CHAPTER 9 - WWII JAPANESE HORSES AND HORSE DRAWN WAGONS



TABLE OF CONTENTS










5. WWII JAPANESE CAISSONS, LIMBERS, AND OTHER ARTILLERY VEHICLES.

a. WWII Japanese Caissons and limbers.
(1) Horse-drawn caisson and limber. Figure 321 depicts a typical Japanese horse-drawn caisson and limber, for use with the 75-mm field gun. Mounted on standard artillery, iron shod, wooden wheels, the two units are drawn by six horses.



Characteristics are reported as follows:

1. Total weight (empty) --------- Approximately 2,130 pounds.
2. Weight loaded
Limber only: 1,750 rounds.
Caisson only: 2,080 rounds.
3. Capacity
Limber: 40 rounds.
Caisson: 60 rounds.
. Diameter of wheels --------- 55 inches.

Figure 321. Typical horse drawn caisson and limber.


Caissons and limbers of design similar to Figure 321, but carrying fewer rounds, are provided for field guns of heavier caliber.

(2) Japanese Alternative type caisson and limber. The caisson and limber illustrated in Figure 322 is an alternative type for use with the 105-mm field gun. Primarily designed to be towed by a tractor, it also may be drawn by six horses. The heavy artillery type wheels have solid rubber tires. Characteristics are reported as follows:

1. Total weight (empty) --------- 2,530 pounds.
2. Total weight (loaded) --------- 5,040 pounds.
3. Total capacity --------- 48 rounds.
4. Diameter of wheels --------- 55 inches.

Figure 322. Alternative type caisson and limber for 105-mm field gun




(3) WWII Japanese High speed caisson. The photographs illustrated in Figure 323 show the most modern type of Japanese caisson seen to date. Constructed of metal, it is mounted on steel disc wheels, of comparatively small diameter, fitted with solid rubber tires. The probable capacity of the caisson is 48 complete rounds of 75-mm ammunition. Units of similar appearance carry a smaller quantity of 105-mm ammunition.


Figure 323. High speed caisson for 75-mm ammunition.

b. WWII Japanese Horse Drawn Battery wagons.
(1) Battery wagon for antiaircraft gun. The trailer (Figure 324) apparently is constructed for high speed transportation of communication equipment, miscellaneous spare parts, and bulk ammunition. The body is made from lightweight metal plate, which is not considered to be proof against small arms fire. compartments are provided for the stowage of the various items of equipment carried. This vehicle is mounted on metal disc wheels fitted with pneumatic tires. For antiaircraft defense, a tripod, apparently designed for the Model 92 (1932) 7.7-mm heavy machine gun, is mounted on the roof. Characteristics of the vehicle are as follows:

1. Overall length of frame --------- 11 feet 10 inches.
2. Width --------- 6 feet 3 inches.
3. Wheel base --------- 7 feet 7 inches.
4. Ground clearance --------- 12 inches.

Figure 324. Horse drawn Battery wagon for Model 88 (1928) 75-mm antiaircraft gun.




(2) WWII Japanese Battery wagons for field artillery. These units are similar to the horse-drawn limber and caisson in construction (Figure 325). They are used for the transportation of general artillery equipment, such as range finder, binoculars, battery commander's telescopes, communication materials, tools, etc.

Characteristics are reported to be as follows:

1. Total weight loaded (limber and caisson) --------- 4,318 pounds.
2. Diameter of wheels --------- 55 inches.




c. WWII Japanese Horse Drawn Spare parts wagons.
These are used for the transportation of spare parts, tools, and maintenance and repair materials (Figure 326).

Characteristics are believed to be as follows:

1. Total weight loaded (limber and wagon). --------- 3,770 pounds.
2. Diameter of wheels --------- 55 inches.

Figure 326. Spare parts wagon for 150-mm howitzer.


The two units are normally drawn by 6 horses.


6. WWII JAPANESE HORSE PACK EQUIPMENT.

a. General.
Great attention has been paid to the development of pack transportation of infantry support guns, namely, Models 41 (1908) and Model 94 (1934) 75-mm mountain pack guns (Section II, Chapter 9), as well as of machine guns, ammunition, supplies, etc. Illustrations on the following pages show in detail pack saddles, draught harness, and an infantry support gun, broken down into loads averaging 200 pounds per load and packed for horse transportation.



b. WWII Japanese Horse Pack saddles.
Two standard pack saddles are illustrated in Figure 327. The saddle is adjustable so that it comfortably fits the back and girth of the horse. Saddle A carries the weapon (such as a heavy machine gun); Saddle B is fitted to hold ammunition or spare parts chests (See also figures 328 - 334).

c. WWII Japanese Draught horses.
Extensive use of draught horses is made by the Japanese. Figure 336 shows a typical 4-horse harness hookup, with the type of saddle (which differs from the cavalry saddle) used by artillery and infantry gun crews.




Figure 327. WWII Japanese Standard pack saddles.



Figure 328. Tube of Model 41 (1908) 75-mm infantry (mountain) gun fastened to horse with a pack saddle.

Figure 329. Trail of 75-mm infantry (mountain) gun dissassembled and fastened to horse with a pack saddle.



Figure 330. 75-mm infantry (mountain) gun cradle on pack saddle.

Figure 331. Shield for 75-mm infantry (mountain) gun folded and fastened to pack saddle (with total chest attached to side).



Figure 332. Breech mechanism and tray for WWII Japanese 75-mm infantry (mountain) gun mounted on horse.

Figure 333. Wheels and axle attached to a pack saddle on a horse.