British Commonwealth Occupation Forces – Japan
Participation in the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) marked the first time that Australians were involved in the military occupation of a sovereign nation which it had defeated in war. BCOF participation in the allied occupation force was announced on 31 January 1946, though planning and negotiations had been in progress since the end of the war. The main body of Australian troops arrived in Japan on 21 February.
Up to 45,000 Australians served in BCOF, including an infantry contingent of 4,700, base units consisting of 5,300, an air force wing of 2,200 and 130 from the Australian General Hospital. The Australian Navy also had a presence in the region as part of the British Pacific Fleet. For two thirds of the period of occupation the Commonwealth was represented solely by Australians and throughout its existence BCOF was always commanded by an Australian officer.
The BCOF area of responsibility was the western prefectures of Shimani, Yamaguchi, Tottori, Okayama, Hiroshima and Shikoku Island. BCOF headquarters were located at Kure, the army was encamped at Hiro, the RAAF at Iwakuni, and the naval shore establishment at the former Japanese naval base at Kure. At the peak of its involvement the Australian component of BCOF was responsible for over 20 million Japanese citizens and 57,000 sq. kilometres of country. Adjacent to the area of Australian responsibility were prefectures occupied by the 2 New Zealand EF (Japan), the British and Indian Division (Brindiv) and, further away, the US 8th Army.
The main Australian occupation component was the 34th Infantry Brigade, which arrived in early 1946, and was made up of the 65th, 66th and 67th Battalions. The RAN ships that served were: HMAS Australia, HMAS Hobart, HMAS Shropshire and the destroyers: HMAS Arunta, Bataan, Culgoa, Murchison, Shoalhaven, Quadrant, Quiberon. Landing Ships Infantry: Manoora, Westralia and Kanimbla were used for transport.
The Australian air force component was stationed at Bofu, in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The RAAF Squadrons which served were No. 76, No. 77 and No. 82, all flying Mustangs. The air force component of BCOF was known as BCAIR. By 1950 only one Australian squadron, No 77, remained in Japan.
By early 1947, BCOF had begun to decline from its peak of over 40,000 service personnel from the UK, New Zealand, India and Australia and, by the end of 1948, BCOF was composed entirely of Australians. The force was dismantled during 1951 as responsibilities in Japan were handed over to the British Commonwealth Forces Korea. Some personnel stayed on to serve in the Korean War. Members of No 77 Squadron, for example, had their ‘going home’ celebrations interrupted by the news that they were to be sent immediately to Korea. BCOF ceased to exist on 28 April 1951 when the Japanese Peace Treaty came into effect.
The primary objective of BCOF was to enforce the terms of the unconditional surrender that had ended the war the previous September. The task of exercising military government over Japan was the responsibility of the United States forces. BCOF was required to maintain military control and to supervise the demilitarization and disposal of the remnants of Japan’s war making capacity. To this end, Australian army and air force personnel were involved in the location and securing of military stores and installations.
The Intelligence Sections of the Australian battalions were given targets to investigate by BCOF Headquarters, in the form of grid references for dumps of Japanese military equipment. Warlike materials were destroyed and other equipment was kept for use by BCOF or returned to the Japanese. The destruction or conversion to civilian use of military equipment was carried out by Japanese civilians under Australian supervision. Regular patrols and road reconnaissances were initiated and carried out in the Australian area of responsibility as part of BCOF’s general surveillance duties.
The RAN component of BCOF was responsible for patrolling the Inland Sea to prevent both smuggling and the illegal immigration of Koreans to Japan. In this task they were assisted by the RAAF whose aircraft were also involved in tracking vessels suspected of smuggling or transporting illegal immigrants. RAAF squadrons also flew surveillance patrols over each of the prefectures in the BCOF zone in order to help locate left over weapons and ordnance.
During 1947, the BCOF began to wind down its presence in Japan. However, BCOF bases provided staging posts for Commonwealth forces deployed to the Korean War from 1950 onwards. The BCOF was effectively wound-up in 1951, as control of Commonwealth forces in Japan was transferred to British Commonwealth Forces Korea.
