WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF WASHINGTON February 24, 1942. MEMORADUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: Subject: Report by General Wavell on Japanese Tactics, Technique and Equipment. The following is a brief of a very interesting report that has come to us from General Wavell, on the above subject: "The main object of an army is to fight. This idea is the foundation of all training. It has been proven by the Japanese themselves that they are not just imitators of the procedures of others. For example, they have made important advances in the development of landing techniques which include the designing and manufacture of specially constructed landing craft carriers, landing craft and assault boats used in landing operations. "The Japanese have demonstrated that they are quick to take over the techniques of foreigners which they see suitable for their own characteristics and special requirements. It is evident that they have made a close examination of the Nazi battle experiences of 1939. In Malaya modern techniques were displayed by : (1) The close cooperation of supporting arms with the infantry, especially in the cooperative action of light artillery and mortars. (2) By the use of radio-phone there has been effective cooperation of air forces with ground forces. The fact that the army has its own air arm facilitates this cooperation. (3) The Japanese have made use of great noise as an adjunct to their fighting and use live mortar bombs and fire crackers. (4) Trees are made use of as fire positions to give advantage over ground-bound opponents. "Among other improved techniques of the Japanese is the skill they have shown in repairing bridges. Speedy advances have been successfully made by reason of their ability to remove obstacles, especially for tank units. Thorough training of engineer units is evident. |