openminded
Joined: 07 Sep 2012 Posts: 56 Location: Altrincham, Cheshire
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Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 10:44 am Post subject: Japanese soldiers |
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Naha air base, Okinawa wasn,t near as big as Kadena which I think is still active-Naha closed in 1974 I think. For those not familiar with the history of the island in the Second World war-the japanese defenders were fanatical in their resistance to the amereican troops in 1945 and the tiny island of Senaga-Jima was in the centre of some very savage fighting. Many caves were natural features and the japanese made full use of them and the americans paid dearly trying to get past the defenses. One early morning in April, 1965 I had been assigned to island patrol as an air force security policeman and each and every day at 6 am, 12 pm, 6 pm and midnight the marine guard detachment that provided security for the Navy Research establishment at the base of the island changed over so I had to open the gate and then await their departure once the shift had been relieved of duty. This morning just after the shift had left and were driving down the causeway back past the base I had to shield my eyes and as I padlocked the gate I noticed a file of soldiers moving down the causeway toward me. But these were Not american soldiers-they were imperial japanese marines in full battle readiness carrying their rifles, machine guns and mortars and wheeling carts laden with ammunition before them and they were approaching the gate, calling out to each other in japanese-a few things I was able to understand, but before they reached me they faded into the brightening sun and vanished before my eyes. Other men told of similar things happening to them, but some were silent for fear of being made fun of. I was scared out of my wits at the time! |
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