Hi Everyone, In my research on a battle that took place in Papua New Guinea in 1942, I've come across a clear reference to a Japanese "37mm pom-pom." So far I haven't been able to find any further detail on this weapon. The closest I've come is a pre-war 40mm gun based on the British QF 2-pounder (40 mm "HI" Type 91). It's difficult to tell if such a weapon would've been in use in 1942, however, given that they were considered obsolete (apparently) by 1939. In this case it was in use to defend an airfield that had been built by a naval unit, so I suppose it's possible that it was this very heavy (weight, not caliber) naval AA gun. I've wondered if it could be a captured Bofors, but there's nothing in the records to say one way or the other. If anyone has any other ideas about which gun it could be I would appreciate any pointers. Many thanks, -Nadir
37MM 'Type 94 rapid fire gun'? (Kyuyon Shiki Sanjunana Miri Ho.. apparently) Fair few 20/25mm 'pom pom pom pom...' type guns in their lists, is the calibre you've got definitely confirmed?
37MM 'Type 94 rapid fire gun'? (Kyuyon Shiki Sanjunana Miri Ho.. apparently) Fair few 20/25mm 'pom pom pom pom...' type guns in their lists, is the calibre you've got definitely confirmed? I'm afraid the calibre is clearly stated in the intelligence report in two different places. Unfortunately the Type 94 is an anti-tank gun, and these are described as anti-aircraft weapons (separate section of the intel report). Whereas use of captured weapons became commonplace by the Germans, I'm not sure it was by the Japanese, else I'd think these were some Dutch or British ordnance. -N
37MM 'Type 94 taken in Honiara (secret spot ) The Type 94 37 mm AT gun was based on a German (Rheinmetal-Borsig) quick fire design, the 3.7 cm PaK 36 (thanks Wiki)
