the third.
Active Defense: The enemy will usually seek to employ outflanking tactics. It must be
remembered that these tactics generally entail the disadvantages of a long advance, with long
routes of supply, difficulties of communications, and movement in country which is not known
to the attackers. The defenders, on the other hand, are fighting on ground of their own
choosing, they will have shorter and better communications, with better control and reserves
centralized. With these advantages, a mobile, aggressive, well handled defense will have
opportunities to destroy the enemy in the jungle, and this is the task of the counter-offensive
part of the garrison.
Slang for New Diggers
Ack Willy AWL; Absent without leave.
Airships and clouds Sausages with mashed potato
Animal a term of contempt for a man (usually an Officer or NCO)
Armchair commando desk bound soldier, clerk
Atta-boys Atebrine pills for malaria prevention, taken daily under supervision of NCO
Bangers (and mash)
sausages (with mashed potato)
Biscuit bombers (or bully beef bombers) Allied planes dropping supplies to forward areas, food and ammo usually.
Betty (also Betties)
Blot
Japanese bomber of a particular type originally, but later any Jap bomber
bum, arse, posterior, as in "sitting on his blot doing SFA"
Blow (or blow through) leave, go away
Bombo cheap wine, plonk, any low grade alcohol product
Bomb-happy shell shocked
Bull, The Bull the boss, the best, usually the CO
Bull shit (BS)
untrue, lies, propaganda, unnecessary
Bumper sniping cleaning up (including or especially cigarette ends, called bumpers)
Burgoo porridge
Bush artillery captured artillery reused against it's former owners, usually by infantry men
Castor good, fine, OK
Charley the Bastard
Chook chuff
Boyes anti-tank rifle; because of the savage recoil it had
powdered egg
Cut lunch Commandos
Junior cadets (12 to 14 years old) (school cadets) and Senior Cadets 14 to 18.
Dead meat tickets identity disks; one to be left in the mouth of the corpse, one returned proving death
Done over wounded, tired, exhausted, beaten
Doughboys
American soldier, originally (from WWI); dough as in soft, puffy, unbaked, not yet put to the fire but
later in WWII to refer to the amount of money the Yanks had. The complaint was that they were "over-paid, over-sexed
and over here"
The Deuce
The Unit Second in Command OR 2 i/c, second only to the Trump (CO). Both are card game names.
Emu parade (Emu bob)
line of soldiers, under the control of a junior NCO, side by side, almost shoulder to
shoulder, walking slowly forwards cleaning up an area, therefore bobbing up and down to pick up litter.
February
the Commanding Officer (CO), as he can inflict 28 days punishment or detention
Fart-arse about to waste time
Free chewing gum chin strap on hat
Fruit salad medal ribbons
Front the Bull be paraded in front of the CO, usually for a misdemeanor of some sort
Fuzzy wuzzy or fuzzy wuzzy angels Papuan native litter carrier or bearer who carried supplies up to the front line and
wounded men back to base. Did great work and were paid almost nothing.
Get your finger out stop loafing, get busy, hurry
Get off my back leave me alone, go away, ease up on me
GI (or Gi), gee eye American fighting soldier (GII or G2 was intelligence corps) The I, or i, was actually from the roman numeral “I” meaning one. So GI was really G one (fighting corps) and GII was G two (intelligence section).
Giggle-suit army fatigue suit, loose untidy looking work dress
Give us a break ease up, give me a chance, stop pushing me
Give the game away (1) stop, leave, give up
Give the game away (2) prematurely expose a plan
Gongs medals
Gyrene American marine (USMC) from GI + marine
Homer serious wound (bad enough to get you sent home)
Jungle juice home made wine, usually very high in alcohol content
Lance jack Lance corporal (L/Cpl), the first rank above Private (Pte).
Lurk men loafers, bludgers, men constantly trying to avoid work
Mad mile (minute) bayonet assault course
Mandrakes waterproof capes, after Mandrake the Magician, a popular comic hero who always wore one.
Nip, nips (also Japs)
On the nose
Japanese
unpleasant, disagreeable, bad, smelly
Panic hat steel helmet
Panic artist excitable or unstable person, particularly if an officer or NCO
Piss-pocket crawler, insincere person, flatterer (also 'pissing in my pocket'; insincerely flattering or misleading me )
and ('don't piss in my pocket'; don't try to get your way by flattering me)
Pull your head in shut up, be quiet, back off, stop bothering me
Perve artist soldier with more than a normal interest in women
RHIP Rank has it's privileges (also Rank Hath It's Privileges)
Rose bowl urinal placed between tent lines
SFA Sweet Fanny Adams (or Sweet F**k All); nothing, zip, zero
Short arm parade inspection of soldiers genitals to discover any VD infection
Shark bait disliked NCO or officer who might fall overboard from a troop ship
Shark-shit any sailor also any Digger about to go on a boat
SNAFU (snafoo) (snafu) Situation normal, all fouled up (sometimes another "F" word was used)
Snorkers, snags sausages
Stick-it (or shove it) I refuse. No. As in "stick it up your arse"
The two icky
The 2 i/c, Second in Command, The Deuce
The Trump the Commanding Officer
Three striper Sergeant, from his badges of rank
Tile (Anzac wafer) army biscuit, very hard and difficult to eat.
