0194813

JAPANESE MILITARY

AUIED LAND FORCES S E A

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS INDIA

INTELLIGENCE DIRECTORATE

I3524/DM1/GSI ( t )
 IMPORTANT NOTE
This pamphlet forms one of four parts of Japanese Military Forces No. 16—" Japanese Weapons and Equipment"
These four parts and their contents are :—
Part II.—Small Arms
Mortars
Signal Bquipment

Part III.—Engineer Equipment

Chemical Warfare Equipment To be published shortly
Ammunition

Part IV.—Transport
Optical Instruments
Miscellaneous Instruments
Medical Equipment
 FOREWORD
This pairiphlet has been produced to fill a demand for a
book which would enable forward troops to recognise Meiji AD. Taisho A.D. Showa A.D.
enemy weapons and equipment, and to appreciate their
potentialities, As far as possible every known type of 25 1892 1 1912 1 1926
"Weapon except those knoWn to be obsolete and unlikely 26 1893 2 1913 2 1927
to be met, has been included. In some instances 27 1894 3 1914 3 1928
information is incomplete, or illustrations are not avail­ ; 28 1895 4 1915 4 1929
able. As the information and illustrations become avails £9 1896 5 1910 5 1930
able separate sheets will be published for insertion in the 30 1897 6 : 1917 . 6 . 1931
appropriate place. Similarly, blank pages have been left §1 1898 7 1918 7 1932
for the insertion of information and pictures, of new wea­ 32 1899 8 1919 8 1933
pons a.s they are identified. §3 1900 9 1920 9 1934
It is desired to take this opportunity of . expressing 34 1901 10 1921 10 1935
thanks and appreciation to technical experts of the Allied U 1902 11 1922 11 1931
Nations all over the w^orld for theii* reports from which 36 '• 1903 12 1923 12 1937
the details in this pamphlet haVe been extracted, and to 37 1904 13 1924 13 1938
all ranks in .fofward areas, who, by ensuring that weapons 38 1905 14 1925 14 : 1939
and equipment are evacuated promptly for examination 39 1906 15 1926 15 1941
by thes6 experts, have enabled the information to be pass* 40 1907 16 1941
&d on fot the benefit of. others. 41 1908 17 1942
It should be noted that throughout this pamphlet 42 1909 18 1943
•Japanese weapons and equipment have-, where applicable* 43 1910 19 1944
been designated by the Meiji, Taisho and Showa Nengos^ 44 1911 20 1945
fe. g., Meiji 38 iHeld Gun, Taisho 11 Light Machine Gun. 45 1912
This has been done to avoid any confusion over the actual
JIMMU NElNGO
date in the Christian era. but it must be noted that weapons
tare marked " 38 yeat Type *5 11 Year Type et^., only. Japanese
Where the weapoii is designated •' Type the Year . 2-585 2595 2600 2605 2610
©ystem used is the Jimmu Nehgo, which ha& been used Japanese Ab­
ignerally since the Emperor HiroMto came to the breviation 85 95 100 5 10
throne. The following tables give the comparative dates or 0
in the different systems A. £). 1925 1935 1940 1945 1950
 ^ . CONTENTS '
Part Page
No.
1. Armoured Fighting Vehicles II 7. Chemical Warfare Equiipment
2. Artillery . I 37 8. Ammunition
3. Small Arms IX 9 . T r a n s p o r t. . . .
4. Mortars II 10. Optical Instruments .
5. Signal Equipment II 11. Miscellaneous Instruments .
6. Engineer Equipment . Ill 12. Medical Equipment
1
 ARMOURED FIGHTING VEHICLES
In the early 1920S, JAPAN realising the potentialities
of the AFV, bought several models from Britain and
France. From these early models the Japanese have
developed their present tanks and, in the 1930s, they
standardised their design and commenced production
on 3 types :
(a) The Type 92 Tankette* weighing 3 tons, :no^-re­
designed as the Type 97 Tankette.
( b ) The Type 95 Light Tank, weighing up to 10 tons.
(c) The Type 97 Medium Tank weighing 15 tons.
Little thought seems to have been given to Armoured
Cars, which, by European standards, are completely
obsolete.
There is an unconfirmed report of the existence of an
experimental heavy tank of modern design. The only
known heavy tanks are very old models, and do not bear
comparison with their modern European counterparts.
In general, Japanese AFVs so far encountered are infe­
rior to any present day Allied or German tanks* Salient
shortcomings in design are •—•
( a ) Inadequate armour.
( b ) Little attention given to plate angles.
(c) Low performance main armament.
{ d ) Cramped fighting compartments.
(e) Lack of attention to crew comfort.
(/) No inter-communication system.
(g) Large number of vision slits , not protected ]?y glass
blocks.
(h) Absence of splashproofing.
( i ) Fundamental weakness of construction-^bolted and
rivetted plate*
Recent developments have shown that the Japanese are
awake to the weakness in their design practice. The latest
Japanese tank, the Amphibious Type 2, shows a consider­
able improvement on any previous design. Attention has
been given to armour layout, turret space, and. crew
comfort. An effort has been-made to provide all vision
slits with bullet-proof glass blocks. All joints up to,
and including, the turret ring are provided with water­
tight seals. Welded construction is employed throughout
High velocity armament, in the form of the 37 mm Type ],
and the 47 mm Type 1, are in indication of the acceptance
by the enemy of the anti-armour role of the A. F.V.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Japan is known to have been in close contact with
German production and design. Therefore it is to be
expected that any new AFVs produced by the Japanese
will show considerable improvement on those already in
service, and that these new models will have armour,
armament, and general layout nearer the present European
level.
There exists a certain amount of doubt however, as to
whether Japan's production capacity, heavily taxed as it
is , now will be able to cope with a large scale change over
to a completely new design. For ttn present we can ex­
pect the employment of hollow charge ammunition in
present guns, while protection may be improved by
the addition of plates, possibly spaced, at vulnerable
points.
Armoured Car—Osaka Type 92
 i ARMOURED CARS
Only obsolete or obsolescent?types are known; Another armoured car, an. inffective improv salion, was recovered
on line Tiddim Road in July 1944.

OSAKA TYPE 92 (1932)

Dimensio-tus. • Weight . 6J tons
Length' . . . . .... . 16 ft 5 ins.
. Widt h . . . , . 6 ft 0 ins.
: . - Height . . ; . v. 8ft 8 ins;
,4 Ground Clearance . . 11 ins. -
Chassis . . Standard;;^ Commercial chassis. Two
front, and two double rear wheels.
Armourer . 8 to 11 mm.
Armament . Two MG-s (one in turret).
Crew . . Four or Five.
Recognition . Long rectangular bonnet. High super- ;
. structure sloped at front and rear
Turret cut away at front top. -

5
Armoured Car—-Naval Type 92.
6
 NAVAL TYPE 92^ (1932)
This armoured car was used extensively m China, by
Navallanding parties.
Dimensirns . Weight . . o; „ 7 tons.
Length . „ , •, 15 ft 9 ins.
Width . . . . 5 ft 11 ins.
Height . . . . 7 ft 6 ins.
Ground Clearance . 16 ins.
Chassis...... . Six-wheeled with rear wheels on twin
axles. All wheels are pneumatic tyred.
Armour . . 8to 11mm,
Armament . Five MGs (one in turret, one forward one
on each sideb and one rear).
Crew . Six. .

Recognition . Long bonnet with armoured radiator.

Horse-shoe shaped turret with slopping
front plate which is undercut at the
base. Auxiliary -wheels positioned to
rear of front wheels.
 Armoured Car— Sumiria
Type 93.

8
 4 rmoured Cay3
jSOTTOA TYPE 93 (19S0).
A»L ingenious armoured car which is designed to run on Armour . Pp to. 16 mm.
rails as well as road. Four built in jacks are provided and
Ranged steel tyres are substituted for the solid rubber Armament One MG in turret, isyen ports for pis
tyres. Change over is reported to take between 10 and 20 tols o? rifles, ^
minutes.
Grew Si*.
Dimensions, Weight . . 7-H- tons.
Length -, ", . 21 ft 6 ins,,
Width . 'l: 6 ft 3 ins, Recognition Short bonnet in comparison with overall
Height . 9 ft 8 ins„ length. Armoured radiator. Smalt
Ground Clearance . 16 ins„ circular turret with sloping sides ser
centrally. Three steel flanged; tyres oe
Chassis Six-wheeled with rear wheels on twin rubber tyres may be parried on eithp
axles. Solid rubber tyres which cai^ side of body. Launching rails may be
b@ changed for flanged steel tyres, carried below the steel orTubber tyres.

