Summary of Lt. Col.
Cox:
1. On 12 July 1945 the 1st Commando, known as “APPLE,” parachuted
safely into the 7th War Area , dropping south of the West River in the
vicinity of Kai Ping. This marked the first airborne movement in Chinese
Army history. Fourteen C-47s were employed for the drop.
2. With the mission of interdicting road and river traffic along the
West River, the unit’s presence became known immediately to the
enemy and they were pursued for days until they safely reached Loting.
3. An operation was mounted for 5 August against Japanese fortified
positions at the junction of the West and Namkong Rivers. The Commando
fought exceptionally well in their first engagement. Their discipline
under fire was superior and the Chinese troops displayed courage and
fearlessness in entering houses to drive out the Japs. The Commando
suffered 3 killed and 7 wounded. An estimated 25 casualties were inflicted
on the Japs, including 12 known killed.
4. On 13 August, a small part of the Commando placed mortar and gunfire
on a strongly held position at Takhing, inflicting an unknown number
of casualties.
5. When the war ended, the Commando remained at Loting until orders
were received to move the ubit to Canton for attachment to the 2nd Command,
which was subsequently done on 28 September. The last Americans were
withdrawn at this time.
Summary
from miscellaneous reports in National Archives:
(A single complete narrative account of activities has not been seen.)
12 July. At 0315 hours Commando #1 left Kunming airport (Chengkung Airdrome)
in 14 C-47s and after landing at rendevoux in Nanning departed in formation
at 0615 hours with fighter cover. Flight was long, cold, and fairly
rough. Most of the Chinese were airsick for the greater part of the
flight. At 0825 the planes arrived over Chenkung, south of the West
River, between Wuchow and Kao Yao, where a 3-man team had been dropped
from a B-24 on 10 July to prepare for the reception. DZ was identified
by panels of a 10-man reception group.The loads of troops, containers
and packages of arms, ammunition and supplies were dropped. One Chinese
landed in a fish pond and was drowned. Another broke his arm exiting
the plane when the arm tangled in the static line of the man ahead of
him.
12-26 July. Commando sought
a more suitable position, with a 4-day period spent with Japs in pursuit.
27 July. Base for operations was set up at Loting. July 29. Intelligence
net was organized for Canton and West River. 7 and 12 Aug. As in Cox
summary.
Summary
compiled by John Hamblet.
