)

JULY 1945

JAPANESE

II

KNOW. YOUR ENEMY!"

CinCPac-CinCPOA

BULLETIN

162 -45V

~~~)4~?3

.lM-J.

?~</

UNCLASSIFieD
,

_"'!llI 1M!

JAPANESE BRIDGE BUILDING AND RIVER CROSSING

INTRODUCTION

With thePa~if'ic War rapidly developing int.o operations involving large land
, masses and all types of .terrain, the Japanese can be expected to employ their army
engineering lDlits extensively inbridgeconstruct;Lon and river crossing methods
essential for speedy, efficient transport.
.
So far the Japanese have had few opportunities to exploit their bridge building
capabilities, in the S'NPA and POA. Captured documents and reports from observers
in' Burma and the Philippines hOwever indfcate their training and systems used in
crossing rivera and streams ~ve proved sound
workable.

and

Considerable criticism has been made of Japanese engineering/methods, because

their bridge const.ruction does not come up to technical specifications Of, American
standards. This criticism is based upon fallacious canparisons. The size and
amount of equipment moved by the Allies is much ~eater than that' moved by the Jape.'
Japanese engineers 'construction need not beaastrong as ours. The true measure
or theengineers t , effectiveness .is whether or not they fulfill their mission. By
this standard the Jape. have perfonned exceedingly well in past operations.
In Burmaaecording to U.S. observers, the Japanese ade'quatel)" demonstrated their
ability, using conventional as well as many iilge1rl.OU8 methods for water crossings.
Muoh of the enemy's ,success in that campaign has been credit ed to his efficient
construction work.,

Ylhentactical conditions permit,' the Japs follow a pattern similar to our own

in moving men and materials' across rivers and swaJnps. They use pontor;l bridges,

girder and trestle bridges, boats and barges. But in improvisation they have

shown outstanding ability, g!nerally developing the expedient from local materials

obtained near t~e site or construction.

'

It is evident that the Japsintend to resort frequently to expediency since

their engineers in forward areas have been toundto be scantily equipped, apparently,
depending largely upOn,hand tools, local materials and frequent useo! coolies aId
natives for labor.
Japanese bridge construction ~mbrac~8 two methOds: Constroctionby successive
bays, and "construction by parts. These methods are sub-divided intoconstroction
on land and tliat done on water. However, the keynote of orders to engineers in
recent months, taken traa a document captured on Guam, has been: Disregard all
formal rules of construction and concentrate on getting the job done rapidly by
using any method.
JICPOA,L~50627.,1.THRU 24

UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE

UNCLASSIFlE;O,

.1"Xil.

Construction of bridges by emceesive bays. Mathe advantage of requiring few

men, but it has atime-conslmling disadvantage. 'Conversely, the construction ~1

parts takes less time, but requires more men. The Jape prefer the successive bay

method,probably because of lower personnel requirements, and use construction by

IB rtsonly , as the s .ituation dictates.

'

Two broad plans have been used by the Japanese in crossing large rivers. First J
they attempt to move'a complete. unit across on boat.s and barges. Secondq, front'
line troops are sent across by boats and barges with the remainder of the unit
crossing by bridge.
'
,

Use of the fir at plan doe. not necessarily preclude construction of a bridge,
, but. vulnerability to. attacks. from land, 'air and water makes bridges di tficult to
defend, .and construction nonnally will' not, be started until front'11ne troops have

crossed on boats and secured their bridgehead.

,.-.

In. the second plan, a bridge is built as, rapidly as possible and the croasing
is made by combined bridge and boat facilities. .Emphasis is placed on. JIlOvin&. horses
and vehicles across on pack horse ,bridges and medium reinforced bridges to assist
front line forces in establishing positions. Although an attempt, 'is'made to in
tegrateengineering work with the general situation, priorities . of .1Ork will depmd
on'the width of the river, materials on hand and the enemy situation.
'
Information contained in this. report has been compiled from. various sources

and includes all known types of bridges, boats. and expedients, with illustrations

and charts, .use<;l by the Japanese to cross rivers, streams and swamps. Ad~tional

subsequent intormationwill be published as a supplement to this report.

PAGE

~NCLASSIf7lED ;

U'NCLA$SIFlE:D';~

II

ie",O".'

ORGANIZATION

Available organizational reports and tables leave a saJiewhat conr'using picture

relative to the exact composition of a complete engineer unit, designed' specifically
for bridge ,building and river crossings. OneJtable lists 220 officers and men ina
bridge building canpany while another shows 400 and a third indicates more than
60J persmnel. Larger units, are hor8.e-equip~d, smaller 'ones a:r:-e motorized
.Each Japanese'division contains an engineerre~t or its equivalent,ana.lo
gous to the U.S. Amy Engineer battalion in number o/men, but not in the amount
of. equipment carried~ . The unit normally consists of. three field companies .arid a
regimental material platoon.Regimen~8 usually bear the number of the division to
which they are attached: the 15th Engineer Regiment.wouJ.,dbein the 15,th Division.
,
Captureddocuznents bear out the beli.ef' 1;,hatall Japanese engineer regiments
are organi'zed 'with at. least one bridge building company, or with enough fiexibility
to fornl the equivalent.,cerone b.ridg~ building canpany fron! trained personnelwlth'in
the varioufJcompanie8~r"the
regiment.
