Monthly Archives: February 2019
PT Boats – August 1945
PT boat operating at Guadalcanal
In mid August, 30 squadrons of PT’s were in commission. Nineteen were in the 7th Fleet.
Admiral Kinkaid could not foresee a need for patrol boats around Japan and Korea, so The 7th Fleet boats became the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Philippine Sea Frontier. The shooting was over but there were still jobs where they could be useful.
25-26 August – at Morotai, 16 PT’s under Lt.Comdr. T.R. Stansbury and Gen. Johnson got underway for a rendezvous with the commanders of the Japanese forces on Halmahera. The Japanese commanding general was not there. That was unacceptable.
PT boat w/ native scouts aboard
(possibly PT-171)
The following day, BGen. Warren McNaught went with 6 PT boats and this time Lt.Gen. Ishii and Capt. Fujita, IJN commander were waiting. The boats carried them to the 93rd Div. headquarters on Morotai. It was here that they surrendered 37,000 troops, 4,000 Japanese civilians and a very large quantity of equipment. This was the force that the PT boats had held at bay for almost a year. The garrison commander, Col. Ouchi, reported that since 12 May, when 3 barges brought sorely needed supplies from Halmahera, not a single barge had crossed the 12-mile strait between the 2 islands. Two of those barges were destroyed by PT boats when they attempted to return.
PT-174 at Rendova, Solomons, Jan. 1944
In the central Philippines, Pt 489 and 492 of Squadron 33 carried U.S. Army personnel and members of the Japanese surrender commission to isolated enemy outposts on Samar, Masbate and Romblon to accept the surrender of more than 500 enemy troops.
The Navy Depart. properly got rid of most of the PT’s; their job was done. Because of their light wooden construction they could not be stored away for future use as the steel-hulled ships were.
All the boats in the western Pacific were carefully surveyed. It was found that 118 hulls were defective due to broken frames, worms and dry rot, broken keels, cracked longitudinals * or battle damage. These boats were stripped of all salvageable material and the bare hulls were burned on the beach at Samar.
Squadrons 4, 41 and 42 were being saved for training purposes and experimental work.
Behind the decision to cut the PT force so drastically, besides the obvious reason of economy, there was a realization that in the end of the old boats was the beginning of a new PT boat. There were no major changes in design in the 80-foot Elco and the 78-foot Higgins, but with the war’s end, they could afford to take their time to redesign in light of 4-years worth of experience.
In 1951, the Navy accepted the first post-war PT’s. They were all aluminum hulls and powered by 4 Packard engines of considerable higher horsepower than the original. The first one built, PT-809 was built by the Electric Boat Co. The overall length of the boat was 98 feet and the max beam was 26 feet. PT-810 by Bath Iron Works; PT-811 by John Trumpy & Sons and the last experimental one, PT-812 was built by Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and equipped with gas turbines. These boats operated as Motor Torpedo Squadron-1 from 1954-59.
* Longitudinals – (a system for framing vessels in which light, closely spaced, longitudinal frames are connected by heavy, widely spaced transverse frames with deep webs.)
Information derived from: “At Close Quarters, PT Boats in the United States Navy” by Robert J. Bulkley
Click on images to enlarge.
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Anthony Bosico – Haverstraw, NY; US Navy, WWII, submarine service, USS Grouper & tender Proteus
Jerry Cruce – Grayson, GA; US Merchant Marine, WWII
William Duncan – Tofield, CAN; RC Army, WWII, 5th BC Coat Brigade/25th General Pioneers
Frank Greco – Hendersonville, NC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Korea & Vietnam (Ret. 30 y.)
Charles Heath Gauley Bridge, WV, US Navy, WWII, USS Wyoming
George Johnson – Terre Haute, IN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division, artillery
William Lewis – McGuffey, OH; US Navy, WWII, PTO, radioman, USS New Orleans
Jack Meyers – Seattle, WA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, B-29 mechanic
Stanley Szuba – Linden, NJ; USMC, WWII
John Widelski – New Bedford, MA; US Navy, gunner’s mate, USS Wingfield & Bronstein
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Poems
I think we are all in need of a more light-hearted post by now …..
