I'

JAPANESE ARMY
UNIFORMS AND
EQUIPMENT
1939-1945

Ray Dilley

ALMARK
PUBLICATIONS

GENERAL LT GENERAL MAJOR GENERAL COLONEL LT COLONEL MAJOR

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CAPTAIN 1ST LIEUTENANT 20 LIEUTENANT WARRANT OFFICER
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ARMY NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN

SEr E
MT¥!l SERGEANT ! CORPORAL I :L:EA:O:/N:G:P:VT~
ACTING NCO SUPERIOR PVT I ST CLASS PVT 20 CLASS PVT ACTING SUP PVT
JAPANESE ARMY
UNIFORMS AND
EQUIPMENT
1939-1945
by
Roy Dilley

ALMARK PUBLISHING CO., LONDON

 © 1970, Almark Publishing Co .
Text, small line drawings © Roy Dilley.
Remaining art work, US Official.

All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted by any means,
electronic, mechanical, or by photo
copying without prior permission
from the publishers.

First Published - September 1970

ISBN 855240040 (hard cover edition)

ISBN 855240059 (paper covered edition)

Pri nted in Great B rita i n by

Martins Press Ltd ., London EC1 ,
for the publishers, Almark Publishing Co .,
104 - 106 Watling Avenu e, Edgware,
Middlesex, England .

2
 Introduction

WH ILST, particularly in recent years , a great deal of information has

been published concerning the dress and equipment of the German
Wehrmacht, the Japanese Army has, for the most part , been sadly
neglected. The object of this book therefore is to give a concise idea
of the Japanese Army's background , together with details of dress and
infantry weapons, etc. It will be seen that, although not suffering from
the obsession with uniform detail so characteristic of its German
counterpart, the Japanese Army was adequately clothed and equipped
to undertake operations in many areas and climates, and against some
of the most sophisticated military powers in the world . This fact is all
the more remarkable when it is remembered that Japan lifted itself
from a medieva l, feudal type state into a twentieth century industrial
world power in something less than a hundred years .
The contents of the book are intended to assist students of uniforms,
model soldier and weapon enthusiasts, and w arg"mers , by giving as
much detail as possible . In addition to small 2rms, coverage is given
to the other weapons used by the Japanese infantry . One or two minor
or obsolescent weapons are omitted , but all principal weapons are
shown and described . Many of the photographs and drawings are from
US official sources , whilst the coloured plates are from US Intelligence
material of the war years.
Thanks must be given to the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth, Peter
Chamberlain , and Keith Yea , for some of the other illustrations that
appear. M uch of the photographic materiill here is hitherto unpublished ,
and has been selected specifically to illustrate and clarify items of detail
in uniforms and weapons. Reference to the T ables of Characteristics
will give a clear idea of the capabilities of the various weapons
described and illustrated .

CONTENTS
Sect ion Pag e
Chapter 1: The Japanese Army ...... . 5
Chapter 2: The Soldier in Battle 10
Chapter 3: Uniforms and Equipment 14
Chapter 4: Infantry Weapons 34
Tables of Characteristics (Weapons) 47 , 48
Colour Plates (Uniforms) 19, 22, 23, 26, 31
Colour Plates (Insignia) 27 , Cover

3
ABOVE: M ac hin e gun detac hment in China, 194 1, armed with Model 92 ( 1932) 7.7mm
h eavy machine gun . Note the strip-type belt leed (US Official .)

RIGHT: M ac hin e gunners with the M ode l 3 ( 1914) 6 .5mm heavy machine gun. Th e
tripod is fitted with ca rr ying handles (o r easier transp orta tion. N ote the company
flags . Thi s is in China in 1938 .

FRONT COVER : Inlant ry 2nd class p"va t e in lull m ar chin g order , carryin g the
M ode l 38 6 .5mm rifl e and in t h e M98 unilorm : o fficers ', NCO 's, and enlisted men's
badges 01 r ank are s hown in the lower panel-see a ls o page 32 (US Official) .

REAR COVER : M ode l 92 ( 1932) 70mm howitzer in ac tio n . This picture s hows how
small and handy was this wide-Iy u sed weapon, although it delivered Cl conside ra ble
' punch '. For d rawing see page 46 ( US Officwl .)

4
Chapter 1:
The Japanese Army

WHEN, in December 1941, Japan entered the War with her attacks
at Pearl Harbour and in SE Asia , her Army had already been fighting in
China for more than a decade . Consequently, many Japanese officers
and men were veterans of considerable experience , mostly successful,
although decisive victory over the immense Chinese territories had not
been achieved. Then , the speed and apparent ease with which they
inflicted a series of defeats upon British, American, and other Allied
forces following the outbreak of war, created among their opponents
a feeling that Japanese so ldi ers were invincible in jungle operations .
Subsequent campaigns by the Alli es successfully corrected this
impression, albeit at the cost of much hard fighting over several years .
The fact was that although the Japanese had many excellent military
qualities , they also had definite weaknesses , which in the end
contributed to their virtual defeat , even before the explosions of two
atomic bombs over the homeland of Japan brought the war to an end .
Th e Japanese military system was based on conscription , that is to
say the compulsory liability for service of all males between 17 and 45
years of age. Boys were given some training, and were permitted to
volunteer for active service . In the latter years of the war, boys as
young as 15, probably from Army Apprentice Schools, were reported

5
to have been accepted for service in some units of a t echnical or semi-
technical nature .
Japanese boys were no strangers to military indoctrin ation , for even
at a lelatively early age, semi -military instruction was given at primary
schools when they reached their eighth year. Train ing was continued
compulsorily in part-time schools for those who left primary school
for industrial employment. Those who continu ed th eir education in
middle and high schools were instructed by Army officers, and colleges
and universities had similar arrangements. At th e age of 19 youths
were examined for service and placed in various grades according to
their physical cond ition . Cl asses A and B1 , both of which were
considered to be fit for active service, were composed of those in good
condition and with a height of at least 5 feet . They were called into
the armed forces as required. In class es B2 and B3 w ere grouped

TOP OF PAGE : Japanese infantry in the

a ttack led by an o fficer with drawn swo rd .
N ote how lightly they are equipped .
Picture was taken at C hangsha , C h ina , ;n
an attack on a Chinese strong point ( US
Official) .

Sentry ;n Chinese city of Canton , August

1945. at the time 01 the Japanese
s urrender. H e ;s wea ring n o equipment
oc her than the amm unit ion belt . N o te t he
cloth cover and camou fl a ge nee on the
steel helmet slung on his shoulder ( US
Official) .

6
Infa ntry in winter uniform in action against the Chinese in Manchuria , 1937. Points
of interest are the sword-waving officer , a nd th e various types of winte r overcoa ts,
including the sheepskin type on (he m an at top right. Th e older pattern of steel
h elmet is being wo rn . and a J apanese copy of the W orld War I Renault FT tank
is in the background ( U S Official) .

those whose hearing or eyesight was somewhat deficient, and these

classes were assigned to the 1st and 2nd Conscript Reserve . Those
considered fit only for limited service were put in class C, and formed
the 2nd National Army (a sort of Home Guard) with the boys of 17
to 19. As the war progressed , however, and the Army ' s require ments
for manpower increased, the standards for acceptance were lowered .
and Koreans and Formosans who previously had only bee n used in
labour units, were also conscripted for military service . Even so , as
happened in Britain. the urgent needs for skilled men in industry were
recognised, and young men in 'reserved occupations ' w ere granted
exemption from call-up.
When called for service , the Japanese conscript had already received
a considerable amount of military instruction , and this w as carefully
continued under rigorous conditions, progressing from section exercises
to full regimental manceuvres. Army Apprentice Schools, into which
certain primary school graduates. aged from 14 to 15, were accepted
provided training in technical subjects, and formed rese rvoirs of
technicians for the aviation. signals, armour, artillery. and ordnance
branches of the service .
Compared with British and American soldiers, the Japanese were
rather small , averaging only 5 ft 3 in in height, and w eighing between
8 and 9 stones (112 to 126 pounds) . They tended . despite the reputa-
tion of the Japanese for quickness and agility. to be somewhat
awkward, but coming. as most of them did, from peasant stock , they
were usually tough and healthy , and used to hard work . Training was
arduous with great emphasis on physical activity , especially marching ,
under all conditions and with full pack s and loads. Extremes of weather
conditions were not allowed to interfere with the programme , and
there w as a great deal of camping out, away from permanent camp

7
A cyc li st unit entering Saigon in Ind o-Chm a in 1941 . The y are wearmg the clot h
co vered co rk ' T op;' or sun-helmet. They a re a rm ed with the M odel 44 ca rbin e and
a m an on the lelt has his strapped to the handleba rs ( US OffIcia l ) .