"<.- -.' ,
.. "''''."
One source tells of a bridge building company composed ofacompany headquarters
and three platoons. 'The strength of this company varies. from 400 to 675 officers
and men, depending on whether it is motorized or horse-drawn. Individuals are armed
with ri.fles and carbines and the following equipment is ,oarried when the comp,ally is
.motori. zed:

33, metal boats

15 Type 96..pontons
9 Type 95 collapsible, boat s

4 small passenger vehicles

1 .command c.ar

141 trucks

2 llgpt repair vehicles

Chart A iroicates the personnel required for construction of various types of
bridges us~g Type 100 and vehicle-transpOxted Type B river crossing materials.
Each bridge building company 1.s furnish~denQugh Dl&teriaJ. to construct approximately
500 feet or TypeB br1dg1ng~
.

UNC~$S"F,';EO

P4GE

Chart A
FOR VARIOUS rr'YPES OF CONSTRUCTIONV.ITH TYPE
PORTED TYPE nB" RIVER CROSSI~MATERIAL

P~RSONNEL

NEEDED

100 'AND VEHICLE-TRANS

Classifi
cation

...

Trestle

+ Method

z
()

s:

cn~

.ClJ:
.......

-n:

0'

Single
Float'
Raf,t
End to End End to End
Leader Men Leader Men Leadel Mep
Br~dge

Vehicle-Transported Type "B"

Type 100

-'

s;

~ ~ Type .
J: Personriel
~ 1st Sec.
~ 2d Sec.
~
0 3d Sec.
+'
t,:
Sec.
0 4th
Po.
5th Sec.
Upstream
Anchor Sec.
Downstream'
Anchor Sec.
Girder
Section
P+anking
Section
Bridgehead
Section
Reinforce
ment Section
Boat Handling
Section
Trestle Plac
ing Section
Trestle Tpt.

1
1

6
6
6

1
1
1

12
12
12

,"

Raf~-Beam

to BealIl
Leader .Men

10
10
10
10

10

1
1
1

-.

Trestle
Bridge
Leader Men

-Ponton
End to :bnd
Leader .Men

1
.

,.'

6
10

'.

..

14

11

12

"

Required Personnel
1

12
12

1
1
1

,.

Raft
End to End
Leader Men

11

41

49

"

16

16

12

12 .

Section

T OTA L

71

53

75

60

64

1//

,UNCLASSIFIED

~t2

n"21,11

BRIDGES

Brid.ge building and river oro8~ing operations are likely to be a significant

factor in Japanese tactics of future campaigns. Techniques of crossings set- forth

in this chapter are ~f logistical and technical' importance as well as tactical.

Thus tar there have been no reports or the, enemy making an assault crossing, al

though captured document s indicate they are equipped to do so.

Considerable information has been obtainad on bridges and bridge building.in

general .from captured documents, PhotOgraphs., prisoner., of .war reports and re, orts

from observers. However,iJl only one case (an eye-witness report franBumaJ has

it been possible to follow the a ctualconstruction .or a bridge through its many

, cOlIlplex steps. Using our own bridging procedure as a guide, thef'ollowing notes,
togetherwfth photographs and charts, represent the available information on
Japanese bridges and bridge building.
p.

The bridge reported by the eye-witness was used by the Japs to move foot troops,
porters, animals and handcarts across the 400-yard wide Chindwin River in Burma.
Rafts consisting of six boats each were' joined end-wise tofOrDl' a continuous

length of bridge as long as the Chindwin was wide. , The down-stream end of the

bridge was picketed to the bank and the upstream end was pushed out into the river

until the current ,carried it to t~e far, bank, where it was picketed into position.

The floats for this bridge apparentlyweref'aetory.l.made, _ss-produced wooden

boats with blunt bows and stems. They were approximately eight feet long, four

teet wide and ,two and one half feet deep. All. were painted black and had what

were believed to be fittings for outboard motor attachment, although

motors were

seen.

no

Each boat had eight steel brackets, four on each gunwhale, through which bamboo
balk was fitted. The balk ,spanned t'WO bJats, 'the two-toot interval between,' boats,
, and ovetlapped the next boat b7 the boat's widt~.
,

Flooring was timber made up in p,anels,approximately eight feet long and five

teet wide, and weighing between SO ~d 100 pounds. The, panels were laid directJ.3

on the back andwer,e not lashed down.

Two other bridg~s constructed by the .Japanese in Burma were a mule bridge and

root bridge over the, Turel" River near Imphal. Trestle bents for' the mule bridge

consisted of' old car chassis with stringers andfiooring made of bamboo ,am 'l.ooden

poles. The root br1.dge.was made ottripodpiers, stringers and wooden decking.

One prisoner hasstatedthatthest.andard foot bridge used by the Japanese

consists of board or bambOo slats (presumably decking) abo'ut five feet long, placed
on rubber boats. The boats, are spaced across the river in 13-footinterVals. Duck
boards for this bri~gearethree f'eetwide to support trpopscrossing in single
file, and five feet wid~ to support trQops in columns of twos or threes

.UNCLASSIFlf;P

PAGE

UNCLASSIFIED

,CO{OiR'

II
Figure 1.

