Date                Time   Location         Damage

03/08/1944    02.40  Great Warley 1 ‘Fly’ exploded in oatfield between Front land and

Moor Lane (Cranham) 1/4 mile S of junction causing slight damage to property (Bird Lane Romford Division).  N.C.

03/08/1944    10.10  Creeksea       1 ‘Fly’ exploded in potato field East Lambourne

Hall Farm 500 yards E of Creeksea Ferry and 500 yards NE of Loftman’s Farm causing damage to approx. 1 acre of crops.  No other damage or casualties.

04/08/1944    03.10  Canvey          1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in River Thames 200 yards S of

                                    Island             Chapman’s Light.  N.D.C.

06/08/1944    15.25  Great              1 – U.K. Practice Bomb (N.E.) from Allied aircraft

Stambridge    fell in cornfield 440 yards N of Cagefield Cottages and 150 yards E of main road.  N.D.C.

06/08/1944    23.16  Wickford        1 ‘Fly’ exploded in field between Wick Drive and

Cranfield Park Road causing 1 slight casualty and slight damage to property.

07/08/1944    01.50  Langdon        As a result of a ‘Fly’ incident at Wheaton’s Farm

Hills                Langdon Hills, which is in the Grays Division, the following property at Laindon within the Brentwood Division sustained damages – 1 church, 1 hotel, 1 shop and 10 houses.  There was also 1 slight male casualty.

07/08/1944    10.00  Downham     1 – American 100 lb. I.B. was found in a field near

Brook Hill Farm.  Bomb empty but fuse unexploded.  Part of incident which occurred at 11-25 on 20.5.44 at Downham. q.

07/08/1944    10.45  Great              2 horses were killed as a result of straying into a

Wakering       minefield 100 yards N of Sewerage Farm and detonating a mine.

07/08/1944    15.15  Little                Driver Rees of 141st Field Regt. R.A. was

Burstead        examining a .22 rifle at a camp when a bullet was discharged from the rifle and entered the body of Driver Alfred John Ellis, aged 29, of the same Regt. Causing his death within a few minutes.

08/08/1944    22.30  Canvey          A Naval Barrage balloon grounded at The Bay

                                    Island             County Club.  N.D.C.

10/08/1944    04.15  Laindon         1 – ‘Fly’ exploded in wheatfield 1/2 mile W of St

Nicholas Church causing several minor casualties serious damage to 36 bungalows and extensive minor damage.

10/08/1944    18.00  Laindon         1 –  Ux.I.B. (1 Kg) was found in a field near Council

Houses, Markham’s Chase, which is about 1/2 mile from above ‘Fly’ incident and would be in the line of flight of the ‘fly’ before it fell.  No evidence of other I.Bs in the vicinity at the time, but I.Bs had been dropped previously in the same locality.

17/08/1944    13.25  Hadleigh        1 – Ux.U.P. Shell fell 50 yards W of Cross Farm

                                                            Benfleet Road.  N.D.C.

18/08/1944    09.00  Canvey          Gordon Lee, aged 12, of 16 Labworth Road

Island             Canvey picked up an object on Shell Beach believed to be a small arms bullet, took it home and struck it with a hammer when it exploded causing slight injuries to his left hand and body.  Taken to hospital but not detained.

19/08/1944    21.10  Bowers           1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell in marshes.  N.D.C.

Gifford

26/08/1944    15.40  Crays Hill       A deflated barrage balloon fitted with an Ux.

‘Device A’ grounded on waste land N of Oak Road.  The ‘Device’ was subsequently exploded in situ by BDS and balloon removed by RAF.  N.D.C.

29/08/1944    21.45  Canvey          The body of Hugh Murray, ship’s fireman aged 22

Island             of 11 Blackland Avenue Kilwinning Ayrshire was recovered from the forward engine room of ‘S.S. Sam Long’ now anchored off Hole Haven Canvey Island.  The ‘S.S. Sam Long’ was torpedoed on the high seas on 3.8.44 and Murray was reported missing.  The ship was towed to its present position on 14.8.44 and the body was recovered by the Police and removed by A.R.P. ambulance to Canvey Island.  A.R.P. Mortuary.

31/08/1944    11.50  Canvey          1 – U.P. Shell exploded in field 800 yards of

                                    Island             ‘Haystack’ P.H.  N.D.C.

31/08/1944    11.50  Canvey          1 – Ux.A.A. Shell fell 100 yards N of Kelverden

                                    Island             Avenue.  N.D.C.

1 August Tuesday

Another excellent day with Americans, British and Russians bashing fwd – AQ says surrender day will be 11 Nov – hope before!  V confident air about everywhere.  No mail for third day running – bad biz.  Very stiff today – knocked off at 10 pm short drink with Steve and so to bed early.

To – A                                    From – Nil

2 Aug- Duty 10 pm – 0800 3 Aug – Bayeux 2.15.

Up at a gents hour 9 ocl, b’fast shave and then up to V1 where I wrote to A.  Nipped down to the Fd Cashier before lunch, cashed cheque for £5 – met Bone, ex Barclays Bank there.  On return met French L.O. and gave him lunch.  Charles, French L.O. & I went into Bayeux where we had cup of acorn coffee, shops stripped – only purchase was v small bot of scent – into Norman Church at Ruqueville on way there, pillaged by Boche.  On return found 4 letters waiting for me.  Listened to news at 9 ocl in V1 & wrote A.  Duty from 2200 – 0800.

To A                                        From   A

     D                                                   L

    G                                                    Dorothy

Brian

2 thrillers from L

3 Aug

Came off duty 0800 hrs – quiet night – Slept all morning.

Ken Riff left for A *** 3 Br Div this morning.  Duty 1500 hrs after an excellent hour in the sun.  nothing much doing.  Bed early after I came off at 10 pm.

Uneventful but perfect weather day.