facilities. Judo and swimming were also stressed as activities which

helped to promote fitness co nd alertness .
Field exercises also formed an important part of the training, and on
many of these live ammunition was used , causing some casualties,
which were accepted as part of the price of realism . Stress was laid
on night operations, with special attention being given to the exercise
of sma ller units and sub-units . A large number of soldiers were sent
to China for 'blooding' , and it was here that the revolting practice of
using live prisoners for bayonet targ ets was instigated . Troops were
sometimes given actual combat experience agai nst the Chinese before
being sent to theatres of operations where they would face British ,
Australian , and American forces. Unflagging alertness, readiness to
offset the enemy's wiles , and other qualities and ideals deemed
necessary for military success were also included as part of the
Japanese so ldier's training , and all w ere urged to put aside pettiness,
co mplaints, and private grudges , in the interests of 'esprit de corps '.
Many of th e officers of the Japanese Army were graduates of the
Military Academy , for which cadets were selected from the Junior
Military Schools . Cadet s were also drawn from suitable non -
commissioned officers and men of the Army , and from candidates in
other walks of life, who w ere permitted to apply for admission to the
Acad emy wh en aged betw een 16 and 18. Id ea lly , cadet training lasted
for more th iln fou r years , of which about a quarter was spent on active
duty with troo ps , including a probationary period as sergeant-major
before actually receiving a commission . With the increasing demand
fo r officers as the war progressed however, this training was consider-
ably reduced.

8
 A noticeable characteristic of Japanese officers was their whole-
hearted embrace of the code of the 'samurai' or warrior caste of old
Japan . Officers all carried swords, even in action, some of these being
family heirlooms 600 and 700 years old, and this custom must have
cost many of them their lives, since they w ere so conspicuous,
especia lly in the attack , as is evident in at least one photograph .
Sword s of a different, more conventional pattern , rather like German
sabres, were carried by certain warrant officers. This cult of the sword
was also practised at other leve ls, as many surviving prison ers -o f-war
of th e J apanese will have cause to remember . Guards at prison and
labour camps would frequently arm t hemselves with wooden swords,
and with these they would administer brutal and merciless 'bashings'
to the luckl ess prisoners, usually without havi ng rece iv ed provocation
of any kind .
Military J apan was divided into four army districts, each sub-divided
into divisional and regimental zones . Th e divisional districts had a
Depot division which was responsibl e for the training of conscripts,
the re- training of reservists , and th e raising and equipping of new
divisions . On mobilization , the depot division was able to absorb
reservists to bring itself up to strength, and then go straight into the
field as an active division, leaving a cadre behind in its district.
Alternatively, a cadre of the depot division could serve as th e nucleus
of a new division , most of the comp leme nt being made up of reservists .
Re-inforc ements and repl acements for units in the field w ere provided
either from the designated depot division at home, or from a field
rep lace ment unit, which would be set up in a the atre o f opera tions.

Infa ntry (rifle co mpa n y) c rossing a n improvised bridge in Burma 1942. The retreating
Britis h Army has destroyed the main bridge in an attempt to delay the Japanese
adva nce . The compa n y 'r unners ' with bicycles should be nOled , also the lighl two·
wheel Irailer and Ihe compa ny flag .

9
Chapter 2:
The Soldier
In Battle

IN action, Japanese soldiers were basically tough and disciplined

adversaries. The attacking role rev ea led them to b e full of determination
and courag e, with a readiness to push on regardless when committed
to an assault, even when sustaining heavy or sometimes sacrificial
casualties. However, they disliked being involved as individuals in any
sort of operation , and showed-up at their best when in formed bodies,
particularly when they had the advantage of fire-pow er or position
on the ground. They used ruses and deceptions extremely well , and
were adept in the art of camouflage . During operations at night, they
showed considerable ability and discipline, no doubt as a result of
the emphasis put on this type of action in training .
On the defence, Japanese troops were brave and tenacious, especially

Inlantry rifle section (squad) fighting through a Burmese village . May 1942. The
light machine gun is the hopper· led Model 11 ( 1922) 6 .5mm LMG . Note covers and
camouflage nets on helmets .

10
T ec hnica l tr oo ps er ec C a wir eless a er ial i n Ch ina . Th ey ar e arm ed wich ch e M odel 38
( 1905) ca rbin e. In ch e back gr oun d , co mpan y o r baccal io n HQ is being seC u p i n
fa rmya rd o uch ouses ( US Official) .

when in prepared positions, on occasion even to the point of fanaticism .

The advantages which might have been gained by their skill and patience
in concealment were largely nullified by their poor marksmanship . Even
snipers, who were specially selected and trained , showed a general
inability to hit moving targets at much more than 50 yards' range . As
machine-gunners and mortarmen , however, they were very capable,
and their artillery was often used imaginatively , particularly the little
infantry guns which frequently opened fire from unexpected positions ,
at point blank range , and to great effect . Again , as might be expected
from the style of training they underwent, Japanese soldi ers were no
mean exponents of the art of bayonet fighting . They preferred the hand
to hand encounter to other types of fighting , for they had considerable
respect for Allied small arms fire , which was far more accurate than
their own , and they regarded with wonderment and awe the lavish ,
almost prodigal expenditure of ammunition by the Allied troops.
The supreme honour was to die for the Emperor, and consequently
surrender by a soldier was considered to be a terrible disgrace both to
himself and to his family , who would suffer great humiliation and loss
of face as a result . There were many occasions when Japanese units
in hopeless situations fought to the last man , even killing off their own
wounded to avoid the shame of surrender . ' Fight hard ', the Japanese
soldier was told , ' If you are afraid of dying , you will die in battle , if

11
you are not afraid you will not die . Under no circumstances become
a straggler, or a prisoner of war. In case you become helpless; commit
suicide nobly' .
Regim enta l colours and standards were deeply revered, and the
dishonour of their loss or capture could only be expiated by the death
of those into whose care they had been committed .
There was , however, a steady lowering in the morale of the Japanese
Army as the war continued to drag on. It saw its initial conquests
being won back by the Allies slowly but surely, and the massive and
constantly increasing weight of men and material employed against
it had its inev itab le effect. Soldiers became more unwilling to die, even
for the Emperor, and he avy casualties sapped the will of the survivors
to fight. Th e pattern of Japanese life, with its religious, family , and
State disciplines, at first glance an advantage from a military point of
view, became in fact a liability . When lo ss of officers meant that
command devolved upon non-commissioned officers and men , they
frequently failed to show the self-reliance and initiative required under
such conditions. Surprise movements by the enemy , and failure of their
own plans also produced panic among Japanese troops on more than
one occasion .
Medical, supply, and re-inforcement arrangements also deteriorated
steadily. Lin es of communication by sea and land were attacked with
overwhelming success by the Alli es, whose troops now assumed an
ascendancy of morale over the Japanese, and in August 1945 the 'Sons
of He aven ', deeply mortified, were forced to capitulate , the fate of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki providing the nece ssary fac e- saving excuse .

12
LEFT: Cavalry office rs in M98 unif orm
with field cap a ttend a cerem ony to
hon ou r horses killed in actio n .
Relig ious act ivities o f this so rt were
fre qu ent in the J apanese Army (US
Official) .

RIGHT: A signals unic armed wich che

M ode l 38 ( 7905) ca rbine lording a r ive r
with h eavy items o f radio equipment
slung on ca rr ying poles. N ea re st m an
is wea ring his field service cap under
his h elmec, back-lo- fr ont and with
peal< jus t visible .

BELOW: A M odel 3 ( 1914) HM G ceam in accion (see a ls o page 42 ). The gunners

a re ca rr ying th e spa res boxes slung , w h ile the lOp of the ca rrying handle is vis ib l e
right. N ote the tapes secu r ing the men ' s steel helmets . ( US Official ).

13
Chapter 3:
Uniforms and
Equipment
IN 1938 a new uniform, known as the M98 had been approved and
adopted to replace the old pattern, designated M90, which dated from
1930, although it had been designed much earlier, just after the Russo-
Japanese War. At the time of the entry of Japan into World War 2,
however, th e M98 had not been produced in sufficient qu antity to equ ip
the Army completely, and right up to the capitulation in 1945 it w as
possible to come across the M90 uniform in service. Both types of
uniform had winter and summer versions, the former of woollen cloth ,
the latter of cotton . Officers' uniforms were non-issue and privately
purchased. Consequently, although b asically similar within an arm of
the service , they tended to vary considerably in colour , cut and type
of c loth . A s a general guide , however, it is true to say that the colour
and material of officers ' winter uniforms were similar to those used
by the officers of the British Army.

