Japanese Uniform Help

[DFlynSqrl]

I'm painting up my Japanese for the Battle of Tarawa.  Any idea what color uniform they would be wearing?  It was the 3rd Special Base force defending the atoll.  I'm assuming they were wearing the green instead of brown.  Anyone know for sure?  I've been able to gather quite a bit of info on the web, except uniforms...

I noticed Osprey has a book on Tarawa, so I may order it.  Didn't see it at the bookstore today so I don't know if they cover uniforms or not.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Rod

* EDIT * - just noticed the Osprey Special Naval Landing Forces may have the answers to my question.

[Helen]

Hello Rod,

Good to see someone else painting Japanese.

I'll try and help you as much as I can. My Japanese forces which I'm painting up are for the Solomons, PNG etc. My SNLF will be painted diffently for the South-West Pacific as oppose to your at Tarawa.

From Osprey "The Japanese Army 1931-45 (2) 1942-45" Plate E 3 shows a Acting Leading Seaman, 7th Sasebo SNLF; Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert islands, autumn 1943. In the description is goes onto say this" This hei-cho of Rear-Adm. Shibasaki's garrison, during the preparations to defend the island, is hardly distinguishable from an Army soldier apart from the yellow anchor on his field cap; the earlier distinctive 'sea green' colour of NLF uniforms was now giving way to a wide range of khaki and green shades. The rank patch on his right sleeve is of the series introduced in November 1942. Under the camouflage netting of his 1932 pattern steel helmet can be seen the embossed naval anchor badge. His 'landing shoes' (ankle boots) are black; as normal worn by naval infantry instead of army brown; is basic belt equipment is of the standard brown leather type, however. Small arms were also common to Army and Navay troops.

I've the Osprey Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces as well. Most of the uniform plates are from Reenactors, but it gives you a good sense of the early and later uniform.

If you are after my painting opinion for a girl who has been painting khaki for the better part of a year on many  a different country I'd go for a khaki/yellow green mix. I'm heading down the road for using the Russian Green with a mix of colours to see if I can achieve the 'sea green look for the early SNLF for the Solomons.

What figures are you using?

Best of luck,

Helen

[DFlynSqrl]

Thanks Helen!  That helps a lot!

Oh my, I could just kick myself.  I was looking at the "Japanese Army 1931-45" book today in the bookstore and totally missed that print.  I'll got get it this weekend.

As for the miniatures, I decided to go 20mm (since I generally have to buy and paint both forces).  I'm using the Britannia Miniatures.

Was seriously tempted to switch to 28mm when I found these resin terrain pieces online by Acheson Creations.  They have a lot of Japanese defensive positions:
http://achesoncreations.com/Arrow/fortresspacific/fortresspacific.htm 
Not sure they'll be useful for you in the Solomon Islands though.

Rod

[Helen]

Thanks Helen!  That helps a lot!

Oh my, I could just kick myself.  I was looking at the "Japanese Army 1931-45" book today in the bookstore and totally missed that print.  I'll got get it this weekend.

As for the miniatures, I decided to go 20mm (since I generally have to buy and paint both forces).  I'm using the Britannia Miniatures.

Was seriously tempted to switch to 28mm when I found these resin terrain pieces online by Acheson Creations.  They have a lot of Japanese defensive positions:
http://achesoncreations.com/Arrow/fortresspacific/fortresspacific.htm 
Not sure they'll be useful for you in the Solomon Islands though.

Rod

Thank you Rod. I've just pointed out to another fellow over at the Brigade Games forum the Arrow miniature site for a Tarawa game they plan in achieving.

The bunkers will be useful in some of the Solomon island adventures.

Ciao,

Helen