Click on images to enlarge.
##############################################################################################
BCOF Military Humor –
##############################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
Kjell F. Andersen – New London, CT; Merchant Marines, WWII, ETO, / US Army, Korea
Mary Barraco – Renaix, BEL; Danish Resistance, WWII, Captain, USO, POW
Albert Bracy (104) – Durham, CAN; Queen’s Own Rifles, WWII, Hamilton Light Infantry
Leslie Edgerton – NZ; RAF/ RNZ Air Force, WWII, ETO, 75th Squadron
Lyle “Moose” Hardy – Belconnen, AUS; RA Air Force, Sgt., (Ret.)
Kenneth Johnson – Doncaster, ENG; RAF, WWII, Warrant Officer, 61st & 9th Squadrons
Alan Lepper – Taranaki, NZ; RNZ Air Force # 432823, WWII
Vera McLane – London, ENG; RAF, WWII, Photograph intelligence
James K. Thompson – Allentown, NY/Largo, FL; US Army, 11th Airborne Division
Esme Wirth – Leeton, AUS; Australian Womens Land Army, WWII
##############################################################################################
Posted on January 20, 2020, in Uncategorized, WWII and tagged 1940's, Australia, Canada, History, India, Japan, Korea, Military, Military History, New Zealand, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 107 Comments.
I don’t see how that applies here.
LikeLike
New South Wales sent troops to Egypt in 1885, as did the Canadians. There is a great deal of history we are never taught in school. Great work digging out some of these unknown pieces of history. “History” tends to concentrate on the deeds of the country teaching the history and it takes work by bloggers like you to expose the full contribution.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Believe it or not, our National Archives are still being de-classified and put into digital for the war and the Cold War. Plus, what trouble I usually have is finding specific data for individual countries. They are so often merely grouped as ‘Commonwealth’, it would help if these nations put more of their history on-line for us. I thank you for your interest and comment here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it can be very difficult getting information, but you do a good job. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They started the War – killed millions – and we end up babysitting them at massive expense. It’s lose / lose all the way around. But of course, the average Japanese citizen had nothing to do with any of it. What a world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The population of Japan only knew what the military allowed them to know. They controlled the schools, media and government.
LikeLike
How interesting- I didn’t realize that the US wasn’t the only country occupying Japan (which is silly I suppose! Of course things wouldve been divvied up…) Thanks for another enlightening post, GP!
LikeLike
There was a lot of territory to cover to de-militarize the country – much was underground. I’m sure the US was grateful for the help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I grew up thinking of Australia as the land of kangaroos and kookaburras (sitting in the old gum tree). We never considered the people there, and even as an adult, the movies that started coming out, like Crocodile Dundee, just didn’t give a true picture of the people. It’s so interesting to read about their contributions to various wars, and to this occupation.
Your mention of their toughness is spot on. Anyone who didn’t realize that has seen it during their wildfire horror.
LikeLike
Thank you for helping me to squash the stereotype image of the Aussies. I’m glad you liked this post, Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lost my father Jack Isaacs yesterday, 93 years old . He was a Paratrooper, served in the Pacific zone 1943-1945. Was a strong and wise man.
LikeLike
I am so sorry to hear that, John. The world has certainly lost one of the good guys!!
What unit was in? Would you care to have him in the Farewell Salutes? It would be my honor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He rarely talks of war. His brother was a Marine and he served as a Para-trooper. I have his photos in full gear. A retired police officer he was. I will research.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on depolreablesunite.
LikeLike
Thank you, Rick.