1: Headgear
THE SERVICE CAP
This cap, which w as normally worn in peacetime and on ceremonial
occasions by all ranks, was khaki (olive-drab) in colour. It had a flat

BELOW : Japanese head gear compared. (A) Field cap (officers) . (B) Service cap
(officers) . (C) Field cap (ot her ranks) . ( D ) S ervice cap (other ranks) . (E) Fur cap
(winter dress) . (F) Steel helmet . (G) Steel helmet with cloth cover . (H) Steel
helmet wi th camouflage . ( I ) Old pattern steel helmet. (J) Tank helmet. (K) Tro pIcal
helmet-could be worn over steel helmet. (L) Tropical helmet-·To p'- . (M) Field
cap (tropIcal) .

1/ -~_.

;;(f:t
~ L

14
ABOVE. LEFT: Sup er io r privat e in M98 tunic . an d wea ring se r vice cap . RIGHT:
Lead i ng priva te in M90 tun ic wit h fiefd cap ( U S O fficiaf) .

crown. and short black leather peak and chinstrap. The edge of the
crown was piped with red , and a red felt strip 1t inch wide encircled
the headband. In the front of the headband was a five-pointed golden
star. All ranks of the Imperial Guards had a small semi-circular wreath
of leaves below the star.
FI ELD CAP
The field cap was made of khaki (olive-drab) woollen cloth, and
was of a conical shape , fitting closely to the head . It had a short peak
of the same material , a brown leather chin -strap , and the five-pointed
star embroidered in front . In the tropics, a cap of the same design ,
but made of cotton-drill material was issued , and this frequently had
a neck-guard attached to its lower edge at the back . This took the
form of four separate strips of cloth which hung down over the collar
thus providing shade from the sun . It was possible to wear the field-
cap under the steel helmet .
STEEL HELMET
The helmet was shaped like an inverted pot, of conical form , rather
pointed . It could be held firmly on the head by webbing tapes or straps
which tied under the chin or at th e back of the neck . In front
was displayed the five-pointed star, either painted or as a metal device
rivetted o n. The steel from which the helmet was made was of a lighter
gauge , and gave less protection than that from which British and U.S.
helmets were made . An earlier type with pronounced peak was also
worn by somp. units .
TOP EE
Two types of topee (Hindustani 'topi ', a stand of trees) or sun -helmet
were in common use in the Japanese Army . One, rather like an old-
fashioned beehive in appearance , was made of quilted cotton -covered

15
fibre , and could be worn over the steel helmet. The other, of more
conventional type , was of the same general shape as the steel helmet,
but w as made of cork covered with cotton drill , and had a brown
leather chin strilp

A B c D E
~~u ,
. ll
, I.
i:';:J . ~
I ,
~ ,-, C;:'
.r('"r ,
,'.
J tt . . . .
l. . . - - -
,:.t
•
• )'

L ~.J
'I
~ ~

TUni CS c o mpa red . (A ) M90 (o th er r an ks). ( 8 ) M 98 (officer s). (C) M98 (ot h er ranks).
(D) Tro pi cal tun ic (o ffice rs ) . ( E ) Tr o pi ca l tuni c (o th er rank s).

2: Tunics
M90 (193 0) TUNIC
The design of this garment featured a high, stand-up collar, two
breast pockets , and short side vents in the skirt at the b ack. Th e front
was fastened with five yellow metal buttons , and a button fastened
each of th e breast pocket'>, which were of t he internal variety, that is,
only th e fl aps w ere visibl e on the outside of the tunic . Unit insignia
were disp lay ed on the front of th e collar, and rank b adges transversely
on the shou lders, although in th e field these latter followed the practice
used with the M98 tunic , and the former were discarded. Th ere w ere
no shou lder straps or epa ulettes . Altog ether the tunic presented rathe r
an o ld-fashi oned appearance, rath er like those in use in Europ ean and
Am erican armies du ring the First World War. In colour it was of a
mustard hue , and it w as made from heavy woollen cloth .
M98 (1938) TUNIC
This d iffered from the previous type in having a turn-down collar
on which t he rank badg es w ere carried , and which could be worn open
in hot w eather. It was of a fuller cut than the M90 pattern , and of o live-
drab, or k haki c loth. There were fiv e yellow metal buttons down the
front, two pointed breas t pock ets , each with a button fas t ening and
two hip pocket fl aps, cut to slant slightly downwards front to rear .
The back skirts had side-vents . In the tropical or summer v ersion made
from khaki cotton-drill m ate ri al, the bre ast pockets w ere of the extern al
p attern , and each had a pleat down the centre . Buttons of this tunic
w ere of bone or p lastic. Officers' tunics in both M90 and M9g types
w ere of th e same design as those of the troops , but of superior cut ,
fini sh , and material.
3: Trousers
M90
Long trousers of the same shade and material as the tunic , and
without turn -ups w ere worn with this uniform, combined with cloth
puttees, riding boots , or leggings in the fi eld .
M~8
Th e nether garments of this pattern were of the pantaloon or semi-

16
bree ch es typ e, c ut high in th e w aist , and secure d with t apes at th e
wai st and ankle . W oo ll en cloth puttees , w ith a 'cross g arteri ng· of t apes
t o support th em w ere worn by all tr oo p s except th ose of th e mounted
arms, who wore lea t her riding boo t s o r legg ings . Officers wore either
ri d ing bree ch es of rath er ful l cut, o r th e semi- breeches, with ri d ing
boo t s, legg ings o r cl ot h p uttees .
4: Overcoats
M90
Thi s w as of mu sta rd-co loured w oo ll en c loth , do ubl e breast ed and
with two rows ea ch of six y el low met al butt o ns do wn the front . A
TO P OF PAGE : So ldiers 01 a ca va lry
unit 'drying- out' a fter a ra in storm .
V a r iou s a rti c les o f uniform a nd equip -
men t ca n be identified su c h a s the
M90 tuni c, rid ing - b oo ts , res pir a to r,
water -b o ttl e, ' T a b i' footwea r , field ca p
an d h elmet with c o v er . et c ( US
Offic ia l ) .

RI GHT : Offi cer in M90 field uniform

w ith fi eld ca p . Not e th e swo rd ( US
Offic ial ) .

17
 B o
( I

(:
n
I~~ :
t
U~ u
I

Overcoats compared. (A) Old style M90 overcoat. (8) M98 overcoat (other ranks)
with h ood. (C) Officers' overcoat. (D) M98 raincoat (other ranks) with hood .

centre vent reached from the hem of the skirt nearly to the waist at
the back. There were no shoulder straps .
M98
The overcoat for other ranks was single breasted, fa:;tcned with five
bronze buttons down the front opening, and with a turn-down collar .
It had two side hip pockets, and a loop on the left side which buttoned
up over the equipment belt to assist in supporting the weight of the
bayonet . There were button holes in the lower front corners of the
coat so that it could be buttoned up behind the hip pockets and so
free the legs for marching. Equipment was worn outside the overcoat.
Guards cavalry units wore the officers ' pattern overcoat.
Officers' overcoats were double bre asted, and had a short half-belt
at the back of the waist with a slot on the left side at the hip for a
sword . There were two rows each of six gilt buttons down th e front ,
and the hip pocket flaps were slanted sharply downwards from front
to rear . Badges of rank were worn on th e front flaps of the collur, and
in addition to indicate officers of comp:lnY, fi eld, or general rank 1,
2 or 3 stripes of dark-brown braid encircled the sleeves just above
the cuffs.
RAINCOAT AND CAPE
Raincoats made from khaki green cotton material, but in all other
re spects similar to the overcoat, were issued to other ranks. Officers
wore capes instead of raincoats, but all ranks habitually used a shelter

RIGHT: Officers ' rain cape with hoed

and officers' raincape without ho od ,
displaying variations ;n garme:1ts
obtain ed (rom tailo rs rather than (f Or:?
government supplies .

18
 M 1938 FIELD DRESS M 1930 FIELD DRESS OVERCOAT

SERVICE DRESS CAPE RAINCAPE

Plate 1 : The different orders of dress m ost commonly worn by officers and described
in the text.

