Contrasting Amphibious Landings at Kota Bharu and Wake Island Atoll.

I would note that SNLF troops were neither "shock troops" nor were they marines. They were simply sailors seconded to being naval infantry. All IJN sailors got basic training in use of rifles and other basic infantry weapons. Those in SNLF units were simply assigned and given a bit more training in infantry tactics and operations. They received no special amphibious landing training (nor did the IJA troops), and were equipped pretty much the same as an IJA infantry battalion.

 

I think that's another example of a lack of interest in amphibious warfare from the IJN, everything was geared towards the Kantai Kessen, the Decisive Battle, hence a lack of interest in Anti Submarine Warfare as well, these things just weren't sexy, and there was only so much money to go round.

 

The 5" 51-caliber guns were originally secondary armament on battleships, IMO one of the best weapons of that type. Many of them were originally located in the hull, unusable in heavy seas and vulnerable to flooding, so they had been removed or relocated to the superstructure during reconstructions in the 1920-30s. AFAIK Wake Island was the only time these guns engaged their intended targets, enemy destroyers.

 

And related to another topic we've recently discussed, the drydock/repair of battleship USS Texas; the Wake Island, 5"/51 guns had been taken from USS Texas during an earlier refit.

 

I agree

USMCPrice nails it for me, the only thing he doesn't mention is the Shinshu Maru was planned, built and paid for by the IJA, the Army!, that demonstrations their commitment to amphibious warfare, and even more makes a damming statement about how the IJN viewed the subject.