From G                                              To A (by 1200 hrs post 4 Aug)

4 Aug

Quiet day – Information Room – during am wrote A.  news good again all round some ground given up –  some gained by 12 Corps – USA good.

Move of Corps HQ to Bieville now postponed indefinitely, good show.  Kip after lunch – and read in Deck chair.  Wrote just after nine ocl news to A and L.  Bed early.

From A (2)                                         To A

      L

5 Aug

Up at 7 ocl – on duty at 8 after excellent b’fast – porridge, bacon & fried bread, marm and bread & butter – tea 3 parts.  Not much during my tour of duty – Martin Brunch tac HQ “exercise”.  Came off at 3.15 pm – checked war diary then finished off my letter to L. Chalk with Robert & Lyle Wilson.  Tea. After tea read and sat in sun.  Back to Inf Room to see if any ‘gen’ certainly was – whole of 12 Corps has adv and 7 Armd Div *** in Fleury Sur Orne – amazing show.  Super ‘bath’ wash dinner news incredible at 9 ocl and wrote A in V1 and so on duty at 10 ocl.

To – A                                                From – nil – no letters for anyone

6 Aug (Sunday)

Hot and sunny again – on duty 1500-2200.  Slept when I came off duty at 0845 – frightful flap getting out morning sitrep.  After lunch read for an hour and then on duty.  Went to the evening service at 6.30 but Chaplain didn’t turn up so we said a few prayers and sang the odd hymn.  Wrote letter cards to A & L before going to bed in good time.

To – A ]                                  From – Jane Eyre from 14 no letters for anyone.

        L  ] letter cards

7 Aug Monday

Moved today to BIEVILLE.

Rather a hectic rush as I had to go forward and be on the end of a telephone by 11.30 – managed it somehow – was only able to do a little digging as I had to set up the info room.  New area not too bad but a bit dirty.  Was 185 Bdes FDLs until they attacked to CAEN.  Sharing tent with Lyle-Wilson, G2 (L) from Cdn Army – extremely nice chap.  He and Roberts and myself went out to watch the 1000 bomber (?) raid to open Op Totalize at 2300 hrs.  Great display.  Bed at midnight.

To – A From – nil (nothing for anyone)

8 Aug

Excellent night – on duty at 8 am with John Scott – came off at 1.30 (Stephen relieved me ½ hour late) – he is now in hospital with stum trail so that leaves only John Roberts and myself.  Read and snoozed after lunch til 4 ocl then on again til 8.30.  Super parcel from A GBH and several letters.  Wrote after dinner to A.  On duty at midnight.  Super hot day again.  Op Totalize made excellent start and is going well, hope it goes better than previous ones – if it does, back by Xmas – great thought.

To A (cheque £5-0-0)                      From   A

G                                                                    A  (super parcel)

L                                                                      L2

B

9 Aug

Left BIEVILLE after quietish day at 7.30, travelled in V1.  Very hectic time packing up as we had only 2 hours notice to move.  New spot v unhealthy masses of flies and mosquitoes – shelled for about 2 hours on arrival – only about 100x-500x away.  Got to bed after relief at 11 ocl at 12 ocl very dark & couldn’t find my tent!  Slept like a log til 0645 hrs.

To – Nil                                              From – Nil

10 Aug

Hectic day again.  Up at 6.45 for duty at 8 ocl.  Then at 2 ocl after packing up my kit again I came over to our new area about 2 miles South of Giberville.  Very hot day and boy! did I sweat digging a hole for myself during the pm.  Duty 5-8 and then off til 11 ocl when I’m on all night – war news first class.  Boche withdrawing in our area.  Feel V tired and look it so I’m told.

From G                                  To A – 15 pages

         A-Z

11 Aug Friday

Off after frightful squito ridden night and too many cigwigs at 8 ocl breakfast – excellent porridge, bacon & sausage, jam wasps and tea.  Nightmare morning, v hot sweated like a bucket, dirt & dust in bed – woke at 12.15 with pyjamas soaked, squitoes everywhere & dust galore – that night out in middle of a busy field.  Lunch – then on duty from 1.30-5 pm – nothing much doing – met Guy Pollock, now comd an A/Tank Bty in the infn room.  Dug after tea – wrote A before dinner then on duty 8-11 pm.  bed & much needed.  Attack has petered out yet again.

To A                                        From L

12 Aug Saturday

Very hot day – overslept and 15 mins late!  Frightful panic at 10 ocl when maps had to be marked up for Comd BGS, G1 & G2 went round in ever decreasing circles!  I was told that I was the only one who knew how to mark a map properly (compliment!) and was told to get to work on it – I did – shouted at – all different instructions by all & sundry mainly threw pencils on ground and told them they could mark the bloody maps themselves.  After lunch short sleep and read in gnat infested tent.  Tea – hair wash – drink & chat with John Scott – a really first class chap & then at 9 ocl down to V1 where I wrote diary & started letter to A & so on duty at 10.30 pm

To A                                        From Barclays statement.

13 Aug

Another hot dusty day – not a bad night and slept from midnight til 4.30.  Usual morning rush.    After breakfast slept a bit ‘til lunch time.  Duty from 3pm til 10 pm.  not much doing this pm but fairly hectic after dinner – Rozzer rozzing – Good news from Yanks – 3 US Armd Div & 2 French Armd Div linked up Illustration also 3 US Cav Gp fighting in outskirts BLOIS.  Early to bed.

To Nil                                                  From G

          A

14 Aug

Op to capture FALAISE – started at 1200 hrs – excellent start.  Duty 0800-1500 hrs – tragic bombing by our Lancs of area round 57 Div HQ – I wonder what the answer was?  Read Jane Eyre before and after tea then down to V1 to hear news and write letters.  Dinner 7.30 and early to bed.  G1 signed passes for Ken Hull & myself to visit Cherbourg tomorrow.

