Investigating History: Archival Papers From Nara
TRANSLATED JAPANESE MAP: SKETCH OF PUNITIVE OPERATION BY WESTERN SECTOR UNIT, AUGUST 1942 (PROBABLE) – NUEVA ECIJA AND TARLAC
This is a translated Japanese WWII Map of Operations showing the western Nueva Ecija bordering Tarlac Province and Tarlac covering the towns of Paniqui, Gerona, Tarlac, Victoria, Lapaz, Capas, Concepcion and Bamban.
It is probable that the Map, as indicated in the translation from original Japanese into English, in my opinion, would be August of 1942, although the year is not indicated precisely in the map prepared.
In making observation on this Map of Operation, it indicates the presence of Japanese garrison forces in the towns and the corresponding operations conducted against the Filipino guerrillas particularly in Mt. Banggay (Nueva Ecija), Camiling, Sta. Ignacia, south of Zaragoza (Nueva Ecija), areas between San Miguel (Tarlac) and the town of Concepcion of minor operations.
August of 1942 was the continuation of the organization of the guerrilla forces of Central Luzon. The HUKBALAHAP (Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon – People’s Army Against the Japanese) was more active in combat operations against the Japanese while the USAFFE guerrilla forces, such as those under Lieutenant Colonel Claude A. Thorpe’s, were on organizing stage while being pursued by Japanese forces; the garrison troops and Kempei-Tai military police.
and the Japanese punitive actions taken on August 30 (1942).
This Japanese translated Map of Operations provides us the perspective on the Japanese military conduct of combat operations against our guerrilla forces in WWII. The Map is identified as Bulletin No. 1802 ATIS SWPA Doc No. 600562, part of the captured Japanese papers that had been translated by the South West Pacific Area (under General Douglas MacArthur) Allied Translator and Interpreter Section ATIS for use in military intelligence.
the barrio of San Miguel, Tarlac.
© 2026 Rhonie C. Dela Cruz
Bamban WWII Museum/Historical Society
Bamban Center for Pacific War Studies
WWII Remembrance Network – Hell Ships Memorial Foundation
PGT – Tarlac Provincial Tourism Office
Source/citation:
World War II Operations Reports – Pacific Theater: 12-009, https://catalog.archives.gov/id/402396662, Accessed October 8, 2026