'.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

PAGE

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Figure

4.

II

Figure 5.

The bridge shown in Figure 1 is designated b~r the Japs as their Type 97 foot

bridge. It seems to fit the prisoner I s description of a canmonly used foot bridge.

When it became necessary to increase the capacity of bridges, due to increased

. weight of ordnance, the Japs developed the Type lCX) bridge illustrated in Figure 2.
This bridge wiD accomodate vehi.cles and artillery pieces up to seven tons.
l

The Type C vehicular bridge S10wn in Figure :3 is used chiefiy to support any

thing up to and including medium tanks (16 tons). Except for the bridging pontons,

the entire bridge is constructed of steel.

No type number has been given to the bridge shown at the left in Figure 4,

although the text accompanying the photograJil states that it has been constructed

from new heavy bridge equipnent and will carry caterpillar-tread vehicles and field

vehicles weighing up to 20 tons. A Type 97 single file foot bridge is at the right

in the phot~graph. A medium tank is pictured crossing a river on new type vehicular

bridge in Figure 5.

The Japanese are sldlled in the construction of wooden trestle bridges which
they erect speedily fran materials prepared beforehand or available locally. Joints
in these bridges are usually lashed witb straw rope ,and occasionally are strengthened
with iron pins. Such trestles are found serving as approaches to ponton bridges in
wide river beds. In shallow rivers the bridges may be several hundred feet in
length. Despite their flimsy appearance they are capable of supporting artillery
and heavy equipment.
A report from the New Guinea area states the Japanese have used a light, easily

handled miniature truss-type bridge of steel tubing with wooder1 treadways.

When three spans of this bridge are Joined, the center 8~n can carry 700

pounds without appreciable sag, and the bridge, even when joined in iengths of four

and possibly five spans, will carry without reinforcement a steady stream of troops

UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE

UNCLASSJFJED

at ordinary intervds. Two such bridges, laidpar~el, wo~d carry,wi.thout, rein

ftrcement a dead weight of 3,000 pounds in lerl8ths ,up to t,.h.ree spans. "A small
vehicle up to the weight of a jeep could negotiate the parallel structures, and
light field artillery could cross easily. If,reirl!orced,thebridge" of course
could carry weights ,up to the bearingcapacftyofthewooden treadways.

The actual ,,:,sight,of a complete bridge ot three sections is 154 pounds; ,it

can ~asily pecarri,~ by two men. , A five-se~tion ,unit could be carried by tw,o

men, although the length would, make it ,8 clumsy, burden.

" ' "The bridgeisllladeupof endspans,vbich have carrying handles, and center
spans. ,Each end 'spanfsll'feet6inches long; each center span is 9 feet long.
The depth at a.' center span is 9!inches. The enci spans have nine bays, seven or
"trl.ch ,' carry treadway's" and twoot which tenninat e in carrying handles. The center
spans have seven bays, a.ll or which carry treadway.
Charts B, C and Dcontain pertinent"dataonJapane~e'bridgingm aterial,

capacity of bridges, and classification 0 t various bridges.

Cl:iARACTffiISTICS Qf. ~.,.~ EQUIPMENT, ~

Classification

Special River

crossing !!a~,

terials (Im

proved types)

Capacity

Length
of
Bridge
one liat
Co can
build
929;9
'Yds.

3Pon Gross weie';htun

ton
der 7 tons.Ve,
Bridge hicles with 'axle.
load less than
5 tons & space
between axles
of over 9.84 :n;
and tracked ve
hicles of over
6.56 Ft. @'round
cont.act.
4Pon Gross l/Ieil!pt, un';'
ton
del' 16 tons. Ve
Bridge hides with ~e
load below 9, tons
and space between
axles above 9,84
Ft. and t~acked
vehicles above
9.84 Ft.. ground
contact.
Ar:"
!;led Arty (under
168;48
ra2ge ,10cmGun, ,trac
Yds.

ment
tor drawn), ,ve
l
hiclesunder2
tons axle load, "
3 tons gross
weight.
Ar
Tractor-drawn
13 6 .75
Yds.
range- 10cm Gun, 4
ment ' ton truck;
2
othe~ vehicles
under 3-ton axle
load, over 9.84
Ft. space be
tween axles;
Gross ',it. under
'
5 tons.

1:

Organization Notes
of ' one
Materiel Co

1. Use light
hand-drawn
carts.
2. 1oieightof
pontons .(4
section
steel pon
tons) 6174
'Lbs.

Type'A

Vehicle

carried

River

Crossing

Materials

PAGE

,"

Tptliagon

~etal Pon

tons (2

(4-hor s e
drawn)
': . sections)
Total Vit:
94
1543.5

Lbs.

Draft Horses
384
Reserve
, Horses:
24
I"

eSNIlffiIO i lAC

Chqrt B, (continued)
CHARACTERISTICS OF RlVER"':CROSSING EQUIPMENT,_ PART I:

BRIOOING

(Continued}

78.77

Ar

Type A
Vehicle
carried
River
crossing
Materials

Tanks, Ground
range contact over
rnent
9.18 Ft; gross
wt under 10
3
tons.