19
or bivouac half worn as a poncho , as protection against the rain . All
overcoats, raincoats, and capes were fitted with detachable hoods,
w hich buttoned on to the garments and gave added protection nga inst
the elements.
5 : Und erwear
The breech clout, or form of abbreviated loin -cloth, was commonly
used as underwear, particularly in the tropics, where it w as frequently
the only underclothing worn. However, conventional pants (drawers) and
vests were issued , and these were made from cotton or cotton and
wool mixture . Shirts of the same materials w ere also used, but generally
only the officers' shirts had collars .
6: Footwear
Russet brown marching-boots made from cowhide or pigskin were
the standard service footwear for other ranks; they reached to the ankle
and were laced in front . The leather soles were fully studded with hob-

o ..
A
.A'" r
I E

~
Footwear compared (not to commo n scale) . ( A ) Riding b oot. ( 8) Office r s' ankle
boot. (C) Oth er ranks ' ankle boo t . (D) Tabi. ( E) S ole pattern of Tabi.

nails, and the heels had a metal rim . Mounted troops were equipped
with riding boots, or ankle boots and leather leggings, all of the same
russet co lour. Officers wore boots of the same basic design as the men ,
but they were frequently black , and rather better finished. Even officers
of dismounted arms tended to favour riding boots, or the leather
leggings as their normal wear with riding breeches .
Carried as a spare pair of boots, but often used for patrol work and

RIGHT: Soldiers in winter dress with the o ld st yle steel helmet. LEFT: Winter ove r·
coa t with ad juslabJe sleeves .

I> 0

;
Ci> 1' (;)

,I
I
~
"

20
ABOV E: Offi cers in wint er overcoats and caps. Th is clea rly shows t h e W.1y in w hI ch
the sepa rate sleeves wer e attac hed , as drL1wn L1JSO on the opposite pa ge (US Official) .

fatigues, especial ly in the tropics , were the sp lit-toed 'tabi . These

characte ristically Japanese boots had black canvas uppers and thick
cleated rubber so les. Woollen or cotton socks of the Japanese 'heelless'
variety were worn under the boots.
SENNINBARI (1 ,000 STITCH GOOD LUCK BELT )
This was a red sash, incorporating 1,000 stitches, and worn by many
J apanese soldiers around the waist under the uniform. It was supposed
to confer luck upon the wearer, together with courage , and immunity
from wounds.
7 : Special ized Clothing
Many specia l items of clothing were issued for various types of
climates and regions . Winter clothing included heavy pile-lined over-
coats. T hese w ere unique in having removable sleeves, and enabled
the proper length of sleeve to be fitted to an individual soldier without
having to alter the coat. Winter coats were frequently worn without
sleeves, as the bulkiness of the pile-lined garments w as not conducive
to rapid and efficient emp loyment of weapons and equipment . Other
items of winter clothing were heavy padded trousers and jackets for
fatigue work, fur leggings, pile-lined caps, mittens, felt boots, and
sleeveless sheepskin coats, with the hair on the inside .
Specia l tropical clothing was a subject for experime nt throughout
the whole period of the w ar. Th e standard summer versions of the
M90 and M98 uniforms were extreme ly suita ble for work in the tropics,
having a good resistance to w ea r and giving good protection agai nst
mosq uitos . However, modifications w ere made to the tunics, which
were fitted with flaps under the armpits which could be buttoned
closed , or worn open for added ventilation . Trousers and semi -breeches
were modified by having the lower part of the legs shortened and draw
stri ngs fitted so th at they could be secured around the puttees, or left
open when possible for the sake of coolness. A cotton twill shirt w ith
collar w as worn under the tunic, but quite frequently the latter w as

21
M 1938 FiElD DRESS, FRONT (EM) M 1938 FIELD DRESS, REAR (EM) MI938 OVERCOAT

M 1938 SERVICE DRESS M 1930 SERVICE DRESS TYPICAL FA TlGUE DRESS

Plate 2 : The various orders of dress worn by other ranks and NCOs . Note
that the dress described in the caption as M1938 is more usually called the
M98 , and tile dress described as M1930 is called the MOO in the texc.

22
 RAINCOAT COTTON FATIGUES TANK COVERALL

Ft YING SUI T ANlIGAS SUIT GUARD'S OVERCOAT

Plate 1 Clothing (o r spectal duties and rain and cold weather . Note h ow
rank badges are worn on tank and flying suits , and overcoat.

23
 I

ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: The basic tropical field

uniform . The same unifo rm with addition of light-
weigh t tropic a l tunic. Tr opica l fatigue dress with
shorts , worn h ere by a M arine (note cap badge
and buckle insignia) , RIGHT : Tr opical fatigue
dress with shorts , showing position of badges
when worn , and lightweight tr opica l tunic .

discarded and the shirt worn as the main ga rm ent.

A number of experimental shirts and tro users of v arious lengths and
w eights of c loth frequent ly of a greenish hu e were tried out in different
theatres of operations. some successfully . but others fai ling to give
adequate protection against mosquitos and the conditions of normal
jung le w ea r . Shorts were sometimes worn with open-necked shirts
as fatigue dress. but seldom in comb at . and there w as a white cotton
fatigue suit. consisting of a loose jacket and trousers. worn with the
standard olive-drab cloth puttees .
TANK SUITS
Personnel of armoured units w ere issued with a suit of ov eralls made
from cotton fabric . This ha d a turn-down collar. a pocket on th e left
bre ast. and button ed up the front . A special padded helmet w ith fl aps
to accommodate head -phon es was also worn with th is suit.
PARA TROOP SMOCK
This w os a slee v eles s overall garment whic h was worn over the
uniform and equipment. It reached to th e knees. and fastened. with
snapstuds. tightly round the legs .

24
 r
LEFT: An Ame"can soldier holding up the
camouflage jacket issued to snipers and
ot her key troops (or jungle operations.
ABOVE: Tw o more items of winter dress ;
the old pallern 01 sheepskin coat (la rgely
r eplaced by the wincer coal show n on
page 20) . and a quilted COllon vest for
wear under the tunic .

CAMOUFLAGE NETS
Individual helmet and body c amoufl age ne ts w ere issued to Japanese
troops who were encouraged to improvise their own camouflage
methods . Leaves, foli age, grass, etc. w ere threaded into the nets , some
of which had mottled patterns, and w ere used to conceal body outline
and sh ape. Some soldiers actu ally sew ed loops of thread on to their
clothing for the purpose of atta ch ing camouflage materials . Snipers
were also issued with special lig htweight tree climbers to assist them
in reaching points of vantage . Th ese climbers consisted of a metal
framework with two sets of spikes, th e whol e being tied on to the
foot under the instep by means of a cord .

8: Individual Equipment
Standard field equipment consisted of the following :
PACK
This was worn on the back and w as made of cow -hide with the
hai r left on , or more commonly of cotton duck material , in the form
of a sack som e 13 inches square and 5 inch es deep . Non-com missioned
officers had a slightly smaller pack, and officers an even sma ll er one

Standard field packs . That for NCO s and other ranks is at le ft while the office rs'
pack is on the right.

25
 p
$
T
,..cl
p
$
b

'o"
T

"a
V

OLD STYlE WINTER COAT WINTER fATIGUE COVERALL WINTER COAT

OffiCER'S TROPICAL COA T EM 'S TROPICAL COAT TROPICAL DRESS

Plate 4 : Miscellaneous orders of clothing for wear by special branches and

for special operations and extremes of climate . All these are reproduced from
US Official recognition charts of World War 2.

26
 Plate 5: Arm of
service bad g e s.
Thes e wer e w orn on . ;" /" /
the breast of th e
;;/ -
M98 tuni c . Bo ttom
pair show the old
style arm of s ervic e
MILITARY POLlCf CAVALRY (NOT WORN AFTfR 19~O)
badg es wh ich were
worn on the collar
01 th e MOO tu n ic .
They featu r ed the
regim en tal number
and th e co lours
va ried . m a tching
those s how n in the INTfNDfNCf DfPARTMfNT
INF. AND TANKS (NOT WORN AFTfR 19~0)
M98 $Cy le badges .

ARTlLLfRY MfDICAL DfPARTMfNT

fNGINffRS (NOT WORN AFTfR 19~0) VfTfRINARY DfPARTMfNT

TRANSPORT MILlT AR Y BAND

ARMY AIR JUDICIAL DfPARTMfNT

; ~ '7-7
, I (, '.
I • .
I

INSIGNIA OF ARM WORN O N M1930 COAT CO LLAR

R IG HT : T y pica l i I
infa ntry
organisa tion
r e gimen t
sh ow n
~ G
• '1 __ o.n_• • AT _
(2 zo. _ WAT _ _ c- . )
1 1Wl~~ 1
. n-•• AoC .-
~ ~ bu ~ r fo rm .
The thre e rifle co m-

c±Ja~8S
panies ar e in the
cen tr e of th e top
row .

