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By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on April 5th, 2011%
Organization of the WWII Japanese Army Air Service and Naval Air Service from the U.S. War Department’s Handbook for Combat Air Intelligence Officers, Army Air Forces Air Intelligence School, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, March 1944.
3. ORGANIZATION.
a. General.
(1) Owing to the excellence of Japanese counterintelligence during the years in which they were building their air strength, and owing to the difficulty of the Japanese language, Allied information about the organization of the Japanese Air Services is scanty and possibly inaccurate. (Charts C and D give the latest information available about the organization of both the Army and Naval Air Services.)
Continue reading Organization of the Japanese Air Force
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on February 7th, 2011%
A German Wehrmacht article on the redesignation of panzers from the German WWII publication Nachrichtenblatt der Panzertruppen, Generalinspekteur der Panzertruppen, No. 17, November 1944:
III. Neubenennung gepanzerter Fahrzeuge
Nachstehend aufgeführte Neubenennungen treten mit sofortiger Wirkung in Kraft:
| Bisherige Bezeichnung | | Neue Bezeichnung | | le. Pz. Jg. 38 t | | Jagdpanzer 38 | | Sturmgeschütz III | | Sturmgeschütz III | | Sturmgeschütz IV | | Sturmgeschütz IV | | Sturmhaubitze | | Sturmhaubitze | | Sturmpanzer | | Sturmpanzer | | le. Pz. Jg. IV | | Jagdpanzer IV | | s. Pz. Jg. V | | Jagdpanther | | s. Pz. Jg. VI | | Jagdtiger | | Panzer IV | | Panzer IV | | Panzer IV lang | | Panzer IV lang |
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 30th, 2011%
Top view of the rear engine deck of the M36B2 tank destroyer from TM 9-745: 90-mm Gun Motor Carriage M36B2, War Department Technical Manual, July 1945:
A-GUN TRAVELING LOCK
B-LIFTING HOOKS
C-LEFT TAILLIGHT
D-ENGINE COMPARTMENT DOORS
E-ENGINE COMPARTMENT LEFT COVER PLATE
F-LEFT WATER EXPANSION TANK FILLER CAP COVER
G-LEFT FUEL TANK FILLER CAP COVER
H-FIRE EXTINGUISHER EXTERIOR PULL HANDLES
J-LEFT (LC) ENGINE LUBRICATING OIL TANK FILLER CAP COVER | | K-RIGHT (LA) ENGINE LUBRICATING OIL TANK FILLER CAP COVER
L-AUXILIARY GENERATOR FUEL TANK FILLER CAP COVER
M-RIGHT WATER EXPANSION TANK FILLER CAP COVER
N-RIGHT FUEL TANK FILLER CAP COVER
P-ENGINE COMPARTMENT RIGHT COVER PLATE
Q-ENGINE COMPARTMENT REAR COVER PLATE
R-RIGHT TAILLIGHT |
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 22nd, 2011%
From Japanese Electronics, OPNAV-16-VP101, Photographic Intelligence Report 1, Air Intelligence Group, Division of Naval Intelligence, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, January 1945:
German Radar Summary
Examples of German Radar are included here to cover the possibility that the Japanese may have access to German equipment and technicians.
The Germans employ several types of land based installations covering the functions of Air Search, Fire Control, and Coast Watching.
These types are quite well standardized and are much more efficient than those the Japanese are known to have.
There is now some photographic evidence of German Radar equipment in use by the Japanese. Also, it is knowrn that many other types of German electronics equipment are being used.
The following table represents the latest list of German Radar types with salient information concerning each.
GERMAN LAND BASED RADAR| Name | Size of Screen* | Top of Screen Above Ground | Frequency | Range in Nautical Miles | Use | | LIMBER FREYA | 20′x 16′
IFF – 16¼ x 3½’ | 26¾’
30′ with IFF | 116-146 MCS. | 75 | A.S. | | POLE FREYA | 20′x 16′
IFF – 16¼ x 3½’ or 20′ x 8′ | 32′, 35′ or 40′ with IFF | 116-146 MCS. | 100 | A.S. | | GIRDER CHIMNEY | 19½’ x 97½ | 115′ | 120-130 MCS. | 110 | A.S. | | CYLINDRICAL CHIMNEY | 60′ x 97½
IFF .22′ High | 110½’ | 120-130 MCS. | 160 | A.S. | | GEMA COASTWATCHER | 20′ x 8′ | 25′ | 370-390 MCS. | Depends on elevation (ASL) of site | C.W. |
| LARGE COASTWATCHER | 35′ x 34′ | 40′ | 70-90 MCS. | 60-75 | C.W. | | SMALL HOARDING | 63¾’ x 44¾’ | 50′ | | | C.W. | | LARGE HOARDING | 98′ x 36½’ | 50′ | 120-130 MCS. | 100-115 | C.W. | | SMALL WURZBURG | 10′ Diameter | 12½’ in Vertical Position | 550-580 MCS. | 25 | F.C. | | GIANT WURZBURG | 24′ Diameter | 27′ in Vertical Position | 470-580 MCS. | 40 | G.C.I., A.S. & C.W. |
* – Width (Horizontal Dimension) Given First
A.S. – Air Search
F.C. – A/A Fire Control
C.W. – Coast Watching
G.C.I. – Ground Control Intercept
Drawings of all of the basic German Radar types are included on this page. Best known popular names are used for the designation of each type. It will be noted that these designs are quite well standardized for each particular use, and identification is easier because of this fact.