A FRIEND, YOUR AMERICAN M.P.
When soldiers go out and have some fun,
They always forget about some other one.
That someone’s on duty every day,
To see that these soldiers are safe at play.
They call him names that we can’t print,
But they should sit down and try to think.
These men are detailed for this tough job,
So why go around and call him a snob?
When a guy’s in trouble, and things look bad,
They call on this fellow, and then he’s not bad.
At the end they will say, “this fellow took up for me.”
And the fellow that did it was your American M.P.
One thing to remember fellows when you’re down and out,
There’s a fellow that will help you if he hears you shout.
He will stand beside you and fight like hell.
So do the right thing, and treat him well.
Just remember fellows on your holiday,
One of your buddies can’t go out and play.
You call him an outcast, and other names,
But he’s your buddy, just the same.
We envy no one, try never to do harm.
We’re here to keep you safe, in every form.
So if you see us on duty, please don’t get mad.
Remember we’re here for you, and that M.P.’s aren’t bad.
– S/Sgt. GODFREY J. DARBY
WAR AND HELL
When reception is poor and the signal stinks
And you think of bed and your forty winks
And the PE coughs and pulls high jinks
That ain’t war, that’s hell.
When your grease is cold and your rear guns fails
With a Zero riding each of your tails
And you curse your luck and bite your nails
That ain’t war, that’s hell.
When you’ve hiked all night and your feet are sore
And your throat’s all parched and your clothes are tore
And the C.O. says just ten miles more
That ain’t war, that’s hell.
When you’re climbing a hill and the motor’s hot
And the left read blows like a pistol shot
You hope its a back fire but you know it’s not
That ain’t war, that’s hell.
When the whistle blows for the day’s mail call
And you’re sweating a letter from your butter-ball
And Jones gets a card and they say that’s all
That ain’t war, that’s hell.
When the chow bell rings and you hope for ham
But the guy who cooks don’t give a damn
So all you get is a slab of Spam
That ain’t war, that’s hell.
But when the war’s been won by your nation
And you dream of home with anticipation
But the order says Army of Occupation
Brother that will be hell.
– Sgt. CARL BROOKMAN
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More Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Bennie Adams Jr. – Barnwell, SC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Korea & Vietnam, SM Sgt., Bronze Star
H. Carl Boone – Atlantic City, NJ; US Navy, WWII, ETO, LST, Purple Heart
Andrew Curtis Jr. – Yakima, WA; US Army Air Corps, WWII,B-24 pilot, 15th Air Force
John Eilerman – Fort Laramie, OH; US Navy, WWII
George Fuchs – Pinehurst, NC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, 152nd Artillery/11th Airborne Division
Allan Goodwin – Houston, TX; US Merchant Marines, WWII
Michael Hession III – Harwich, MA; US Coast Guard, WWII, PTO
Eileen “Gertie” Joyner – NYC, NY; US Army WAC; WWII, nurse
Ernest Reid – Toronto, CAN; RC Air Force, WWII, Flight Sgt.
Shirley Zumstag – Bradenton, FL; US Navy WAVE, WWII
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Kamikaze Pilot Took His Wife On Fatal Flight
Tetsuo Tanifuji and wife, Asako
Even though World War Two had come to an end, the story of a Japanese couple who met their death in a deliberate kamikaze suicide flight against Soviet troops has come to light and has been turned into a television program.
Tetsuo Tanifuji was a trained kamikaze pilot for the Japanese Imperial Navy, however, for his very last flight, he decided to take his wife, Asako with him.
Even though the bombs had been dropped and Japan was on the verge of surrender, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and was trying to take large areas of Japanese-controlled land in North China and the Northern Territory islands off Japan. Thousands of Japanese troops and civilians were making their way back to the Japanese mainland in defeat, so the invasion by Soviet troops was causing more chaos, attacking any military or civilians they came across.
Japanese Emperor Hirohito surrendered to Allied forces and four days later ten pilots from the Japanese Imperial Navy’s First Kyoiku Unit decided to launch an aerial attack on the incoming Soviet troops, to help other Japanese military and civilians in their retreat to the mainland.