8~S
'nooLO\.lJo, •• _alot .. W .oalrJ ... , t.. OOOl1.a-
2,0IXl Jl;.111.. (_, .. I•• ,.Ly) . ,0-_ •. ,.....
:: ~~cllKbo_ .. (GDJ ,: ~ :: ~.~::,
toll_NO (~:IlC)._AA/"T ..., ~~
• U·_or 41· • • AT"",. 11 It. _ _ ..uro)

~92GG
~
.... 8
~
 Front and rear views showing the
canvas hold-all used as a comba t
pack. ( 1) Small pack strap. (2)
Strap for hold-all. (3) Canteen
strap. (4) Haversack strap. (5)
Ba yo net. (6) T ent sectio n
(poncho). (7) Overc oal. (8) Tent
section and overc oat either ea rn ed
inside or sC r apped outside hold-all.
(9) Havers ack. ( 10 ) Caneeen carried
outside have rsack .

made of leather. The pack normally contained a spare pair of shoes, a

shelter-half with poles and pegs, spare pair of socks, towel , toilet
articles, underwear, first aid dressings and a 'housewife ' or sewing kit ,
together with dry rations for several days . Officers' packs were worn
on the right hip . A blanket or overcoat was rolled and fastened round
the pack in a horseshoe shape, the raincoat or shelter-half was rolled
and attached across the top, and the mess kit was strapped to the back .
Sometimes a hold-all which was merely a piece of canvas with cords
at each end for tying it into a roll , was used instead of the pack . It
was worn on the back , or slung across the body over one shoulder
There were also many other pouches, bags and sacks used for carrying
ammunition, grenades, and other equipment. These could be made
from heavy cotton duck , leather, a combination of the two, or a
rubberized fabric , which gradually became substituted for leather as
the war progressed . This fabric was resistant to dampness, and showed
a distinct advantage over leather, which deteriorated rapidly in wet
tropical conditions .
MESS KIT
This consisted of an oval aluminium container, with one or two tray -
like dishes nested under a cover. Handles were attached for suspending

Mess kits for ot h er ranks and officers, and water bottles for ot her ranks and officers,
the office rs' items being on the right in each case .

28
B elt and ammunition pouches . The small pouc h es each held 30 rounds and the
larg e pouc h h eld 60 r ound s . Lelt 01 centre IS bayonet Irog .

the dishes over cooking fires , or for ease in carrying , and the outside
containers had loops through which a strap w as p assed for attaching
to the pack. Officers' mess kits were similar but smaller, and rectangular
in shape, and usually had just the one container with a lid .
CAN TEEN ( WATER BOTTLE)
This was suspended in a cradle of straps and was slung over the
left shou lder to rest on the right hip . It was of brown painted
aluminium , egg shaped with a flatten ed base . There were two sizes,
of 1 pint and 2t pint capacities. The officers' canteen was similar in
shape and capacity but had a felt snap-on cov er. and w as fitted w ith
a cup .
AMM,UNITION BELT AND POUCHES
Ammunition pouches were worn on a waist belt, and were made
of leather, or more commonly of rubberized fabric . Two pouches each
containing six 5-round clips were worn in front , and a larger one,
holding 12 clips, centrally at the back belo w the pack . This larger pouch
also had attached to one side a small metal or plastic can containing
gun oil or grease . A bayonet frog was also slid on to the belt on th e
left hip .
ENTRENCH ING TOOL
All Japanese infantrymen were supplied with an entrenching tool
in the ratio of two shovels to one pick . Th e shovel had a short detach-
able wooden handle , which was removed from the blade when it was

Further standard items 0 1

wea r were the anti- gas
respira t o r, th e net a nt i·
mosquito he lm e t worn over
head and face . and th e
officers' sword. The y a r e not
drawn to a com m on scale .

29
attached to the pack . When the shovel was assembled, it could be
slung over the shoulder by a rope which was attached from the upper
end of the handle to a hole in one of the corners of the blade .
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Certain non-commissioned officers, and nearly all commissioned
officers wore leather map-cases, and pistol holsters usually of rubberized
fabric . Both items were carried slung from straps which ran over one
shoulder.
RESPIRATOR (GAS MASK)
This piece of equipment was broadly similar to the equivalent item in
the British Army, and was contained in a canvas carrier, which was
slung on a broad strap of the same material over the right shoulder
to rest on the left hip . In the alert , or ready position it was fastened
high on the chest .
INSECT PROTECTION
In the tropics, mosquito head-nets, mittens, and insect-repellent
creams and liquid sprays were issued . The head -net was kept off the
face by a framework of spring-wires when being worn, but could be
collapsed flat for easy carrying . In the palms of the light cotton mittens
were slits which enabled the fingers to be free to fire a weapon . A
water purification kit was also carried, consisting of a phial of chemical
purifier and a measuring spoon in a fl at tin . It was not considered to
purify w ater satisfactorily by the Allies.
9 : Badges of Rank
Officers and other ranks wore rank patches on both sides of the
collars of tunics, overcoats, and on open necked shirts . These patches
were of red cloth with yellow cloth stars for privates, red with a gold
stripe and gilt stars for NCOs, and gold with red stripes and gi lt stars
for officers. General officers' rank patches were gold with gilt stars but
without stripes . Senior privates and NCOs also had a rank badge on
the right arm above the elbow . Details of all these badges are given
in the illustration (page 32) .
Insignia of branch or service in the form of inverted Ws in coloured
cloth was worn over the right breast pocket.
It was quite common for any or all of these badges of rank or unit
insignia not to be worn in combat areas .
Sometimes a khaki cloth patch showing arm of service , rank , unit
number and owner's name was worn , usually pinned or buttoned to
the right breast of the tunic or shirt. Metal identity discs were worn
on a tape around the waist. They were oval in sh ape, and generally
showed the wearer's name, arm of service, and personal number
though there were variations . Officers' discs carri ed arm of service,
ran:< and name .

I
2 LEFT: Id ent it y disc l or ot h er r anks .
Tran s lat io n : ( 1) Inlantry. ( 2 ) 56th 2
Regim en t. (3) 1348 ( p erso na l
nu m b er) . RIGHT : Id entity d isc f or
3 o fficp. rs . Tran s lat io n : ( 1) Art ill ery .
(2 ) Lieu t. · C o /onel . (3) Y am ad a
3
( n am e) .

30
 CAP EMBLEM or IMPERIAL CUARO
Other units pllln loId stir

fiEl D CAP MOO ERN STEEl HElMET

May b. WOtn under .teel htlm.l . c ~ in or It back of nttk.
Tapes lie under

SERVICE CAP
INSIGNIA Of ARM, OlO STYlE I ~ SIG N I A Of ARM. NEW STYlE
Plate 6 : Principal types of headgear , shown also in drawings on other pages , plus
cap badges and basic arm of service insignia.

ABOVE: The three main Japanese decorations for distinguished service. Left to right : The
Impelial Order of the Golden Kite , The Imperial Order of the Sacred Treasury, and
The Imperia l Order of the Double Ray of the Rising Sun . The first class order is shown
in each case . The officer on page 33 is shown wearing all three of rhese medals , but of
lower classes .

LEFT: lsr class private in M90 tunic and field cap , with badges of rank worn as
for the M98 . RIGHT: Corporal in M90 tunic with rank badges worn in standard
positions for the earlier runic (US Official) .

