Landing at Saidor order of battle facts for kids

US forces landing at Saidor, 7 January 1944

The Landing at Saidor was an important military operation during World War II in 1944. It involved Allied forces, mainly from the United States, and Japanese forces. This article lists the different military groups that took part in this event. This kind of list is called an "order of battle." It helps us understand which units fought on each side.

Allied Forces

The Allied forces were part of a group called Task Force MICHAELMAS. They had many different types of soldiers and support teams. Their main goal was to secure the area around Saidor.

Here are some of the main groups that were part of the Allied forces:

• Infantry Soldiers: These were the main foot soldiers who fought on the ground.
  • The 126th Infantry Regiment was a key part of the fighting force.
• Artillery Units: These groups operated large guns to support the infantry.
  • The 120th Field Artillery Battalion was involved.
• Engineers: These soldiers built and repaired things like roads and bridges.
  • Company A, 114th Engineer Battalion helped with construction.
  • The 542nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment helped with landings.
• Medical Teams: Doctors and nurses were there to help wounded soldiers.
  • The 5th Portable Surgical Hospital provided medical care.
  • The 23rd Field Hospital also helped injured troops.
• Support Units: Many other groups provided important services.
  • This included teams for supplies, transportation, and communication.
  • The 32nd Quartermaster Company handled supplies.
  • The 32nd Signal Company managed communications.

Some other groups joined the Task Force later to help with the mission:

• The 10th Air Liaison Party helped coordinate air support.
• A Naval Beach Party assisted with the landing on the shore.
• The 860th Engineer Aviation Battalion also joined the effort.
• Parts of the 128th Infantry Regimental Combat Team arrived later.

Japanese Forces

The Japanese forces in the Saidor area were also made up of several divisions. They were defending the territory against the Allied attack.

Here are some of the main Japanese military groups:

• 20th Division: This was a large infantry division.
  • It included the 79th Infantry Regiment and the 80th Infantry Regiment.
  • They also had their own engineer and transport units.
• 51st Division: Another important infantry division.
  • The 61st Infantry Regiment was part of this division.
  • They also had special shipping engineer regiments.
• 41st Division: This division also played a role in the defense.
  • The 238th Infantry Regiment was a key part of this group.

Saidor Operation, January 1944.