LikeLike
I learned about the occupation of Japan after the war,
LikeLike
One of the fellows who lives in our retirement complex was born in Japan while his father was stationed there with the BCOF.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Small world, eh?!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another awesome historical piece
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Those men deserve recognition. People seem to know so little about them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree
LikeLike
Good article GP. My RSM in Singapore when I was in ANZUK Force had served in the occupation forces and had married a Japanese girl. ANZUK force was a short-lived brigade-strength Australian, New Zealand UK force stationed in Singapore in the early 70s — may have been established late 60s, I’m not sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe you’re right, the early ’70’s and disbanded in the mid-1970’s. I wonder how many know absolutely nothing about them. Have you written a poem about that branch of service?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve written a few poems about that time — I’ll have a look. I served there in 121 signal squadron, a detachment of 7th Signal Regiment, from 1972 to 1974. 121 would actually make a good story in itself as we wore ANZUK Force flashes but were not really ANZUK Force. 121 had been there since 1953 from memory, but not officially. A change of government in Australia resulted in our presence being disclosed in 1973, the writing was on the wall, and all members of the squadron left on the same day 12 months later. There’s little info about 121 anywhere and some of it is inaccurate. My brother Danny also served in the unit with me at that time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If data online is wrong, you should perhaps publish a prose post to show correct information. You could always add a poem to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have just written a poem about ANZAC FORCE and have posted it on my site GP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Make the ANZUK FORCE
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll get there as soon as I can. I have to get off line early today for a doctor appt., but I will read it. They were AND are a great group!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super post…it is never just a war, there is all the aftermath to deal with.
My mother’s father was in the Australian forces in the first world war…which is how he met my grandmother who a nurse. He was a real tough nut and no respecter of persons!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can understand you grandfather’s feelings – humans don’t seem to be part of Nature (IMO). Being at top of the food chain, it appears war is how we “thin out the herd” – but we’re the only species that sacrifices the best and protects the worse and weakest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always learn so much from your posts, GP. Thank you for educationing me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not enough was taught about the post-war, IMO. All I remember hearing about was the air-lift in Europe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew about the Australian involvement, but not about post-war, you’re right.
LikeLike
Fascinating information, GP. I was stationed at the MCAS Iwakuni for four years and never knew of the RAAF at that base. Thank you for this post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. I’ve tried to put in as much info about other nations, but so much is merely listed as “Commonwealth” it is difficult to credit where it’s due.
LikeLike
Thank you GP! Nice piece of information. Never thought about a participation of the BCOF. Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your interest, Michael, thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always with a great pleasure, and great interest too. Thank you too, GP! Michael
LikeLike
Great to know this history. I have met a few men and women who were part of the BCOF. It serves to remind us that war is never just combat, there’s always a prelude and postlude.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. I’m very glad you understand that – not everyone does and they sure don’t teach it in school.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, it was never taught in school, sadly, and cheats the entire process.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post, GP! Very interesting and I learned much I did not know before.
I am grateful for all who served then and it always makes me cry to think of those who died.
Grateful, too, for all who serve around the world now.
(((HUGS)))
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have a big heart and i for one gratefully appreciate that!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, GP!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That “just graduated basic training” cartoon” isn’t far-fetched when you consider that Trump knows more than the Generals — and he didn’t even get inducted, much less go through basic training.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But he does get more intel every day than we do. Maybe one day, the next generation will learn from the Archives exactly what the heck went on today.
LikeLike
Interesting post. I did not know the Australians were involved in the British occupation of Japan. Something new I learn today. Thanks GP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to hear that, Rose. So glad to see you came by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time seems to be at a premium lately or I’m getting slow and exhausted easily. Hate getting old!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sure know what you mean, but you’re right. I thought I’d have trouble filling my days once I retired. haha, joke was on me. I feel like I have less time now than ever before! I am perpetually behind schedule!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So am I. But then being a caregiver takes a lot out of me. I try to stay late at night to catch up but then I wake up late so it’s worst.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You need to take care of yourself. As you said, you are a caregiver.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m trying but it is easier said than done. Thanks for the reminder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fascinating post. Interesting to see that the BCOF also played a part in the early part of Korean War of the early 50s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they did. Canada certainly made an impression in Korea as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It never ceases to amaze me at the involvement of Australia in the war. They certainly continued their formality of drills even though it was an occupation and not wartime. Very interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The troops, no matter what country, need to stay in shape and alert. One never knows what’s going to creep up around the corner.