Tanks, ground
Ar-
range contact;, over'
ment
12.46 Ft; gross
wt under 16
4
tons.
Single Med Arty (inclu
lane
'ding Type 3810
Bridge cmgun in tra
veling condition)
Vehicles under 2.
ton axle load, 3
ton gross wt.
Heavy 4 ton trucks
Single ,Vehicles up to
'lane
5 tons gross wt;
Bridg~ when axle load
is under 3 tons
and space between
,axles over 9.8L..
Ft. 'When current
of stream is slow,
can barely ,ca:r,ry
tractor-dra.wn '

Type B
VehiC le-'
carried
River
crossing
Materials
t

Yds.

59.08 ,
Yds.

..

164.1
Yds.

1 Horse-,
drawn Tpt
Wagon: 297
Draft Horses:

,297

Metal Ponton
(4 sections)
Total wt:

1278.9
Lbs.

Res Horses:

16

Ifmotori
zed: Pass
Car:. 4
Truck: 72
Res: 9
Light.Re
pair' Car:
2

Car: 6'
Oban Car:, 6

. IDem gun
<'rype 38)~

"

Type C
Vehicle
carried

From!l6-ton tank down ,to , 76.58

Yds.
motorcycleswithside
.' c'ars.

Riv~r"

,.

'crossing
Mciteria1a

Motor trucks ,Wt of metal

pontons
"
22
(4 sections)

2072.7
Lbs.

,
..

UN:CLASSIFIEO

.,

PAGE

, :U~NGbASSIFIED

(ggldL ,a2;,)lP4;g

ctt6rt,'S(ci>'ntinuecJ)

,CHARAOTffiISTI OS OF. RIVER-CROSSING EQUIPMENT PART

1.: . BRIDG!NG

(Continued)
Type 100
River....
crossing
Materials

Ar
range
ment
1

164.1

Gross wtunder
4 tqns ; vehicles
axle load under
'3 tons; space
between.axles
over 9.84 Ft;
tr:acked vehic
lesground--con
tact ov'er4. ~2

Yds.

Motor truck
about 130

Wt of metal
pontons
(3 sections)

1808.1
Lbs.

Ft.
Ar
range
ment
2

Type 97

FO,ot
Bridge
Materials
RRRiver
,Crossing
Materials

Gross wt under
7 tons; vehicles
axle load under
5. tons, space
between'aXles
over 9~84 Ft';
tracked vehicles . .
over 6.56 Ft~(up
to light tanks).
Single liJlepf'
54.7
infantrymen
Yds.
with equipment

Emergency
Bridges_
(Using
experi
mental
. materials

.For Heavy
Trucks \

I for'1094

For Light
Trains "

Yds river'
bridges)

....

Motor
River, Crossing
Ferry for
RRCars

I:
I

PAGE

10

car

Ferrying
Fac.ili....
ties

Motor truck
I
AlsoTpt
Wagon '"'!'5
Type 99 .RR Bridge Trussed Girders 30
sets (plusco'nstruction tools)
FUlBridge .Supports (largest). 31 sets
(Not used when legs of bridge are low)
Bridge Piles (largest) 15 sets (Not
\lsedwhenthere is no current)
Type 99RRBridge Trussed Girders 15
sets (Use aqout half sleepers (or ?)
rails).' ... ' . . (
RRBridge .' Supports (largest) . 15 sets
(not used when .legs of bridge are low)
RR'Bridge"Piles (l~gest) 15sets (not
used when there is 'nocurrent) '
Embarking facilities -. both river banks
River crossing motor fer,ry 2-3
l(p9c;i{....ciowntype transpprt equipmentas needed' for the above.
'

RR

.UNGLA$SJFII:D

UN~~SlPI:eO

-ChartC
CAPACITY OFBRIOOES BUILT. FROM VARIOUS STANDARD

TYPES OF RIVER"'croSSING .MATERIALSff

Clas sification

'Type 97 Foot Bridge

Type

91

Small Ponton Bridge

Medium Ponton Bridge
Large Ponton Bri~ge

Horse

Carried

Type
RCM

Light'Bridge

Heavy Bridge

RCM

Vehicle

Carried

Type "A"

RCM

1st MethQ9.

~d

Vehicle

Carried

Type "B"

RCM

Vehicle...

Carried

:r'ype "Gil

RCM

Special'

Method

,3d Method
4th Method
Medium Bridge

Tracked vehicles of gross-.

weight up to 7MT or wheeled

vehicles up,to 5MT'
All uni t~ of Fd Arty ( except
those organized for motor
transport) All. vehicle s of

gross-Weight up to 3MT(sin

gle axle load 2fu"T)

All vehicles off,ross-weigh:t

up to. 5lvlT (single axleload-
3M"T)
~
Tracked vehicles .--Max. , lOMT,
Tracked vehicle's.--1~.16MT
Vehicles up to 3~T Gross Wt.
"

Heavy Br.idge

Vehicles up to 6T Gros,s Wt.

Light-:-Heavy
DutJr Bridge

Vehicles up to 161IT Gross

Wt~

Tracked vehicle s. of gross

weight up to 7MT'. All vehi

cles of single axle load up
to 3T.
