"Imperial Japanese Army Paratroopers" Topic

"The success of German Paratroops during the invasion of Crete prompted Japan and others to develop their own paratroop forces, though strangely they seem to ignore the high price paid for that success. The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) quickly established a training unit in late 1940, and on 1st December 1941 the 1st Raiding Regiment was formally raised, with other units to follow. Their first parachute action was the attack on Palembang, Sumatra, in February of the following year, which was a success, though they faced mostly second-rate opposition. However the cost had been high, and once the western Allies turned the tide of war and Japan went onto the defensive, these men were used as elite infantry in ground operations. The only other parachute operation these men ever took part in, at Leyte in December 1944, was a failure, so their parachute history is very brief, but they played their part in the Pacific War and suffered very high casualties attempting to defend their conquests in Asia.

IJA paratroopers used much the same weapons as the rest of the Army, although after a while ones which came apart for easier transportation were introduced. Of the eleven poses in this set, four hold rifles which would be the standard Arisaka Type 99 short model, and two others have the Type 100 submachine gun with its curved side magazine. Also on show (last figure in top row) is a Type 99 light machine gun, which could have a bayonet fitted as shown here, though whether this was seen as a viable option most of the time seems unlikely. One man in the bottom row is armed only with a pistol, which in most sets would suggest he is an officer, but not here. Until well into 1943 paratroopers were dropped with just pistols and grenades (plus their bayonet), and had to find rifles and all other equipment from canisters dropped separately. On the Palembang drop this proved extremely difficult due to the thick vegetation, causing many men to fight the early engagements with just pistols as per this figure. The last figure is clearly an officer however as he clutches his sword, and the remaining two figures here are unarmed…"

Full review here
link

Amicalement
Armand