04/28/2020
Late start to posting for the day and the week, but oh well. Today is the end of some projects and a few randoms.
Going back to the Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces, a trio of NCOs. And a short history lesson because it's interesting.
Most people who are familiar with World War II and games related think that squad leaders were always or should be armed with SMGs, but I opted for a bit of historical accuracy, and to allow these to be used in earlier points of the war by giving them rifles. Historically, the Japanese were very slow to realize the advantages of the submachine-gun and by the time they finally developed one, it was too late and they produced them in too few numbers to have any impact. How few? For perspective, Japan produced 8,500 Type 100s grand total in 3 years. Or about 236 guns a month. Sounds like a lot until you realize that was to supply an army consisting of 5 million men under arms. In those same three years, the US produced roughly 19,843 M1 Thompsons per month, the Germans produced roughly 18,333 MP 40s per month, the British produced roughly 66,667 Sten guns per month, and the soviets produced roughly 83,334 PPSH 41s and 41,667 PPS 43s per month.
Most also know that Japan issued swords, called "Shin Gunto" ("New Military Sword.") to officers. Most don't know that they also issued cheaper versions to non-coms. These usually had compromises to their design, like single cast metal handles instead of wrapped wood. Their blades were usually cast as well rather than forged and folded. Their scabbards were often poor quality steel that was painted, while officer scabbards were pressed bamboo wrapped in ray skin or other quality materials. As the war went on, the quality dropped to levels of poorness that we'd never see again until the advent of the Bud-K catalog. These weren't intended as real weapons, but badges of rank and responsibility.
There's a good chance that if you've been to an antique shop and seen a "World War II japanese Katana" for sale for an outrageous price, it was cheap NCO sword that someone thought was worth at least twice or more what it really is, because frankly a ton of these survived the war, they are almost always in garbage condition and they are widely faked.