Tin tank, Tin tanks Americans (rhymes with Yanks)
Tojo Any Japanese. From the name of the Japanese Prime Minister and Minister for War who had worked hard to
push Japan into the war against former allies.
Up shit creek in bad trouble (sometimes "up shit creek without a paddle") also ("up shit creek in a barbed wire rowboat")
Weekend Warriors CMF (before they were mobilized) from the fact that they did mostly weekend only training
Woodpecker Japanese machine gun, from the distinctive noise they made
Yank, Yankee
American
Zebra Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) because of the stripes of rank
Waltzing Matilda
By Andrew “Banjo” Patterson
Once a jolly swagman sat beside the billabong,
Under the shade of a coolibah tree,
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.
Down came a jumbuck to drink beside the billabong
Up jumped the swagman and seized him with glee
And he sang as he tucked jumbuck in his tuckerbag
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.
Down came the stockman, riding on his thoroughbred,
Down came the troopers, one, two, three.
"Where's the jolly jumbuck you've got in your tuckerbag?
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
Waltzing matilda, waltzing matilda
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me
And he sang as he sat and waited by the billabong
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.
Up jumped the swagman and plunged into the billabong,
"You'll never catch me alive," cried he
And his ghost may be heard as you ride beside the billabong,
You'll come a waltzing matilda with me.
The Japanese
General: The Japanese soldier is not the anything like the stereotype presented in the newspapers. He is not
simian in appearance, nor buck-toothed, short sighted or stupid. On the contrary, the Japanese soldier of this
war is the inheritor of a long military tradition. He is extraordinarily fit, clever, resolute and tough. It is the
Japanese that hold the record for the fastest road march. They are masters of the Jungle Craft. To the company
level the Japanese are well-equipped with mortars, heavy- and light-machine guns. They are not to be
underestimated.
Psychology: Since the turn of the century the Japanese have been modernizing their military on a regular basis,
especially in the fleet and air arms. After the Great War it became apparent to the leaders of Japan that if they
were to survive another conflict of that scale that they would need to control the resources necessary to fight an
industrial war: namely petroleum, iron, tin, rubber, copper and timber. Said resources are not available in
significant volume on the Japanese Home Islands. The only way to secure these resources is through trade or
conquest.
The military culture of the Japanese is based on a modern interpretation of Bushido, or “The Way of the
Warrior.” This was the code of the samurai class in Japan for centuries. Its Western equivalent would be the
concept of chivalry, but it is more thorough. In the modern interpretation, the Japanese soldier swears loyalty
to the regiment to which he is a member, as well as the Emperor. The recruits are taken into the regiment as
early as the age of 16 and effectively sever their ties to their family for the duration of active service (two years
mandatory, in reserve until the age of 40). All orders are to be followed to the letter. Demurs were rare, usually
followed by ritual suicide (or seppuku). It is dishonorable to be taken prisoner; which evolved into a practice of
no quarter given, none expected. This aspect will be very apparent to new Commonwealth soldiers in the field.
The Japanese have been known to torture prisoners. Some of the common methods are to use prisoners for
bayonet practice, or test the blades of the officers’ swords (or katana). On the attack the Japanese prefer to
close with their enemies quickly and force a decision, typically with the bayonet. The Japanese soldier on the
defensive will fight to the end. They will feign death in order to kill their enemies when they are not looking.
All soldiers must take measures to ensure that a Japanese soldier is dead before moving on.
Weapons: As stated before the Japanese soldier, the most common, is well-equipped for infantry combat. The
primary weapon is the bolt action rifle, either the Type 38 in 6.5mm or Type 99 in 7.7mm caliber. The rifle is
also fitted to mount a sword bayonet. The magazine capacity for both rifles is five rounds.
The 7.7mm Type 99 Rifle with sword bayonet and the bolt action open.
The Japanese infantryman also has several grenades on his person. The most common is the Type 97
fragmentation grenade. Its operation is different from the Mk. 36 Mills Bomb in that once the pin is pulled, the
fuse mechanism must be struck against something solid (like a helmet) in order to arm it. It weighs
approximately one pound and has a 4-5 second fuse.
Type 97 Grenade
The Japanese are generous in fitting-out their platoons with machine guns. There were two that were the most
common:
(a) The 7.7mm Type 99 (or “Nambu”). The Nambu is a gas-operated, 30-round magazine-fed,
air-cooled, light machine gun similar in appearance to the Bren gun. It has a bipod, bayonet lug, and
optical sight.