In most cases, this German equipment is superior to that now in use by the Japanese. A constant watch for German type designs of Radar in Japanese held territory is therefore in order.
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 22nd, 2011%
The U.S. intelligence articles from Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 34, September 1943 have been added to the main Lone Sentry website:
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 21st, 2011%
BETIO ISLAND, TARAWA ATOLL. This 98 cm. searchlight truck represents standard equipment that has also been taken on Saipan, Peleliu, Lae-New Guinea, and Little Kiska Island. Small size and ease of movement make this light practically impossible to detect. Power for operation of the light is supplied by a built-in generator run by the truck engine. On Little Kiska, the searchlight truck was dug in, camouflaged with nets, and gave the appearance of a small building; on Saipan trucks were housed in underground concrete garages.
Source: Japanese Electronics, Photographic Intelligence Report 1, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, March 1945.
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 20th, 2011%
Analysis of captured German and Italian equipment, particularly newly encountered panzers such as the Tiger tank in Tunisia, remained a priority for Allied intelligence and ordnance teams throughout WWII. The following brief summary of these efforts is taken from “Intelligence Lessons from North Africa, Operation Torch” by the Office of Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, Allied Force Headquarters, March 1943.
Captured Material
The problem of getting back captured material is a difficult one as fighting units do not have the technical ability to decide what should be sent back and are usually too busy to make the necessary arrangements. In Tunisia, the situation is further complicated as most captured equipment is at once handed over to the French to make up shortages.
The War Department is shortly sending out a team of ordnance personnel trained in the examination of enemy material, to work under the Intelligence Branch at Allied Force Headquarters. It is proposed to have a portion of this team well forward, to be sent to any part of the line where active operations are taking place. They will be responsible for discovering what material has been captured and for ensuring that it is evacuated to the rear as early as possible. The remainder of the team will be at Allied Force Headquarters under the Technical Intelligence officer to arrange for photographs, measurements and dispatch to U.K. or U.S.
It is recommended that similar teams be organized in future for British expeditions with transport including at least one 30 cwt. truck for the removal of material.
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 15th, 2011%
The following correspondent’s report from the UP (United Press) describes the fighting at Hunt’s Gap in Tunisia in February-March 1943. Compare this account of the battle to the German commander Oberst. Rudolf Lang’s account and British observer Howard Marshall’s account.
BRITISH BOMBER SCORES AGAINST 6 GERMAN TANKS
Northern Tunisia Fighters Receiving Allied Air Support
BY EDWARD W. BEATTIE
ON THE NORTHERN TUNISIAN FRONT, March 1.—(UP)—There were six enemy tanks—big boys, probably Mark VI’s—massed north of the Mateur-Beja road when a bomber went in and dropped two bombs squarely into the middle of them.
British soldiers threw their helmets into the air and cheered. And well they might, for troops in this area never before had such air support as they are now receiving.
The British bombers caught Rommel’s supply columns in a narrow valley above. Beja Sunday. There was a thick fog lying across the valley and it was not an ideal day for bombing.
But, starting at dawn, the Allied bombers made eight sorties low into the valley and when they got through, the hair-pin road along which the Axis transport was concentrated was pock-marked with bomb craters.
Enemy Immobilized
I talked to the returning pilots and they said most of the enemy vehicles were stationary and some of them immobilized by the fury of the Allied attack.
The Germans threw an attack against Allied lines above Beja Sunday, using about 10 Mark IV tanks. British Churchill tanks rolled out to oppose them and knocked out three and perhaps four of the Mark IV’s. A heavier enemy attack may come, however, because a force of about 30 German tanks was seen just off the Beja road.
Allied air power was thrown against the Germans as early as Saturday, and ground troops then reoccupied two important positions.
The British early Saturday morning took Fort McGregor—named after a young American lieutenant from Brooklyn—south of Medjez-El-Bab. The American garrison of Fort McGregor was withdrawn some time ago.
British Surprise
The Germans took it Friday. Crack German tank forces and other elements penetrated through a dry river bed to the south. The British surprised them with a counterattack, killed 40 and captured 60.