9
 Lft—Tankette Type 92.

_
 Tankstte
TANKETTE TYPE 92 (1932)
This is the basic Japanese Tankette design, now, obsoles­ Gradient . 3o° :
cent.
Trench . . 4 ft 6 ins„
It has been encountered in China in a Reconnaissance
role, and as a tractor towing a tracked trailer. Fording , . .2 ft 0 in.
Dimensions . Weight . . .. . 3 tons Cross Country . . 8 mph, o>
Length » P ' 0 . 10 ft 3 ins.
Crew Two - Commander/Gunner, Driver.
Width .. » . 5 ft 3--ins,.
Height . o . . 5 ft. 4- ins. Vulneraoility . Lightly armoured. Joints, vision slits
pistol ports, hatches, ball mounting,
Ground Clearance . „ „ 13-J ins. vulnerable to SAA.
Drive , , Front Sprocket, . Recognition Horse-shoe shaped turret with sloping
sides, mounted well back on the hull,
Suspension . Modified Car den—Lloyd. Four bogie carrying a 6-5 mm MG in a ball mount -
wheels per side, mounted in two bogie ing.
assemblies, which are connected by bell
crank levers to a horizontal helical Com­ Pronounced upwards slope of hull from
pression spring mounted on the hull front to rear.
side, and protected by an armour Drivers compartment on right of hull
casing. Two track return rollers. Suspension:—4 medium sized bogie
Small rear idler. wheels, 2 return rollers, small rear
idler.
Armament Y One 6 • 5 mm MG Type 91 in the turret
Armour . . Up to 14 mm. TANKETTE TYPE 94 (1934)
Power Plant 4 Cylinder, air cooled, in line IC, HP 40-50, This is a modified version of the Type 92.
Performance . Speed . . v . . 20 mph Its only distinguishing feature is the large trailing rear
(max). idler.

.1]
r:

Type 97 (1937) Tankette Mark II

12
 TAIK1TTE •.TYPE-W (198?)
This tankett© has been identified in two types, the Mk I, 13 mm Superstructure front plate.
mounting a 7-7 mm machine gun. and the Mk II, mount­ Power Plant . CI. 4 cylinder. in line, air cooled.
ing a 37 mm gun. Both types have been identified in;
Burma, Details given below are for the Mk II except 60' HP at 2300 Jrpm* •
where expressly stated. , Performance * Maximum Speed •„ 27 mphb
Dimensions . Weight „ „ * ' . . 5 tons (esti-- ; Treiich crossing », 5ft 3 iris
mate )d • (gradient . v . . 30° appro'£>
Length „ . 11 ft 5 ms„ Wording \ v. . . » 2 ft 7 ins-.
Width . . > „ 6 ft.
Crew . Two ^ Co^nlandeiYCxun&er, Drivfet.
; Height . •> » .6 ft.;
Ground Clearance . . 15.ins. Vulnerability . This is a lightly armoured vehicle and is
:. Front Sprocket. Vulnerable to all types bf Al? weapons
Drive . at effective fighting ranges. ;
Suspension . Modified Carden-Lloyd. . jFour bogie
wheels aii two "bogie assemblies per side, ^ Small arnls fire is effective against aft
connected by bell crank levers to a hori­ " ports and hatches vision: silts, engih'e
zontal tielical compression spring bolt­ compartment grilles turret ring, and
ed to the hull side and protected by ail gun mahtlet. _
armoured has; hg. Two track , return Petftgfitiion » Circulat turret. Dowle shaped turret
: rollers. ti&.rg^.^tTa'ling .^(reai*) icpei'.'* roof. No cupola.
Armament . One turret-mounted 37 mm Gun. 7-7 mm. MG or 37 nlm gun in turret
(Turret-mounted 7-7 mm MG in
: Mk I). ' ' \ , MOTE.—iD^VETS compartment on left of tank. Typica
Japanese suspension with large tear idler. Gehetal sm0oth
Armour . . 12 mm brsis. outline of Vehicle. v •

13
 ipW

Type 93 (1933) Light Tank

14
 Tanks.
EARLY MODEL LIGHT TANKS
Little reliable information is available on the Light Tanks produced by Japan before the Type 95, which
represents a finalising of design. Two types and possibly a third are believed to exist. These are not likely to be
encountered in the field.
LIGHT TANK TYPE 93 (1933) Armour . . Up to 2^ mm (reported).
Dimensions . Weight . . 7J tons.
Length . , . . 14 ft 8 ins. Crew i . Three - Commander/Gunner, Hull Gun
Width ... . 5 ft 11 ins. ner, Driver.
Height . . 6 ft 0 ins
Gtound Clearance . ; 15 iris
Recognition/ . Main recognition feature is the suspend
Drive Front sprocket. . sion, six small bogies mounted in pairs»
Suspension Six small bogies coupled in pairs on thre^ Very sharp nose and MG sub-turret on
semi-elliptical leaf springs. Rear idle? right side. Angular hull with box-
and three return rollers. like extensions to fighting compart­
Armament One 6 • 5 mm Type 91 MG in turret. ment overhanging tracks. Horse­
One 6 * 5 mm Type 9L MG on right side of shoe shaped turret, with MG in hull
hull. mounting in fiat front face.
LIGHT TANK TYPE93 MODIFIED (1933) OK TYPE 94 (1934)
The main difference between this tank and the Type 93 Recognition . Main recognition feature lies in the sus -
lies in the suspension which has been completely redesign­ pension for distinction between this
ed. The main dimensions, the armament, armour, and tank and the Type 93, and in the hull
crew are apparently unchanged.
and turret for distinction between this
4 Front driving sprocket. Four medium and Type 95. Of the two return
sized bogie wheels, coupled in pairs. rollers, one is set centrally and one
Details of the system of springing can­ near the driving sprocket.
not be seen from photographs* Rear
idler and twc return rollers*
15
Light Tank type 95
 Tanks
LIGHT TANK TYPE 95 (1935)
This tank represents the " freezing " of the light tank , Armour . Turret . v . . 12 mm.
design in 1935.
Hull . v . . 10^-12 mm
The Type 95 is the standard Japanese Light Tank now ; Belly . .
is service, This tank possesses the characteristic good . 9 mm.
cross country performance of Japanese tanks coupled with Power Plant . 6 cylinder in-line, 4 stroke, air-cooled
adequate armament for its size. Its efficiency as a fighting I of 150 H E,
machine has been rather seriously impaired by an extre
mely cramped interior, and lack of insight into some of the Performance Speed . • > • 30mphmax
fundamental design principles. . Gradient " 1*;.; . 35°
Dimensions Weight . 9 tons. Trench . . . . 6 ft 8 ins.
Length . . 14 ft 4J ins- Fording . .. . 3 ft 4 ins.
Width . 6 ft 9 ins. Cross Country . ?? 18 mph cruis­
Height . ^ ; 7 ft 0 ins.; ing speed.
Ground Clearance ' 15J ins. Grew Three—Commander/Gunner, Driver, Hull
Drive . Front Sprocket . " > ' • Gunner. .; . '
Suspension Typical Japanese-modified Carden-Llojf- Vulnerability Vulnerable to any specifically AP weapon
bogie wheels in two bogie assemblies at effective fighting ranges.
connected by bell crank, levers to hori­ Splash proofing does not exist, and the
zontal helical compression springs tank is vulnerable to SA fire directed
mounted on the hi|ll, and protected j?y against gun mountings, doors, hatches
an armour casiag. Small rear idler. and vision slits.
Two track return rollers.
Recognition Tall, centrally-mounted, lipped cupola.
Armament . One 37 mih gun Type 9^ in turret man- Turret mounted well forward and otfset
tlet. ;i
to left of hull. Driver's compartment
One 7* 7 mm MG type 97 in turret ball on right, and hull gunner's compart­
mountingat 4o'block. ment on left of front superstructre.
One 7* 7 mm HG type 97 in forward hull Large ribbed front sprockets The tank '
ball mounting. presents a high silhouette.
117
Medium Tank Type 89A
18
 Tanks
EARLY MODEL MEDIUM TANKS
Three types are known to exist all of which are develop-men ts of the British Vickers Mark C Medium Tank
None ha/ve been identified in Burma or in the Pacific.
MEDIUM TANK TYPE 89A (1929)
Dimensions Weight . . 13 tons. Armour Up to 17 mnii
Length „ Armament One 57 mm gun
. 19 ft 3 ins.
Two 6*5 mm Type 91 MGs
Width . 7 ft 1 in. dfptovr ., . Four—Commander/Gunner, Loader,
Height 8 ft 6 ins. Hull Machine Gunner Driver.
"Recognition, Suspension consisting of nine small
Ground"OleaMiqer 19 ins. bogie wheels obscured by skirting,
Suspension Circular turret with sloping sides
Nine small bogie wheels, coupled in two mounting a 57 mm gun and a rear
units of tour, the leading bogie being MG. The cupola is small, high and
mountedindependently. The bogies cork shaped. Front plate in two sec­
Eire protected by skirting. A rear tions, the vertical plate having an
driving sprocket, front idler and ,five MG; on the righljb and the driver's vision
small return. rollers mounted on . a slit1 on the left. Hull overhangs the
girder. • track? at centre of vehicle,
 EARLY MODEL MEDIUM TANKS
MEDIUM TANK TYPE 89B (1929)
This tank is a modification of the Type 89 A. Certain
changes have been made to the hull, the turret has been
completely redesigned to accommodate more easily the
57 mm gun. The petrol engine in the Type 89 A has
been replaced by a diesel engine in the Type 89 B.
Dimensions and other details remain the same.
Recognition . The following differences exist as com -
pared with the Type 89 A. The front
plate is in one plane and slopes for-
ward. The driver's vizor is wedge
shaped. The turret is horse­
shoe shaped and has sloping sides.
In place of the cork shaped cupola
a larger and lower cupola, with flaps
opening fore and aft is fitted—
Medium Tank Type 94
22
 EARLY MODEL MEDIUiM TANKS
MEDIUM TANK TYPE 94 (1934)
This tank represents a further modification on the
original Type 89 A, and has been used extensively against
the Chinese. The suspension has been completely re­
designed resulting in a simplified skirting, four instead
of five return rollers, and complete absence _of the girder
oil which the return rollers; were mounted. The tank has
a ditching tail fitted, increasing the total length of 23 feet,
and giving the tank a better trench crossing perfor­
mance.
Recognition The following differences exist as compar­
ed with the Type 89 A. There are
only fbtir return rollers, andVthe skirt­
ing has been simplified. A ditching
% tail may be fitted.