31
Arm badges Collar badg es Ran k

Private 2nd Class

Worn on right
arm ab ove elbow Private 1st Class

Superior Private

=:= == Leading Pri vate

=
= -==
==~
Corporal

S ergeant

=
Other ranks
( ab ove)
~~
Sergeant- M ajor

W arrant Officer

~~ 2nd Lieutenant

Afitiff !1Iil1 Lieutenant

~~~ Captain

5aSH' M a jor

Ii5fi f.ii£S Lieutenant -Colonel

J}~ ,!tiJ7i2 Colonel

A.. -
Major-General
L-;~ d
Lieutenant-General

F...-- ,- [.::J
.' h,, ~ y. General
r//-(~
_ .

Worn on cuffs Colou rs: Privates-red with yellow cloth stars;

of overcoat NCOs-red with gold stripe and gilt stars;
(Officers) Officers-red / gold stripes and gilt stars;
Generals-gold with gilt stars (see cov er) .

32
 LEFT: S oldier in M98 lield unilorm
with a ll badges rem oved, a
frequent practice in (he field as a
security precaution. He wears full
marching order and has the long
Model 38 rifle . RIGHT : Officer in
field service uniform showing
equipment. N ote tropical type lield
cap, map and binocular cases,
sword, and leather leggings ( US
Official ).

RIGHT : A Japanese colonel

in M98 tunic , complele with
decorations and wearing the
win ter cap . N o te the white
gloves, a nd white strip
colla r just visible at the
neck of the tunic. Decora-
ti ons include Im perial
Order 0 1 the Gold Kite ,
Imperial Order 01 the Rising
Sun , Manchuria medal , and
three campaign medals .
Ro und neck ;s Im perial
Order 0 1 Sacred Treasury.

33
 Chapter 4:
Infantry Weapons

THE Jap anese infantry of World War 2 w as, broadly speaking , w ell
armed and equipped , despite wh at was at that time th e comparatively
recent industria lisation of the country . All th e conventional types of
weapons , such as rifles , light and heavy machine -guns, mortars,
grenades, anti-tank we apo ns, etc ., w ere issued , and in addition infantry
commanders had under their comm and light mobile artill ery pieces,
known as 'infantry guns' , which were capable of extreme ly effectiv e
close support, both offensive and defensive .
Combat experience in th e ea rlier stages of th e w ar indicated that
the 6.5 mm calibre w ea pons with which most infantry units were
equipped , were inade qu ate in muzzle v e locity and bu llet w eig ht .
Consequently gradual replaceme nt of these with w eapons of 7.7 mm
was carried out, although it had by no means been completed by the
cessation of hostilities.
The illustrations and caption notes of the principal infantry w eapons
that follow are supplemented with T abl es of Characteristics, and should
be suffici ent to give a good all rou nd impression of the armament
employed by J apanese in fantry un its.

PISTOLS

Japanese pistols . LEFT: Nambu 8mm

pis t ol . This w as gradu ally re placed b y
liller m odels as th e w a r pro gr esse d .
RIGHT: M odel 14 (1925) 8mm pis to l .
0 1 or iginal design but poor w orkm a n-
ship . The trigger gu ard w as part ic ularly
vulnerable to d am age . and c ou ld fou l
the trigger a ct ion .

34
 JAPANESE AUTOMATIC PISTOl-8MM
R I GHT: Another view 01
the Model 14 ( 1925)
8mm pistol , showing its
inherent simplicity but
badly shaped trigger
gu a rd . This wea pan was
mainly u sed by officers .

r< 1'AJ #l<:l!!!, I U, 12 ~.

!!!.ill! at"
Jrr~nyt ~c ut> r<I.
~ .U~·

COMPONENT PARTS

a::a:a-.'"i -
"rl", ",-.,..lac
•

ABOVE: Nambu 8mm pistol

fi lled with w oo den shoulder-
sl oc k. converting it to a
carbine. The stock also acted
DS a holster. LEFT: Model 94
( 1934) 8mm pist o l , mDgazine ,
Dr.d holster . The latest type 01
pistol used by the Japanese
during W o rld War 2 . It too was
of poor w o rkmanship _

35
RIFLES
COMPARISON OF
RIGHT : The four main JAPANESE
Japanese rif/es compared,
including che Model 99 o f
7.7mm calibre which was MODEL 99 (1939)
intended (0 replace the 7-7 mm (-303111) RJFl.E
.",
Model (Meiji) 38. The lON'G RI P1.E
Model 44 ( 1911 ) 6 .5mm SHORT RlI'I.£
cavalry carbine differed CARBINE _ _
fr om che Model 38 in having
a permanently attached
bayonec , which folded und er
the barrel when not in use .
The carbine was used by
transpo rt and technical
(engineer) tr oops (US
Official).

• ~ .... aoI .

: . ,........
la"' ''''."r''
I r t tt l.
~

~~l===========~~

TOP : Scale drawing of Model 38 rifle and ics bayonec scabbard . ABOVE: Model 97
( 1937 ) 6 .5mm sniper's riflle (upper) and Model 99 (1939) 7 .7mm "fle . The M odel 99
gradu a lly replaced che Model 38 as che basic Japanese rifle : ic was sImilar in con-
struction to the M odel 38 but was 5 inches shorte r .

36
GRENADES ~_",,- __ Sa.fety cover
bolder
RIGHT: M odel 91 (1931)
hand grenade . This widely Hole s for Ins ertion of salety pin
used grenade could be
fired fr om 50 mm dis-
c h argers M odels 10 a nd 90,
a nd by fitting a tubular lail
fin assembly instead of the
propellant co nt ainer, it
could be used as a rifle
grenade. It was made (rom
serrated cas t iron and
painted black .

LrFT TO RIGHT: M odel 98 ( 1929 ) shell , Model 91 (1931) hand gren ade , M odel 97
( 1937) h and grenade , Model 99 ( 1939 ) h and gren ade .

·t

FAR LEFT: Stick grenade .

High explosive and wit h
non·serraled finish . LEFT:
In cendiary stick grenade .
Filled with phosp h o ru s-
impregnated rubber pellets ,
they were scattered by a
small bursting cha rge .

37
 LAUNCHER
" " 100 19-40>

T" " . . 11 9)9' H .. HO GolI ...... ot:

r l(l$..... '''1

GRENADE
LAUNC/-IERS
RIGHT: M ode l 100 ( 1940 ) grenade
launcher and grenade . This was designed
to fire the M odel 99 (1939) anti-personnel
hand gren ad e . Filled to eilher lhe
M odel 38 or M odel 99 rifles (there were
tw o inter ch a ngeable types ). it h ad a
maximum r ange 0 1 100 ya rds ( US Official) .

LEFT: Cup-type gren ade launcher an d

grenade . Th is launcher co u ld be fitted
t o b o th the M ode l 38 and M odel 99
rifles . From a short rifled barrel il dis-
charged a h ollow charge grenade
containing a bursling cha rge of 3.81
ou n ces of TNT la a m axim um range
01 100 ya rd s.

RIGHT: Spigot type grenade launcher

and grenade . Fitted to both models 01
r ifle , like the c up - la un ch er , it launched
both high explosive and smoke
grenades . Ra ng e was simila r to the
cup launcher .

38
 JAPANESE GRENADE DISCHARGER TYPE 89
,~ l'~t tilT! · tn;. IlS .~ ralI.IJ.Type; fft (l~~.
S-.o~ S. b.lb. S1p,1 Plant. ,
vd l'yrQ!."laU• ••
GRENADE
DISCHARGERS

The two common

grenade disc harge rs are
shown on this page , of
which th e M o del 89
(often known as the
. knee m o rta , ' ) is o ne of
the best kn o wn o f a ll
Japanese w ea p ons.

COMPONENT PARTS

UPPER : Model 89 ( 1929)

50mm grenad e
c h arger was designed to
cover the range
d is-

gap
HAltE llISCllARGER
between h a nd gren ades \.\Ullrn

and mortars . The barrel I ~ 'v' H I' I.. \.un "I, hNTII)\ 1 r,.,
U.'t,TIII\ Ilkl", ,'hlTk,\ !I!l,.
was rifled and the firing-
T\lfU \\t-Je.IIT ;.5'.....
pin h o using was adjust - R''''; ~' ,F"TI\f\Ttrll 1I11(J"M) m.tr~~
a ble . thus increasing or

.
-MRRF.I
decreasing the distance
CO~1 PONENT PARTS
travelled by the pro - 3 ,
lectile thro ugh the .~
barrel. a nd so con- ~_ 11
trolling the range of the

,..
weapon . le fired the
" I'
M ode l 89 HE shell . , 8( 19
M ode l 91 g r enade. 15 ~ IA ~
M odel 95 smoke shell.
