Battle of Okinawa, Cave Hunt!

[Dave N Japan]

Went back to a cave I found 20 years ago to see if I could come up with anything. It was still there, but a little harder to get to.
The cave overlooks the beachhead area where Marines came ashore during the Battle of Okinawa. When I was there 20 years ago I found the same type of rounds and clips like I found today. There are rounds everywhere in the cave. You can see where the where shooting took place near the opening of the cave. That is where all the empty casings where. In the rear of the cave you find the clips and single unspent rounds. Last time I was here I found some large shells in the floor of the cave. About a foot long. I guess the Japanese had a large gun at one of the entrances. I left them at that time...Don't want to get in any trouble. Keeping unexploded ordinance can get you in deep trouble here. A guy got killed about a year ago in his home with some ordnance he had.. He was selling the stuff at a flea market..
Anyway, did not locate the old shells, Maybe somebody removed them. Maybe better I not play around with them anyway!
I had also found Part of a Japanese Gas Mask last time and have it here at home somewhere..
Here is a few pictures from the cave today! Did not spend too much time inside.. Later Dave

Bye the way, That bug is about 6" long and have a real good bite...I stay out of their way! Don't want to bump into one of those!

 

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[Bavaria Mike]

Nice post Dave! HH, Mike

 

[nahabit]

bullets made in japan o germany? or american? very nice foto and caves !

 

[Gabbit]

Looks like you have more to worry about over there than a park ranger or a nosy blue hair wondering what your doing with that shovel in your hand. That bug looks nasty -- looks like a cross between a spider and a crawdad. Think I will stick to the groomed runs -- good times!

 

[Dave N Japan]

Nahabit,
I am sure the unspent rounds are Japanese, The round heads may be american that were shot into the cave!

This is a picture of the beach below, The buildings were not there 20 years ago, But it was a good position above the beach landing area for the Japanese.

The picture was taken at a lower point below the cave area.

 

[nahabit]

Nahabit,
I am sure the unspent rounds are Japanese, The round heads may be american that were shot into the cave!

This is a picture of the beach below, The buildings were not there 20 years ago, But it was a good position above the beach landing area for the Japanese.

The picture was taken at a lower point below the cave area.

good position for heavy machinegun and field artillery? or sniper...

 

[kenb]

Hey dave looks like a great spot, I like the last picture looks like the end of a good day of THing!

kenb

 

[Dave N Japan]

Yes, Nahabit,
From the front of the cave there is a nice view below down to the beach!... I'm sure they took a lot of Marines out before we got up to them.
I need to have some better digging tools like you next time! Could not do much with just the knife. A pinpointer would of been nice too!

 

[twister]

NIce cave and relics, congrats

HH Twister

 

[trk5capt]

Dave, Thanks For The Post, It Really Brought Back Memories Of My Father, Who Fought In That Battle. He Never Talked To Me About The Battles That He Was In, While I Was Growing Up, But, After I Came Home From Viet Nam, He Told Me About His Experiences On Okinawa. My Father Was A MSGT. In The Army, And After The Main Action Was Over His Platoon Was Assigned To Clear Out The Caves That The Japanese Soldiers Were Held Up In. From What He Told Me Some Of These Caves Had Been Used As Tombs For Hundreds Of Years. My Father Secured The Services Of A P.O.W. Who Could Speak English, To Enter The Caves And Try To Convince The Occupants To Surrender, Or They Would Be Sealed Up Alive. On One Of His Trips Into A Cave/ Tomb He Gave My Father The Items Below,That Were Offerings For The Dead. Rice Bowl, Salt Shaker Made To Look Like Garlic, For The Spice Of Life And Last But Not Least Rice Wine Bottle With Cups. My Father Brought These Items Home To My Mother. As A Matter Of Fact That Was All He Brought Home Besides Himself. If He Didn't I Wouldn't Be Posting This. Thanks trk5capt...

 

[Smartin]

Dave,

Interesting site along with the history of WWII.

Nice pictures of the site as well as the pics Trk included of his memorabilia.

Thanks for the post from Japan,
Smartin

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Nice post Dave...Looks like you are hard at work..LOL...dont bring any of those bugs home with you either!
Nice photos!

 

[Gadget]

I was in Oki from 1989 to 1997 and wish I had a decent machine back then. Do you find anything on the beaches there? I've thought about jumping on a hop from Alaska to check out my Kadena stomping grounds. I'd think Okuma would be an awesome hunt.

 

[southbound]

Cool fotos and great stories to go with it. Thanks for sharing them.
Vern