23
Medium Tank Typej97
 Tanks
MEDIUM TANK TYPE 97 (1937)
The Type 97 M edium Tank has been known for some Armour . 25 mm.
time, and specimens have been recovered in other theatres.
This type as well as a modified version, the Type 97 Power Plant 170 HP, 12 cylinder V, air cooled*
Special, mounting a 47 mm gun, have been recovered in Diesel.
Burma. Details of both the Type 97 and the Type 97
Special are given. Performance Maximum speed . 25 mph.
Dimensions . Weight . . . .15 tons. Gradient . 30°.
Length . . . . 18 ft 1 in. Trench crossing . 8 ft 3 ins.
W i d t h . . . . 7f t8m s . Fording . 3 ft 3 ins.
Height . . . 7 ft 8 ins,
Ground Clearance . . 15 ins. Crew Four—Commander/Gunner, Loader, Hull
Drive . . Front Sprocket. Gunner, Driver1.
Vulnerability For a medium tank, the armour is com­
Suspension . Six medium size bogie wheels, of which paratively weak—small calibre attack
the first and last are independently should be directed at the driver's
sprung on inclined helical springs the vizor, the gun and MG ball mountings,
remaining four being coupled in pairs the hatches, pistol ports and vision
and sprung off horizontal helical slits. !
springs protected by a cylindrical
armour casing. Rear idler. Three Recognition Short-barrelled primary armament with
return rollers, of which the centre is recuperator housing extending almost
smaller and less visible than the others. to the muzzle. Large forward-pro­
jecting drivers compartment. Large
Armament . One turret mounted 57 mm Type 97 flat-topped superstructure with com­
Low Velocity gun. paratively small turret offset well to
One turret mounted 7*7 mm Type 97 right.
MG at rear of turret. Rail type wireless aerial round turret on
One hull mounted 7'7 mm Type 97 some models. MG ball mounting in
MG on left of superstructure front. rear turret plate.

25
Medium Tank Type 07 Special
 Tanks
MEDIUM TANK TYPE 97 SPECIAL (1937)
Developed from the Type 97, this tank is .fitted with a Armour .
redesigned turret, mounting - a high velocity 47 mm Type Performance
1 guiiy The turret has been completely redesigned to •
Similar to the Type 97 (1937) Medium
\
mount the 47 mm gun, and provides the main distinguish­ Crew Tank.
ing feature between the two types. So far as is known, Vulnerability
the hull and superstructure, engine, suspension, and other
assemblies not affected by the redesign of the turret Recognition . The main recognition feature is the large-
remain unaltered. This AFV represents a new phase wide turret with pron6uiiced rear bulge
in Japanese Tank design, in that an AFV has been pro­ overhanging the turret ring consider­
duced designed primarily for tank v tank combat. ably. The front of the turret is
smoothly curved? and mounts the
Dimensions . T long-barrelled guii in a box^shaped
^Similar to the Type 97 (1937) Medium mantlet. The rear turret-mounted MG
Suspension . J Tank. is prominent.
Armament . One turret mounted 47 mm Type 1 Besides the commander's escape hatch in
High-Velocity gun. the cupola, there is an escape hatch in
One turret mounted 7*7 mm Type 97 the turret roof which is not found in
MO at rear of turret. the Medium Type 97. ,
One hull mounted 7* 7 mm Type 97 MG The hull, superstructure and suspension
in superstructures front, offset to left. are similar to the Type ^97.-

27
Amphibious Tank Type 2

AMPHIBIOUS TANK TYPE 2 (1942)
Japan has experimented for some considerable time on
amphibious tanks, and design he.s finalised in the Type 2,
specimens of which have been recovered in the Pacific.
This tank is an efficient light tank, and represents a consi­
derable advance in Japanese Tank design. With a good
land and water performance and mounting the new high
velocity 37 mm Type 1 gun, the tank fails in effectiveness
by the acceptance of armour, the thickest of which is only
13-2 mm. Documents indicate that a later type, the
Type 3, said to be in the "Heavy" class, has been designed^
Dimensions Weight (in action) . . 10 tons.
Length (on land) . . 15 ft 8 ins.
(with floats) . 24 ft 7 ins.
Width . . . , 9 ft 2 ins,
Height . . . . 7 ft 5 ins.
Ground Clearance . . 14 ins.
Drive Front Sprocket.
Suspension Four bogie wheels coupled in pairs, each
pair being sprung off horizontal helical
springs mounted inside the hull. Large
trailing rear idler. Two return rollers.
Armament One turret mounted 37 mm Type 1 gun.
One co-axial 7*7 mm Type 97 MG.
One forward firing 7*7 mm Type 97
MG in front superstructure to left.
29
Tanks
Armour . 12 mm basis.
Power Plant . Air Cooled 120 HP, 6 cylinder, in-line
Diesel.
Performance . Maximum speed on land . 25 mph.
Maximum speed in water 5 knots.
Trench crossing ; . . . 6ft(approx).
Crew . . Four—Commander/Gunner, Loader, Hull
Gunner, Driver.
Vulnerability . The armour is vulnerable to all AP
weapons at effective fighting ranges.
The clean design represents few targets
to small-calibre attack, which should be
concentrated on the drivers vizor and
turret ring. Other hatches and the
gun mountings are also good targets
Recognition . When fitted with floats, this tank is
! unmistakable. On land, it is distin­
guished by its clean lines and the
build-up of large, flat, surfaces at
definite angles. The extreme height
and width of the superstructure make
the rounded turret appear dispropor­
tionately small, while the long gun
and co-axial MG are distinctive. This
is the only Japanese tank to mount
a co-axial MG.
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
 ARTILLERY
Foreword
By comparison with Western standards both Japanese Standard Japanese practice is to name guns over ten
gnns and their employment are out-moded, although the centimetres by the nearest whole centimetre, e.g., 4 10
weapons Jhe requirementsofthe Japanese; Many of cm Howitzer Type 91 ' whose actual calibre is 105 mm.
their weapons , show little. improYemmt; over, the" feasic Exceptions to this rule are the Types 88 and 99 Anti-
models, which may;have \feeind»todijae(t.-£6rjby years ago.- Aircraft guns (Pages 83 and 87). Naval guns do not
The Japanese use all their guns in anti-taiik roles'if follow this practice. The Japanese practice has been
so required, often with suGeess.: Theirs actual anti-tank followed in this pamphlet but the actual calibre appears
guns fire, in addition to A shelly 3SE shells in anti­ in the data on the gun.
personnel roles. For this>eaSon the maximum ranges of
these guns have been shown as well as the effective ranges Details of ammunition will be found in part III of this
against armour. pamphlet, which will be published shortly.