Tetsuo was a Second Lieutenant and just 22 years old. He collected his wife, and together they climbed inside the Type 97 fighter plane. It is reported that another woman also joined another of the unit’s pilots in another aircraft.
Kamikaze memorial
They took off from their airbase and were never to be seen again. None of the aircraft that took part in the attack returned, and no records of the mission existed or survived. It wasn’t until 1957 that the Japanese military declared Tetsuo was killed in action and not until 1970 that Asako’s family received her death certificate.
The story has been turned into a television drama in Japan. However, the families of the couple are concerned about the story being dramatized. One family member said that no war stories are ‘heart-warming’ since they are shrouded in the misery of war. Another family member said that she would have done the same thing as Asako if she had made the decision to die with her husband.
Overall the family hopes that it will educate the younger generation about the devastation of war, and to oppose any attempts by politicians to get involved in armed conflict.
This author agrees.
From War History on line.
For a more personal look at this situation click HERE…..
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Military Humor – 
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Farewell Salutes –
Gordon Banks – Elgin IL; USMC, WWII & Korea, Captain
Alexander Disanto – Mantua, NJ; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 507/11th Airborne Division
Phillip Goddard – Des Moines, IA; US Army, WWII, PTO, Corps of Engineers
John Horrall – Spokane, WA; US Army, WWII, ETO, 10th Mountain Division
Henning Knudson – Havre, MT; US Navy, WWII
Richard Luchsinger (102) – Moline, IL; US Army, WWII
Hugo Meyer – ID; US Army, WWII, PTO
Howard Nelson – Kathryn, ND; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO
Stanley Raynham – Eltham, ENG; Royal Navy, WWII
John Widelski – New Bedford, MA; US Navy, gunner’s mate, USS Wingfield & Bronstein
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M-5 Stuart, Satan Flamethrower Tank
The light M5 Stuart remained in use as a main battle tank for much longer in the Pacific than in other theaters. It was better than the Japanese Type 95 Ha-go light tank. The Type 97 Chi-ha medium tank had a more powerful 47mm gun, but much thinner armor (only 25mm at its thickest), so the M5 and M5A1 could fight it on at least equal terms.
Being outfitted with a Ronson flamethrower which replaced the main gun. 20 tanks were converted for US Marine Corps in 1943. They were used to great effect on Japanese strong points and caves that proved a tough nut to crack for the advancing Marines.
In Europe, Allied light tanks had to be given cavalry and infantry fire support roles since their main cannon armament could not compete with heavier enemy armored fighting vehicles. However, the Stuart was still effective in combat in the Pacific, as Japanese tanks were both relatively rare and were lighter in armor than even Allied light tanks. Japanese infantrymen were not well equipped with ant-tank weapons, and as such had to use close assault tactics. In this environment, the Stuart was only moderately more vulnerable than medium tanks.
Crews of ‘flame’ tanks were not necessarily more vulnerable than those crews in the regular, standard version of the tank, but the crews of flamethrowing tanks were often treated differently should they be captured alive by enemy troops.
Due to the perceived inhumanity of the weapon itself, captured crews of such tanks were often treated much less humanely than crews of regular tanks. Instances of ‘flame tankers’ being executed by the opposite troops upon capture were not uncommon.
Flame tanks also suffered from the fact, along with flamethrower-armed troops, that all enemy within range would usually open up on them due to the fear of the weapon. (Wikipedia)
This tank is a super rare recreation of the infamous Satan Tank which now tours the show circuit in America.
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Military Tank Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Melton Brockman – Bainbridge Island, WA; USMC, WWII, PTO, 7th Service Regiment, mechanic
Robert Burke – Cincinnati, OH; US Army, WWII, CBI
Cornelius Duffy – Olean, NY; US Merchant Marines, WWII / US Army, 2nd Lt.
Sol Grossman – Boyle Heights, CA; US Navy, WWII
William Harvey – McKees Rock, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, HQ/188th/11th Airborne Division
Nathan Keen Jr. – Lake City, FL; USMC, WWII, PTO / US Air Force, CMSgt. (Ret, 25 y.)
Albert Masserini – Trenton, NJ; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, B-7 gunner, Lt. Col. (Ret.)