LikeLike
The post-war occupation and reconstruction was definitely not covered in school. Always an education here, GP!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Lavinia. No, I guess schools wouldn’t find a peaceful situation worthwhile, eh? What a shame.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that you mention it, they weren’t when I went to school either. What I remember is that the latter half of the 20th century, including WWII, were pretty much skimmed over.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Exactly.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Australians fought on the side of the British here in South Africa too. They were highly regarded because of the abilities as marksmen and horsemen, which was really useful in fighting the Boers. Interesting to learn about their involvement in Japan.
LikeLiked by 3 people
They were a tough bunch. I shouldn’t say that in past tense, I’ve heard quite a lot about them from veterans who fought alongside them in other wars as well. Though I must admit, I knew nothing about them being in the Boer War.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been researching it for the fictional Boer War book that I am currently writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t heard about the Boer War since school. I think it’s great you are tackling that period.
LikeLike
You haven’t read the book or seen the movie “Breaker Morant”? In fact, Australia hadn’t actually federated at the time of the Boer War, so the Australians were originally fighting as units raised in each of the colonies, which became states after Federation in 1901. I think by the end of the war, they were recognised as the nucleus of an Australian national army, so in effect, it was our nation’s first war. A new memorial was dedicated in Canberra in 2017. http://www.bwm.org.au/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for the info, Gwen. You are always so helpful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another informative post, GP. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was pretty interesting. Didn’t know this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you enjoyed the information, Jacqui.
(How’s the new book going?)
LikeLike
Nice write-up GP! Interesting to see how the Occupation was administered!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Jeff. I’m glad you found it interesting.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Appropriately enough for this interesting post you include ANZACs in the Farewell Salutes. I appreciate all the research you do to make your presentation of the war so well-rounded. 👏👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I usually try to locate members who unfortunately have passed, who are from other Allied countries. It’s only right.
LikeLike
It takes a lot of dedicated souls to keep the peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And that in my opinion is the shame of it all, but human nature being what it is……
LikeLike
Yup.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great cartoon. Where did you find it? I learned things I never even thought of in this post. Thanks for expanding my horizons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most all the cartoons come from the internet.
I’m glad you liked the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to see the inclusion of Commonwealth forces. Britain relied on them so heavily during both world wars, it was only right that they should get to share some responsibility for the occupation.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only wish so much of the war time data wasn’t listed under “Commonwealth” I wanted to give credit to each nation individually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much for that. It was really interesting. I hadn’t realised that quite so many Commonwealth countries were involved.
I wasn’t surprised though, that the British and the Indians were working together. The two nationalities have always gone on very well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is my pleasure to come upon further information. Some history classes here seem to make it appear that the US did it all on their own. I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the impression I had from history classes. It’s good that you’re here to set the record straight.
LikeLiked by 1 person
45,000 people, that’s a lot of people. To be in a war, then assigned to an occupation force and then for some to be sent to Korea. That must have been quite a ride. I never knew anything about the occupation and transition to a stable government. These posts have been so interesting. Thanks GP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thank you for reading them, Dan. Some people just want to hear about ‘action’.
LikeLike
The reason there weren’t occupation movies staring John Wayne.
LikeLiked by 2 people
hahaha – you’re right there!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most interesting. I had no idea the Australians played such a large role in Japan after the end of the war. On my recent trip to Cairns, Australia, I enjoyed reading all the signage concerning the WW2 history of Trinity Beach. Many US service personnel would have known the area well. https://cairnsartsandculturemap.com.au/world-war-ii-training-at-trinity-beach
LikeLiked by 1 person
That looks very interesting, Ann. I just might have to look closer at Trinity and do a post – ya think?
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a military museum in Cairns ( which I have yet to visit). They may have some information on Trinity Beach which you could use. I was fascinated by the stories on the boards.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ann.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to see this report on BCOF – especially the Australian contribution.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy to hear you find it interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for carrying this article on your website. Much appreciated.
LikeLike
Thank you very much, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLike
Pingback: British Commonwealth Occupation Forces – Japan — Pacific Paratrooper – Truth Troubles
Pingback: War service takes many forms….. – Test Patterns
Pingback: British Commonwealth Occupation Forces – Japan — Pacific Paratrooper | Ups and Downs of Family History V2.0