'
,
.........,:.----------1-.
. .Trackedveh,icles
......
Heavy
of <grossBridge'
weight up to l6MT.' All vehi
cles of single axle load up
to 9MT.
.'
Vehicles up to 7TGrQss-Wt.
Type 91 Light Light-Heavy
Duty Br.idge
Vehicles, up to 'lOT Gross \it.
Construction

Road Bridge
RClv:

Remarks'
For 13.12 Ft. span

For' 9.84 Ft. span'

For l3.l2Ft. span

Bridge :width-
7.872 Ft.

"

T~Tpe

100

Capacity
Single file on foot at

2 or 3 paces interval

Single file on foot,

Double file on foot
Triple file on foot
3-fi1e colu,mn' of forces on

foot or Mtn Arty (limbered)

Light
: Bridge

Bridge width-

9.84 Ft.

Bridg~ width-

9.84 Ft.

"Same as above
'.

Same as above
.Same as above

Bridge width-

9.184 Ft.

Same as above

Self-prop,elled

vehicles only.

-----------------1

3 Line'
'Bridge
width-
15 .088
Ft.

Pontons
'~4~L~i-n-e----I

,Pontons

, Bridge
Girders

width-lengthwise,
9.512 Ft. 4 rows.
'Girders
crosswise,
6 rows

.-01'B1 BCIIia abbreviation' tor river crossing _ienal.

B' i8 abbreviatlontor _trio tema.

UNCLASS'FIE~

PAGE

II

II

UNOLASS1FlED

"

..,'

"

',-'

-,'

,.,.',

-.;.

~"".,

-,.

ChartD
NUMBER OF COLLAPSIBLE BOATS REQUIRED BY A DIVISlOOIN RIVER CROSSING,

~
,

Craft

Required
Number

Distribution

Remarks

Force

Division
Hq

Division

Signal.
Unit

15 boats
48 boats
149 boats
18 boats
6 boats

Personnel
Horses
Automobiles
Personnel
Horses,
Transport
Vehicles

78 boats

54 boats

6 boats
21 b,oats

Personnel
Hqrses

Infantry'
Group
Hq (DAN)

Infantry

Regiment

142 men will be loaded

lIith'the automobiles
and horses.

44 men will go aboard

with the horses and

transport vehicles. 35
horses will'be loaded,
with the transport
vehicles.
26 men will be loaded,
with the horses.

212 boats

27 boats

,261 boats

Personnel'
' Horses
Rifles
Guns
'Transport
Vehicles

"

2200' men and 28.0 horses

will be loaded with the
transport vehicles.

,1,566?oats

"

822 boats
36 boats
Ie boats

3 formations
(4698) boats
,

520 boats

",

Reconnaissance
Regiment
"

ArtilleryGp

Hq (DAN) " .

Personnel
33 boats
Horses
147 boats
Automobiles 204 boats
,Personnel
9 boats
Horses
54 boats
Observation
6 boats
Cars
Transport
27 boats
Vehicles
306 boats
1620 boats
Guns
216 boats
Ammunition 396 boats
Carriers
Reserve
39 boats

Vehicles
'Observation
66 boats

Cars
"

Transport

420 boats

Vehicles

Personnel
78 boats
Horses.
lIaS boats
lOS 'boats
Guns
Transport
Vehicles .' 822 boats
Personnel
Horses

FA
Regiment

384 boats
I

96.boats
",

About 306 men will get

on board with the auto
mobiles and horses.

90 men ~illgeton board

with,the horses, and transport'vehicles. 18
,horses will be loaded
with the transport
vehicles.
Entire personnel will
get on board with the
guns, "horses, and

-:

"

2,757 boats

vehic~es.

Mountain
Artillery
Regiment

2,200 boats

"

PAGE

12

UNCLASSIFIED

2878 men will get on

board with.thehorses,
guns and., transport
vehicles. 508 horses
'Will be loaded with the
tran~port vehicles.

UNCLASSI.FlED

~.n

rUdtl"

Chart 0 (c'ontinued}
NUMBER OF. <X>LLAPSIBLE R>ATSREQUIREDBY A DIVISION IN RIVER CIDSSING - (ContI d)
.

'

~
,

. .---;::l

Distribution

Required
Number

Remarks

'-------,---------;----:..----+-------------1

157 men will get on board

with the horses, automo
205 boats
biles and transportve
hicles. 30 horses will
Tran~port
45 boats
be loaded with the
Vehicles
transport vehicles.
Transport
Personnel
186 boats
Entire personnel will
Regiment
......-:-H_o_r....s_es~~--+- __1~6_:'8-b
....o-a-t-s---1l,828 boats
get on board l'litl). the
AutoJIi..obiles
568 boats'
horses, automobiles, and,
Transport
1092 boats
transport vehicles. 727
Vehicles
horses will be loaded
with the transport ve
hicles. Goods to be'
loaded in excess. of es
timate (ammunition
rations and forage ~
Decontamination Personnel
12 boats
42
men will get on board
93 boat's
Unit
Automobiles
81 boats
with the automobiles.
