The Battle for Saipan re-enacted

[av8tor]

The Battle for Saipan was re-enacted at Gettysburg this weekend, August 13 and 14.

I participated as an Imperial Japanese soldier, and what an experience that was! Some of our fellow re-enactors from the last Bataan battle were there, both from the American and Japanese side.

Pictures are being uploaded and will follow.

[av8tor]

Here is the first batch of pictures from the event.


US Marines and Army men on the move.






Some of the men from my unit, the "Sato Squad".


Sergeant Major Matsimoto


Our leader Andrew Yamato



Some of the men from the Hashimoto squad

[av8tor]

Here's the next group of pictures.




During the pre-battle briefing.








Peter-san showing how to use a Japanese light machine gun aka Madsen.


The Madsen LMG of the Hashimoto force in action.


The 20mm canon (we called Boom-boom) of the Sato force.


Another LMG, a "Captured" Bren being fired by Barreta-san of the Sato force.

[matsumoto]

Nice photos!
-Matsumoto

[RayAdillO]

Very nice 20mm AT/AA "boom-boom" that Sato force has....CHEERS TO THE EMPEROR!



And to the Marines....SEMPER FI! Great Saipan reenactment gentlemen.

[VeeVee]

Nice Don! Are you in any of the shots at all? How did the event go? It must have been a lot of fun. How is reenacting IJA different from the allied in "tactics" and all? Did you guys do a Banzai charge?

[av8tor]

Aug 16, 2010 7:21:51 GMT -5 VeeVee said:

Nice Don! Are you in any of the shots at all? How did the event go? It must have been a lot of fun. How is reenacting IJA different from the allied in "tactics" and all? Did you guys do a Banzai charge?

It was a very different experience, we did about 6 or 7 battles that Saturday. On the first battle, I was assigned to man one of the 20mm canon we fondly called the "Boom-boom" and I felt so powerful. It was placed in a defensive position behind some leaves and grass, the first shot I fired sent those grass and leaves flying! I also felt how it is to be armed only with a bolt action Arisaka rifle and sheer determination going against the marines & GIs armed with M1 Garands, Tommy guns, and that darn 1897 Trench gun that was so loud specially if you're on the receiving end.

We did several Banzai charges and I experienced how it is to see your comrades fall one by one as countless flashes from opponent's barrel filled the sight in front of me, as I tried vainly to get some of them and ultimately fall down.

There was a particular battle where we ambushed the marines as they passed. It was very important to hide and have good camouflage, my Sgt. covered me with foliage.

Our camp was authentic Japanese. from tents, shrine, and sake.. lots of them.

Many of the re-enactors there are veterans of the US military, some of them are mid level officers of the army in active duty and some are from the special forces.

More pics to come.

[av8tor]

Here are some pictures from Matsimoto and Baretta's camera. Whith a few pictures of me.


Max and I manning the "Boom-boom".


This MG should be light, but believe me it's heavy!


The camp


Sulu's shrine


On patrol


Ambushed!


Commanding Officer Yamoto... Death before dishonor!

[RayAdillO]

Hmmm, that helmet you're wearing looks mighty familiar to me av8tor san.

[av8tor]

Yes Rey, that's the one.

[av8tor]

More pics from the event.

[av8tor]

More pics...

[av8tor]

More pics (again).

[av8tor]

This should be the last batch of pictures from the event.








At the end of the day I was treated by Baretta-san to fire his full automatic Sten gun.

[VeeVee]

Fantastic! Is that Carter running with the Thompson?

How were you able to take these pictures? Did you disguise your camera inside a period prop? Many of these pictures could be POTW in the WW2 Forum! Want me to submit one for you and see if they'll put it up?

[av8tor]

Yes that's Carter charging!

I tried hard to hide the camera, and I only take before battle and whenever I get "Killed". And yes, go ahead sending photo on that WWII forum. Just send me the link.