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보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 2733　18 December 1950

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS – Special Report #006)　14 December 1950

Cooperative. Reliability - Good.

CCF Security Unit in HUNCHUN (琿春) consists of 1 Bn (5 Co's).

Strength - 400 men.

Equipment - M99 Japanese Rifles.

1st Ind Div, 7th Regt, Signal Plat. Headquarters in PANSHIH (盤石).

Strength - 2500 men.

Equipment in Div:

Japanese - Rifles, M99 -2000

Japanese – LMG -400

Japanese – HMG -60

USA - 82 (?) MM Mortars -60

Japanese - 60 MM Mortars -16

Japanese - 120 MM Howitzers -12

Japanese - 1½ Ton Trucks -20

Oxcarts -50

Mongolian Ponies -300

Note: The 1st Ind Div is not a combat unit. They are used as Rear Security Guards. Duties are to guard all military property in occupied areas.

There were Japanese personnel in the CCF. They are not used for combat duties but as doctors and nurses.

1st Ind Div had 10 Japanese doctors and 2 nurses (female).

LOCATION OF UNIT AT TIME OF DEPARTURE FOR KOREA

PW's unit was in PANSHIH (盤石) when pa departed for KOREA.

The 1st Div had 800 Korean nationals. They were all sent to KOREA to attend Military Officer's Training School in PYONGYANG with orders to remain in KOREA to aid the North Korean Army upon completion of school.

Equipment captured from Nationalist troops is being used by the CCF. Other equipment such as machinery and steel was taken by the Russians and sent to RUSSIA.

Poor people, in general, like the CCF and the Communistic ideal because they feel that they make conditions better for everyone.

Rich people in CHINA don't like the Communists because their money and property are confiscated and divided among the poor people by the Communists.

Daily training for troops in 1st Div, consisted of: Close order drill, infantry rifle training and mountain climbing.

Some troops are sent to help the farmers during plowing or harvest time and are paid for their help by the farmers.

PW was very cooperative. His memory, however, was not very good and he was not very observant. Reliability – Fair.

PW’s unit, Ind 171st Div, 51st Regt (獨立 171師 51團部) was one of the 8 Independent Divisions in MANCHURIA. The chief missions of the Independent Divisions were: Security of rear areas and the training of recruits who were to be replacements for frontline units. While PW was serving in the 171st Div, the unit did not engage in any fighting.

The other Independent Divisions in "MANCHURIA were: 163rd Div, 169th Div, 170th Div, 171st Div, a Mongolt an Cav Div, and three other divisions, designation unknown.

171st Division: Approximate sttrength - 16,000

Div Hq (司令部):

Command:

Staff Section (参謀科)

Responsible for formulating the overall tactical operation plan of the division.

Training Section (敎育科)

This department established the training program for the division.

Communication Section (通信科)

Details unknown.

Administration Section (營理科)

Responsible for the personnel administration of the division headquarters.

OB Section (隊列科)

Responsible for the establishment of T/O and T/E of various units within the division.

Political Section (政治部)

Responsible for political operations of the division.

Supply Section (供給部)

Clothing Dept (被服科)

Supplied clothing, bedding, shoes, etc.

Food and Forage Dept (糧食科)

Finance Dept (財政科)

Responsible for payment of personnel and general expenditures of the unit.

Ordnance Dept (軍械科)

Supplied weapons and ammunition.

Medical Section (衛生部)

Detailed functions unknown. (External Internal Medicine Depts)

Security Bn (警衛營)

This is one of the headquarter units and is responsible for the security, communication, and reconnaissance mission of the division. Bn composed of: 2 Guard Co’s, 1 Communication Plat and 1 Reconnaissance Plat.

Heavy Weapons Co (机砖連)

Usually had 9 x 7.2mm HMGs, 6 x 82mm Mortars and 4 Grenade Launchers. The unit is under the direct command of the division commander.

3 Infantry Regts, (51st, 52nd and 53rd Regts).

1 Artillery Regt.

Details unknown.

51st Regt (第五十一團): Approximate Strength - 4,000

Regt Hq (參謀處):

Staff Section (參謀處)

Formulates the overall tactical operation plan of the Regt.