~,' -- :
or M ode l 94
s hell. etc .
practice
..Io;'{
• •
TOI..OMPO'E.''T PAIlTI)

l lIARJl£l. U fI R""C; tlA ' DLF.

2 GAS PORT 12 AXb PIN
:I (;.\5 REGULATOR TlIR £AD 13 R:ETAtNIf\t.. 11:1'(,
.. H RINf, !,I'IUSC (.IJIDE I~ SEA R
5 TRltiEJ{ 15 'TEM COl'PLI"'G
, FlkL'liG SPRING 16 STEM LOCI>.
7 FI RIr.:(; VI:-. 17 ~J£ M A.DAPTER
a HRl NC '\PRIN(j COLLAR 18 POSITIO:-;l!\(j' III<E",U
9 SEAk $PRIM, 19 BASE !"'LATE L.OCK
III "fRn' F.R t,;~11Of' ij~"IIINt..S :& H.AS£ PLATE

LOWER: M ode l 10 ( 192 1)

50mm grenade dis -
ch a rger . Used m os tly to
(ire signa l a mmunitio n it
had an unrifled barrel ,
and ran ge w as con-
trolled by a gas po r t.

39
MACHINE GUNS

ABOVE: Model 11 ( 1922 ) 6.5mm I,ght machine gun. The standard infanlfY LMG at
the beginning of the war, it was fed by SIX 5·round clips of ammunition in a hopper.
It func ti oned properly on ly on reduced*charge ri"e cartridges. It was normally fired
fr om the bipod mount. but could be mounted on a tripod and used as a heavy
machine gun and anli·aircrafl gun. The LMG was air· cooled and gas operated. Not
ftlustrated here is another early type, the Model 92 (1932) 7 .7mm L ewis type light
machine gun. This was virtually a duplicate of the British weapon, but was mounted
on a tripod which converted rapidly for anli·aircrafc purposes . It looked exactly
like the well· known Lewis gun .

All illustratIons In th,s chapter 8 re US Offlclnl

LEFT: Model 96(1936) 6 .5mm fight machine

gun . This was SImilar In appea rance and
operation to the British Bren LMG. It
handled well and could be fired from the
hIp as shown. The curved box magazine
held 30 rounds. Note the folded bipod ,
used for normal ground fire . and the
standard bayonet .

40
 CarrylIlg handle
/.

Adjustable rear monopod

ABOVE: M odel 99 ( 1939) 7 .7mm light

machine gun . This was simila r in
appea rance to the M odel 96 but had an
ad,u stab'e rear m on opod on th e bucc . B oth
I,o nt bipod and the rear m onopod were
used In firing, the lalter being adjusted to
cha nge t h e elev" tion 01 the gun. The
magazine h eld 30 rounds a nd the operation
of the gun was sImilar to that of Model 96 ,
many parts being Interchangeable .

RIGHT: Panel shows precise differ ences

between th e M odel 96 and M odel 99 .

OUer

LEFT: M odel 92 ( 1932) 7 .7mm hea vy

machine gun . The standard heavy
machine gun normally operated
Irom The tripod . but could be
adapted for anti-aircraft use . A gas
oper ated weapon 01 the Hotchkiss
type . The M odel 92 seldom over -
heated . because of its slow cyclic
r at e o f fi r e . It was fed by 30 r ound
strips of cartridges .

41
RIGHT: Model 3 ( 19 14) 6 .5mm
heavy machine gun . An obsolescent
weapon in 194 1. it was still met
with on occasions. Basically similar
in appearance and operation to the
Model 92. it had a tripod which
co uld be adapted with extension
pieces for ease of carriage by its
squad of operators .

ABOVE: Mod el 93 ( 1933) 13mm heavy

machine gun was fitled with a seat for the
gunner and had twin barrels , mounted
separately but in a dual mount. LEFT:
Maximum elevation for AA fire . Gun had
a three-man crew plus ammunition supply
numbers .

42
 MORTAR S

RIGHT: M odel 98 (1938) 50mm mortar

and stick-bomb. This was a short-ra nge
weapon fi ring a 10lb stick-bomb.

LEF r . Model 11 ( 1922) 70mm inlantry

m ort a r . H a ving a rifled-barrel. this
m ort ar was m oun ted on a wooden
baseplate and supported by an adjust-
able elevating screw . It fired an HE
bomb .

. \~?
1'~I"'rp;ar~lIu"
ABOVE: One 0; the most effective and
simplest of Japanese weapons was the
70mm barrage mortar. It had a hea vy

f:,_ ,,' wood baseplate . barrel, and spike with

w hich the mortal was pegged into th e
\'

~' "'"'
' {i round at the desired ang le o f elevation .
LEFT: Eac h shell held 7 parachute bombs
( with rice-paper parachu tes) and the
11 ,r sequence of operating is shown here . Tr c
lrl ; la rg e parachute opened fi rst (0 lill the
casing so that the small bombs lell out.
Lellertnf) on main shell case reads '7cm
shooting up barrage shell'.

No, illustrated here is th e M odel 97 (1937) 8 1mm m ortar . This was similar in m ost
respec ts to the US 8 1m m m ortar M1.

43
RIGHT: Model 99 (1939) 81mm mortar and
bomb. This was a short barrelled wea pon ,
having a recoil buffer system in the barrel
collar . HE , smoke, and chemical bombs
were used , and these were of two weights .
7 .2 Ibs , and 14.3 Ibs .

LEFT: M odel 94 ( 1934 ) 90mm

morta r . One of the la rgest
Japanese infantry mortars , it
was a smooth-bore , fixed firing
pin weapon . It was fitced with
two rec oil cylinders mounted on
a 'U' Irame . It fired both HE
and incendiary ammunition .

Not illustrated here is the M odel 97 (1937) 90mm morcar . This was a greatly improved
version of the Model 94; it was lightened by having the recoil mechanism eliminated
a nd the clamping collar and saddle redesigned . There was no change in the range
and firing characteristics. Ht:a viest Japrinese mortar of all , not illustrated , was the
M ode l 93 ( 1933) 150mm m orcar. Firing a 44 Ib HE bomb , chis weapon was primarily
intended fo r use against fortifica tions or for antI-morale purposes .

ANTI -TANK AND INFANTRY GUNS

ABOVE: M odel 97 (1937) 20m.." anci-ca n~ rifl e. Th is weapon could be fired eicher
single-shot or full auto m atic. ie. as a machine· cannon . Its ammunition was of high
explosive and armou r -pfefcing types.

44
 ' "''' ' JJ ,I" , ~. w I ~
/\' t' •~ '/ 6 A .. .. (

' ~)

JAPANESE
RIGHT: The M ode l 97
2O!O\M AUTOMATIC , . ·t
weighed 150 Ibs and
could be carried by TK/AGuN ......
...UD..:::' .
.
tw o men , th ough 97 (lg37)
T'iPE
more n orm ally. wich
carryin g hand les in
che brackecs fixed co
che fr an C end re ar of
the crad le . it required
three o r fo ur m en . A
s hield co uld be fitted
as show n .

ao _,...- t1 t::a
f ""... 1~17 ....
• \\II Uob _ ,..l,

LEFT: Model 98 ( 1938) 20mm machlne-

ca nn on . An al/~pu rp ose weapon m ounte d
on a light . easily manoeuvrable ca rr iage .
it was effective a gainst low·flying aircraft.
and als o for general lighc a rt ille ry
purposes .

RIGHT: M odol 11 ( 1922) 37mm

gun a nd accesso r ies. Already
o bs olescent in 1941 this weapon
was used in limit ed numb ers
especially for h ome d efence
purposes . It had a four m an
cr ew. a nd was similar in man y
respects CO the weapon used b y
French a nd American forces in
W o rld W ar 1.

45
--

ABOVE: M odel 94 (1934) 37mm gun . An infantry close-support gun used both as an
anti·tank a nd anli-personnel weapon , It could be manhandled or hOlse-drawn. For
mountain operations it was fitted with wood-spoked . steel-eyred wheels as shown ;
elsewhere it was fitted with slig htly smaller perforated steel disc wheels similar to
those shown below on the Model 92 .

RIGHT: Model 92 (1932) 70mm howitzer. Th e

standard infantry battalion-gun. It fired a HE or
shrapnel shell weighing 8 .36 Ibs to a maximum range
o f 3,000 yards. Norm ally horse ·dr awn it could be
manhandled satisfactorily by its 10 man section .
See a lso feor cover fo r view of weapon in action .

ABOVE: M odel 41 ( 1908 ) 75mm mOl/ntaln (infantry) gun . Originally used as a field