Dean Smith – Bussey, IA; US Army, WWII, PTO, medic
Therese Thackray (100) – Yorkshire, ENG; Royal Navy WRNS, WWII, Code & Cypher Officer
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General Yamashita – conclusion
General Tomoyuki Yamashita as he led his staff officers of the 14th Area Army to surrender, 2 Sept. 1945. He did not believe in hara-kiri. He said, “If I kill myself, someone else will have to take the blame.”
One of the most monumental surrenders in the Pacific War was General Tomoyuki Yamashita. He had joined the Japanese Army in 1906 and fought the Germans in China in 1914, graduated Staff College in 1916 and began a military attaché in Switzerland as an expert on Germany, where he was to meet Tojo Hideki.
Tojo soon became very envious of the success and advancements Yamashita was achieving. This was especially true after the campaign in Malaya and bluffing the British into surrendering to his inferior forces in Singapore. Tojo used his influence to have Yamashita transferred to Manchuria before he could even announce his win to the Emperor. The general was sent to the Philippine Islands in 1944. A man who believed in the Samurai traditions and was highly devoted to the Emperor.
Many times, my friend Mustang Koji has given me information on this war, his site, http://p47koji.wordpress.com and he supplied much of the data included here in today’s post. A visit to Koji’s website will give you stories about having relatives on both sides of the Pacific too. Very interesting!
Initial American contact with Gen. Yamashita
30 August – negotiations with the general were drawing to a close, but he remained in his mountain headquarters sending word with thanks to the American Commanders for their “sincere efforts and concerns,” and his regrets that he was unable to contact his forces in Cagayan Valley, Balete Pass and the Clark Field areas.
Small groups were beginning to turn themselves in and Major General Yuguchi, of the 103d Division in the Cagayan Valley had already agreed to the surrender terms, but was awaiting word from Yamashita. The 37th Infantry Division was expecting 3,000 to surrender on 2 September. Throughout the Philippine Islands, capitulations were being delivered from Japanese officers.
Some Japanese soldiers refused to believe that the Emperor had aired a demand for peace and skirmishes were reported on various islands. No American troops were listed as casualties. Those killed during that action with unfriendly combatants were Japanese, Filipino, Korean. General Yamashita arrived for his surrender and behaved as a gentleman officer would, then was led away to Baguio City for confinement, surrender and trial.
Yamashita testifies
In Time magazine, the writer ranted about Yamashita’s brutality during the Bataan Death March. The truth of the matter was – Yamashita was in Manchuria at the time. All in all, 5,600 Japanese were prosecuted during 2,200 trials. More than 4,400 men and women were convicted and about 1,000 were executed and approximately the same number of acquittals.
Gen. Yamashita at defense table. His longtime translator, Masakatsu Hamamoto accompanied him.
General Tomoyuki Yamashita’s case was the most famous of the American trials and was presided over by a military commission of 5 American general officers (none of which had any legal training) and held in the ballroom of the U.S. high commissioner’s residence. The charge was “responsibility for the death and murders tolerated – knowingly or not.” The general’s defense council, Col. Harry Clark, argued that no one would even suggest that the Commanding General of an American occupational force would become a criminal every time an American soldier committed a crime – but, Yamashita was just so accused.
correspondents
The American Military Court in Manila sentenced Gen. Yamashita on 7 December 1945 and he was hanged on 23 February 1946.
The above is a modern photo of the Home Economics building of the Kiangan Central School where General Yamashita was first contacted. Later, he was sent to Baguio City for the formal surrender.
Photo is credited to, Dr. Walter Johnson
Click on images to enlarge.
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Personal Note – May we all say a prayer for Derrick and Jackie Knight, who lost their son, Michael, yesterday.
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Military Humor – 
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Farewell Salutes –
Edna Barnett – Telford, ENG; British Aux. Air Force; WWII
Victor Barnett (101) – Telford, ENG; RAF, WWII, radar
Robert Coccari – Monesson, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Medical/188/11th Airborne Division
Arthur Gould – Killara, AUS; RA Navy, Commander
Marcelite Harris – Houston, TX; US Air Force, MGeneral (Ret. 32 y.)