Political Section (政治處)

Formulates the overall political operation plan of the Regt.

Supply Section (供給處)

Finance Dept (財政服)

Food and Forage Dept (糧食服)

Clothing and Equipment Dept (軍需服)

Medical Section (衛生所)

Security Co (警衛連)

Communication Plat (通信排)

2 Rifle Plats (步兵排2)

3 Infantry Bns, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Bns.

Battalion (營)

A Bn was normally composed of 3 rifle Co's and a security Plat. The companies are designated as 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and each Co had 27 model 92 LMGs, 6 to 12 grenade launchers. The security Plat is responsible for the guarding of Bn Hq and Bn communication lines.

Company (連):

Company composed of 3 rifle Plats, and a communication Sqd. Each Plat is equipped with 9 model 92 LMGs and 2 to 4 grenade launchers.

Platoon (排):

A platoon is composed of 3 squads of 12 to 13 men. Sqd leaders are armed with PPSH M1941 submachine guns and the men with either Japanese model 99 or model 38 rifles or US M1 rifles with 40 rounds of ammo. Each man had 2 hand grenades, of one of the 3 types, USSR, Japanese or Chinese. (See sketch #1, 2 and 3).

Sketch #1

Sketch #2

Sketch #3

In Aug 50, the headquarters of the 171st Div was located in LIAOTUNG-SHENG, LIAOYANG-HSIEN, LIAOYANG-SHIH (遼東省 遼陽縣 遼陽市).

21 Koreans from 171st Div were sent to MUKDEN. PW observed about 2,000 Koreans assembled there.

A propaganda team is sent to villages, town, schools and other organizations. The mission of the team is to indoctrinate the youth in such a way that they will volunteer for the CCF.

The recruits are trained from 2 months to a year in both tactical and political subjects before they are assigned to a regular unit.

The pay varies with the price of pork and kaoliang (高梁).

Enlisted Grades: 83,000 yuan

Pvt (戰士)

Sqd Leader (班長)

Co Clerk

Probational or Acting Plat Ldr (見習排長)

Company Grades: 150,000 yuan

Plat Ldr (排長)

Assistant Plat Ldr (副排長)

Co Commander (連長)

Assistant Co Commander (副連長)

Field Grades: 300,000 yuan

Bn Commander (營長)

Assistant Bn Commander (副營長)

Regt Commander (團長)

PW's unit was equipped with PPSH M1941 submachine guns, 1 per Sqd, and Russian made hand grenades. He believed that many other CCF units are equipped with the same weapons.

PW stated that all the former Nationalist soldiers captured were re-educated and placed in CCF units. The equipment was repaired or reconditioned and issued to various CCF units in MANCHURIA.

Two sets of summer uniforms, one set of winter uniforms, two sets of underwear and an overcoat were issued per person per year.

The theme of the propaganda was:

"You people are now free from the hands of Capitalists and from the rule of an Imperialistic Government. You are given homes and land by the Chinese Communist Government. The property is yours, therefore, it is your responsibility to protect your own land and property against Capitalist or Imperialistic Governments."

"US is imperialistic, just like JAPAN, and, one of our final objectives is the total destruction of American Imperialism."

In general, civilians welcomed CCF units wherever they went. However, PW believed that the Majority of the civilian population was not too keenly interested in Communism.

PW was cooperative. Reliability – Fair.

PW heard that the 2nd Field Army was undergoing amphibious training. The site of training was south of the Yellow River.

The 66th Army composed entirely of Chinese troops.

PW was of average intelligence, talked, freely and had a fair memory. Reliability - Fair.

4th Field Army:

CG - General of Army, LIN Piao (林彪).

Hqs - Located in HANKOU (漢口), HUNAN-SHENG (湖南省) CHINA, as of Aug 48.

Strength - Consisted of three army groups (11th, 12th and 13th Army Groups).

Unit Flag - (colors)

In Apr 48 when the 4th Field Army was organized, the flag was given to Lt General LlN Piao (林彪).

12th Army Group:

CG - Lt General SHEN, Chun Lieh (淲忠烈).

Hqs - Located in CHANGTE (岸德), HUNAN-SHENG (湖南省) CHINA, as of Aug 48.