22 men will get on ooard
Personnel
9 boats
Ordhance DutS'
52 boats
with the automobiles.
Unit
Automobiles
43'boats
Personnel
. 81 boats
Medical
260 men will get on
Unit
board witb.,the,automo
~H__
or__
s e....s_ _~--+-~~5~1-....
bo-a-t-s-'_'_'I 297 boats
Automobiles
153 boats
biles., ,'horses and trans
port vehicles. 60 horses
Transport
90 boats .
Vehicles'
will be loaded with. the
transport vehicles.
Field
Personnel
15 boats
JA3 men will get on .
Hospital
board with the horses
......
H_o_r_se_s
-+-~ ..
l_2-b....o-a-t-s--_I123 boats
and transport vehicles.
Transport
96 boats
64 horses will be loaded
Vehicles
wi th the transport .
vehicles.
Veterinary
Personnel
6 boats
82 men will get on board
Depot
Horses
15 boats '.
83 boats
with the horses,automo
Automobiles
20 boats
biles and transport ve
Transport
4 4 q o a t s h i c l e s . 27 horses will
Vehicles'
be loaded with the
"
transport vehicles.
Hygiene and
Personnel
18 boats
117 boats
66 men will get on board
Automobiles
99 boats
with the a.utomobiles.
Water Supply
Decision
'IO TAL: 1,3 ,250 boats (165.6 formati ons)
. .'
166 Rubber Boat Units required by a Division in River Crossing
Remarks - 1. Method.of 'embarkation will,beacco'rding to the appendix in "Regulations
onRiver Crossing Work. II Trucks, will be loaded ona raft of four boats.
Two"transport vehicles and two 'hor~es will be loaded on a raft of three
boats.
Engineer
Regiment

Personnel
,Horses
Automobiles

69 boats
16 boats

"

2. Only single boats are indicated when accouriting i'ornumber of craft

.UNCLASSIFieD

PAGE

13

Chart E

""0

l>

G>
fTI

TABLE OF MATERIALS USED III PREsENT JiEGULAR TYPE RIVER CROOSING (BRIDGE ONLY)

.'

ta

Condition or River
T() Permit -OonI---!!~'II't..ll&.+-...n~"+~w.I\'a.-,~."...-~
. ~I~
I\Classifl ~..tle
Pcm,t(Ui
cation
Bridge
Bridge
Special
Depth. or
River
Water:
CrolllSing. \
Over
31.49
Equipment
Inches
'.

Length of bridge
whIch can be made .
~om. equipJl!8nt.
of one Materials
Company
I.' (TN=-- See expla..
nation at bottom
forI,'U, III &:
IV) ,nal.52 Yds.

Width

or

Bridge

15.09
Ft.

, II. .. 929.9Yds
. <. ..
~

....

Vehicle
. Trans
ported

()

):

T~

River

"A"

Cro~sing

CIJ
C.IJ

Material

-".....,TI'

Water
Depth:
6.56 Ft
or leS8.
ForrI!
and IV"
4.92Ft
orles8.

Depth of
Water:
Over
23 .. 62 In.
Current
Rate:
2.5 MPH
or less

I. 16S.48 Yds.

II.l.34.56Yds
III. 83.14 Yds.
IV. 59.08 Yds

9.84
Ft.

Current
Rate:
1.5 MPH

or less

..

m,

Vehicle
Trans
ported.
Type "B"
River
Crossing
Material;

Horse

Trans
ported
Type

River
Crossing
Material

Water
Depth:
6.56
Ft. or
less.
Current
:Rate:
'1.5 MPH
or' less.

Water

Depth:

Over
19.69
Inches.
Current
Rate:
2 MPH
0t: less.

Water
Depth:
4.92
Ft. or
less.
Current
Rate:
1.5 MPH

or less.

Water

Depth:

19.69

Inches

or

aore.

Yds~
'109~4 Yds.

I.;w..l

II.

I. 145.5 Yds.
II. ~.52
Yds.

9.18
Ft.

7.87
Ft.

Principal
Equipment
of one
llaterials
Company
:2 Sets Abut
ment, For
Tree.tle Br.
22 Bays, For'
PontonBr:
l36Baye.Re..
s1sting{TN?)
Bridge ;J.2
BaYs, . Row and
lIotor' Boats 4,
Cable stretch
erand pile
driver 10,
BUilding tools
2 Sets, oars
135 sets.
Trestl.Brr One sat
:3 Seta Abut
trestles, girder 7,
ment; Tr6atles
6, Boat Pier-
p1anks19, guard
21 Sets, Super
rails 2, lashi.ngs
6 . Ponton Br":
structure for
iletal pont.on .1, . La.sh trestle Br-6
BaYSl, SaIM for'
1ngnet 4, Girder 7,
Planks25~ guardrail PontonBr: 21
2~ ~shingS 6,' anchor bays, outside
trestle girders
rope 2,.ancbor2.
l8,oars--24
sets, rOW boats
and motor boats
:3 sets, (TN:SiC)
Construction
tools, :3 sets.
