TK421
11-05-2006, 07:52 PM
I recently came across a little book entitled "A Brief Study of the Malayan Campaign 1941-42" by a Capt S.G. Chaphekar. The author fought in the campaign and was taken prisoner. The book isn't perfect, but it has some interesting analysis of Japanese equipment and tactics.
On the topic of small arms, he stated that the Japanese rifle had greater range but less "hitting power." He also mentioned that they made good use of light "Tommy-guns." Perhaps he was referring to light machineguns (like the Taisho 11 or Type 96), but by his statements about British kit deficiencies he seems to know the difference between machineguns and sub-machineguns. I have found one other reference to a Japanese SMG (the 1941 Model 100). Anyone have any insights or information to offer on this?
He states that their second favourite weapon was the light mortar, which A&AM does very nicely. The third weapon of choice was the hand grenade.
He also mentions the successful effects of Japanese tanks.
Perhaps there is room for a Japanese MG with suppressive fire? In any case, A&AM seems to reflect fairly well the Japanese army that this Captain faced in battle (mine favours machineguns and mortars). Once my e-bay Japanese tanks arrive my Malayan invasion force will be complete.
Something that could possibly be represented in scenarios was his obsevation that the Japanese force employed infiltration and outflanking manouevres combined with de-centralized command and control. I'm trying to cook up some scenarios based on the accounts in this little book. I need some Jungle maps!
Cheers,
TK
On the topic of small arms, he stated that the Japanese rifle had greater range but less "hitting power." He also mentioned that they made good use of light "Tommy-guns." Perhaps he was referring to light machineguns (like the Taisho 11 or Type 96), but by his statements about British kit deficiencies he seems to know the difference between machineguns and sub-machineguns. I have found one other reference to a Japanese SMG (the 1941 Model 100). Anyone have any insights or information to offer on this?
He states that their second favourite weapon was the light mortar, which A&AM does very nicely. The third weapon of choice was the hand grenade.
He also mentions the successful effects of Japanese tanks.
Perhaps there is room for a Japanese MG with suppressive fire? In any case, A&AM seems to reflect fairly well the Japanese army that this Captain faced in battle (mine favours machineguns and mortars). Once my e-bay Japanese tanks arrive my Malayan invasion force will be complete.
Something that could possibly be represented in scenarios was his obsevation that the Japanese force employed infiltration and outflanking manouevres combined with de-centralized command and control. I'm trying to cook up some scenarios based on the accounts in this little book. I need some Jungle maps!
Cheers,
TK