Richard Isawa – Los Angeles, CA; US Army, Signal Corps, instructor
Yukio Kawamoto (99) – Springfield, VA; US Army, WWII, PTO, combat intelligence
Albert Levy – Brookline, MA; US Army, WWII, ETO, medic
John ‘Fred’ Martin – Watertown, NY; US Army, WWII, Major (Ret. 22 y.)
Joseph Slater – TN; US Navy, WWII, Korea & Vietnam, Master Chief Petty Officer (Ret. 30 y.)
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General Yamashita
Gen. Robert Eichelberger
From: “Our Jungle Road to Tokyo” by General Robert Eichleberger
Although negotiations with Yamashita for surrender were completed after 8th Army had relinquished control of Luzon, the story should be told here. It must be remembered that Japanese forces at this period had little or no communication with the homeland.
On 7 August – the day of the fall of the first atomic bomb – an America pilot was forced to abandon his disabled plane and parachute behind the Japanese lines in northern Luzon. He was picked up by an enemy patrol the next morning and taken after 5 days of forced marches to Gen. Yamashita’s headquarters, then SW of Kiangan.
There he was subjected to vigorous and prolonged interrogation. He was threatened with physical violence when he steadfastly refused to answer questions.
Gen. Yamashita
On 16 Aug – the attitude of the Japanese interrogators abruptly changed. The pilot received medical treatment for his parachute-jump injuries and was extended many small courtesies. The next day the American was guided toward American lines; when the Japanese soldiers had gone as far as they dared, they gave the flier a letter, written by Yamashita himself, which explained the circumstances of the pilot’s capture and commended him for his military spirit and devotion to duty.
On 24 August – the same pilot flew an L-5 liaison plane over the area in which he had been held and dropped a message of thanks to Gen. Yamashita, along with 2 signal panels. The message, written by Gen. Gill of the 32nd Division, suggested that if Yamashita were in the mood for surrender negotiations he should display the 2 panels as evidence of his willingness to parley.
The following morning another pilot found the panels staked out according to instructions; also on the ground were many cheering, hand-waving Japanese soldiers, who beckoned the plane to land. Instead, a second message was dropped. It suggested that Yamashita send an envoy to the American lines to received detailed instructions for his surrender.
Late in the afternoon of 26 August, a Japanese captain, carrying Yamashita’s answer, entered the American lines under a flag of truce. The letter, which was written in English, was as follows:
Ge. Yamashita
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, IMPERIAL JAPANESE ARMY IN THE PHILIPPINES
August 25, 1945
TO: GENERAL W.H. GILL, COMMANDING GENERAL KIANGAN-BOYOMBONG AREA, UNITED STATES ARMY IN THE PHILIPPINES
- I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication addressed to me, dropped by your airplane on Aug. 24th as well as your papers dropped on Aug. 25th in response to our ground signals.
2. I am taking this opportunity to convey to you that order from Imperial Headquarters pertaining to cessation of hostilities was duly received by me on Aug. 20th and that I have immediately issued orders to cease hostilities to all units under my command insofar as communications were possible.
I also wish to add this point the expression of my heartfelt gratitude to you, full cognizant of the sincere efforts and deep concern you have continuously shown with reference to cessation of hostilities as evidenced by various steps and measures you have taken in this connection.
To date however, I have failed to receive order from Imperial Headquarters authorizing me to enter into direct negotiations here in the Philippines with the United States Army…, but I am of the fond belief that upon receipt of this order, negotiations ca be immediately entered into. Presenting my compliments and thanking you for your courteous letter, I remain, yours respectively,
/s/Tomoyuki Yamashita, General, Imperial Japanese Army, Highest Commander of the Imperial Japanese Army in the Philippines
circa 1956: The samurai sword of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, ‘the Tiger of Malaya’, commander of the Japanese troops in the Philippines during World War II. It rests on the Philippine Surrender Document, signed at Baguio, Luzon on September 3rd, 1945. (Photo by Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images)
This message was the first in a series exchanged between Yamashita and Gen. Gill. The exquisite courtesy of the exchanges probably has for the average reader something of the quality of ‘Through the Looking-Glass’.