3 Sets Abut
Trestle Bridge:
ments; Trestles
1 Set trestles, gir
9, 27.sets Pon
ders 9, plank" 16,
ton piers, An
guardrail 2, lash
ings 6; Ponton Br:
chor :30 sets,
Superstructure
lIetalboat 1, .lash
iug net 4, Girder 9~ Jll&terial, 39
planks 16, guard '.
bays, 30 sets,
rail 2, lashings 6,
oare 3 sets,
motor and row
anchor 2, anchor
boats.
rope 2.
3 Set Abut
Trestle Br: 1 Set
ments, 9 Bays
trestles, 5 girders,
12 planks, 2 guard
for Tr.Br. 36
baye for Pone
rai18, 6 .lashings.
Ponton Br: .1 metal
Br., 3 sets
construction
boat, 4 lashing
equipment, 36
nets, 5 gir.dera,
sets rowing
12 planks; 2 guard
rails, 2 anchors
equipment,
6 lashings,
:3 row boats.
2 anchor ropes.
Principal
Materia18
needed for
one Bridge
Bay (Engineers)
Trestle. Br: '. Capsill
1, . Girder,S, planks
20, Guardrail 2,
lashings 6. Ponton
Br: .lIetalPontonl,
Girder 8,plariks 20,
guard rail 2, lash
lugs 6,harid rai~
1, anchor ropes 2,
anchor. 2, lashing
net-..5.

Length of

Vehicles and
Horses of one .'
laterials
COIIp&ny

-Bridge
~y

(Span) .

Usa

Tre.stle
Bridge:
Ordinarily
16.40 Ft.
Ponton
Bridget

push-carts

I.22~13 Ft.
II. 16.4 Ft.

It is nec~ss!U'Y
in emergencies_
to allot a era
pany to .Line L
,of Communications

Trestle Br:

I. 14.76

Ft.

IItt III...
7.38 Ft.
Ponton Br:
3L1ne .Br..-"
19.68 Ft.
4 Line Br..
14.76 Ft.
10!:33Ft.

Treet1eBr:

1.13.12 Ft.
~I. 6.56 Ft~
Ponton Br:
I. 13.61 Ft~
II. 9.75 Ft.

Trestle Br:
I. 9. 51 Ft.
II. 4.76 Ft.
Ponton Br:
I.{3 line)
9.84 Ft.
II.' (4 line)
'6.13 Ft.

."

Single horse
drawn Tra.ns
port Vehicle
197; Pack
Horse, 197;
Spare hOrse,
16.

Pack horse,
360; Pack
horse for
baggage,. SO;
Spare horse,
23.

About
1312.8
Yards.

Vehicle'
Trans-',

ported

Type "C
River
Crossing
Material

c:

s;:

.."

Water
])epth:
..9.84F,t
orless.
Current
Rate:

2.511PH
or less
(When'
water
depth is
6.56 Ft.
the rate
will be

Wa1ler
Depth:

76.58

Yds.

7.S?

7.S?
Ft.

Inches,
or over.
Current
Rate:
2.5 MPH
or les~.

ments, 6 Bays
for Trestle
Bridge, 4Baya
for Ponton Br.

Trestle Br:
22.96 Ft.
Ponton Br:
22.96 Ft.

It iS'necessary
to allot one Line

of Communications
Transport ,Company

or

1'ype 100

River
Crossing
Material

less)
Water
Depth:
4.92 Ft
or less.

Current

Rate:
1.5 MPH
or less.

CJ)

Water
Depth:
19.69
Inches
or over.
Current
Rate:
2.5 MPR
or less

9.84
Ft.
I

ii

TYPe 91.

Trans

verse
Girder

Suitable
,'for high
~'and

Road

steep
streams

Bridge.

arid

Type 92
Trans

verse

Girder

rivers.
Same
as
. above.

1],.48
Ft.

Current
Rate:

23.62
In.

Heavy
Bridge.
Type 97

Foot
br1clge

EIPLAlIATIOIf:

(j1

4 Sets Abut

2 MPH

'A
.\,1.1

0'

Trestle Br: 1 Set

of trestles and
1 Sllperstructure,
Ponton Br: 3 piers
, 1 superstructure,
~ anchors, 3 an
chor ropes.
.

1 MPH

Trestle Br:1 Set

trestles, 7 girders,
16 p4nks, 2 guard
rails, 6 lashings,
transverse girders
1, 2. sets supports.
Ponton Br: l'lIetal
bcl8t, 4 lashing nets
7 girders, 16 planks
2 guard rails, 4
lashIngs, 2 cross
bracings, 1 trans
. verse girder, 2 an
chors, 2 anchor
ropes. .
.
Girders for sections
36, girders for ex
tremities.8, ordinary
planks 140,22 hand
rails,abutment
material 4, .abutment
stakes 40.
Girders for sections
64, girders for ex
tremt~es 16, bridge
planks 140, 22 hand
rails, abutment ma
terial,4, abutment
stakes 40.
2 Superstructures
2 Transverse Girders
4 Floats

or less.
. River
'iidth:
109.4
Yds or
less.
The numbers I, II, III, &: tv indicate the method of' construction
corresponding to the, resistance strength.

3 Sets Abut
Jlients, . 9 sets
trestles, Pon
ton pier 33,
44 sets super
structure ma
terial, anchor
boats 3, ro~
boats 15, sIt!
cia! anchor :3.