39
37^mm_Gun Taisho 11
 Artillery
87 MM GUN TAISHO 11 (1922)
This weapon, which, is known to the Japanese.as the Breech Mecha- Semi-automatic vertical sliding wedge.
/'Eleventh Year Low Trajectory Infantry-. Gtui"j:ds\now nism. LBM on right of gun. Breech block
considered obsolete. It has however been encountered held open by heels of extractor levers.
in small numbers in Burma. The gun is extremely light,
and can be carried by 4 men. Carriage . . Tubular steel rear trail legs and short
foreleg,.
Calibre . . v 37 mm |1* ins)*
Performance . MV
Length of barrel. . 36J ins.
Maximum Range . . 3250 yds.
Length overall ^ " . 90 ins.
Ammunition . HE (QF Fixed).
Height in action
Recognition . Very low off ground. No shield. Short
Weight in action • ^ 205f lbs. barrel over recoil mechanism, which is
Elevation ,. _ . . —5°to almost samelength as barrel. Tubular
tripod like trail.
Traverse • . • . 33°.

41
70 mm Battalion Gun Type 92
42
 Artillery
70 MM BATTALION &UN TYPE: 02 :(1932)
Two of these guns form part of the normal Infantry Carriage . Steel disc type wheels with steel rims'
Battalion. It is of the "Pack" type, and designed to be rectangular tapering welded split trails.
dismantled easily into its portable groups. Elevating handwheel on the right and
traversing handwheel and sight bracket
Calibre . . . 70 mm (2* 75 ins). on left. The gun breaks down into
Length of barrel . .. 31J- ins. 7 pack groups, namely, barrel and
Number of groo ves 24. breech mechanisms, cradle and recoil
gear, saddle, body and axletree trails,
Length overall . , 86 ins (trails closed). wheels and shield. The axle is cranked
Height in action . . 36 ins. and is adjustable to three position
Weight in action , . 468 lbs. giving the gun three different heights.
Performance . MV . . . 650 f/s (full charge).
Elevation v ^ . .• —4° to+75°.. Range (Maximum) 3075 yds.
Traversed . ' . .. .: 45°. Ammunition . HE, Smoke, Shrapnel and Hollow Charge
HE (QF Semi-fixed or fixed).
Breech Mecha- The. breech block is of the interrupted Recognition . The small size is a distinctive feature.
nism. thread type, a-nd is hinged at the bot­ Short barrel with recoil mechanism
tom of the breech ring. LBM is oh the extending to the muzzle. Steel disc
right. Eiring:is done by a lanyard wheels with circular cut outs. Shield
attached to the firing mechanism at the with central portion cut away, and
rear of the breech ring. rectangular sighting slot.

43
75 mm Regimental Gun Meiji 41
 Artillery
75 MM REGIMENTAL GUN MEIJI 41 (1908)

This gun was orginally the Mountain Gun of the steel rimmed wheels. Short barrel
Japanese arniyy and was replaced in 1934 by the Type 94 with prominent reinforcing band at
Mountain Gun, when it was reissued to Infantry Regiments. front cradle attachment. Shield, with
It can be dismantled for pack transport. 'U' shaped slot to fit over barrel and
cradle, is hinged at centre. The gun
Calibre . . 75 mm (2* 75 ins). dismantles easily into 11 pack
Length of Barrel .51 ins. groups.
Number of grooves : 28«
Performance . MY 1250 f/s.
Length overall . 170 ins. Maximum Range 7700 yds,
* Penetration AP/HE... .mm at nor­
Height in action . mal at .yds.
Weight in action 1200 lbs. . . . .m m a t 3 0 ° a t . .y d s .
Elevation . Maximum —15° to -f- 25° *Hollow charge;. ...mm.
(Depending on where, the Ammunition HE, AP/HE/T, Hollow Charge HE and
elevating, nut is fixed). Shrapnel (QF.Eixed).
Traverse 10°.
Recognition The trial is the distinctive feature of this
gun. Short barrel with reinforce­
Breech Mecha­ Interrupted threa,d type breech block ment at forward attachment to slipper.
nism \ opening to; right, LBM on right top of Square, box-like recoil mechanism pro­
breech block., Firing is by lanyard. jecting almost to muzzle of gun. Large
wooden spoked wheels.
Carriage Tubular trial consisting of two main
parallel members which attach directly *On trial AP/HE ammunition at 300 yards, penetrated
to the axletree, and which are joined 1 inch sides of a light tank, and, at 100 yards, at 30°,
at the rear end by tubular cross mem­ a l| inch turret.
ber. Projecting rearwards from this
cross member is a tubular extension It is reported that the Hollow Charge projectile will
carrying the spade. Wooden spoked penetrate 3| inches of solid armour.

45
75 mm Mountain Gun Type 94
 Artillery
n MM MOUNTAIN GUN TYPE 94 (1934)
This is the modern pack gun of the Japanese Army. Penetration AP/HE 58 mm at normal at
AP/HE . and Hollow Charge, shell are provided making it 300 yds.
into an effective anti-armour weapon. 47 mm at 30° at
Calibre . . , . 75 mm (2 75 ins). 300 yds.
This gun can also fire the ammunition for
Length bf'barrel . 611* 5 ins (21 calibres). the Meiji 38 Field gun which has a pro-
Number o£ grooves 28. pellant charge of weight 5 ozs greater.
158ins (Trails closed). The performance would therefore be.—
Length overall
Height in -action . . MV. _ 1475 f/s
46 ins. Penetration AP/HE 7 2 mm at normal at
Weight in action 1183 lbs.
Elevation , —10? to +45°. 300 yds.
Traverse . 40°. 54 mm at 30° at
300 yds.
Breech Mecha- Horizontal sliding wedge type opening to Hollow charge
nism* ; right.; LBM on top of breech ring. Penetration 70 mm (Captured docu­
. . Firing is done by a lanyard^ cocking ments).
. and firing .being done in one movement. Ammunition . HE, AP/HE, Shrapnel, Smoke,
Carriage . Large wooden spoked ; steel rimmed Incendiary, Illuminating, and Hollow
wheels. Rectangular .split trials. Ele­ Charge HE (QF Fixed).
vating and traversing handwheels, Both shell and cartridge and Type 95
and sight mount on left. Shield case are identical with those for the
which has "XJ" shaped cut out to fit 75 mm Meiji 38 Series of Field Guns.
over barrel and cradle is hinged at its The cartridge case, however, carries a
centre. It has extensions over the propellant charge approximately 10
wheels and a long rectangular sighting ozs lighter than, that for the Meiji 38
slot which can be "covered by a hinged and Type 95 Series.
plate. The gun dismantles into 11 Recognition . Fairly long barrel with narrow muzzle
pack groups and is carried by 6 mule3. reinforcing band and prominent recoil
Performance . HE Type 94 HE Long Pointed mechanism. Rectangular trail in two
Type 90, sections. Shield with "U" shaped slot
MV. 1165 f/s 1185 f/s for barrel, and hinged in centre. Large
Max. range 7650 yds 8750 yds. wooden spoked wheels.
47
75 mm Field Gun Meiji 38
 Artillery
75 MM FIELD GUN MEIJI 38 (1905)
This field gun was on© of the earliest Japanese designs, Breech Mechd- Interrupted thread type of breech block
and after 1905 (its date of acceptance) the design was nism. opening to right,
considerably improved, and the "Meiji 38 Modified" Field Gamage . Large wooden ; spoked steel rimmed
gun resulted. - wheels. Single rectangular shaped
Calibre . . . 75 mm (2 *95 ins). pole ,trail with heavy spade, to which
a handle is attached for the purpose
Length of barrel . . 90 ins (31 calibres). of shifting the trail. There are no
: equilibrators.
Number of grooves . 28.
Performance . MV . , . . . 1640 f/s
Length overall .. . * 176 ins. Maximum Range ... . 9000 yds
Height in action . • 62^ ins. Ammunition . HE, AP/HE/T, Shrapnelj Smoke, Incen­
diary and Illuminating (QF Fixedj
Weight in action . 2200 lbs.
Recognition . Single rectangular pole trial is the main
Elevation * . . —8°to+16£0. distingaishing feature of this gun.
Recoil mechanism rectangular box
Traverse , .• . 7°, §hape, extending nearly to muzzle.

