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THE LOST UNIT:
To support the Japanese Naval landings #MilneBay in August 1942, the Tsukioka Unit (353 men of the 5th Sasebo Special Naval Landing Force, plus others) were ordered east from Buna, packed onto 7 barges. The voyage was perilous, many men seasick.
THE LOST UNIT:
To support the Japanese Naval landings #MilneBay in August 1942, the Tsukioka Unit (353 men of the 5th Sasebo Special Naval Landing Force, plus others) were ordered east from Buna, packed onto 7 barges. The voyage was perilous, many men seasick.
The Tsukioka Unit was responsible for the earlier massacre of the population of Buna village, and of several fleeing Australian, English & Papuan missionaries & civilians who’d been mistreated and turned in by local villagers. All were beheaded. The last victim was a 6 y.o. boy.
25 Aug 1942: After 250km on choppy seas Tsukioka ordered an unscheduled stop at Goodenough Island. The beached barges were spotted & destroyed by 12 Kittyhawks (75 Sqn, RAAF) – along with the unit’s radio transmitter and all provisions. The Tsukioka Unit was now marooned.
