17th INFANTRY WWII JAPANESE ARMY DOCUMENT BURTON EBEYE ISLAND KWAJALEIN ATOLL

Description

Original Captured WWII Japanese documents, from Burton Island, AKA Ebeye Island, February, 1944. ~ The two documents each have the Japanese “Army” Text at the bottom in Red with the Japanese Text for “Sea” above that. ~ Written in blue ink at the bottom of one of the documents reads as follows: “Found Feb 23 1944 on Burton Isle.” ~ Please see Biographical info below regarding the Capture of Burton Island, 3-4 February, 1944. ~ Each document measures about 14 x 10 inches. Each is ruled in red ink with thin red border. The first document has Japanese Text, and the second document has both Japanese Text and Semaphore notations. Please see the included translations.
The first document has Japanese writing in pencil and the Semaphore document has Japanese writing in pencil and Semaphore Notations in Blue & Red pencil. The Semaphore symbols have been transcribed into the (syllabary?) however I do not know the translation. Most of the Japanese writing appears to be referencing the name of a Soldier, his prior address, date of birth, occupation and where he was assigned, “Sasebo Naval Barracks,…” and arrival at “Garrison #61-2.” Also referenced are the parents names and address. ~ As can be seen in the photos, the documents have stains with some tears and missing bits. Each has been folded.
The paper is still soft and pliable. ~ An extremely rare set of Captured Japanese WWII documents that will make for a nice display one properly framed! ~ These items will be superbly packaged to ensure a safe delivery. ~ All questions are welcome. ~ Thanks!
“The occupation of Burton Island (3-4 February 1944) was one of a series of operations that saw the Americans capture the defended islands in Kwajalein Atoll, and saw them occupy the next major island to the north of Kwajalein island (Operation Flintlock)”
Burton Island
Among the islands in southern Kwajalein known to have Japanese garrisons, Burton was believed to be second to Kwajalein Island in importance. A plan for its capture was prepared before and during the approach from the Hawaiian Islands, and perfected after arrival at the atoll. The assault forces were to be drawn from the 17th Infantry. This regiment had completed its mission of taking Carlos and Carlson Islands on 31 January and had been assembled on Carlos to reorganize and re-equip while holding itself in readiness on 1 February to support the attack on Kwajalein Island, if necessary. When such employment was deemed to be unlikely, it was decided to make the landing on Burton Island at 0930 on 3 February.
Terrain and Enemy Defenses
The southern extremity of Burton Island is less than three miles north of Kwajalein Island, and there are two minute outcroppings of the atoll reef between them. Along a straight axis, Burton extends almost directly north for 1,800 yards, its width being an unvarying 950 yards. The southern end curves to the southwest and is shaped somewhat like the bow of a freighter; the northern shore line runs squarely east and west.
Before being heavily bombarded, it had had more than 120 machine shops, warehouses, and other buildings. Coconut palms dotted most of the island, but along the ocean shore the major vegetation was sand brush and small mangrove trees. The most conspicuous clearing was a concrete apron for seaplanes, extending 100 yards in width for about 300 yards along the lagoon shore in the northern quarter of the island. Jutting a hundred yards into the lagoon from the apron were two concrete seaplane ramps, and nearby were large hangars and repair shops. From the southern edge of the hangar area to the southwestern point of the island, a narrow, surfaced road paralleled the lagoon beach
The Landings and First Day’s Action
The 17th Infantry was to hit Orange Beach at 0930, 3 February. The last details of the assault plan, including naval participation, were co-ordinated during the night of 2-3 February. The first four waves of the 1st Battalion had already embarked from Carlos Island in two LST’s, and the first waves of the 3d Battalion were in two other LST’s. The 2d Battalion, in reserve, was in a transport equipped with LCVP’s.
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To support the landing, not only the platoon of light tanks from Company D, 767th Tank Battalion, but also the seventeen mediums of Company C that had been landed by error on Kwajalein Island, were assigned to the force. The amphibian tanks of Company A, 708th Amphibian Tank Battalion, were also ready. During the night the regimental field order for the attack was distributed. Harassing artillery fire was thrown at Burton from the 155mm. howitzers emplaced on Carlson, supplementing the pounding that had been given the island by the guns of
Minneapolis
and
San Francisco
during the afternoon
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