To – A (long)                                     From – Parcel Lois

L (long)                                                            L

  B

15 Aug Tues.

Up at 6.30 and  Ken and I left at 7.45.  Route up through CAEN, BAYEUX, ISIGNY, VALOGNES, CARENTAN, CHERBOURG, V1 site, BARFLEUR, ST VAAS (lunch) VALOGNES, ST SAUVEUR, LA HAY DU POUITS, LESSAY, COUTANCES, MARIGNY, ST LO, BAYEUX and so back at 9.20 after a good day.  Very hot and sunny but got caught and soaked at BAYEUX on way back.  items of interest 9-10 000 tons coming through CH.  Amazing thickness of E & U Boat pens.  Forts all round Larbun.  V1 site smaller than expected ramp Illustration.  Frightful damage in ST LO, worst I’ve ever seen just one mass of rubble in city centre.  Good lunch, wine, pate, fish, veal, grapes, small, hot house, camembert.  On duty at 10 pm – heard news of invasion S of France.  We are on outskirts of FALAISE.  51 Div doing well – nearly in ST PIERRE SUR DIVES.

To – Nil                                              From Nil

16 Aug Wed.

Off at 8.30 after very hectic night then on again at 3.  Wrote A after lunch – frightful flap in the office.  Move tomorrow?  Nothing very exciting today – again extremely hot – Boche seems to be withdrawing all the way along the line.

To A                                                    From Nil

17 Aug Thurs

On this at 8 ocl.  Lunch-time told I am to go fwd to new locn, be est by 3.30.  Dust simply appalling on roads only captured 2 days previously.  Got on back of M/C and ran last half mile.  Was G (Ops) until 6.30 pm when rest arrived – battle going very well.  New locn is QUATRE PUITS between VIMONT and ST PIERRE – few shells in area – did a little digging then fairly early to bed and read another few pages of Jane Eyre – mosquitoes simply shocking during night.  Eventually got to sleep at 1.30.

To – Nil                                              From – Nil.

18 Aug Fri.

Very hot day – hottest yet I think – spent day in infm room then on duty at 10 pm.  No very great news – steady progress everywhere but I’m afraid he has got most of his stuff out of the gap. – not correct PCB 1/9

To A                                                    From G

         A 2

19 Aug Sat

Bloody awful night with very hectic period between 7 and 8.30, usual morning flap.  Slept very badly during morning, flies a nuisance & wrote L after lunch.  On duty from 3 pm – 10 pm.  No very exciting news today.  Trap has been closed now it remains to be seen how much in it.

From A                                               To L

L

Essex C.S.

20 Aug Sun.

Completely overslept this morning after a wizard night’s sleep – Woke up at 10.30!  Good steady progress today and amazing report from the BOCHE that we are over the Seine – I only hope it’s true.  On duty 1 pm – 6 pm (new hours) after which (I didn’t leave office ‘til 6.45.  I had a couple of gins with Lisle-Wilson and then down to V1 after dinner where I listened to news and wrote long letter to A.

Flash Elts of five Pz Divs are trying to break out of trap and appear to be near succeeding – poor old Poles are short of ammn but 4 Cdn Div are being sent to help stop the break-out.  They did PCB 21/8

To A 2                                                From Nil

21 Aug

Up with the lark this morning and on duty at 8 am.  6 Airborne 51, 49 and 7 Armd all made good progress – no flaps about the Poles, the tks didn’t get through.  After lunch Tim Roberts and I went over to 6 Airborne Div, very happy air there.  Back in time for a late tea, then pottered, had good wash and so to dinner.  Finished Jane Eyre, last night – first class.  On duty 11 pm – wrote letters after tea and after dinner.  Very wet and muddy day after many days of wonderfully hot sunshine.  On duty **** 11 pm.

To – A                                                From   A

        Louisa                                                   B

Aunt Dolly                                                      Louisa

22 Aug.

Bloody awful day.  Squitoes prevented sleep during night, and after breakfast, and after lunch wasps stopped play!  Instead after lunch wrote letters.  On duty at 6 ocl where reports show battle going well.  Came off at 10.30 but wasn’t in bed until 11.45 as I had to organise the repair of the HT cable to RA etc cut just in front of me by a very light Tk Transporter.

Not very well.  Thank heavens we are leaving this fly infested, muddy spot tomorrow.

To JB.                                                From – Nil

     AHEB

     A

23 Aug

Very sick 3 times during night, and a rush for the thunderbox after b’fast!  Moved today to LA MOTTE, 4 miles West of LISIEUX which we now hold apart from pockets of resistance.  Came ahead to set up G Ops and was est at 11.30?  Enemy hold East of LISIEUX – don’t think they will be able to.  Off after day’s hard work at 6 pm.  lay down and was awoken at 8.45.  Bed after dinner not feeling 100% fit, but slept like a log til 7 ocl (tomorrow).  New area very pleasant.  Old type farmhouse, orchards, real green fields and not many flies, wasps, ‘squitoes etc.

To – Nil                                              From – Nil

24 Aug Thurs

On duty 8 am – heard news that Rumania has asked for an Armistice – GREAT SHOW.  News on our front first class – with 5 DG of 7 Armd Div going like stink and nearly on line of R. Resle.  After lunch Tim Roberts & I went out swanning in his car.  Went up to river TOUQUES between PONT L’EVEQUE and DEAUVILLE – br blown  – French, old and young working on it.  rained all time.  Saw perfect crashed JU88??  Stopped for a cup of acorn coffee on way back at BONNE BOSQUE.  Bought 2 powders and a lipstick & bot of scent.  Back at 5 ocl tea then had hair cut and wrote to my angel – about whom, now, more than ever, I long and think about so much.  End now in sight of this bloody war.

To – A                                                From   A

L                                                                      G

G                                                                     JB

L (Book)

ECS

25 Aug

Bloody awful night again with no peace at all – things kept on cropping up – had an hours doze.  Usual morning flap.  Excellent breakfast – porridge – egg & bacon bread marm & jam.  Slept until 2.30and got up at 3.30.  after tea packed up parcels to A and L.

