Kanda Masatane (1890-1983)

Australian War Memorial

Via Wikimedia Commons

Kanda Masatane was commissioned in 1911 and served with the Kwantung Army through most of the 1920s.  He was involved in planning for an invasion of Siberia as early as 1928. He was later military attaché to Turkey before filling several staff assignments.  Commander of the crack 6 Division in central China when war broke out, he fought in the Third Battle of Changsha, December 1941-January 1942. His division was transferred to Bougainville by December 1942, where it was cut off by the American landings at Cape Torokina. He was given command of 17 Army on 17 February 1945, relieving Hyakutake, who had suffered a crippling stroke.

We must fight to the end to avenge the shame of our country's humiliation on Guadalcanal.... There can be no rest until our bastard foes are battered, and bowed in shame -- till their bright red blood adds yet more luster to the badge of the 6th Division. Our battle cry will be heard afar, and strike fear in the hearts of the bold as we proudly attack Torokina Bay and crush our opponents forever. We excel each foe in our strength and might; from each battle we rise the victor....

(Morison 1950)

Kanda was reputed to be a very capable and professional field commander, a ruthless perfectionist who was deeply steeped in tradition.

Service record

References

Fuller (1992)

Generals.dk (accessed 2007-12-8)

Hayashi and Cox (1959)

IMTFE Judgement (1948; accessed 2011-7-29)

Morison (1950)

The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2007-2008, 2011 by Kent G. Budge.  Index

What's new

Comment on this article