AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 59, 11 March 1942, Page 1

AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS

JAPANESE ORGANISATION THOROUGH PREPARATION Obviously fearing air raids on their principal cities, the Japanese as long ago as 1939 had an elaborate security organisation and held realistic annual practices, according to Mr. W. Calder Mackay, of Auckland. Mr. Mackay, who visited Japan in 1934, witnessed the tests of the Japanese precautions scheme held that \ear and was impressed by the thoroughness of the organisation and the complete public co-operation. '*The Japanese at that time were afraid of the Russians.” Mr. Mackay said. “The airline distance from Vladivostock to Tokio is 656= miles, and every now and again the Russians would issue a statement that some of their bombers had flown 656 i miles in the course of manoeuvres.” “Attack” by Aircraft. Although it is over seven years since he saw the Japanese tests. Mr Mackay retains detailed memories of them. He said loud-speakers had been set up throughout Tokio and at 1.30 o'clock in the afternoon the Mayor announced over the radio that war had broken out and that all must co-operate in the defence of the capital by following jnstru lions. An attack by enemy aircraft was announced at 2.50 and the first-aid corps, hospitals, and nurses were fully prepared to meet the emergency. Within two hours 500,000 men and wbmen. members of patri •• ! asso iations, all wearing uniform. were completely mobilised. “The concerted blast of 18 sirens in different sections of the city at 4 o'clock warned the people that an enemy squadron was approaching.” he continued. "Smoke screens were spread from the tops of high buildings an I also »y armo cars and motoi - cycles. Eight Attacks in Night. “Fires were suppressed and the dead removed. Injured people were taken to temporary clearing hospitals in underground stations. Repairs were effected to the water reservoir, which had been bombed, and gassed people were given treatment. Special police were stationed in all hospitals, large buildings and railway sat ions to see that every employee carried out his duties. Even the bellboys and porters wore tags, indicating their exact duty during an attack. “Eight separate attacks were made on Tokio between 7 p.m. and 4.30 a.m. No lights were allowed in houses or on veh les on th< sti e< ts. Machineguns rattled, bombs exploded, and anti-aircraft guns fired, and very few people got any sleep that night. Passenger vehicles were stopped and the occupants claimed as casualties. Ships in the harbour were bombed and the wounded rescued and given treatment.” Atmosphere of Severe Raid. The noise of bombs and machineguns was continuous and realistic, ?4r. Mackay said. Streets were roped off and fire engines were on their way to deal with outbreaks were considered hit by bombs and were repaired in the streets. Passngers were dragged from taxis and motor-cars and treated as casualties: temporary clearing hospitals were bombed and evacuated reservoirs damaged and repaired, power-houses repaired, and in general everything possible done to create the impression of an actual and severe raid. People were actually evacuated from dangerous areas and fed. In addition, alTthe E.P.S. workers were fed during the emergency. “The Japanese had perfected their defensive plans as long ago as 1934 and it Is reasonable to assume that they have perfected their offensive plans, too,” Mr. Mackay added. "In New Zealand, to avoid possible loss of life and properly, the utmost public co-operation is essential.”