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The last battle of Sergeant Taichi Ito 伊藤太市 and his Type 97 “Shinhoto Chi-Ha” tank on Shumshu

WW2 Pacific Treasures, WW2 Wrecks

By Pierre Kosmidis

Source of photos

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Japanese medium tank Type 97 “Shinhoto Chi-Ha” (an improved version of Type 97 “Chi-Ha”, where “shinhoto” means “new turret”), from the 11th Tank Regiment, stationed on Shumshu still lies where it was knocked out on August 18th 1945 during a counter-attack against advance units of Soviet paratroopers in the area of Chetyrehgorya.

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These images are from an archaeological investigation in the Summer of 2013 that turned up several artifacts including the remains of one of the crew, Sergeant Taichi Ito (伊藤太市)

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The tank appears to have been knocked out by 14.5mm anti-tank rifle rifle, its relatively thin armor being no match for the likes of the PTRD that could penetrate an inch and a half of armor at 100 yards.

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Evidence suggests the tank got stuck in the creek and was unable to dislodge itself, making it a sitting duck for Soviet troops.

14.5mm API bullet fragment found inside the tank
14.5mm API bullet fragment found inside the tank

The inside of the tank is cannibalized post-war, with the engine and transmission having been removed in order to service other tanks that were used for agricultural purposes after the war.

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the remains of one of the crew, Sergeant Taichi Ito (伊藤太市)
Personal items of one of the crew, Sergeant Taichi Ito (伊藤太市)
A glove belonging to one of the crew, Sergeant Taichi Ito (伊藤太市)
A glove belonging to one of the crew, Sergeant Taichi Ito (伊藤太市)