Duty 6 pm – 11.30 by time I got away.  2 French Armd Div in heart of Paris.  We (especially 7 Armd) made some steady progress.  Bed & sleep as soon as back in tent – move again tomorrow.  About 20 miles.

From L (2)                                         To parcel A

“ L

L (LC)

26 Aug

Moved today about 17 miles from LISIEUX – east La Motte.  Super news from all fronts – Bulgaria – Italy – Russia and our own – we are nearly on Seine?  PW in Gap – time (tomorrow) will tell.  Hot sunny day.  In lovely orchard.  Came in ahead as usual & was, est by 12 ocl.  End now definitely in sight.  PARIS definitely free now – Boche has well & truly had it.  off duty at 6.30 & wrote A before dinner and afterwards – pleasant tea time chat with Butler (G1) & Tim Roberts.

V emotional moment – recording of Paris’ liberation just being given on wireless.  Bed early.

To A                                                    From Nil

27 Aug Sunday

On duty 8.30 am – 1.30 pm.  Had excellent swan with Tim, R up to Honfleur.  Many attractively dressed girls about and some good looking shops though being Sunday they were all shut.  Delightful old coast Town and only 4 or 5 miles from Le Havre across the SEINE.  Lovely day & very clear, one could almost see the people in the streets!  Back at 5.15 and listened to news at 6 pm.  Nothing much fresh.  Slept from 6.30 – 8 ocl.  Mucked around after dinner and wrote in V1 until after 10.45 when went on duty.

To – A                                                From – Nil

John Q

28 Aug

Not such a hectic night as usual or the habitual early morning flap.  Slept after the bloody usual monotonous b’fast until 3.30 – shave wash tea then on duty from 6-11.  Nothing much to report – met Geoffrey Armitage, now G2 of 7 Armd Div.

To A – (L.C.)                                      From   A

L

B

(OU pamph)

29 Aug

Very wet day – great news if true from LO from 21 A Gp.  Americans should be in Germany within 48 hrs or so.  Pottering morning – went over to Rear to cash cheque but Fd Cashier was shut – On duty at 1 and didn’t come off until 7 nattering with G1 L and Liall-Wilson.  Had good wash before dinner, after dinner inter alia (2 tinned stewed plums and real cream – super), wrote to A in V1 and ‘shorty’ to Elli.  Cleared up a bit in evening – move tomorrow.

To L                                                    From –

     A

    B

Wed 30 Aug 44

Moved today to BOIS INGER a move East of about 20 miles.  Travelled in back of V1 with Tim and Edward Rice.  Had snooze and read in pm.  After tea Tim and I did a swan up to the Seine just South of DUCLAIR.  Much Boche equpt, tks, ½ tracks lying about.  Got rifle, ammo, bayonet and a nice pair of Boche driving goggles.  Back for rather latish dinner at 8.45 after which I wrote long letter to A before going on duty at 11 pm.  Wet and windy day.

To – A                                                From G

        A

Thurs 31 Aug

Not a bad night – slept from 2.45 – 6 ocl.  Good b’fast at 9 ocl comprising egg & bacon porridge etc.  Slept til 2 ocl then finished.  Mystery of the Green Caterpillar.  Super perfect peach shave then wrote Bill before a good tea.  After tea started letter to A then on duty at 6 pm.

To AJA                                               From – nil

Collins Diamond Diary

1944

Thursday 24 August 1944

Afternoon swanning – great news Rumania out – we bash on.  Bummelburg – **** powder – coffee, *** lipstick.

Mail from                    To – A

ECS, book Lois                L

Letters JB, A, G.

Collins Diamond Diary

1944

Tuesday 22 August 1944

Letter to JB, AHEB, Aunt Dol, A.

G Branch.

HQ 1 Corps

BLA

22 Aug 44.

My dear Eric,

Just a line to let you know that all goes well and that I’m busy, fit and looking forward more than somewhat to an early return to Colchester, the sinking of that Victory noggin in the Cups Tap, and the resumption of a quiet and peaceful life in the old Bro’.  As you can well imagine our tails are well in the air now and we will chase the B’s back to Germany in no time if they feel like going that far.  It’s been a wonderful 3 weeks, the weather has been perfect and we’ve killed many of the swine and taken many thousands of PW.  My only really interesting item of news is of a trip I had some days ago up to Cherbourg.  I visited the uncompleted (it was very nearly ready for use) V bomb site and also the unfinished massive concrete shelters which he was building to protect his U and E Boats.  We came back via St Saveur, La Haye du Puits, Lessay, Coutances and St Lo all very recently captured by the Yanks and all especially St Lo, mere masses of rubble with bull-dozed roads through them – very tragic, but unfortunately essential to rout the swine out of his positions prepared for so long.  No doubt you are as busy as ever and I hope it won’t be long before I’m back giving you a spot of assistance.  We are at present in the most mosquito, fly and wasp ridden area I’ve ever known – never, Eric, shall I embark on one of these jolly open air camping holidays one hears about.  I’ve seen sufficient earwigs, woodlice etc too to last me for ever.

An air of great confidence abounds and as each succeeding good spot of news comes in, so does the target date thought likely for the final bugle become nearer – the general feeling is end of Oct beginning of Nov but my guess like everyone else’ is as good as his neighbours Eh bien Eric drop me a line when you can – All the very best to you, my kindest regards to Grandpa Key, Pop Dyer and the other stalwarts at the office

Yours ever

Peter

No envelope with this letter.

Aug.                                                          INDEX 3.                                  10^th Long Course.

Issued in bulk to                                                                                                Green Paper.

DS for students

on 17 Aug.                               STAFF COLLEGE QUETTA

1944

INDOOR EXERCISE – JAPANESE IN BATTLE.