To be continued…….
Click on images to enlarge.
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Military Humor – 
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Farewell Salutes –
John Coyne – St. Paul, MN; US Army, Korea, 187th RCT
Margaret Bergthold – Lookeba, OK; US Navy WAVE, WWII, nurse
George Gaw – Sacramento, CA; US Navy, Bimini Island, 53rd SeaBee Batt. / USMC, Korea
Desmond Hyland – Hawkes Bay, NZ; RNZ Air Force # 421274, WWII, Mosquito pilot
Ben Jenik – KS; US Army Air Corps, Sgt., 93rd Supply Squadron/490 Bomb Group
Tom Montalbana – Brooklyn, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII & Korea
Harry Shakes – Winter Park, FL; US Army, WWII, ETO, Korea & Vietnam, Sgt. Major (Ret. 30 y.), 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts
Stephen St. Laurent – Portland, ME; US Army, Vietnam
Phyllis Tatel – Boston, MA; USO, WWII
William Webb Sr. – Columbus, GA; US Army, WWII
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Following the Flag
This is not our Flag Day, but the history behind it and the relationship to the POW’s of WWII are with us still today.
Depicting the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment at Fort Wagner, SC, this (2004) painting, “The Old Flag Never Touched the Ground” by Rick Reeves prominently displays the flag leading the troops in battle.
Today is Flag Day. On June 14, 1777, Congress passed a resolution to adopt the stars and stripes design for our national flag. In honor of that, I felt compelled to shed some light on how the impact of the flag holds for men and women who serve this country in uniform.
Throughout the history of our nation, the Stars and Stripes have had immeasurable meaning to to those serving in uniform. On the field of battle, the Flag has been a rallying point for units as they follow it toward the enemy. From their vantage points, commanding generals are able to observe their troop movements and progress throughout battles by following the flag.
Troop reverence for the…
View original post 1,300 more words
The Japanese and German Alliance / What once was….
L:Japanese ambassador Kintomo Mushakoji and foreign minister of Nazi Germany Joachim von Ribbentrop sign the Anti-Comintern Pact in 1936.R: Matsuoka with Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel (centre) and ambassador Heinrich Georg Stahmer (right) at a reception in the Japanese embassy in Berlin on 29 March 1941
Alliances during a war can change the outcome, but the alliance between Japan and Germany is one that baffles many people. Most people can understand why Japan went to war with America, but why did the Imperial nation join forces with Nazi Germany? To understand the Tripartite Pact which created the Axis Powers, a look further back in history is needed.
Both Germany and Imperial Japan arrived on the international stage in the mid-1800s. Japan was forced out of isolation and started rapid westernization in 1854. Germany had been a number of city-states before Prussia won the Franco-Prussian war and united all of them in 1871.
A Japanese lithograph depicting Japan’s troops attacking the German colony of Tsingtao in 1914
Before Germany became a country of its own, Prussia and a newly open Japan had a very friendly relationship. Prussia had been going through a modernization effort with the speed and efficiency that the Germans are known for. This led Japan to view them as a good role model, as Japan wanted to modernize in a similarly effective manner.
To this end, Japan hired many Prussian and German advisers to help them with modernization. These advisers brought the militaristic approach to modernization which worked in Prussia, and later Germany, to Japan.
As German ambassador in Tokyo from 1920 to 1928, Wilhelm Solf initiated the re-establishment of good German–Japanese relations. Bundesarchiv,
However, this cozy relationship ended when both nations decided to follow the other major powers and look for colonies.
The problem that Germany faced with its colonization efforts was the fact that the Age of Exploration was coming to an end.
The other major powers of the time had been colonizing the world for years, so all the areas Germany would have considered first were already colonized. This led Germany to turn east and start colonizing different areas of Asia. At the same time, Japan was also looking for colonies and saw their best options in East Asia. This was the same area the Germans were operating in and led to a cooling of the relationship between these nations.
“Good friends in three countries”: Japanese propaganda poster from 1938 promoting the cooperation between Japan, Germany and Italy
Japan also started to become friendly with Great Britain at this time, which would affect the relationship between Japan and Germany during World War I.
