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IJA Peter Flahavin 1996 |
Gun History Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) as 70mm Battalion Gun Type 92 (1932) serial number unknown. Wartime History This gun was transported to Guadalcanal and emplaced atop Hill 27 to defend The Gifu. On January 2, 1943 after a heavy artillery bombardment, 132nd Infantry, Americal Division continue their offensive against The Gifu. Advancing, the 2d Battalion caught the Japanese by surprise when they reached the crest of Hill 27. At the start of the assault, the gun crew was resting under trees 30 yards away and cut down as they ran towards their gun. Afterwards, the Americans used the gun to shell Japanese positions until they expended all the captured shells. Out of ammunition, they disassembled and buried the pieces of the gun. Wreckage In 1996, Barana villagers found the buried wheels and axle and recovered them to Barana village were they are displayed at Barana Village Relic Display (Barana Museum). The wheels and axle were later purchased by Australian Rod Bellars and transported to Australia where it was part of his collection until he passed away in 2021. Peter Flahavin adds: "During the American surprise attack the Japanese crew had been caught resting under trees 30 yards from the gun and been cut down as they ran to man it, one wheel has a bullet hole through it. Afterwards, the Americans then used the gun against the Japanese until the ammunition supply ran out. The gun had been taken apart and buried in foxholes, 50 years in the ground but 90% paint and wood still remained on the wheels. We later went up the hill and found an ammo tin, shell case, traverse lock and fuses nearby. The wheels we brought home and are in Rod Bellars collection." References Thanks to Peter Flahavin and Rod Bellars for additional information Contribute
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