Type 4 Ho-Ro self-propelled gun - Battle of Luzon, Clark Airfield

[UncleBourbon]

I recently got the exciting chance to see the last known surviving example of this self-propelled gun at the American Heritage Museum last month, and I've had it on my mind since.

It's plaque at the museum mentions it last saw action at the Battle of Luzon near Clark Airfield in January 1945. It was under the command of an Independent Gun Company alongside the Japanese 8th Infantry Division with additional support from the Japanese 2nd Tank Division with units of Chi-Ha Kai medium tanks. It only mentions that the crew were forced to abandon the Type 4 Ho-Ro and flee into the jungle.

I was wondering if there were any firsthand accounts, either by Japanese operators or American servicemen, giving more detail about this engagement?
I was also wondering if there were any firsthand accounts for the other 11 or so Type 4 Ho-Ro self-propelled guns used and destroyed in the Pacific.
Additionally, if there is any detailed history for combat use of the Type 38 Howitzer used as it's main gun, I would also be interested in that.

Good view of the breech on the example I saw firsthand.

[Akira Takizawa]

This Ho-Ro belonged to Sumi Independent SP Gun Company. The account of Sumi Independent SP Gun Company was published in Japan and it describes the battle of Ho-Ro in detail. But, it has never been translated into English. If you can use Japanese text, I will send a copy.

Taki

[UncleBourbon]

This Ho-Ro belonged to Sumi Independent SP Gun Company. The account of Sumi Independent SP Gun Company was published in Japan and it describes the battle of Ho-Ro in detail. But, it has never been translated into English. If you can use Japanese text, I will send a copy.

I can't read Japanese well at all as I'm only acquainted with Hiragana, but I would appreciate the text regardless since I could get it translated.
You mean a digital copy, right? If so I would definitely appreciate that!
Thank you very much for the information and offer. Here are some more photos I took, Merry Christmas!

Type 4 HoRo side view

Type 4 HoRo balcony view

[Akira Takizawa]

> You mean a digital copy, right?

Yes. Let me know your mail address. If you want not to publish it, use private message. I will send a copy by e-mail.

Taki