Japanese Naval Guns

A Type 88 80mm naval gun emplaced in Manila - US National Archives

With a shortage of artillery, as well as other ground combat weaponry, the Manila Naval Defense Force was forced to get somewhat creative in order to comply with Admiral Iwabuchi’s orders to fortify the city. The most ready source for heavy weapons was the large number of ships lying partially submerged in Manila Bay, themselves already having provided a substantial number of personnel in the form of now redundant crews.

A 3.7’’ deck gun emplaced near the Legislature Building in Manila - US National Archives

These guns were emplaced around the city, often inside buildings or in other concealed positions, combinging with snipers and machine guns to create kill zones on the narrow streets and open parks of the city. Although harder to emplace than Army field guns, the naval types tended to be smaller, and thus easier to conceal in positions where the defenders intended to fight to the bitter end. These weapons were often fixed into the pavement or reinforced concrete floors of structures, and provide the defenders with a viable counter to US armored vehicles.