From Warlord Games:
With over 2,100 units made, the Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank was the second most produced Japanese medium tank of World War II, after the smaller Type 95 Ha-Go. It saw extensive action in the Second Sino Japanese War, the Battles of Khalkhin Gol against the Soviet Union, and throughout World War II.
Predominantly serving in New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies and Borneo their task was to perform raids, demolition, sabotage, subversion, and organisation of civil resistance against the Japanese. The Independent Companies saw heavy action, serving with considerable distinction.
Commandos also formed ad hoc formations such as Kanga Force – a composite formation of Commando companies and the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles which undertook raids and reconnaissance operations in New Guinea.
With Allied bombing and ground campaigns hampering Japanese industry the Emperor’s soldiers learnt to use whatever materials were at hand to face the enemy, as firearms and ammunition became ever more scarce. This would see Japanese soldiers sacrificing themselves with grenades, a courageous last ‘banzai’ charge with swords drawn, or using sharpened lengths of bamboo as makeshift spears.
