Battle for Rashin in August 1945.

[marek O.]

Hello,
I have a question if You know anything about Japanese units that fought Soviet invasion on Unggi, Rashin and Seishin in August 1945. I know a little bit about Russian side. But about Japanese defenders I know even less. I have information about Fortress Rashin HAR ; Infantry Battalion from unknown Unit ; Cavalry Regiment ; Military School Batalion. These informations are sketchy and uncertain. I would be very grateful for any sure info about IJA units in this area of North Korea and strenght there of.

Regards,
Marek

[Akira Takizawa]

At Rashin, there was Rashin Fortress Garrison Unit. It consisted of HQ, artillery unit and 460th Special Installed Guard Battalion. The strength of Rashin Fortress Garrison was approx. 1,300 men. At Komusan, there was 79th Cavalry Regiment (672 men).

At Seishin, there was main body of Ranam Divisional District Unit. It was deployed as follows.

Seishin Garrison (Approx. 1,900 men)
- 144th Guard Battalion
- 451st Special Installed Guard Battalion
- 452nd Special Installed Guard Battalion
- 410th Special Installed Guard Engineer Unit

Koshurei Garrison
- 2nd Company of Ranam Divisional District 1st Infantry Replacement Unit

Yamane Unit (Approx. 4,200 men)
- Ranam Divisional District 1st Infantry Replacement Unit
- 141st Guard Battalion

Takumi Detachment (Approx. 2,100 men)
- Ranam District HQ
- 142nd Guard Battalion
- 143rd Guard Battalion
- Ranam Divisional District Artillery Replacement Unit

Direct-controlled units at Ranam (Approx. 2,000 men)
- Ranam Divisional District Engineer Replacement Unit
- Ranam Divisional District Transport Replacement Unit

Reinforcement
- 145th Guard Battalion (620 men)

Taki

[marek O.]

Dear Taki,

That's more than I've expected. Thank You very much.

Regards,
Marek

[marek O.]

Dear Taki,

Since Your, for me, incredible answer, on my question, I've started to dig in Russian-languaged internet and I've found few interesting things for me. I don't know if they are correct. i would be very gratefull for any Your comment:
1st - information about Japanese use of armored train, on 14th August, against units of 355th Independent Marines Battalion. Does any Japanese source mentions that fact?
2nd - information about Japanese 204th IR stationed on high ground around Seishin city and 202nd IR in Ranan city itself. Is any truth in that?
3rd - is Yamane Detachment named after col. Yamane Jiro? Is Takumi Detachment named after mjr. gen. Takumi Hiroshi?

Regards,
Marek

[Akira Takizawa]

1st - information about Japanese use of armored train, on 14th August, against units of 355th Independent Marines Battalion. Does any Japanese source mentions that fact?

I also heard of it. But, I cannot find any Japanese source which mentions it.

2nd - information about Japanese 204th IR stationed on high ground around Seishin city and 202nd IR in Ranan city itself. Is any truth in that?

It is not true. Both were in Japan.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/93rd_Divi ... nese_Army)

3rd - is Yamane Detachment named after col. Yamane Jiro? Is Takumi Detachment named after mjr. gen. Takumi Hiroshi?

Both are correct.

Taki

[marek O.]

Taki,

Thank You very much indeed,
Regards,
Marek