Trestle Br:

13.12 Ft.
Ponton Br:

About 150

trucks

. About
11359.8
Yards

13.12 Ft.

104.96
Ft.

aneset'is
the material
allotted
for one 'bay.
)

98.4
Ft.

Same a8
above.

16.4
Ft.

One set is
material
allotted
for 10 bays

'!'here is no transport equipnent.

Such will be allotted as needed.

&To:

UNCLASSIFIED
)rs2itii42

IV

BOATS

Several different types of boat s have been developed by the Japane se for use
in crossing rivers and streams. These boats should not be confused with standard
assault boats sometimes used by the Japs for river-crossings.
Ideal boats for moving troops and materials across rivers are either collapsible
or demountable models: One collapsible. boat in wide use is divided into two sections,
each of which collapses flat upon itself and is individually floatable. Each
section i8 13! feet long, 43/4 feet wide, and slightly more than 2 feet high. The
wooden frame is braced and all joint 8 are bonded wi th rubber. This boat will carry
20 men and nine such boats can be loaded on a t1fo-~on truck. Light outboard motors
have been used to propel this boat.
Japanese engineers operate a variety of demountable motor boats, fitted with
outboard and inboard motors of various kinds. One small, .3O-foot boat normally
propelled by an outboard motor breaks into four sections. Some of the motors are
arranged for animal pack.
Three types of rubber boats, of from one to ID-man capacity, are known to be
used by the Japanese for river and stream crossing. No data is available on these
boats, but they are thought to be similar in construction to tmse used by U.S.
forces.

In many situations bridge ~nstruction is impossible and the Japs will be

forced to depend upon boats and ferries to get their men and equipment across rivers.
Chart E gives an excellent picture of the number of collapsible boat s required to
move a division across a river.
Figure 6 is an illustration of a Type 95 three-boat raft used exclusively for
river crossings by oar or motor propulsion. It is collapsible and can be carried
on transport vehicles. Capacity of a three boat raft is 14 men, or 11 men, one
battalion gun and five ammunition boxes. Another three-boat raft Used far crossing
vehicles is the Type 99 heavy raft shown in Figure 7. Weights up to 15 ton can be
carried on this raft. It is usually propelled by motor and can be trans ported on
motor vehicles.

Figure 6.
PAGE

16

NCLASSIFIED

Figure

7.

UNCLASSIFIE

tWdi 132 f

IIsif

V
SWAMP CROSSING
Japanese ingenuity has received full play in developing methods to move men and
material across swampy terrain. A small amount of equipnent has been standardized
for this phase of operations, although enough latitude has been extended for many
expedient s.
Most swamp crossing equipment encountered has been compact, light, and carried
by the individual or on his vehicle. Approaching wet or swampy ground that
threatens to bog down both troops and equipment, the Japs first measure the resis

tance and depth with the apparatus shown 1n Figure 8.

Sketch 1.

Figure 8.

Swamp shoe s are cOlIDllonly used by foot troops to cross over soggy ground.
These are made by the individual soldier from rattan, When available, or iron wire,
willow and other local materials. Sketch 1 illustrates the oval-shaped shoes,
which are 15 to 20 inches long and 12 inches wide. Heavy rope, ribbons and string
fasten the shoes to the feet, and poles, similar to ski. poles, aid in supporting
the individual.

UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE

17

UNCLASSIFIED

, Sketch 2.

PAGE

18

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

..

:SEd iO(t~

Another type shOe is equipped with buoyancy bags (Sketch 2) am is used by the
Japs to cross small streams as well as swamps. The shoes are slightly more than
5 feet long, 6 inches high, weigh approximately 20 pounds and have a buoyancy of
290 pounds. These shoes are big and clumsy and their standardized use is doubtful.
Sketch 3 illustrates one of many methods of transporting artillery and other
heavy equipnent acro ss swamps when road construction is inconvenient. Wooden
sleds weighing approximately 100 pounds each are used most commonly.
Planking laid over rubber ponton boats frequently is used to move troops and
ordnance lighter than field guns across watery stretches. These bridges are light,
easily transported, and can be quickly assembled.
Wheel treads are a common expedient used to move heavy artillery pieces.
Figure 9 shows a Type 38
wi. th
wooden t reads which fit over th e
rim of the regular wheels. Iron
treads also are used.

ilJ\'!

75 mm field gun equipped

~lat roads made fran rattan,

bamboo, mat-rush and other avail
able materials are used ext.en
sively. The slats are bound to
gether and rolled up. A hurdle
like pusher is attached and used
to unroll the road over the swamp
area to be crossed. (See sketqh 4).

Figure 9.

Sketch 4.

UNCLASSIFIED

PAGE

19

_ -_ _ L

UNCLAS IFIED
: '**~~J>.
N

;~~

~0:

~ :'o;i:~

::;;:

't-::-

>~

2.

_......, _ ''''''_ _

.""

~:::;

'.

.~

-~~. "~'r".,,3ml!""h':,

.""_..

me""'"

"""~, l:1&tX:"

Type 97 Foot Bridge.

Japanese soldiers employing small rubber raft in practice

PAGE

20

river crossing.

U CLASSIFIED