49
75 mm Field Gun Meiji 38 (Modified),
 Artillery
75 MM FIELD GUN MEIJI 38 (1905 MODIFIED)
This Field gun is an improved version of the Meiji layer and firer. Traversing and ele­
38, which it is believed to have superseded completely. vating handwheels on left. Elevating
handwheel on cradle. Cradle extends
Calibre . 75 mm (2* 95 ins). almost to muzzle. , Barrel is attached
Length of barrel . 83J ins (28 calibres). to the slipper at two points. Two
Number of grooves 28. spring equilibrators project forward
under the cradle and under the above.
Length overall ; 198 ins (in firing position);
Height in action i 58 ins. Performance MV. . . 1640 f/s STipli
Maximum Range 9000 yds ' 'L
Weight in action 2500 lbs.
Elevation , . -—8° to 4-45°. MV . . . 1980 f/s \HE Stream-
Maximum Range13000 yds /line Shell.
Traverse 8°. . %
Breech Median- Horizontal sliding wedge breech block Amrnunition . HE, AP/HE/T, Shrapnel, Smoke, Incen-
•A • diary and Illuminating (QF Fixed).
ism opening to right. LBM on top right
of breech block. Firing is by lanyard. Recognition . Single bpen box trail is the main dis­
Carriage . . Large wooden spoked steel rimmed wheels tinguishing feature of this gun. Box
Box shaped trail with the box wider like recoil mechanism extending to
to the rear. Sides of the box are muzzle. Vertical handgrips forward
angle iron girders, which join to form of shield for use by gunners seated on
a single leg incorporating a spade. shield in travelling position. Seats
Seats are provided on either side for Qn either side of open box trail.

51
75 mrq Cavalry Gun Meiji 4,1

52
 Artillery
75 MM CAVALRY GUN MEWl 41 (1905)
This gun was designed to give support to cavalry regi­ Large wooden spoked steal rimmed
ments It is almost identical with the Meiji 38 Field wheels. Single rectangular pole shaped
Gun. trail with spade and traversing handle
at rear. Two Seats on either side
Calibre . # # 75 mm (2* 95 ins). of trail for layer and firer. Cradle
Length of barrel . 85* 6 ins (29 calibres). extends as far as muzzle.
Number of grooves 28. Performance M\T 1670 f/s
Length overall * * 173 ins (in firing position). Maximum Range 9000 yds appro*,
Ammunition HE, AP/HE/T* Shrapnel, Smoke, Incen.
Height in action . 62 ins. diary and Illuminating (QF Fixed).
Weight in action # » 2000 lbs. Recognition This gun is almost identical to the Meiji
Elevation „ —8°to+16J0. 38 Field gun, but can be distinguished
Traverse 12°. from the Meiji 3& Modified by the
breech block (interrupted thread type)
jBreech Mecha- Interrupted thread type breech block and the single rectangular shaped trail.
nism opening to right LBM. on top right Shield has prominent rectangular sight­
of breech block. ing opening.

53
 ....
75 mm Field Gun Typo 90,
 Artillery
75 MM FIELD GUN TYPE 90 (1930)
This gun is the modern Field gun of the Japanebo Army, Carriage\ Pneumatic tyred or wooden spoked
and is reported to be an outstanding wea-pon amongst steel armed wheels. . Rectangular split
other Japanese artillery. It is the only Japanese artillery trail with heavy spades, holding one
piece to bo equipped with a Muzzlo Brake. Its high MV spade plate. Elevating and travers­
and length of barrel make it a formidable anti-armour ing handwheels, sight mount and
weapon, even by modern standards. bracket on left. Shield which ex­
Calibre . » . . ; 75 mm (2* 95 ins.) tends over wheels has top curved to
rear. Heavy spring suspension be­
Length of barrel ; 113; 6 ins* tween axle and carriage. Equili-
Number of grooves 28. brators under cradle.
Length overall, trails closed Performance MV; _\v . 2300 f/s, '
Maximum Range . 16350 yds.
w/o muzzle brake . . 17 ft if J ins. Penetration firing Type 1 AP/HE (from a
Height in action ; i (35 ins. "captured document)—-90 mm at nor­
mal at 275 yds. .
Weight in action . ; 3000 lbs.
AmmunUion
HE, AP/HE/T, Shrapnel (QF Fixed).
Elevation . ; . - ,8'to+«'. :
Traverse ; . v . 50'. . ,/ Recogfmon: Long Barrel with Muzzle brake provides
main distinguishing feature. Shield
Breech Mechan- Horizontal sliding wedge block. LBM in oiib section with curved top por­
ism. . . on top right of breech. Breech block tion; Cradle, equilibrators project
and horizontal sliding type opens to rearwards almost to end of recoil.
right. Rectangular sighting aperture in
shield.

55
75 mm Field Gun Type 95,
56
 Artillery
% MM FIELD GUN TYPE 95 (1935)
This is the modern version of the older Meiji 38 and. Carriage . Large wooden cpoked steal rimmep
Meiji 38 Modified.75 mm Field Guns (pages 49 and 51) and wheels. Split trail similar to the Type
has the advantages over the Type 90 75 mm Field Gun 90 Field Gun. Heavy spades with
(page 55) of being lighter in weight and of using the same slot for single spade plat9. Travers­
ammunition as the earlier guns. The weapon however ing and olevatH> handwheels, range
does not have as good an overall, performance as the drum; and sight mount on left, Equi-
Typo 90 Field Gun. * librators fitted on either side below rear
'Calibre . , >< ./mns (2>95ins). cradle.
| Length of barrel; . : 8.9 • 7 iris (3.0 calibres). Performance ., MV 1640 f/s
; Number of grooves ;; 0. 28. Maximum Range 9800 yds. HE
Length overall .. 176 ins;, (in. firing posi­
12000 yds HE
Streamline. .
tion),.
; Height in action; 63 ins. . Ammunition HE, A^/HE/r, Shrapnel, Smoke, Incen­
Weight in action 24:4:0 lbs. diary and Illiuninkting (QF Fixed).
[Elevation .. —8° to- + 43°.- Recognition . Short barrel. Cradler extends: to rear al­
.f Traverse . .. • 50^., : most to end of recoil. Large wooden
spokeid wheels _ with shMd over­
Breech Mechan- Horizontal sliding, type breech, hanging them. Shield, which is swept
block opening to right, LBM on top back on top has two box-like por-
right of breech block. jectidns on front.

51
10 cm Field Gun Taisho 14,
 10 CM FIELD GUN f AISHO 14 (1025)
Only sixty four of these guns have been made but some Carriage . . Split trail with large wheels and curved
are still in service. shield. Gun retracts when in draught
Calibre . , 105"mm. Equilibrators on either side and
parallel to cradle which extends well
Length of barrel 140 ins (34 calibres). beyond the breech. Sight and tra­
Number of grooves 32. versing hand wheel on left, elevating
Length overall . 21 ft 3 ins i hand^yheel on right. Shield slopes
back at the top.
Height in action 5 ft 9 ins.
Performance . •. MV -4. . 2033 f/s • ^
Weight in action 6865 lbs..
Maximum Range . 14500 yds.
Elevation . . • —5° to -f 43°.
Ammunition . HEj, AP/HE, Snioke and Incendiary (QF
Traverse « V 30°. . Separate). b :

Breech Median- Interrupted screw breech opening to Recognition . Curved shield ; long cradle with equili
ism . » the right with handle of LBM swinging brator tubes underneath on either
across breech. Breech ring integral side. Long piece and split trails
with barrel. . -v Step about half way along piece.
10 cm Gun Type 92.

60
 Artillery
10 CM GUN TYPE 92 (1932)
A modern gun combining light weight with extreme right, while the traversing hand­
range. This gun resembles the 15 cm Howitzer Type 96 wheel is on the left. Barrel is attached
Calibre to cradle by two straps. Equilibra-
105 mm (4* 14 ins).
to|s are fitted. The piece is retract-
Length of barrel 186 ins (45 calibres). ecf on to the trail for travellings
Number of grooves 32. Performance MV . . 2500 f/s.
Length overall . 26 ft (in action). Maximum" Range Charge I 14,500
Height in action 71 ins (top of shield). yds HE.
Charge II 11700
Weight in action 8,000 lbs. yds HE .
Elevation •—-5° to +45°. Charge I 20000
Traverse . . 36°. yds HE Stream­
line.
Breech Mechan- Interrupted thread, stepped breech Ammunition HE, AP/HE, Shrapnel and Incendiary
ism . * block, opening to right. IBM on top (QF Separate).
rear of breech block.
lEjxtremely long barrel and trails give
Carriage , .. Wooden spoked solid rubber tyred 1 this gun a low appearance. Solid
wheels. Long split trail of rectangu­ rubber tyred wheels small in compari­
lar section with heavy spades slotted to son tp length of gun. Prominent
take 3 spade plates. The elevating : straps for attaching barrel to cradle.
handwheel and range scale are on the Three spade plates,

61:
10 cm Howitzer Type 91.