Strength - Consisted of three armies (606th, 607th and 608th Armies) (sic).

Unit Flag

A yellow digit "81" written in Chinese characters was centered in the red star of the flag. Meaning of the digit "81" was the date which the former 8th Route Army was organized (sic).

11th Army Group:

Consisted of three armies (106th, 107th and 108th Armies) (sic).

13th Army Group:

Consisted of three armies (109th, 110th and 111th Armies) (sic).

608th Army:

CO - Maj Gen WANG Kuei Jen (王貴仁).

Hqs - Located in SHASHlH (沙市), HUNAN-SHENG (湖南省) CHINA, as of Aug 48.

Strength - consisted of three divisions (147th, Cav and Arty Divisions).

Unit Flag

Four Chinese words centered in the flag translated "Hundred Battles - Hundred Victories."

606th Army:

Consisted of three divisions.

607th Army:

Consisted three divisions.

147th Div:

CG - Brig Gen LI Hee (李一)

Hqs - Located in YUANIJNG (完陵), HUNAN-SHENG (湖南省) CHINA, as of Aug 48.

Strength - Consisted of three Regts (440th, Eng Regt and Inf Regt).

Unit Flag

The flag was given to the 147th Div in Mar 49 by CG of the 4th Field Army.

Artillery Division:

Consisted of three Regts (4439th, 4440th and 4441st Regts).

Cavalry Division:

Consisted of three Regts (3388th, 3389th and 3390th Regts). This Cav Div was composed of approx 2, 500 Mongolians headed by a Mongolian CG, rank unknown.

4440th Regt:

CO - Col CHIN Tsai Tsai (陳財左).

Hqs - Located in CHIENCHUANG (堅壯), HUNAN-SHENG (湖南省), CHINA.

Strength - Consisted of three Bns (Supply, Medical and Artillery Bns).

Unit Flag

The meaning of words centered in the flag was "Steel & Iron Unit." The flag was given to the 4440th Regt in Mar 49 by Lt Gen LIN Piao (林彪), CG of the 4th Field Army.

Engineer Regt:

Consisted of three Bns.

Infantry Regt:

Consisted of three Bns.

Medical Bn:

CO - Capt TSAI Te Chih (千德進)

Hqs - Located in CHUNGANGCHANG (中央廂), HUNAN-SHENG (湖南省), CHINA, as of Aug 48.

Strength - Consisted of three companies (1st, 2nd and 3rd Co's).

This Medical Bn was composed of about 600 Koreans.

Organization:

Each company was composed of approx 180 Korean soldiers and five officers, The five officers included one company commander (1st Lt), one assistant company commander (2nd Lt), and three platoon leaders (Jr Lts).

Guard Co:

Consisted of three platoons. Each platoon was composed of about 60 soldiers and one officer (Jr Lt).

The 1st platoon was called "The Fighting Platoon." 1st platoon leader was Jr Lt LA Il Sop (羅一燮) as of Aug 48.

The 1st platoon was equipped with US full automatic, 30 cal M2 carbines. Plat leader was armed with a Russian pistol. In peace time, this 1st fighting platoon guarded the Hq building of the 4440th Regt.

The 2nd platoon was called "The Training Platoon" and carried out military tactical training. 2nd platoon leader was Jr Lt LEE Ul Sam (李乙三).

The 2nd platoon was equipped with captured rifles (Japanese model 38).

The 3rd platoon was called "The Basic Platoon" and was composed of about 60 recruits. All recruits who were assigned to the Medical Bn received basic training in this basic platoon for about three months. After completion of basic training, all recruits took a military examination. If they failed the examination, they had to take another three months period of basic training. if they passed the examination, they were advanced to the 2nd platoon to receive tactical training.

After carrying out a three to six months period of advance tactical training, they were assigned to the 1st platoon. From the 1st platoon some of the soldiers were transferred to other units as NCOs.

The 3rd platoon was equipped with captured Japanese model 99 rifles.

