Post by victor on Mar 27, 2009 2:23:52 GMT 8
A good friend who lived in Bataan and who did some battlefield archeology there sent me some small relics as a gift.
He dug these up along Trail 29 which was west/southwest of Mt. Samat. The 45th Infantry PS fought along this trail following the Japanese breakthrough at Mt. Samat.
I was able to identify and match the hardware with those from my web gear collection.
Z153.
A = Buckle from canvas legging
B = Buckle from M1936 suspenders
C = D-ring from M1936 suspenders; or from haversack pack carrier; or mussette bag
D = Snap from cartridge belt
E = Ammo stripper clip (Japanese)
F = Shelter half pup tent grommet
G = Haversack inner cinch buckle
H = Gas mask bag hook
Other angle:
Z154.
The backside of the stripper clip
Z155.
"I love them and I'm not ashamed of it!"
Here are some excerpts from the book, Bataan Uncensored, written by Col. E. B. Miller . He was the commanding officer of the 194th Tank Battalion and had Stuart tanks accompanying the 45th Infantry Philippine Scouts in the fight along Trail 29.
------------------
The Philippine Scouts were doing the best they could. Japanese mortar fire was heavy. The Scouts had to take it with none to throw back. During the day, I had the opportunity - and honor - of witnessing the mettle of these Scouts.
After the battle had opened in the morning, Colonel Doyle had sent a patrol of Scouts, out to the west, to make contact with our forces. This patrol never returned. All in all, five patrols were sent out in that direction during the day. When the first patrol failed to return, everyone knew what had happened.
As each succeeding group was called up to receive instructions and orders for patrol duty. every last man took his orders with no trace of reluctance or fear whatsoever. There was only explicit obedience in the job they had to perform. They knew the seriousness of the situation which confronted them, and I marveled at their soldierly qualities. They knew that death undoubtedly awaited them, but the last patrol went just as eagerly as the first.
All during this day, many wounded Scouts were brought to the rear. Not once did I hear one whimper of pain or an utterance of complaint.
<Later in the chapter>
----------------
Two tanks were placed at the head of the column. Scouts were sent out in front, on foot, to act as "feelers." The 45th had marched a long distance the day before over mountainous terrain, had fought all this day, and now were on a mission that would have been rough, even for fresh troops. Once again the mettle of these superb soldiers came to the front. During that night, and the events which followed, I never heard one word of complaint, only extreme attention to duty!
<after an ambush>
...Meanwhile, the Scouts had formed a line to our rear and fired blindly in the direction of the Japs to cover our withdrawal. That is the only thing that saved us. Their actions that night would have been more than a credit to the best trained and bravest soldiers in the world.
...Under cover of the fire being delivered by the Scouts, we turned the vehicles, which had accompanied us, to the west. The general withdrawal of the column was covered by our one tank.
...By now, the physical condition of the Scouts we had with us, was near complete exhaustion. On the return march, we saw quite a number of Philippine Army soldiers who had thrown away their rifles and were evacuating to the rear. The Scouts were different. Often one would drop in his tracks. It was only by shame that we could get their exhausted bodies to stumble on. We would look at them and say: "Are you Philippine Army or are you Scout?" Without exception, they would stand as erect as possible - and then plod on. I love them and I'm not ashamed of it!
---------------
These little relics were from their gear. I'm awed to say the least. A real connection with history.
He dug these up along Trail 29 which was west/southwest of Mt. Samat. The 45th Infantry PS fought along this trail following the Japanese breakthrough at Mt. Samat.
I was able to identify and match the hardware with those from my web gear collection.
Z153.
A = Buckle from canvas legging
B = Buckle from M1936 suspenders
C = D-ring from M1936 suspenders; or from haversack pack carrier; or mussette bag
D = Snap from cartridge belt
E = Ammo stripper clip (Japanese)
F = Shelter half pup tent grommet
G = Haversack inner cinch buckle
H = Gas mask bag hook
Other angle:
Z154.
The backside of the stripper clip
Z155.
"I love them and I'm not ashamed of it!"
Here are some excerpts from the book, Bataan Uncensored, written by Col. E. B. Miller . He was the commanding officer of the 194th Tank Battalion and had Stuart tanks accompanying the 45th Infantry Philippine Scouts in the fight along Trail 29.
------------------
The Philippine Scouts were doing the best they could. Japanese mortar fire was heavy. The Scouts had to take it with none to throw back. During the day, I had the opportunity - and honor - of witnessing the mettle of these Scouts.
After the battle had opened in the morning, Colonel Doyle had sent a patrol of Scouts, out to the west, to make contact with our forces. This patrol never returned. All in all, five patrols were sent out in that direction during the day. When the first patrol failed to return, everyone knew what had happened.
As each succeeding group was called up to receive instructions and orders for patrol duty. every last man took his orders with no trace of reluctance or fear whatsoever. There was only explicit obedience in the job they had to perform. They knew the seriousness of the situation which confronted them, and I marveled at their soldierly qualities. They knew that death undoubtedly awaited them, but the last patrol went just as eagerly as the first.
All during this day, many wounded Scouts were brought to the rear. Not once did I hear one whimper of pain or an utterance of complaint.
<Later in the chapter>
----------------
Two tanks were placed at the head of the column. Scouts were sent out in front, on foot, to act as "feelers." The 45th had marched a long distance the day before over mountainous terrain, had fought all this day, and now were on a mission that would have been rough, even for fresh troops. Once again the mettle of these superb soldiers came to the front. During that night, and the events which followed, I never heard one word of complaint, only extreme attention to duty!
<after an ambush>
...Meanwhile, the Scouts had formed a line to our rear and fired blindly in the direction of the Japs to cover our withdrawal. That is the only thing that saved us. Their actions that night would have been more than a credit to the best trained and bravest soldiers in the world.
...Under cover of the fire being delivered by the Scouts, we turned the vehicles, which had accompanied us, to the west. The general withdrawal of the column was covered by our one tank.
...By now, the physical condition of the Scouts we had with us, was near complete exhaustion. On the return march, we saw quite a number of Philippine Army soldiers who had thrown away their rifles and were evacuating to the rear. The Scouts were different. Often one would drop in his tracks. It was only by shame that we could get their exhausted bodies to stumble on. We would look at them and say: "Are you Philippine Army or are you Scout?" Without exception, they would stand as erect as possible - and then plod on. I love them and I'm not ashamed of it!
---------------
These little relics were from their gear. I'm awed to say the least. A real connection with history.