10 CM HOWITZER TYPE 91 (1931)
A light weight modern field piece, which in comparison
with similar equipment of the Allied appears rather
crude. Its performance however is good.
Calibre . . . . 1 0 5 m m ( 4 *1 4 i n s )
Length of barrel and breech
ring 82J ins.
Number of grooves 32.
Length overall . 15 ft 6 ins (in action).
Height in action 72J ins (top of Shield).
Weight in action 3300 lbs.
Elevation . —.5° to +45°.
Traverse . 40°.
Breech Mechan- Interrupted thread type breech block
ism . . opening to right. LBM on top rear
of breech block. Firing mechanism
consists of plain striker housed in the
breech screw and a hammer pivoted
under the breech block. Firing is by
lanyard.
Carriage . . Wooden spoked, steel rimmed wheels,
split trails of rectangular section.
Cradle extends to rear, and would
contain the piece at full recoil. Eleva­
ting and traversing handwheels on
left. Barrel has prominent muzzle
Artillery
swell and is attached to cradle by two
straps. The carriage is designed for
rapid dismantling and assembly.
Equilibrators fitted on either side be­
low rear cradle.
Performance MV . . 1 7 9 0 f/s
Maximum Range Charge I 11800 yds.
(HE). Charge II 8500 yds.
Charge III 6300 yds.
Charge IV 5100 yds.
Penetration Type 1 AP/HE (from a
captured document) 75 mm at nor­
mal at 275 yds.
Hollow Charge Penetration 10 cm (from
captured documents).
Ammunition HE, AP/HE, Hollow charge HE, Shrap­
nel, Incendiary and Smoke (?) QF
Separate.
Recognition Short barrel giving howitzer a squat
appearance. Long trails and heavy
spades. Long cradle extension to
rear. Shield, is flat has two pro­
jecting wings forward possibly seats
for members of crew.

63
12 cm Howitzer Meiji 38 (1905),
 Artillery
12 CM HOWITZER MEIJI 38 (1905)
This weapon is an obsolescent medium howitzer which a lanyard. The handlQ of the LBM
is on the left and opens to the rear
may be used in an emergency. and the right. : :\
Calibre 120 mm (4- 7 ins). Carriage . The short box trail has tool feox fixed be­
56 ins (12 calibres). hind the breech clear of recoil between
Length of barrel the trails. The spade is wide. Large
Length overall . 12 ft 4 ins, wooden wheels and a square heavy
No. of grooves . cradle, as long as the piece, are promi­
nent. The elevating, traversing and
Height . 5 ft 11 ins, sighting mechanism is on the left of the
Weight .. 2770 lbs. breech. r
Traverse . . 3°. Performance MV. . ; V' 900 f/s.
Elevation 5° to +43°. Maximum Range $300 ydSi
Ammunition HE, AP/HE and Shrapnel (QF&eparate).
•Ji Median- The breech is a screw type with a per- Recognition ; Short barrel and long cradle short low
ism cussion firing mechanism operated by trail and large wooden wheels, :

65
 Artillery
15 CM GUN TYPE89 (1929)
This weapon is the basic armament of the Japanese obturator head and pad. The lock is
Heavy Artillery. It travels in two loads, the barrel and trip action and percussion.
the eradl^j land requires two hours come into action.
Steel disc wheels with solid rubber tyres.
Calibre . . (5 - 9 ins). Split trails with two spades to each
trail. Traversing handwheel on the
Length of barrel . left and elevating handwheel on the
Number of grooves right of the breech. Large pneumatic
Length overall . ihs* equilibrators run forward of the trun­
nions from above the piece to the level
Height in action of the axle.
Weight in action 22, 928 lbs. Performance . |iy . ' ' ... • " 2250 f/s. •
Elevation —5° to +43° Maximuml^aiige) 22000 yds.
Traverse ;.. v , 40°. Ammunition HE, AP/HE and ShrapneL (QF Sepa­
rate). ' 7.
Breech Mechan- A stepped interrupted thread breech Recognition A large, long, low gun with a short cradle.
ism block opening to i>h© right. The LBM A pronounced taper halfway down
is on the left of the breech when clos- barrel. Wide solid rubber- tyred
" ed. 0n the face of the breech is the wheels and prominent equilibrators

67
15 cm Howitzer Taisho 4
 Artillery
15 CM HOWITZER TAISHO 4 (1915)
This howitzery designed in 191:4 to replace an older Carriage . . Wooden spoked steel rimmed wheels.
model was the standard medium artillery piece until 1936 Trail in two sections, box shaped for­
when it was superseded; by the Type 96. Although not ward section, solid rear section. When
yet identified in Burma specimens have "been recovered in travelling, the barrel seats on a slide
other theatres. on the rear section. Wheels are pro­
Calibre . . 150 mm (5-9 ins) . vided for the rear section, and the two
sections travel independently. Elevat­
Length of Barrel . 76 ins (13 calibres). ing handwheel and sight mount on
Number of groo ves 36. ' . left, traversing handwheel /on right.
Equilibrators are fitted.
Length overall . . 84J ins. "•
Height in action.
Performance . My . • •.... .. . 1350 f/s.
76 ins (top %£ shield).
. : M a x i m u mRanged 10.500 yds.
Weight in action 620Q lbs.
Elevation —3C to +55°,
Ammunition... . HE, HE Streamlined. A]P//HE, Shrapnel.
Smoke; and Incendiary (QE rSeparate).
Traverse . . 6°. .
Recongnition . The- vertical' sliding breech block pro-
Breech Median- Vertical sliding wedge breech block : vides the main recognition feature.
ism which opens upwards. LBvM consists Trail in two sections/-with barrel seat
of a " IT '' shaped lever with a wooden on rear /section/ Short -barrel/with
; handle which is raiseel to open the recoil mechanism extending nearly
breech block. to muzzle.

69
15 cm Howitzei type 96
 Artillery
15 CM HOWITZER TYPE 96 (1936)
A well designed and effective gun, the most modern of Performance MV 1690 ]
its type to be designed by the Japanese. Maximum
Calibre . . 150 mm (5-9 ins). Range Charge I 11,400 yds
Charge II 9.900 yds ^HE
Length of barrel and breech 138 ins. Charge III 8,700 yds
Number of grooves .. V 36. Charge IT 6,900 ydi3
Length overall . 21 ft 7 ins (trails Charge V 5,600 yds
closed). Charge I 13,000 yds HE
Height in action . . 79 ins (top of shield). Streamline.
Weight in action . . 9100 lbs. Penetration Type 1 AP/HE (from a cap
Elevation . . . •—30° to +75°. tured document) — -
Traverse . . . 30°.
125 mm at normal at 275 yds.
Breech Median- Interrupted screw type breecli block
ism • opening to light. LBM on right of Ammunition HE, HE Streamlined,, AP/HE, Smoke
breech. and Illuminating (QF Separate),
Carriage . . Wooden spoked solid rubber tyred wheels. This Sewitzer looks similar to the 10 cm
Split trails with heavy spades slotted gun Type 92. The barrel is very
to take three spade plates. Travers­ much shorter and has pronounced
ing handwheel and sight mount oil muzzle swell.7 Heavy trails with 3
left, elevating handwheel on right. spade plates. Barrel has prominent
Barrel attached to cradle by two taper in rear of front strap. Shield
straps. Barrel has prominent taper has a hooded rear section to accommo­
to rear of forward strap, and has promi­ date the barrel at high angles of ele­
nent muzzle swell. vation.

71
37 mm Anti-Tank Gun Type 94
72
 Anti-Tank Artillery
7 MM ANTI-TANK GUN
This gun until 1941 was the standard anti-armour Firing gear is connected to'elevating
weapon of the Japanese Army. While now being re­ hand wheel, which when pulled to rear,
placed; by the 47 mm Mobile Gun Type 1, is still being fires the gun.
used in large numbers by the Japanese in Burma. Carriage. . Wheels are steel rimmed, wooden spokedj
Calibre . . . . 3 7 m m ( 1• 4 6 i n s ) . or pressed steel. Split trails are rect­
Length of Piece , 65} ins. 7
angular welded construct]on. Travers­
ing and elevating handwheel are on
Number of grooves . . 12. left, while range control wheel is on
Length overall . . 114 ins (in travelling right. ' - -
position).
Performance . MY. . 2300 f/s.
Height in action , , 40} ins. - . .Range .:54S0yds.
Weight in action . . 710 lbs. Penetration 46 mm at normal \ Point
Eleyation • .. . 8° tc> 4-27cv- 32 mm at 30° /blank.
Traverse . . , 60°. : \ , - Ammunition HE. AP/HE (QF Fixed).
Breech Mechan­
ism Semi-automatic horizontal sliding wedge Large spoked wooden or steel disc
LBM on top of breech block, Breech wheels. Light split trail. Flat shield
block opens to left, and is held open projecting above wheels with rect­
by the extractors. Firing hammer is angular sight port. Barrel mounted
located on the lower side of the breech, . low over axle.