SUGGESTED SOLUTION.

OBJECT.

1. To examine certain aspects of the JAPANESE in battle.

CHARACTERISTICS AND PSYCHOLOGY.

• Before considering JAPANESE tactical methods it is essential to understand something of the characteristics and psychology of the men who comprise the JAPANESE army.

• Physique.

The JAPANESE army is drawn from people who live a simple, rough life and who are accustomed to physical hardship.  Men are still further hardened by severe army trg until they are capable of very considerable endurance.  They are able to move fast over long distances, across difficult country and carrying heavy loads.

• Courage.

The JAPANESE are a naturally brave race.  Courage has always been regarded as an essential virtue in a man and they are undoubtedly capable of suffering acute bodily pain.  But this does NOT mean that they are immune to fear.  There have been many instances in the face of our troops in which they have shown intense fear.

• Education.

The education of the JAPANESE offr and soldier makes them as well fitted for their duties in a modern army as their counterparts in the BRITISH or AMERICAN armies.  But, against this, the extreme uniformity of JAPANESE State controlled education has resulted in a marked lack of originality and initiative.

• Training.

The training of the JAPANESE army is thorough.  Lessons from past wars in all parts of the world have been studied, tactical doctrine is generally sound and ops are most carefully planned.  It is here, however, that lack of originality and initiative have been observed.  There is a strong tendency towards the employment of stereotyped methods and towards indecision, and even panic, when everything does not happen according to plan.  On the other hand, small parties are quick to react offensively to a surprise attack.

• Discipline.

Discipline is good.  The basis of it is the JAPANESE religion which is a mixture of ancestor-worship and State or Emperor worship.  On this foundation the army has built a code of discipline which is generally harsh.  But, though it is generally accepted, out of loyalty to the Emperor, there have been instances, incl entries in captured diaries, complaining of the inefficiency and brutality of offrs and comds, to show that this discipline is sometimes resented.  This is particularly so in the case of conscript soldiers now forming a large part of the army.

• Morale.

JAPAN has never been invaded.  The army, until very recently, has met with complete success. The JAPANESE have been made to believe they are a superior race with a divine mission to impose the will of their Emperor on the world.  Army trg and propaganda has emphasized these points and, in consequence, morale has been, and generally still is, very high.  But faith in JAPANESE invincibility cannot last indefinitely in the face of repeated defeats at the hands of the Allies.  They have suffered many defeats already and these have NOT been without effect.  JAPANESE comds on a number of occasions have found it necessary to issue special orders on the subject and there have been instances of a collapse of morale in more than one unit and fmn.  There has been evidence too of dissatisfaction and grousing about Allied material superiority.

• Attitude towards being captured.

The JAPANESE are taught to fight to the death.  By doing so, a soldier ensures that his soul reposes in the military shrine in TOKIO.  Added impetus is given by the knowledge that a soldier captured is officially notified as dead.  If he returned to JAPAN, he would find his civil rights gone and would bring shame on his family.  The result has been that we have taken few prisoners.

1. Recently, however, there have been indications that some JAPANESE are NOT made of stern enough stuff to live up to this standard.  Some diaries have revealed not quite a desire to surrender but an attitude of resignation to an inevitable death whose glory has grown slightly tarnished.  There have also been cases of JAPANESE making no great effort to avoid capture and cases of PW showing obvious happiness when refused permission to commit Hari-Kiri.

GENERAL TACTICAL CONCEPTION.

1. The whole conception of JAPANESE tactics is based on offensive action.  The other principles which he applies are maint of the objective, conc of force, mobility and surprise.  He makes full use of night ops, in which he is skilful, and employs every form of ruse and minor deception.  These, however, are now generally well known and he has NOT shown much ingenuity in inventing fresh ones lately.

ATTACK.

1. The forms of attack usually followed are :-
2. Enveloping or flank attack.
3. Frontal attack.

1. Enveloping or flank attack.

In the enveloping or flank attack the principles mainly applied are mobility and surprise.  Pressure is exerted frontally while the main effort is made round one or both flanks with the object either of making a direct attack from the flank or of securing a posn astride our L of C.

Attacks of this nature may involve a double envelopment, a small flanking attack being made with an objective 1 – 300 yds behind our FDLs whilst a further turning mov is made some miles behind them.  Such attacks cannot succeed if def posns are sited for all round def and provided adequate adm arrangements have been made to enable out tps to remain firmly in their posns.

1. Frontal Attack.

In the frontal attack the principles mainly applied are maint of the objective and conc of force.  Attacks are carefully prepared but often crudely executed.  Every effort is made to find a soft spot.  Fwd tps infiltrate, taking advantage of all available cover, and, when held up by fire, go to ground and bring LMG and mor fire to bear on any posns they have discovered.  The main attack is then launched with fresh tps in mass fmn who rely on weight of numbers, regardless of cas, to obtain success.  They adv in bunches, shoulder to shoulder, yelling, bayonets fixed, automatic weapons firing and rear ranks throwing hand grenades.

1. If the first attack fails, a diversion is made against another sector but the main attack always returns to the spot initially chosen.  Soft spots at widely separated pts are often selected but coordination in these attacks is seldom achieved.

1. Provided our tps are staunch, well dug in, have good fire discipline, adequate amn and a mob res, they have nothing to fear and have an opportunity of killing JAPANESE in large numbers.

1. Support.

Both types of attack are supported by mors, the fire of which may be directed on to targets by converging tracer fire from MGs.  In the past, there has been little arty sp but considerably more guns have been used recently. 

Long periods of slow fire are often employed rather than hy concs immediately before an attack.

1. Recce.

Both types of attack are always preceded by careful recce and by the employment of every form of ruse in an attempt to make us disclose our posns prematurely and shake our morale.

DEFENCE.

