Manchukuo Imperial Guards
The Manchukuo Imperial Guards (Chinese: 禁衛隊) were the elite unit of the Manchukuo armed forces created in 1933. It was charged with the protection of the Kangde Emperor Puyi, and senior members of the Manchukuo civil government. Its headquarters were situated in the capital of Hsinking, near the Imperial Palace in the center of the city. It was the modern counterpart of the Imperial Guards Brigade of the Chinese imperial era.
History
The Manchukuo Imperial Guard was patterned after the Imperial Guard of Japan, and was responsible primarily for the protection of the imperial household. Its members were selected from candidates of Manchu ethnic backgrounds, and were trained independently of the Manchukuo Imperial Army or the Japanese Kwantung Army. Although largely a ceremonial force, they received the latest firearms and also carried Japanese-style swords (guntō) or sabres as dress weaponry. Their uniform was grey or black with silver or gold insignia, with a five-color, five pointed star on their helmets and kepis.
Initially, the Guard consisted of 200 men organized into a company. Later, an independent brigade called the Chinganyuchitui or “Special Guard Corps” was formed for use in special operations during the Pacification of Manchukuo. It was effective in combat, and participated in the Ki Feng-lung District Subjugation in November 1932 and in anti-bandit operations. The ceremonial unit was part of the corps.
See also
References
- Jowett, Philip (2005). Rays of the Rising Sun, Volume 1: Japan's Asian Allies 1931-45, China and Manchukuo. Helion and Company Ltd. ISBN 1-874622-21-3.