73
37 mm Anti-Tank Gun Type ' RA
 Anti-Tank Artillery
37 MM ANTI-TANK GUN TYPE RA

This gun was the standard 4 PAK 37 ' Anti-Tank Gun is a high 5 mm plate, with folding
of the German Army until about 1939 when it was re­ apron, and folding side pieces. The
placed by larger calibre weapons. It is now considered top of the shield may be folded for­
obsolete by the Germans. Small numbers were sold to ward. Shield has a square sight
the Japanese in 1937 and 1938. Specimens recovered in port.
Burma in 1945 have German markings.
Calibre 37 mm (1*46 ins), Performance . MV . 2625 f/s (German
AP shell)*
Length of barrel 65 3/4 ins (45 calibres).
Range . 4400 yds.
Number of grooves 16.
Length overall 144 ins. Penetration 42 mm at 30° at 200 yds.
38 mm. at 30° at 400 yds.
Height in action 46 ins. (German shell).
Weight 896 lbs. Figures for Japa­
Elevation <—8° to + 25°# nese AP/shell
can be expected
Traverse . 90°. to be slightly
less than Geitnari
Breech Mechan­ Semi-automatic horizontal sliding AP figures.
ism wedge breech block opening to left.
LBM on top of breech block. Firing Ammunition HE, AP/HE (QF Fixed).
mechanism is connected to a push
knob located in the centre of the ele­ Recognition Rubber tyres, steel disc wheels, long
vating hand wheel. thin tubular trails.
Carriage . Steel disc wheels with pneumatic tyres Characteristic shield, inclined steeply
Split trail is of tubular construction. to rear, and with folding side and
Traversing and elevating hand wheel ground pieces. Short barrel with pro­
and sight bracket are on left. Shield nounced taper.

15
Stillffi

47 mm Anti-Tank Gun Type 1

 Anti-Tank Artillery
4? MM ANTI-TANK GUN TYPE 1 (1941)
This is the most modern, and most efficient of all the push knob in centre of elevating hand-
purely Anti-Tank weapons which the Japanese Army wheel.
This weapon will eventually replace the 37 Carriage Steel disc wheels with pneumatic tyres.
Type 94 Anti-Tank gun. Split trail is of rectangular construc­
47 mm (1-85 ins). tion and is very. long. Traversing and
Calibre elevating hand wheels, and sight brac-
i Length of barrel and breech : ket are on left, with the rangerdnim on
VV':HOg • • 99$'ins. the right. Range drum has 3 scales,
i Number of grooves 16. one for H E shell, one for Al?r—HE shell,
/Length overall . 198 ins. one for tangent elevation in mills.
Height in action 46J ins. Performance MY . ,\ 2800 f/s.
7400 yds.
Weight in action 1660 lbs. Penetration 70 mm at normal at
Elevation . —10° to +20°. 500 yds.
Traverse . 60°. 50 mm at 30° at 500
yds.
Breech Semi-automatic horizontal sliding Ammunition HE, AP/HE (QF Fixed).
MecTihnism wedge breech block opening to left, Recognition Extreme length of barrel, and trails.
LBM on top of breech block. Breech Barrel with muzizle reinforcing band,
opens on recoil, ejecting empty shell and prominent recoil mechanism be­
case, and reinains open for reloading. neath it. Shield inclined steeply to
Firing harrimor located on lower side rear, with lower sides cut away
of breech. Firing gear is connected to Shield has two rectangular sight ports.

77
7b
 Anti-Tank Artillery.
NEW WEAPONS
The following new weapons are known to exist. Specimens have yot to be identified in Burma and examined.

37 MM ANTI-TANK GUN TYPE: 1 (1941)

Little is known of this gun in a ground role, though the Performance MV
Tank mounted version has been recovered in the Anxphi- Range • i
bio us Tank Type 2 described on page 29. Penetration 52 mm at normal
. - 275 yds, I

57 MM ANTI-TANK GUN TYPE 1 (1941)

Little is known pf this gun other than that it exists. Performance MV
No specimens have been recovered in any theatre at the -o.
date of writing. Performance figures are considerably ange
above those of the 47 mm gun, and maintained over greater Penetration 78 mm at normal
ranges. 275 yds*...
40 mm Vickers Type Automatic Cannon
 Anti-Aircraft Artillery
40 MM VICKERS TYPE AUTOMATIC CANNON
These guns are direct copies of the British 40 mm Anti- operated on the dual mount, on range
Aircraft guns made by Vickers Armstrong. The Japanese and height data being set on the course
have used both British and Japanese made guns, and the and speed sight.
ammunition is interchangeable. While primarily designed Operation The gun and mechanism are built up
for Anti-Aircraft defence, the mounting allows depression similarly to the Vickers • 303 Machine
of the guns to take on ground targets, and AP ammuni­ gun, and operation is identical. Am­
tion is provided. Both single and dual mounted guns munition is carried in link belts in
have been recovered. hoppers on the outsides of the mount.
20 to 25 rounds are carried in each
Calibre 40 mm (1-57 ins.) hopper. Barrel cooling is by water,
Length of barrel 62 ins (39 calibres). the water jacket not incorporating any
Number of grooves 12. form of forced water circulation.
Length overall 109 ins. Performance . MV . 2,000 f/s.
Height at full elevation 128J- ins. Maximum Hori­
Weight in action 1960 lbs (single zontal Range 6230 yds.
mount). Effective Ceiling 5,000 ft.
3130 lbs (dual mount). Practical Rate of
Elevation , —5° to -f 85°. Fire 70 rpm per barrel
Traverse . . . .360°. Ammunition . HE, AP/HE/T (QF Fixed).
Mounting . Conventional naval pedestal mounting for Note.—British Vickers and Japanese 40 mm
both single and dual guns. The layer ammunition is completely interchange­
for line sits on the right, and the layer able. Belts have been recovered con­
for elevation on the left. The latter taining both British and Japanese
in an emergency can also lay for line ammunition.
by means of an auxiliary traversing Recognition Extremely heavy mounting. Guns have
handwheel. He fires the weapon by appearence of outsize Vicker MMGs.
means of foot pedals, and on the dual Prominent ammunition hoppers. Seats
mount can select either gun* Fuze for gunner and layer. Prominent flash
setters are provided, hand operated eliminator beginning at end of water
on the single mount and automatically jacket.

81
8 cm Mobile Anti-Aircraft Gun Type 88
82
 Anti-Aircraj't Artillery
8 CM MOBILE ANTI-AIRCRAFT GOT TYPE 88 (1928)
This gun is the standard Mobile Anti-Aircraft gun of the elevation sits on the right of the gun
^Japanese Army, and specimens have been recovered in and the layer for line also control­
Burma. Having a high M V this gun is suitable for use ling the fuze setter, sits on the lefo of
against ground targets, especially armour. Although this the gun. For travelling, two pneuma­
has a high muzzle velocity, thus being suitable for the tic tyred wheels are attached to steel
^engagement of grounds targets, especially armour, when axles on the base of the pedest 1
in action, it cannot be fired off its wheels, in the mount ; two out-riggors are closed i n
travelling position. a similar way to trails, and the other
Calibre 75 mm (2-95 ins). three out-riggers aro folded. The
piece is retracted.
Length of barrel 121J ins (41 calibre^.
Performance . MV
Number of grooves 28.
Maximum Hori­
Length overall 16 ft 6 ins (firing zontal range . 14800 yds.
position).
Effective Ceiling 23350 ft.
Height 79 ins (travelling po­
sition). Maximum Fuze
Ceiling . . 28300 ft.
Weight in action 5390 lbs.
Practical rate of
Elevation . 0° to + 85°. fire . . 2 0 rpm.
Traverse 3600. Ammunition . HE, AP/HE (QF Fixed).
Breech Semi-automatic horizontal sliding wedge Recognition . Long barrel with pronounced taper*
Mechanism breech block opening to right. LBM muzzle swell, and a step approximate­
on top right of breech block. Firing is ly two thirds of the way up. Pedes­
by lanyard. tal mount with 5 out-riggers each
equipped with levelling jacks. Pneu­
Mounting The gun is mounted on a heavy pedestal matic tyres when travelling ; seats on
mount with 5 out-riggers, each equipp­ either side of gun on tubular steel
ed with levelling jacks. The layer for mounts.

