The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1942. Japanese Tactics in Malaya

Southland Times, Issue 24648, 21 January 1942, Page 4

The Southland Times. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1942. Japanese Tactics in Malaya

SINCE THE beginning of the campaign in Malaya much has been heard of Japanese tactics of infiltration. Every time a British withdrawal became necessary it was reported that the enemy had again used these methods successfully. It began to seem as if the Japanese, regarded as imitators' in the science of warfare, had evolved something new and dangerous. The earliest description of Japanese tactics was sent from Singapore on December 18. “Since they first crossed the border,” it was reported, “the Japanese have been employing infiltration methods. Small bands ranging from five to 50 men are sent forward very lightly equipped, each selfcontained. The Japanese command is evidently satisfied if the smallest proportion reaches the objective. There is no main attack and no main body of troops.” All that the Japanese have done, therefore, is to make the best possible use of the natural cover provided by jungle and rubber plantations. They can do this because the British troops have not been able to establish a continuous line. And although the terrain may be one reason why there is no connected defence line the main reason must surely be the comparative smallness of the British forces. Less would have been heard of infiltration if the defences of Malaya had been planned on an adequate scale. The methods may cease to bring results as the British lines are shortened at the southern end of the peninsula. It was suggested a few days ago that in the battle for southern Malaya it may be possible to defeat the Japanese by adopting their own type of warfare—’“to filter as he is filtering, and to penetrate behind his lines, if necessary, as he penetrates behind ours.” But there is no evidence that the British troops have been reinforced on the large scale which would be necessary for these counter-measures. The Japanese have demonstrated that they know how to adapt their strategy to the natural features of the country. By exploiting their numerical superiority in a continuous infiltration they have secured control of the greater part of Malaya. In the decisive battle for Johore, near the land approaches to Singapore, they will almost certainly change their tactics. It will then be possible to utilize the landing fields they have captured in northern Malaya. Dive-bombing and tank attacks will probably be used to make breaches in the British lines, and at the first sign of a break masses of infantry will be available for a grand assault. The remedy can only be found in strong air reinforcements. It is encouraging to notice, therefore, that the latest reports from Singapore include references to United States planes, in action over Malaya for the first time. It may be too late to cope with infiltration; but it should not be too late to use a growing air strength to check the Japanese near the gates of Singapore.