The 7.7mm Type 99 “Nambu” Light Machine Gun
(b) The 7.7mm Type 92. A gas-operated, 30-round strip-fed, air-cooled heavy machine gun similar in
appearance to the French Hotchkiss Machine Gun.
The 7.7mm Type 92 Heavy Machine Gun.
Mortars were in abundance at the platoon level. The light weight and short-range accuracy of the mortar suited
the Japanese fluid tactics. The two most common:
(a) The 50mm Type 89 (or “Knee Mortar”). The knee mortar is a muzzle-fed, rifled, man-portable
(only 10 ½ pounds) grenade discharger that can lob a 1-2 pound projectile up to 130 yards.
The Type 89 “Knee Mortar” Deployed
(b) The 81mm Type 99. Looking like an American M1 Mortar with a shortened barrel, the Type 99
also has a trigger firing mechanism at the base of the barrel. This Mortar can break down into three
parts (tube, base plate, bipod) with each part weighing 17 pounds. These characteristics make it an
ideal medium mortar for platoon-level fire support in close quarters.
The 81mm Type 99 Mortar
The primary sidearm of the Japanese officer was either the Nambu Type or the Type 17 pistol. Both
pistols are 8mm, semi-automatic with an 8-round magazine.
The Nambu Type Pistol
Tactics: The Japanese tactics are based on offense. They will probe for weaknesses in the line and focus their
mortars on those points to create a breach and then infiltrate and envelope. They emphasize speed in this
endeavor and are capable of brining significant firepower (in terms of mortars infantry guns and machine guns)
to bear in a matter of seconds to pin their opponents down. Once this is accomplished the Japanese will
maneuver to a position to charge with the bayonet. The purpose is to create confusion and force a route,
followed by a relentless pursuit. This was seen in the opening phases of the war and Allied soldiers must take
care to not succumb to fear. Though death may occur in a firefight, it is almost certain in a retreat.
Originally the Japanese would charge on the defensive to regain the initiative. After facing the firepower of the
American Marines on Guadalcanal, and moving onto the strategic defensive, the Japanese learned that this was
not a viable alternative. What has evolved is a more determined defender that will used well concealed strong
points and fight from them until killed. In this sense, the Japanese is a formidable opponent in that their
psychology prevents them from surrendering. Positions can not merely be bypassed without being neutralized.
When assaulting the Japanese in a fixed position, the troops must take care to knock out each position as they
go along. Use as many heavy weapons as possible to ensure a quick action and minimize casualties.
The Japanese always deploy snipers. Be aware that they are experts at jungle camouflage and will climb trees
for concealment. Detail men to scan the treetops.
In terms of heavy weapons, the Japanese are deficient. Heavy artillery and tanks, in number and quality, are
marginal when compared to an Allied Table of Organization and Equipment. The industrial capacity of the
Japanese Islands is not capable of manufacturing these types of weapons in any significant volume. It is also
believed that the Japanese consider these weapons as dishonorable because of the distance and armor involved.
When the Japanese do commit heavy artillery and tanks to battle, their numbers are few and, typically,
eliminated before considerable damage can be done.
Uniforms: The Japanese have a variety of uniforms in their infantry element. As with Allied uniforms, there
are variants based on climate, mission and availability. The Japanese also have an elite corps termed Special
Naval Landing Force that are on par with Allied Marines. They come from the North Island of Japan
(Hokkaido) and are required to be 6ft. or taller to be selected for elite training. When deployed, they are known
to wear body armor. Below are a few visual representations of what you will see in battle:
Army Dark Green
Tropicals
Army Tropicals
Variant
Army Fatigue Dress
Special Naval Landing
Force Trooper
References
Websites:
http://home.austarnet.com.au/screenprinter/Australian_Tac_Signs_2.html
http://www.tac.com.au/~anva/waltzing_matilda.htm
http://au.geocities.com/thefortysecondinww2/level1/line5/slang.htm
http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-conflicts-periods/ww2/pages-2aif-cmf/battle-honours.htm
http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-uniforms/australian-2.htm
Books:
The British Army 1939-45: The Far East. Brayley, Martin. Osprey Publishing, London,
2002.
The Devil’s Own. Klink, Fred. Private Publish, 1999.
Handbook on Japanese Military Forces. U.S. War Department. Louisiana State University Press; Baton Rouge, LA, 1991.
Imperial Japanese Army and Navy Uniforms & Equipment. Nakata, Tadao. Ironside
International Publishers, Arlington, VA, 1997.
Island Fighting. Steinberg, Rafael. Time-Life Books, Canada, 1978.
The Jungle Book. British War Department, London, 1943.
Soldiers of the Sun. Harries, Meirion & Susan. Random House, 1992.