World War II Japanese Tank Tactics

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969–70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a special operations forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.Akira Takizawa was born in Japan in 1954 and studied history at the Tokyo University. He worked as a computer programmer developing PC wargames. Now, devoted to the study on the Imperial Japanese Army he maintains the IJA website (http://www3.plala.or.jp/takihome/). A member of Japanese Tank Research Group, “j-tank,” he lives in Tokyo with his wife.Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn, leading him to study Illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

• INTRODUCTION: 1st Independent Mixed Brigade, 1934 – Armored Forces, 1941UNIT ORGANIZATION: The tank regiment – reconnaissance units – groups and divisions – other tank unitsDOCTRINE: From infantry support to spearheading assaults – dispersalTACTICS: Attack – firing methods – night attack – antitank tactics – defense; Formations: movement – the company and platoon – the regiment and divisionTANK TROOPS: Selection and basic training – tank schoolsCOMMUNICATIONS & MAINTENANCEBATTLE HISTORY: Shanghai 1932 – China 1937–38 – China 1944; Malaya 1941–42; Burma 1942 – Imphal 1944; Netherlands East Indies 1942; Pacific Islands: Guadalcanal 1942 – Saipan 1944 – Luzon 1945; Manchuria 1945SUMMARYSELECT BIBLIOGRAPHYPLATE COMMENTARIESINDEX