When WWI broke out in 1914, Japan allied with Britain. After the Allies won the war, Japan was quick to take over the former German colonies in Asia.
While this would normally sour relationships between countries, Japan and Germany’s friendship would reignite in the post-WWI world.
Japanese foreign minister Yōsuke Matsuoka visits Adolf Hitler in Berlin in late March 1941.
After the war, Germany was not in a good place and was forced to sign an incredibly harsh treaty by the Allied Powers. This led to the crash of the government and economy as well as the rise of the Nazi Party.
In addition, the newly formed League of Nations was unpopular in Germany, and Japan was not a fan of it either.
The League of Nations was not very fair to Japan. Japan would often be punished by the league for its actions against its neighbors.
This sowed the seeds of discontent because the leaders of the League, France and Great Britain, often conducted the same actions against their own colonies. This hypocrisy would lead to Japan withdrawing from the League of Nations.
Adolf Hitler declares war on the United States on 11 December 1941 in the wake of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.
As the Nazi Party gained power, Hitler created strong ties with China. However, he changed course and started to view Japan as a more strategic partner in Asia. For its part, Japan wanted to continue expanding, and saw rebuilding its relationship with Germany as beneficial to this goal.
The renewed relationship between Japan and Germany was still fragile when WWII broke out. In the early stages of the war, Japan was strongly allied with Germany, but not involved militarily in the war.
The I-8 arriving in Brest, France, in 1943, on a “Yanagi” mission to exchange material and personnel with Nazi Germany
Their relationship was one of mutual benefit rather than a complete alliance, since Japan was more focused on exerting its influence in East Asia.
The true alliance of Japan and Germany would only come about when Japan entered the war. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and other American bases, it led to America declaring war on the Imperial nation.
Rear Admiral Jisaku Uozumi signs the surrender of Penang aboard the battleship HMS Nelson on 2 September 1945. He fainted shortly afterwards and was rushed to hospital. Note the Distinguished Service Cross ribbon on Uozumi’s uniform, which he had earned from the British during the alliance
In response, Germany declared war on America, and thus further strengthened their relationship with Japan. The Tripartite Pact created the Axis Powers, allying Germany, Japan, Italy and a number of smaller countries.
The alliance between Japan and Germany during WWII may seem strange and an odd pairing which did not yield much in terms of results.
Click on images to enlarge.
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Andrew Benjock – Pittsburgh, PA; USMC, WWII, PTO/CBI, Korea, radioman, Master Gunnery Sgt. (Ret. 31 y.)
Allan Brown – Toronto, CAN; RC Air Force, WWII
Dan Darden – Montgomery, AL; US Army Air Corps, WWII
Ralph Esposito – Mahopac, NY; US Coast Guard, WWII
Margaret Fish – CA; US Women’s Marine Corps, WWII
Murphy Neal Jones Sr. – Baton Rouge, LA; US Air Force, Vietnam, POW (6½ y., Hanoi Hilton)
Fred Knodle – Cincinnati, OH; US Army Air Corps, WWII, 187/11th Airborne Division, Medical unit
Robert Messel – Vincennes, IN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, West Point grad
Jack O’Neil – North Haven, CT; US Army, WWII & Korea, Chief Warrant Officer 4
Jocelyn Todd – Aiken, SC; US Army WAC, WWII
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The Emperor’s Speech
Emperor Hirohito recording his speech
13 August – two ships, the Pennsylvania and the La Grange were hit by kamikaze carrier planes. All ships in Okinawa harbors were shipped out to ensure their safety. Although the Emperor was at this point demanding peace, the complicated arrangement of their government (Emperor, Premier, Cabinet, Privy Seal, etc. etc.) made it difficult for them to answer the Allies immediately. As Soviet forces, hovering at the 1.5 million mark, launched across Manchuria and approximately 1600 U.S. bombers hit Tokyo.
14 August – the Emperor made a recording to be played over the Japanese radio stating that their government had surrendered to the Allied powers and to request that his people cooperate with the conquerors. The fanatics, mainly Army officers and also known as die-hards or ultras, attempted to confiscate the prepared discs and claim that the Emperor had been coerced into accepting the Potsdam Declaration. The Emperor needed to sneak into his bunker to record his speech. People died in this mini revolution and others committed hara-kiri when it failed. Some Japanese pilots continued to fly their Zeros as American planes went over Japan.