1. The JAPANESE conception of def does NOT differ basically from our own.  The principles of all round def is adhered to, posns are sited in depth and are mutually supporting.  His policy is to be offensive at every opportunity.  If part of a posn is overrun, an immediate counter-attack is launched or a hy conc of fire is brought down on the posn.  Outlying posts are often sited astride possible lines of approach and patrols are used offensively in rear of our fwd tps.

• Selection of positions.

A def posn is always based on a tk obstacle and, if possible, the flanks of the posn rest on natural obstacles.  High ground is always held, though the main posns are often on the reverse slope to avoid direct fire from tks or guns.  thick country is preferred and def posns frequently incl villages.

• Siting and Nature of Defences.

The siting, concealment and cam of defs is skilfully carried out, though their actual construction has NOT always been so good.  Fds of fire are sacrificed to concealment and fire is held until an assault has almost reached the posn.  Considerable use is made of alternative posns.  These factors make it extremely hard to pin point actual posns.

• Defs usually consist of a series of fox-holes (or weapon pits), holding one or two men each, or bunkers (dug-outs or pillboxes), holding many more.  The latter are strongly made so that hy mor fire can be brought down on them while our tps are trying to get in.

• Snipers.

Snipers are used extensively, firing from trees to which they are often roped.  They are difficult to locate and are of considerable nuisance value.

• Resistance to the last man.

Although there have been instances of withdrawal, both on orders and by individuals acting on their own, the JAPANESE teaching of resisting to the last man is frequently carried out, even hospital patients taking an active part.  A captured posn must, therefore, be carefully and systematically mopped up and steps taken to prevent enemy parties filtering back onto parts of the posn already captured.

• A Weakness.

Recent reports show that the JAPANESE are sometimes careless, giving us an opportunity of surprising him in his def posns.

PATROLLING.

• The JAPANESE make full use of both recce and fighting patrols.  The str of a recce patrol may be anything from one offr, with two local guides, all dressed in native clothing, to a sec.  The normal procedure is to adv about 100 yds and then halt for 5 mins to listen, but patrols are frequently careless about local security precautions, thus giving us good opportunities for successful ambushes.  Local porters are taken with patrols going out for three or four days and carrying everything except amn and weapons.  The str of a fighting patrol is usually about a pl but may be as many as 120 men.  This type of patrol usually works at night by infiltrating by twos and threes into our posns.

• Patrols are frequently used to engage us frontally while an encircling mov is taking place.  They make much use of cam and will often lie up for hrs in most uncomfortable posns.

CONCLUSION.

• While it is clear, therefore, that the JAPANESE is a good soldier who must NOT be underrated, it is equally clear that he is NOT a super-man and must NOT be overrated.

His savage beliefs have been exploited by trg and propaganda to produce a fanatical conception of service to the Emperor.  The high state of morale induced by this attitude of self sacrifice and loyalty has made the JAPANESE a formidable opponent.  But recent events have shown that his morale is NOT always strong enough to sustain him in the case of a local defeat.

• To look for a moment towards the future, it is difficult to say whether a series of major defeats will ultimately affect the morale of the whole army, but if it does the process will take a considerable time, since censorship and other security measures prevent the JAPANESE soldier from learning the true facts.  Local breaks in morale are more probable, but only as a result of really hard fighting.

J.F.W.

Jul 44.

(1)

INTRODUCTION

1. Before one can understand the potentialities of the Japanese as a soldier and his behaviour in battle it is essential to consider the environment in which he has spent his whole life.  Although this is true to a certain extent when assessing the fighting value of any nation it is of vital importance in the case

Good. of the JAPANESE since their tradition and upbringing is quite unlike that of any other nation.  In this paper, therefore, it is proposed to consider first the factors which produce the Japanese psychology and characteristics, then to summarise those characteristics and finally to consider the actual tactical methods they employ in attack, defence and patrolling. 

CHARACTERISTICS AND PSYCHOLOGY.

• The four factors which probably play the greatest part in moulding the character of any nation are:-
• The nation’s historical past
• The nation’s religious past.
• The nation’s educational system and
• The nation’s way of life.

We will therefore consider how each of these factors influences the Japanese youth from the cradle and see how, unlike the German who has little more than a decade to assimilate the Nazi doctrine, he has a similar doctrine inculcated into him through the tradition of centuries.

• The historical past. 

The Japanese consider that their Empire was founded in 660 B.C. when a grandson of the Sun Goddess came down to earth to rule over them.  From that day forward the Japanese have always been ruled by a direct descendant of this first God – Emperor.  Consequently it follows that this Emperor is a God and all his people sons of the Gods.

(2)       [From this belief springs a tremendous pride in their country – this “Land of [the Gods” – a pride that is enhanced by the fact that throughout the whole of [her history her soil has never been sullied by the foot of an invader.  Save [only once, in the thirteenth centaury, when the invader was crushingly [defeated and expelled forever from her shores.  A sure sign, if one were [needed, of the invincibility of these demi-gods.

In 1638 a law was enacted in Japan which has undoubtedly had great influence on the moulding of the Japanese character.  The effect of this law was to isolate Japan from the rest of the world for 215 years.  No Japanese was allowed to leave Japan nor even to build a ship capable of taking him to the mainland.  Every foreigner was expelled or exterminated.  It is interesting to note the irony of the fact that it was an American, Commander Perry, who ended this isolation in 1854.

One result of this isolation has been that the Japanese have a very acute sense of racial purity, a feeling of exclusiveness and superiority over all persons or things foreign.  Another that until ninety years ago Japan was a feudal state ruled by Shoguns each with his armed following of Samurai.  Since at that time the Emperor was little more than a monk, all the power being wielded by the Shoguns.  Civil war was endemic.  Consequently the Samurai, who were the only class of commoners allowed to carry arms, were regarded as a class far above any other walk of life.  As a result of this warrior tradition it is today regarded as a great honour to be allowed to serve the Emperor in his army.  The day that a recruit joins the army is probably the greatest of his life for on that day in his own eyes he becomes a Samurai, a member of a privileged class.

