Japs: British Views on Japan during the Second World War

FROM THE FOREWORD

This publication is a compilation of articles originally published by the (British) Army Bureau of Current Affairs between 1942 and 1945. ABCA was ‘created by the Army Council to “brief” officers for talks to their men on war topics and to provide them with informative “background” on varied aspects of the war.’ Its Current Affairs and War series provided the basis for debate within groups of service personnel.

The articles have been reproduced in chronological order of publication, but do not necessarily need to be read in that order. The Japanese Way and How About Japan?, although they come chronologically later, provide an excellent overview of the history, religion, industry and society of Japan, how it came to be at war with China and the West, and its ultimate objectives.

Other articles focus specifically on the Burma campaign, the Philippines, and Guadalcanal, in the latter of which (Be mean, and kill ’em) there is a series of contributions from US servicemen on their experiences in fighting the Japanese. These were designed primarily as tips to British soldiers yet to face the Imperial Army.

Despite the constant references to ‘Japs’ and the caricature illustrations of them in a couple of the pamphlets, the overall tone of the material conveys a grudging respect for the Japanese soldier and sympathy with the Japanese people generally. The blame for Japan’s aggression is laid firmly at the door of the military who effectively had control of the government and Emperor.

This collection of contemporary WWII writing gives a truly fascinating insight into how the British Army viewed the war in the Far East and provides an informative range of perspectives on the enemy from the Land of the Rising Sun.

CONTENTS

The Enemy in the East
Guide for Jap Invaders
Little Men, What Now?
“Be mean and kill ’em”
Enemy: Japan
How About Japan?
The Japanese Way
Look Homeward, Jap
Japanese Purpose
The Philippines
The Road to Rangoon
Pacific Enemy

FROM THE FOREWORD

This publication is a compilation of articles originally published by the (British) Army Bureau of Current Affairs between 1942 and 1945. ABCA was ‘created by the Army Council to “brief” officers for talks to their men on war topics and to provide them with informative “background” on varied aspects of the war.’ Its Current Affairs and War series provided the basis for debate within groups of service personnel.

The articles have been reproduced in chronological order of publication, but do not necessarily need to be read in that order. The Japanese Way and How About Japan?, although they come chronologically later, provide an excellent overview of the history, religion, industry and society of Japan, how it came to be at war with China and the West, and its ultimate objectives.

Other articles focus specifically on the Burma campaign, the Philippines, and Guadalcanal, in the latter of which (Be mean, and kill ’em) there is a series of contributions from US servicemen on their experiences in fighting the Japanese. These were designed primarily as tips to British soldiers yet to face the Imperial Army.

Despite the constant references to ‘Japs’ and the caricature illustrations of them in a couple of the pamphlets, the overall tone of the material conveys a grudging respect for the Japanese soldier and sympathy with the Japanese people generally. The blame for Japan’s aggression is laid firmly at the door of the military who effectively had control of the government and Emperor.

This collection of contemporary WWII writing gives a truly fascinating insight into how the British Army viewed the war in the Far East and provides an informative range of perspectives on the enemy from the Land of the Rising Sun.

CONTENTS

The Enemy in the East
Guide for Jap Invaders
Little Men, What Now?
“Be mean and kill ’em”
Enemy: Japan
How About Japan?
The Japanese Way
Look Homeward, Jap
Japanese Purpose
The Philippines
The Road to Rangoon
Pacific Enemy