artillery pack-gun, it was later issued as a regimental in antry gun . in which role it
served effectively i" most theatres of opera tions . It was particularly prominent in
the Burma campaign, where it was frequently manhandled in its assembled condition
by large teams of infantrymen . Th e tubular trail was of ' squared of( · ·Y ' shape .
Note the method of traversing , utilising the dEtachable shafts normally used for
horse·draught .

46
 Table 1 ! Pistols

N ..mbl.l amm. Model 14 (1915 ) amm. Model 94 ( It]4) • mm.

Calibre 0 .3 15 inch 0 .315 inch 0 .315 inch

Principle of operation Recoil operated Recoil operated Recoil operated
Semi-automatic Semi·au tomatic Semi-automatic
Ammunition Semi-rimmed Semi·rimmed Semi-rimmed
bottle-necked case. bottle· necked case, bottle·necked clue.
round nose bullet roundnose bullet round nose bullet
Capacity 0 1 magazine 8 rounds 8 rounds 6 rounds
Elfective range 50 feet 50 leet 50 fee t

Muzzle velocity 950 leet per second 950 feet per second 900 feet per second

Tables 2 : Rifl es

Model 11 ('905) 6.5 mm. Model 99(19]9) 7.7 mm.

Calibre 0 .256 inch 0.303 inch

Principle of operation Manually bolt-operated Manually bolt·operated

Ammunit ion Model 38 (1905) ball and tracer Model 99 ( 1939) ri mless ball
Model 38 ( 1905) reduced·charge
ball

Capacity 0 1 magazine 5 rounds 5 rounds

Sigh t Peep battle· sight set for Folding arms for taking leads in
300 metres (328.1 yards) on anti· aircraft lire: peep battle-
rifles of late manufacture sight set for JOO metres (328.1 yds.)
Weigh t without sling and bayonet 9lbs. 4ozs. (Unloaded. w ith sling)
8.8Ibs.)
Aange :-
Effective 400 yards 600 yards
MalCimum 2.600 yard s 3.000 yards
Muzzle velocity 2,400 feel per second 2.300 feet per second

Table 3: Grenades

Model 9' (19]1 ) HG ModeI97 ( 1937)HG Model 99 (1919) HG HEStickHG

Overall length 4 .95 inches 3.75 inches 3.5 inches 7.87 inches
Diameter 1.97 inches 1.97 inches 11 inches 1.97 inches
Weigh t 18 .8 ounces 1 lb. (approlC .) 10 ounces (approlC .) l ib. 3) ounces

Table 4 : Grenade Dischargers

Mod el 19 (1919) SO mm. GO Hodel 10 ( 1911) SO mm. GO

Ammunition Model 89 H.E. Shell Model 91 Grenade

M odel 91 Grenade Model 11 Smoke Shell
Model 95 Smoke Shell Model 10 Flare Shell
Model 94 Practice Shell, etc. Model 10 Signal Shell
Model 91 Practice Grenade
Model 10 Blank Shell, etc.
W eight 101 Ibs. 51 Ibs.
Weight 0 1 Model 89 Shell l ib . 12 ounces

Range of M odel 9 1 Grenade 65 to 175 yards

Barr el Rifled Smooth·bore

Table S: Machine Guns

Model 11 (1911) Model 96 ( 19]6) Hodel99(19]9) Model 91(1911) Model 93('9]])
6.Smm. LMG 6.5 mm. LMG 7.7 mm. LMG 7.7 mm. HMG 11 mm. HHG
Calibre 0 .256 inch 0.256 inch 0 .303 inch 0.303 inch 0 .5 19 inch
Principle of Gas·operated Gas-operated Gas-operated Gas-operated Gas-operated
operatio n full automatic only lull automatic only full automatic only full automatic only lull automatic only
Ammunition Model 38 ( 1905) Model 38 ( 1905) Model 99 ( 1939) Ball. tracer. and Ball. tracer. and
Semi· rimmed Semi-rimmed 7.7mm . rimless armour·piercing, armour.piercing
reducet:!.charge reduced charge cartridge only both semi-rimmed
cartridges in andrimless
5·round clips
Type olleed Hopper 30 round 30 round 3OrountJ strips 20 round
box magazine box magazine box magazine
Weight ~- 20 lbs. (With sling) 2Olbs . Wi thout tripod. 871bs. (each gun)
(without magazine) 61 1bs.
W i th tripod , 1221bs.
Range-
Elfective 1.640 yards 1.640 yards 1.500 yards 1.500 yards
Maximum 4.374 yards _ 2~s 3.800 yards 4.587 yards
M uzzle
Velocity 2.440 f.p s. 2.410 I P 5. 2.300 I P s (With M ode192 Ball. 2.210 f.p .s.
( 1932) ball A .P., 2,280 I .p.s.
ammuni t ion )
2.400 I .p .s.
Ra te of fire
Effective 150 rounds per min . 250 rounds per min. 200 rounds per mi n.
Cyclic 500 rounds per min . 550 rounds per min. 800 rounds per min. 450 rounds per min .
Elevation wi th
tripod mount
Maximum 11 degrees
Minimum - 15 degrees

47
 T abl e 7 : M ortars

Model 98
-Model
-- 11
- 70mm. b;lrr;lic Modl'197
- - -Mod
-- - - - Model
el "
- 94 Model 9J
(1918) ( 1922 ) Morl;lr ( 1917) (1 919 ) (19)4) ( 19)) )
50mm. Morur 70 mm. Mornr 81 mm. Morur 81 mm. Mort;lr 90 mm. Morur 150 mm. Morur

Ammunition 10lb slick Shell cont,lInlllg 72 and HE and 44 1b.

bomb parachute 14 Jib bombs Incendiary H ,E. bomb
bombs bombs

WClgh t 481bs 13375 1bs 1451bs 521bs 340 Ib s 5571bs .

Range
- ----
100·150 yards 3 .000 yards 3.000-4.000 It . 3.000 yards 7 21b shell. 4.155 yards 2.310 yards
(venlcal) 3.280 yards
14 31b shell.
1.312 yards
Mini mum 7 2 1b. shell. 612 y,lrds
Range 545 yards
14 31b . shell.
207 yards

Rate 0 1 lire 18·30 rounds 15 rounds 3 rounds

per IlIl1lute per minu te per minute
--------
Barrel R,lIed· bore len{lthwlth
cap 51t! inS .

T able 8: A nti-T ank and Infantry Guns

Modtl 97 (1 917 ) Model 91 ( 19)8) Model I! ( 1922) Modl'194 ( 1914 ) Model 92(1912 ) Model4! ( 1908 )
20 mm .AT Rine 10 mm. AA / AT 17 mm. Gun 17 mm. Gun 70 mm. HowitItr 75 mm. Moun!;lin
C;lnnon ( Inf;lntry) Gun
Principle o f Gas-operated Gas-operated
operation Scmi -or· l ullau to . Se m, or lull auto.
Am muni tion HE and AP HE : Tracer: AP HE and AP HE and AP HE or" Shrapnel HE or Shrapnel
Ty pe olleed 7-round 2O ·round Single rounds Single round s Single rou nds Single rounds
box magazine box magazlIle
Weight W i thout shield WlIhout wheels 205 72lbs 7141bs. 4681bs.
120 Ibs_ 8361bs
Wi th shield and
carr y,i;g ~as~dlcs

Thi ckness of
slllckl-armour 5/ 16 inch 0 .787 i nch 0 _156 inch
Hangu
Effective 1.100 yards 2.500 yards 1.500 yards 2, 100 yards
M aXimum
1 5'~~I~~r:'~1 5,000 yards 3.000 yards 19 ,265 yards
7.675 yards
112.000 feet With long
vertical \ pointed shell
16.575 yards
with ordinary
shell
Ha te 01 life 120 rounds 10-20 rounds 10 round s 10 roun ds
(where I,nown) per minule per minute per minute per minute
MUJ:Zle velocity
(where know n) 2.?!0 I P s. 2.300 I p .s.
-----
T a b le 6
Standard Battalion

OHlun
;lndmen
~ Gren;lde ~
Oisckil'1en Muhint
~r
M;I(hine
lOmm .~m .
A / Tk. Rinu A / Tk . Gun.
,"."m
"'m
:-,- - -
B;ltul ion
Gun. Gun' Guns
Headquart ers and Trai n 147
Rifle Company 181
Rifle Company 181
Rifle Company 181
Rille Company 181
Heavy Machine Gun Company 174 12
Ballolion Gun Company 55 55
TOTALS 1.100 677 36 37 12

Strengthened Battalio n
Offi urs Rifl es Grtn;ldt Lii ht Hu.,y 10 mm. 17 mm. 70 mm.
;lndme n Oi,ch;l'1trs M;lchine M;I(hint A / Tk. fl:iflu A / Tk. Guns B;ltnl ion
Gun. GUM Gun .
Headquarters and Train 283
Rifl e Company 262 12
Rifl e Company 262 12
Rifle Company 262 12
Ri fle <;ompany 262 12
Heavy Machine Gun Company 73
Battalion Gun Company 122
37 mm. A / Tk . Gun Company lOO
T OTALS 1.626 730 49 37

For chart of infantry regiment organisation see, page 27.

48
 lAP ANESE ARMY UNIFORMS
AND' EQUIPMENT, 1939-1945
by Roy Dilley

A comprehensive guide to the uniforms, badges, ranks, small arms, infantry

weapons and infantry organisation in the Japanese Army of the World War 2
period ; illustrated with numemus drawings, rare photographs, and seven
colour plates.

ISBN 85524 004 0 ( hard cover ed ition )

ISBN 85524 005 9 (paper covered edition )

UK price:
ALMARK
17s 6d (Snp) - paper covers PUBLICATIONS