Since rule in Japan has always been exercised by the possession of the greatest powers it is natural to find that the Army and Navy have played a very important part in the government of modern Japan and influenced the whole nation.  A factor which has increased the prestige of the Army and confirmed their belief in their invincibility is the number of successful wars and lucrative conquests which Japan has made since the restoration.

In brief the lessons of Japan’s history may be said to be that she is a nation of demi-gods, ruled by a God, a chosen people of invincible warriors, socially pure whose destiny it is to rule the world; a world of inferior beings.

• The religious past. 

It has been said all religions are equally true to the people, equally false to the philosopher and equally useful to the Government, and of no religion is this more true than of Shintoism, the national religion of Japan.  It is the perfect religion for any fascist state and indeed the doctrine taught by Hitler bears many similarities to it.

The principal tenets are:-

• The divinity of the Emperor who is the only God.
• Worship of ancestors.
• Blind obedience to superiors.

While this suppresses individuality it produces docile and obedient soldiers for his superior officers are exercising power delegated by his God.

Another vitally important aspect of Shintoism is its teaching as regards death.  Loss of life is not regarded by the Japanese as a sacrifice; it is merely the last act which that life serves.  The criterion therefore is that one’s death should serve a useful purpose and be a fitting gesture to close one’s life.  How better then, than to die in battle for one’s Emperor?  Besides, one will then go straight to a warrior’s paradise.

• The educational system. 

The Japanese compulsory educational system is thorough.  There are only about five percent illiterates in Japan.

The system is run on good sound fascist lines designed to turn out a standard product drenched in the old warlike traditions and full of the knowledge of the invincibility of the Japanese and of their divine mission in life.  To this end retired Army and Navy officers are on the staffs of all Schools.  Dangerous ^? thoughts are not tolerated and every effort is made to stamp out individualism.  The competitive spirit is not encouraged for everyone is naturally doing his best for his Emperor.  The system succeeds and produces stereotyped products lacking in originality or initiative but convinced of their divine mission.

As with the fascists, patriotism is extolled as a virtue of the highest order and practically any crime is excusable so long as it is committed in the name of patriotism.

• The Way of Life. 

About eighty per cent of Japanese soldiers are recruited from peasants who normally lead a very frugal and penurious existence.  Campaigning is to them therefore little more rigorous than their normal life and living on short rations no uncommon hardship.  Generally the way of life is much as it was over two centuries ago.

• Summary of Characteristics. 

To summarise the characteristics and outlook which this environment has produced it can be said that the Japanese:-

• Regard themselves as:-
• Demi-gods fortunate in being the only people in the world ruled by a God.
• A chosen people whose mission it is to rule the world.  Thus any aggressive war is to them a jihad. ?
• Invincible in battle.
• Regard war as a natural and desirable state.
• Are greatly honoured to be allowed to die for the Emperor in battle.
• Are  frugal and hardy.

• Assessment of the Individual Soldier. 

The above characteristics suggest that the Japanese would make excellent, fanatical and brave soldiers.  To a great extent this is true.  There are however three factors of which sight should not be entirely lost:-

• Morale based on a false doctrine of invincibility is unlikely to stand up well to a succession of defeats.  Already there is evidence of individuals grousing at allied superiority of equipment and the morale of some units has been badly shaken by defeat.
• Some Japanese, though admittedly few, do kick against their upbringing and think perhaps there is more future in being a live coward than a dead hero.  Thus some are now less anxious to avoid capture or to commit hara-kiri when captured.

(3)      (c) Japanese education has produced a stereotyped mind which is not good at  

improvisation when things go wrong or of thinking up new ideas.  He is essentially a  copycat.

TACTICAL METHODS

• General Tactical Characteristics. 

In general principles Japanese tactics vary very little from those of any other civilized nation.  Greatest stress is probably laid on the following three principles:-

• Mobility. 

As an example of the importance which the Japanese have always attached to mobility in their military teaching an American observer was present at some manoeuvres in Japan some years before the war.  In the narrative a Japanese column and an enemy column were depicted as starting at the same time and equidistant from some vital high ground yet the Japanese column was allowed to arrive and take the ground before the enemy column arrived.  When the American suggested that this was an unfair and unreal picture he was curtly told that given equal conditions the Japanese would always arrive first.  The success which the Japanese achieved with mobility at the beginning of the war showed that the above confidence was justified and has given them no cause to modify their doctrine.

• Deception. 

The importance attached to deception has been more than amply illustrated during the war by the innumerable ruses employed by the Japanese to create a false impression.  Examples include excellent camouflage of all field works, employment of fifth column, shouting of false orders in English, movement through “impenetrable” jungle and the extensive use of noise to create a false impression of the number of troops employed.

• Offensive Action. 

The doctrine of offensive action is entirely in keeping with the Japanese character, and indeed it must be a basic doctrine of any successful army.  As an example of the offensive spirit may be quoted the action of the remnants of the garrison of a Japanese held island.  An American raiding party had attacked the island and having fulfilled their mission and practically annihilated the garrison were withdrawing from the island when

(4)             they were attacked by about a dozen of the garrison who could still carry arms.

1. Defensive Tactics.
2. Generally.

The idea of being on the defensive is extremely odious to the Japanese and consequently their defensive tactics are essentially offensive and mobile.  They may resign themselves to being held frontally but they will develop threats to the flanks of superior forces opposing them.

• Choice and Organization of Position.

A study of Japanese defensive positions has disclosed the following common features:-

• Where possible one or both flanks rest on a natural obstacle.
• Positions chosen whenever possible include a natural tank obstacle or a hole which can be made into one with little labour.
• High ground is invariably strongly held no matter how obvious and prominent it may be.
• Swampy ground is not an obstacle to the choice of a position.  If they cannot dig down they build up.
• If his forces permit a Japanese commander occupies a position in depth.  If they do not permit he will sacrifice depth rather than frontage.
• Similarly all round defence is adopted where possible but may be forgone.  Good.
• Alternative positions are dug.