The British reoccupied Tally-Ho corner after the Germans withdrew into the hills east of the Medjez-El-Bab – El-Aroussa road during the night. When darkness came Saturday, the British were mopping up a few remnants halfway along the road.
The attack toward Beja made little progress Saturday, and was heavily bombed and shelled. The Germans sent forces of roughly a battalion (1,000 men) through the hills between the Beja-Mateur and Beja-Medjez-El-Bab road, intending to cut around the latter around over Zarga. By Saturday night, the battalion had not been in contact with the British, although artillery had shelled the Germans heavily.
Germans Use Planes
The Germans have been using their planes liberally to attack Allied positions and shoot up transport behind the front. They attacked Tally-Ho corner three times without much result.
Roughly, it was estimated the Germans threw 13 battalions (13,000 men), with supporting troops of two divisions (perhaps 30,000 men) into the action on the northern front, but paradoxically, fighting was more restricted Saturday than the day before.
Of an estimated 50 German and Italian tanks involved, It was estimated that at least 15 to 20 have been knocked out.
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 15th, 2011%
Instructions for storage and shipment of the Dodge weapons carrier and variants (WC-51 through WC-60) from TM 9-808: ¾-Ton 4×4 Truck (Dodge), War Department Technical Manual, January 1944.
STORAGE AND SHIPMENT
194. STORAGE AND SHIPMENT (GENERAL).
a. The 3/4-ton truck will usually be shipped uncrated for domestic shipment. For overseas shipment trucks will usually be shipped crated in pairs. Preparation for temporary storage (less than 60 days) will be the same as preparation for domestic shipment, and preparation for indefinite storage (over 60 days) will be the same as the preparation for overseas shipment.
b. Preparation for Domestic Shipment and Temporary Storage.
(1) LUBRICATION. Lubricate the vehicle completely before storage or shipment.
(2) FUEL IN TANKS. It will not be necessary to remove the fuel from the tanks nor to label these tanks under Interstate Commerce Commission Regulations.
(3) WATER IN RADIATOR. Drain the radiator only when there is a possibility of freezing during storage or shipment. If the water is drained from the radiator, tie a conspicuous tag to the steering wheel of each vehicle indicating that the radiator is empty.
(4) BATTERY. Disconnect the battery by removing the positive battery cable. Tape the cable and tie it away from the battery.
(5) UNPAINTED SURFACES. Treat all unpainted and exposed surfaces with rust-preventive before the vehicle is stored or shipped. After cleaning the surface with solvents or a soap, solution, treat all exterior surfaces with a thin film of rust-preventive compound. Apply preventive cold by spraying or brushing. It will harden to a tough thin film. Treat surfaces from which it would be difficult to remove rust-preventives, such as the bore of a gun, with rust-preventive compound, light. Apply this compound by brushing or slushing.
(6) TIRES. For domestic shipment, inflate the tires to about 10 pounds above normal.
(7) INSPECTION. Make systematic inspection just before shipment or storage. Make a list of all missing items or broken items that are not repaired, and attach the list to the steering wheel.
c. Preparation for Overseas Shipment and Indefinite Storage.
Observe all precautions given in paragraph 194b in preparation for overseas shipment and indefinite storage. Many additional precautions must be taken, especially for overseas shipment. (See AR 850-18.)
195. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR STORAGE.
a. Take the following precautions when the truck is prepared for storage.
b. Engine.
(1) Check the engine oil and replenish if necessary.
(2) Remove the air cleaner from the carburetor.
(3) Start the engine and run it at a fast idle, spraying approximately one pint of lubricating oil preservative (medium) into the carburetor throat. Turn off the ignition switch immediately after the oil has been sprayed into the carburetor.
(4) With the ignition switch off, open the throttle wide and turn the engine over several complete revolutions by means of the starting motor.
(5) Install the air cleaner.
c. Brakes. Release the brakes and block the wheels.
d. Inspections.
(1) Inspect the vehicles weekly for tire leaks or discharged batteries.
(2) Upon removal from storage, repair or replace any items noted on the tag attached to the steering wheel as still needing repair or still missing, and perform a complete monthly maintenance inspection.
196. METHODS OF SECURING VEHICLE ON FREIGHT CARS.
a. There are two approved methods of blocking the 3/4-ton trucks on freight cars as described below.
b. Method 1 (fig. 209).
(1) BLOCKS B. Place eight blocks B to the front and to the rear of each front wheel and to the front of each forward rear wheel, and to the back of each rearward rear wheel. Nail the heel of the block to the car floor with five 40-penny nails, and toenail that portion of the block under the tire to the car floor with two 40-penny nails. CAUTION: Nail blocks B in such a position that cleats C will clear face of tires by 1/2 inch.
