Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
Hello
I recently read a book on the fighting in Burma in which there is a British officer on a scouting mission notices a Japanese unit which, to everyone`s surprise, consisted of tall and powerfully built men, something unusual for Japanese. The officer concluded that these were men of the Imperial Guard, not a regular IJA unit.
I am hoping someone could inform us as to whether men of a certain height and build were selected for the Imperial Guard units. Thanks in advance.
I recently read a book on the fighting in Burma in which there is a British officer on a scouting mission notices a Japanese unit which, to everyone`s surprise, consisted of tall and powerfully built men, something unusual for Japanese. The officer concluded that these were men of the Imperial Guard, not a regular IJA unit.
I am hoping someone could inform us as to whether men of a certain height and build were selected for the Imperial Guard units. Thanks in advance.
- Akira Takizawa
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Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
Imperial Guards had never fought in Burma.
For Imperial Guard units, excellent soldiers were selected. But, it does not mean that tall and large men were chosen. Imperial Guard did not have any special standard on soldier's physique.
Taki
For Imperial Guard units, excellent soldiers were selected. But, it does not mean that tall and large men were chosen. Imperial Guard did not have any special standard on soldier's physique.
Taki
Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
the war started with a Imperial Guards mixed Brigade which was engaged in Malaya - converted to 2nd Guards Division in 1943 and spent war as occupying force in Sumatra -- the 1st and 3rd Guards Divisions activated in 1943 remained in Tokyo area --- maybe some units of the 2nd Guards Division were in Burma???
Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
i think the British thought there was a height requirement in the Guards,based on their experiences with the German Guard in WW1.
Discussed also here:
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... 5&t=109670
The Australians thought they ran into Guardsmen in New Guinea based on the stature of certain Japanese soldiers as well.Supposedly one or two provinces in Japan were renowed for there tall men as well.
Also this:
Discussed also here:
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... 5&t=109670
The Australians thought they ran into Guardsmen in New Guinea based on the stature of certain Japanese soldiers as well.Supposedly one or two provinces in Japan were renowed for there tall men as well.
Also this:
..a review in Japanese says that they found youths were taller in a limited number of urban prefectures in 1937 conscription data..
Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
Sorry, my mistake, it was not Burma, but a place called Kharasom in India not far from the Burmese border and very close to Kohima. The Imperial Guards were sent to stiffen Gen. Sato's 31st Division.
- Akira Takizawa
- Member
- Posts: 3372
- Joined: 26 Feb 2006, 18:37
- Location: Japan
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Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
No, it's not true.Imad wrote:The Imperial Guards were sent to stiffen Gen. Sato's 31st Division.
It was 58th Infantry Regiment that attacked Kharasom. The home of 58th Infantry Regiment is Takada, Niigata and it was known as powerful infantry regiment. Niigata is rich in rice. So, men from there would be well-built.
Taki
Re: Japan`s Imperial Guard 7th Regiment
Can anybody provide information on the Japanese Imperial Guard 7th Regiment. I have seen a comment that there is doubt as to whether or not it existed and it does not show up in any of the three Guards Division. However I have a original photo that shows an Imperial Guard Major with the number 7 after his rank patch. The photo can be dated to post 1934.
Thanks
Rich2010
Thanks
Rich2010
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Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
Hi,
The 7th Imperial Guards Infantry Regiment was formed on 1 June 1943 and assigned to the 1st Imperial Guards Division.
Best regards,
VJK
The 7th Imperial Guards Infantry Regiment was formed on 1 June 1943 and assigned to the 1st Imperial Guards Division.
Best regards,
VJK
Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
(1)For intelligence reasons, troops serving overseas did not indicate their regiments in that way. Imperial Guard 1st Division was in Sumatra.
(2)Anyway indicating regimental number on collar was abolished in 1940.
(3) This style of collar was in use from 1938.
(2)Anyway indicating regimental number on collar was abolished in 1940.
(3) This style of collar was in use from 1938.
Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
Thanks for the info.
Why is the Major wearing a regimental number on his collar, when that system was abolished in 1940, but the regiment was not raised until 3 years later in June 1943?
Rich2012
Why is the Major wearing a regimental number on his collar, when that system was abolished in 1940, but the regiment was not raised until 3 years later in June 1943?
Rich2012
Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
Rich, it's a subtle thing to state. Some reenactors like to take sepia shots. Japaneses tend to look like younger than we really are, but I feel he is too young to be an IJA field officer.
Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
I take your point. However this is an extract from a larger solo photo which shows him with four medals (the latest dateable being the 1940 Nat. Anniversary. Com. Medal). He is holding his army sword (shin-gunto). I have a large number of similar original contemporary photos and there is no indication that he is a re-enactor or it is a post war print. Perhaps from a wealthy family with influence?
Re: Regarding Japan`s Imperial Guard
Was there a difference in height requirement of the Imperial Guards assigned to the Emperor. Family story, as inaccurate as that can be, the Guard of The Emporer needed to be 6ft tall.