The daily training schedule of the 3rd platoon, as of Aug 48 was as indicated:

0600 - 1st Call & Reveille

0700 - Police Call

0800 – Breakfast

0900 - Field Training & Classes

1200 -

1230 - Dinner

1300 - Field Training & Classes

1600 -

1700 - Supper

1800 - Recreation, Education & Meeting

2030 –

2100 - Taps

Insignia of Grade:

Following are epaulets of the various grades:

General of the Army:

PW saw General of the Army LIN Piao (林彪), who wore the epaulet shown above. This was called TEHSING (特星), directly translated meant "The Special Star."

Lt General:

This epaulet was called TAIHSING (大星), which meant "Big Star." CO of the army group were the same epaulet.

Maj General:

Two silver stars on the center of the dark yellow epaulet board. Also called “Big Star,” or "CG of the Army."

Brig General:

Called “Big Star” or “CG of the Div.” Single, star on the center of the dark yellow epaulet board.

Colonel

Called "CO of the Regt (團長)" (direct translation). Three gold stars, two red stripes on the light red epaulet board.

Lt Colonel:

Called "Chief of Staff of the Regt (参謀總長)" (direct translation). Two gold stare, two red stripes on the light red epaulet board.

Major:

Called "Political Director (政治主任)," (direct translation). Single star, two red stripes on the light red epaulet board. Col, Lt Col and Major were also called "Middle Stars (中星)."

Capt:

Four silver stars, single red stripe on the light green epaulet board. Called "Bn Commander (營長)" (direct translation).

1st Lt:

Called "Co Commander (連長)" (direct translation). Three silver stars, single red stripe on the light green epaulet board.

2nd Lt:

Called "Ass't Co Commander (副連長)" (direct translation). Two silver stars, single red stripe on the light green epaulet board.

Jr Lt:

Called "Plat Leader (排長)," (direct translation). Single silver star, single red, stripe on the iight green epaulet board. Capt, 1st Lt, 2nd Lt and Jr Lt were also called "Small Star Officers (小星)."

Sgt:

Called "Squad Leader (排長)," (direct translation). Two yellow stripes on the red epaulet board.

Cpl:

Single yellow stripe on the red epaulet board.

Pvt -

Cpl - 7,000 yuan per month.

Sgt -

Jr Lt - 17,000 yuan per month.

PW stated that regardless of length of service in the army, payment was conducted according to rank.

PW stated that only the Guard Co of the 4440th Regt departed for MANCHURIA, as of Jul 49.

Cooperative but of poor intelligence. Reliability - Poor.

Home Guard Unit, CHINGCHUN-TSUN (淸純村), MANCHURIA.

When PW volunteered for the Home Defense Unit in April 1949, there were about thirty-eight (38) members. All were civilians. The commander's name was LEE Song Pong (李成鳳).

Their chief duty was to guard the village from attacking organized bandits. Each member was equipped with a spear.

It was first organized on or about March 1938. mien all members of the Home Defense Unit departed for KOREA, on or about December 1949, a new organization was organized to replace the unit. Men between 18 - 45 years of age were eligible to join,

Non-farming members alternated in pulling guard detail, two 12 hour shifts. They were not paid but received rations from the village farmers.

Uniforms were light tan and similar to the CCF uniforms.

PW was cooperative and answered all questions freely. Reliability - Good.

PW observed the CCF Security Guards marching through the streets of HAILUNG (海龍) on two occasions.

The Security Guards were about 1 company strong. 1 officer was armed with a pistol and the troops were all armed with the M99 type Japanese rifles.

The Security Guards were stationed in this town for defense measures. PW observed only one company patrolling the area. However, believes that there may be more troops assigned to the province.

The guards all wore uniforms similar to that of the US HBT uniform, and a red star with a white PA ERH (八二) on the front of the caps. They all wore canvas shoes.

PW knows of living quarters once occupied by the Japanese soldiers and believes that the quarters are now being used by the Security Guards.

PW was cooperative and answered all questions to the best of his knowledge. His memory appears to be good. Reliability - Good.

The 196th Div, 66th Army was located at TUNGCHUTZU (東扄不), TIENTSIN (天津) prior to its departure for KOREA.

His company leader and company political leader told the men that the entire 20th Army Group composed of the 66th Army, the 67th Army and the 68th Army was at ANTUNG and was going into KOREA.

Pay Of personnel varied. PW's pay was about 10,200 yuan, Central China People's Money.

For the Commanding Officer:

HAND GRENADE