83
8 cm/40 Calibre Taisho 10 Naval DP Gun
 Anti-Aircraft Artillery
8 CM/40 CALIBRE TAISHO 10 (1921) NAVAL DP GUN
This weapon, of purely Naval design, has been used for either side of the gun for the layers.
the Anti-Aircraft defence of airfields in the SPA. It lia Layer for elevation is on the left, while
not, as yet, been identified in Burma- the layer for line is on the right.
Calibre , . , g 76*2 mm (3 ins). Telescopic sights are provided for
both layers. The recoil mechanism is
Length of barrel . . 120 ins (40 calibres). situated on top of the barrel, which
Number of grooves . . 24. slides in a ring type cradle.
Length overall . . * Performance . MV . . . 2220 f/s.
Height . . . Horizontal Range 11,800 yds.
Effective Ceiling 18900 ft.
Weight in action • *
Maximum Fuze
Elevation . . . . — 5 ° t o +75°. Ceiling . . 22,200 ft.
Traverse f . * t 360°. Practical Rate of
Breech Sliding breech block at 45° to the verti- Fire . 18rpm.
Mechanism . cal, which opens downwards. LBM Recognition . The breech ring at an angle to verticaA
on right side of breech block. Firing and recoil mechanism set on top
is by lanyard. barrel are the main distinguishing
features. Naval type of pedestal
Mounting „ Conventional Navy Pedestal mount. Plat­ Range drum and operating hand wheels
forms are attached to the cradle on on left,

85
8 cm AntirAircraft Gun Type 99
 . ; -. . . v.""-' £:• Anti-Aircraftc:AfJ(,ilUry
8 CM ANTI-AIRCRAFTGUN TYPE 99 (1939)
> This is the latest Japanese Anti-Aircraft gun to be captured, being first recovered in Rangoon. It U of interest.
•to—note thatthe Japanese ca.ll it aa f em gun, although its calibre' is 88. mm. The 75 mm Typo 88 Mobile Anti-Aircraft
gun is also called 8 cm. • v
The gun is an improvement o^er the earlier one, but is not mobile.
Calibre : 8imm-(3:,i46 ins).; • '
Length of rifled bore , v 122 ins. |
• • , Length of chamber . 24 ins.
Number of grooves . . 32.
Elevation . . , . 10° to +90°
rf' , Traverse .•„ . . . 360° ; .
Performance . Estimated Pra-
; . . , ctical ; Rate - .....
' ;. • ; ^- ' of fire . . • 18 pm. ;'

87
im®

\0 nra Anti-Airoraft Gun Taisi-o 14

 Anti-Aircraft Artillery
10 CM ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN TAISHO 14 (1925)
This weapon «is the heaviest, mobile Anti-Aircraft gun attached to stub axles and the out­
known to be infuse by the Japanese. Specimens have riggers folded, two out-riggers attach­
not yet been examined. ing to a limber for towing. Prominent
Calibre V . . . 105 mm ^'4*14 ins). equilibrator under barrel.
Length of barrel . . 161^ ins (40 Cali; Performance MV . . . 2300 f/K
bres). Horizontal range 15000 yds.
Number o£g£Ojoves . . 32. Effective ceiling
23000 ft.
\Length vof overall . . 23 ft.
Maximvm fuze
Height to axis-of bore . 6 ft. 30,000 ft.
Ceiling
Weigh# in action . 5J tons.
Practical rate of
Elevation • • « . 0° to 85°. fire I rpm.
Traverse* ® « © • 360°. Ammunition HE
Horizontal sliding wedge breech block
Mechanism? opening to right. LBM on top right of Recognition j . This gun has a similar appearance to
breechring. the 75 mm Type 88 Mobile A/A
gun. It may be distinguished by 6
out-riggers instead of 5, wooden spoked
fflQiinftnn Heavy pedestal mounting with six out­ solid rubber tyred wheels instead of
riggers. For travelling, heavy wooden pneumatic, and a prominent equili­
qpqked soli4 rubber tyred wheels are brator which doe enot elevate with tfye
g™V

W
90
 Anti-Aircraft Artillery*
10 CM DUAL PURPOSE GUN TYPE 98 (1938)
This is probably the most powerful Japanese anti-air­ Performance . MV . . 3200 f/s approx.
craft gun yet used ©a land. Horizontal Range 20400 yds.
Calibre » 100 jraiaa (3*94 ins). Effective ceiling. 38100 ft.
Length of barrel Maximum fuze
256 ins (65 ealibires)* 44300 ft.
ceiling .
Number of grooves Practical rate of
Length overall . fire 15 rpm barrel.
Height o . . Ammunition HE
Weight in action Recognition Twin, mount with shields. Captured
documents indicate that these guns will
Elevation © „ — io° to +ma be found in batteries of three twin
Traverse mounts.

91
92
 Anti-Aircraft Artillery
12 CM DUAL TOE3P0SE GUN (TAlSHO 16 (1921)
Tills is the heaviest Japanese anti-aircraft gun in The peice recoils in a ring type cradle
common use, and is probably the most effective. It ha^ with three recoil cylinders above the
been extensively used by naval ground forces for port and piece ;and a third of its length. The
island defence. sighting is either by ring sights, teles­
copes or match pointer dials. There
Calibre . . , 120 mm.
are elevating handwheels on both sides
Length of barrel 45 cal. of the gun and one traversing hand-
Number of grooves wheel on the left. Seats are provided
for the operators.
Length overall 17 ft 8 inc.
Performance MV . . . 2700 f/s.
Weight 6400 lbs.
Maximum Hori­
Height
zontal Range J 7100 yds.
Traverse 360° .
Maximum fuze
Elevation . —50° to +75° ceiling . . 32800 ft.
Breech A manually operated or semi-automatic Effective ceiling. 29200 ft.
Mechanism horizontal sl/ding wedge breech block, Rate of fire , 10—-12 rpm.
lanyard fired. LBM is on the right
and breech opens to the right. Ammunition HE (QF Fixed).
Recognition Long barrel with prominent recoil cylin­
Mounting The mounting is a naval pedestal on a ders above the piece. Heavy
buried base plate of concrete or metal. rectangular breech ring. Pedestal
The pedestal revolves on a bearing at cut away to allow maximum eleva-
ground level. Equilibrators are fitted. vation.
•94
 Anti-Aircraft Artillery
If 7. CMNAVAL DIT&L PURPOSE GUN TYPES 88 (1928) AND 89 (1929)
These- guns- follow the normal Naval practice ©f being Performance MV . . -f . 2360 f/s.
installed ku twin iixmiaits. They are wi&ely used oa ships Horizontal Range 15400 yds.
well as on land. Tliej ave electrically controlled. Effective ceiling. 25200 ft.
Maximum, fuze
Calibre » 127 mm (5 ins). ceiling . 31000 ft.
Length of barrel . 200 ins (40 ealibires). Practical rate of
fire . 12 to 15 rpm peF
Number of grooves barrel.
Length overall ' S6' ft. Ammunition HE (QF Fixed and separate).
Recognition 5 Twin mount gun with curved shield'.
Shield on port side is large, but that in.
Weight in action* starboard side is small and low. Four
Elevation . - to 4- 90^. long recoil cylinders project beyond the
trunnions; along the barrels. Usually
Traverse- .. found in batteries of two twin mounts^

95
Self Propelled 15 em Howitzer
 &etf>Propelied Artillery
SELF PBOPELLED i 5 CM HOWITZER
The Japanese name for this weapon is thought to be Armament A Meiji 38 15 cm Howtizer is the mam
HOSENSHA. It consists of a Meiji 38 (1905) 15 cm armament but possibly a machine gun
howitzer mounted on a Type 97 (1937) medium tank may be mounted in addition. The
chassis. The hull is identical in construction and armour howitzer has a short piece,, with an
thickness with the normal Type 97 medium tank, while interrupted screw breech block.
the gun shield is of rivetted construction with 25 mm ar­
mour plate at the front and 12 mm at the sides. There Documents give the rifling as 4 ft. 10 ins.
is an armoured shield at the top of the side plates but long with increasing right hand twist.
this is too small to provide adequate protection for the gun The piece as fitted to the chassis is
crew. only capable of an elevation of a Lout
Dimensions Length - . . 18 ft. 30° and will therefore nob attain its
normal field range of 6,500 y^rds.
Width . . 7 ft. 6 ins.
Overall Height . 7 ft. 9 ins. Data Elevation . 30°.
Width of Track 13 ins. Depression —5°.
Ground contact 10° (approx).
of Track 13 ft 4 ins (appro x). Traverse.. ,
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 COMBINED ARMS RESEARCH LIBRARY
FORT LEAVENWORTH KS

3 1695 00561 5448

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( ^IPD—Ml052 Army— 31-7-45—20,000.