• Conduct of the Defence.
• Surprise is achieved by silence and concealment.  It is almost impossible to draw fire from a Japanese position until the attack is actually launched.  When fire is finally opened machine guns may be firing on fixed lines as little as ten yards in front of Japanese FDLs.
• Overhead cover is provided wherever possible.  The Japanese will then bring down mortar fire onto his own positions when they are assaulted.
• The Japanese launch immediate counter attacks against troops who have captured part of a locality.  These attacks may be mounted within five or ten minutes.
• Defence is to the last man and last round.

(5)

1. Offensive Tactics. 

As is to be expected whenever possible the Japanese exploit their mobility to the full during the attack.  Particularly is this so when pursuing a withdrawing enemy, as in the first Burma campaign.  Wide enveloping movements were made bypassing our forward troops and seizing ground in the rear.  This left us with the alternatives of attacking him on ground of his choosing or withdrawing.

In other respects Japanese tactics in the attack are very similar to our own.  Attack is preceded by careful reconnaissance which tries to find the position of all enemy weapons.  It used to be preferred to develop the main attack round one or both flanks whilst holding the enemy frontally.  Now frontal attacks are becoming increasingly popular and repeated attacks may be launched against the same objective in massed formation.  He gains what success he achieves by the application of the principles of maintenance of objective and concentration of effort.

Whereas previously his artillery preparation used to be quite inadequate he is now using far more, usually in the form of long periods of slow fire rather than heavy concentrations immediately preceding an attack.

He uses tanks boldly in close cooperation with infantry, and makes excellent use of hull down positions.  He often moves his tanks into position by night and has them camouflaged before first light.

Since he is slow to follow a withdrawal it is usually simple to break contact though with his great mobility he may regain contact quicker than expected.

1. Patrolling. 

The Japanese have used patrols extensively during this war for a variety of tasks.  They are generally lightly equipped armed with light automatics and grenades and are usually not more than a few dozen men in strength.  They may carry enough food to operate for several days.

During an advance patrols are frequently used to infiltrate and then to open heavy fire and use fireworks to try to persuade forward troops that they are surrounded so that they withdraw prematurely.  They may be used in a similar role when the Japanese are on the defensive in order to lower the morale of opposing troops and make them jittery.  A patrol on such a task may consist of only two snipers.

Fighting patrols may be sent out with explosives to try to wreck guns in our artillery areas.

Reconnaissance patrols are employed in the normal way.

Patrols generally move quietly and are well trained but they are on occasion careless and may afford us an opportunity to surprise them.

1. Conclusion. 

Although the Japanese has absorbed a military outlook through centuries of tradition and is generally a brave, ruthless, fanatical soldier his fanaticism and morale are built on a foundation of sand.  Now that the weakness of this foundation are being exposed small cracks are appearing in the main structure.  His tactics are neither new nor unexpected.

We have in fact a soldier not unlike the Nazi bully but less well equipped.  We, in this Division have already proved our ability to defeat the Nazis:  We shall shortly prove our ability to defeat the Japanese.

(6)

XXXX

Signature

Postkarte                                                                   Stamp Mil Luftpost Par Avion

                                                                                    Stamp GEPRUFT 22

                                                                                    Stamp. Postmark date 21.6.44.

An                   Mrs. E. Wilkinson                            Stamp PASSED P.W. 5858

Gebuhrenfrei!

                        Empfangsort: Little Lever Nr BOLTON

                        Strasse:          84 Settle Street

                        Land;              LANCASHIRE ENGLAND.

Absender:

Vor-und Zuname:

Ernest Wilkinson Sgt.

Gefangennummer: 211329

Lager-Bezeichnung

DULAG-LUFT

Deutschland (Germany)

Kriegsgefangenenlager.                                                                             Datum: 10.6.44

Dearest.  Alive and well.  I hope you are alright.  I am a prisoner of war.  Will write letter from permanent address.  My regards to all.  Give my love to your mother.  All my love darling.  Yours ever.  Ernest.

R.A.F. Station,

Tempsford, Sandy

Beds.

14^th August 1944

Dear Mrs Wilkinson,

            Your letter, just received, brought good news indeed.  We had heard unofficially that all was well, but the story was unconfirmed and I deemed it better not to write unless I was absolutely certain.

            Anyway, it is good news and I am voicing the feeling of the many in the squadrons when I say they will want to share your good news.  Please do not assume that as soon as a man is missing that his name is never mentioned again, for they are often discussed, and the hope expressed that they are safe and well and at the worst prisoners.  It will not be for long now and let us hope it will be over by Christmas, as well it might be.         

            My renewed good wishes,

Sincerely Yours

G.J. Holdcroft

S/Ldr.

F/O Clark & F/O Carson, pilot & navigator, are also safe & a 4^th whose name I haven’t had yet.

That makes 4 out of the crew.

G.J.H.

Telephone No. GERRARD 9234

Extn 3801.

AIR MINISTRY,

(Casualty Branch)

73-77 Oxford Street

W.1.

14^th August 1944.

P.415526/44/P.4.Cas.B.4.

Sir/Madam,

            I am directed to refer to your letter of the 11^th August 1944 and to thank you for in information contained therein relative to SERGEANT ERNEST WILKINSON.

            I am to inform you that the International Red Cross Committee now also report your HUSBAND’S capture, and action is being taken officially to reclassify him as a prisoner of war.

            A pamphlet and handbook regarding communications with prisoners of war are enclosed as they may be of service to you.

I am, Sir/Madam,

Your obedient Servant,

Signature unreadable

for Director of Personal Services.

Mrs. E. Wilkinson,

1068 Bury Road,

Breightmet,

Bolton,

Lancashire.