 Figure 209. Method 1 for Blocking ¾-Ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge) on Freight Cars (2) CLEATS C. Place two cleats C against the outside face of blocks B at each front and rear wheel. Nail the lower cleats to the car floor with three 40-penny nails and the top cleat to the cleats below with three 40-penny nails. Fill the 1/2-inch space between tires and cleats C with burlap or other similar material to prevent chafing of tires.
(3) STRAPPING D. Pass four strands, two wrappings, of No. 8 gage, black annealed wire (D, fig. 209) through the spokes of the wheels and the stake pockets. Tighten the wires enough to remove slack. If a box car is used, apply this strapping in similar fashion and attach it to the floor by the use of blocking or anchor plates. This strapping is not required when gondola cars are used.
c. Method 2 (fig. 210).
(1) BLOCKS F. Place one block F across the front and one across the rear of the front wheels. Place one block F to the front of the forward rear wheels and one block F to the rear of the rearward rear wheels. These blocks must be at least eight inches wider than the over-all width of the vehicle at the car floor.
 Figure 210. Method 2 for Blocking ¾-Ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge) on Freight Cars (2) CLEATS E. Place sixteen cleats E against blocks F, as shown in figure 210.
(3) CLEATS C. Wrap cleats C with burlap or other similar material to prevent chafing of tires. Place one cleat C against the outside of each front wheel on the top of block F, as shown in figure 210. Nail the cleats to each block F with two 40-penny nails.
(4) STRAPPING D. Pass four strands, two wrappings, of No. 8 gage, black annealed wire (D, fig. 210) through the spokes of the wheels and the stake pockets. Tighten the wires enough to remove slack. If a box car is used, apply this strapping in similar fashion and attach it to the floor by the use of blocking or anchor plates. This strapping is not required when gondola cars are used.
197. OVERSEAS SHIPMENT.
a. The truck will usually be crated for overseas shipment to protect the truck, to reduce cubic measurement, and to facilitate stowage. Usually this crate will be made up as a twin pack; that is, containing two vehicles broken down as much as necessary in order to save cubic displacement. When such crating is necessary, it should be performed in accordance with IOSSC-(a), “Introduction to Ordnance Storage and Shipment Chart, Section (a), Instructions and Specifications for Packaging Ordnance General Supplies.”
198. SHIPMENT WITH COMBAT UNITS.
a. Shipping of Vehicles, Combat Loaded.
(1) Do not disassemble the vehicle. Protect unpainted surfaces with lubricating oil preservative.
(2) BLOCKING. Whenever possible, use blocking similar to that shown in figures 212 and 213. However, special precautions must be taken to prevent the materiel from moving sideways.
b. Protection During Shipping.
(1) MATERIALS AVAILABLE. Keep a supply of the required cleaning and preserving materials available for servicing while in transit.
(2) DECK LOADS. When the materiel is shipped on deck, cover the vehicle with a closely fitting tarpaulin. Seal all engine openings, such as the carburetor, air intake, exhaust outlet, oil breather outlet, etc., with waterproof tape. Apply this sealing so that it is easily accessible without disassembly in order that the vehicle may be ready for immediate action.
c. Inspections. Make daily inspections for signs of corrosion which should be checked immediately by reapplication of rust-preventives and lubricating oil. Do not allow salt water to dry on unprotected surfaces under any circumstances. If possible, after the materiel has been subjected to salt water flush the materiel with clean, fresh water.
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 5th, 2011%
Report on the German “Small Wurzburg” radar from U.S. Naval Intelligence report Japanese Electronics, March 1945:
The “Small Wurzburg” or “Bowlfire” was first designed in 1936, and is one of the most efficient Radars. It is primarily for A.A. fire control but has been used for A/C reporting, searchlight control, and as a standby for Ground Control of A/C. In general, it is a mobile Radar, mounted on a four-wheeled trailer with outriggers for levelling. Some sets are emplaced, however, and the wheels removed.
Search is by mechanical rotation of the apparatus for bearing and by elevation of the reflector bowl for height measurement.
The diameter of the paraboloid reflector is 10 feet, the top of which is but 12½ feet above the ground. A cupboard, housing the radar equipment, and an operators seat are attached to the rear and side of the reflector.
There are several types of Small Wurzburgs; among them Types “A”, “C”, and “D” are most used and are quite similar. Type “D” is found with limber mounting and may be without wheels or even set in concrete.
For transport, the paraboloid can be split, by hinges, and turned down in two halves.
Type F.M.G. 41-T is a modification of the Small Wurzburg which incorporates a scoop-like form for cutting out ground echoes.
The practical range of the Small Wurzburg is not more than 25 nautical miles but it has a high degree of accuracy for Fire Control purposes.
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