The Emperor’s bunker where he recorded his speech.
“To our good and loyal citizens,
After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in our Empire today, we have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure.
We have ordered our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China, and the Soviet Union that our Empire accepts the provisions of their joint declaration.
To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well- being of our subjects is the solemn obligation that has been handed down by our Imperial Ancestors, and we lay it close to the heart.
Indeed, we declared war on America and Britain out of our sincere desire to ensure Japan’s self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement.
But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone– the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of our servants of the state and the devoted service of our 100 million people–the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.
Emperor’s speech.
Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, it would not only result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization.
Such being the case, how are we to save the millions of our subjects, or to atone ourselves before the hallowed spirits of our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why we have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the joint declaration of the powers.
We cannot but express the deepest sense of regret to our allied nations of East Asia, who have consistently cooperated with the Empire toward the emancipation of East Asia.
The thought of those officers and men as well as others who have fallen in the fields of battle, those who died at their posts of duty, and those who met with death and all their bereaved families, pains our heart night and day.
Reaction to hearing the speech.
The welfare of the wounded and the war sufferers, and of those who have lost their homes and livelihood is the object of our profound solicitude. The hardships and suffering to which our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great.
We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all you, our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that we have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable. Having been able to save and maintain the structure of the Imperial State, we are always with you, our good and loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity and integrity.
Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion that may engender needless complications, and of any fraternal contention and strife that may create confusion, lead you astray and cause you to lose the confidence of the world.
Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith in the imperishable of its divine land, and mindful of its heavy burden of responsibilities, and the long road before it. Unite your total strength to be devoted to the construction for the future. Cultivate the ways of rectitude, nobility of spirit, and work with resolution so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world.
All you, our subjects, we command you to act in accordance with our wishes.”
Click on images to enlarge.
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SHOUT OUT !!!
From Linda, at Shores Acres:
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Military Humor –
YIKES !!!!
Automatic pitching machine?????
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Farewell Salutes –
Ward Cook – Clinton, NY; US Army, Vietnam, E-5
Henry Fischer – Seymour, IN; US Army, WWII, Panama
Kevin Hoag – Providence, RI; US Army, Vietnam, Captain, 101st Airborne Division, 2 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart
Merle H. Howe – MI; US Army # 0-131962, Colonel, 128/32nd Infantry Div. Buna hero, KIA North Luzon, (Manila-American Cemetery Plot A/Row 5/Grave 100)
Jay Jakeway – Oklahoma City, OK; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Co. A/674th Artillery/11th Airborne Division
Charles Kohler – Astoria, NY; USMC, WWII, China, Cpl.
Rosemary (Bryant) Mariner – San Diego, CA; US Navy, Desert Storm, pilot, Captain (Ret. 24 y.)
Tony Mendez – Eureka, NV; CIA, Cold War, Operation Argo
Joe Sykes – Whangarei, NZ; NZ Army # 36371, WWII, Sgt.
Ruth St.John (101) – Batavia, NY; US Army WAC, WWII, CBI, nurse
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Peace Bombers Arrive
From the most thorough researchers on the Pacific War…..
The title and written content of this week’s post come to you from the 63rd Squadron, 43rd Bomb Group’s history. Once again, we’re focusing on that August 19, 1945 flight that stopped over in Ie Shima on the way to Manila to discuss the Japanese surrender.
On August 19th, the men on Ie Shima witnessed history in the making, as at 12:30 p.m. two white Jap Bettys approached the island escorted by hordes of P-38s, 2 PBYs, two B-25s and other elements of our efficacious air force. After making two trips around the island, the Bettys landed gracefully on Mocha strip which was lined up with M.P.s and thousands of curious soldiers. As the ships taxied down the runway, their bespectacled engineers stood half out of their open top hatches. They were bedecked in most elaborate flying attire—leather jackets, flying helmets, and goggles. One couldn’t help but think how uncomfortably…
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Pacific Paratrooper 