| Accession Number | P09532.003 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Print silver gelatin |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | New Guinea1: Papua New Guinea, Papua, Milne Bay |
| Date made | September 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
A Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go tank being winched onto one of the 17 metre long salvaged and repaired ...
Description
A Japanese Type 95 Ha-Go tank being winched onto one of the 17 metre long salvaged and repaired Japanese Moku Daihatsu Class landing barges at either Ahioma (the original landing beach) or, more likely, at the mouth of the Gama River at KB Mission where it was abandoned, for recovery and return to Australia. The Moku Daihatsu landing craft were disabled early in the Japanese assault by 75 and 76 Squadron Kittyhawks but repaired and re-used by Australian forces for a number of years after the attack. In Australia this tank was assessed and tested, including being driven over mines to examine the strength of Japanese armour, which was ultimately rated poorly. The tests formed the basis of a 1943 AMF report entitled "Japanese AFVs" (LHQ/Misc/6302); the opening line of the report states: 'One of these tanks was captured at MILNE BAY and has been examined'. The tank is now in the Australian War Memorial's collection.