Visit to Pelelieu

[Schanilec]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

ORIGINAL: MichaelU

This is an aircraft work area I guess that was next to the HQ building.

Just curious and it's hard without something known to me to use as a scale - do you recall about how wide that opening was? I'm just musing about maybe what kinds of aircraft it might have been used for.

It looks to be an American built quanset. The exposed foundation seems to be about 2 feet above grade. The curvette sections are grouted into the foundation. The opening between the foundation walls appears to be about 12'-0" to 14'-0" making the building about 24' wide. The two opening on the left are about 7' high by 4' to 6' wide. A storage building in my guess.

[Dan Nichols]

ORIGINAL: MichaelU

There were aircraft parts scattered throughout, here's a sample.

Front axle from a 4x4 truck.

[wdolson]

I was thinking that looked like it was from a US Jeep, or possibly some other US truck-like vehicle that was abandoned on the island.

Bill

[SuluSea]

Those are some great shots you have there Micheal.

Speaking of Palau this has been on my desktop since last summer.

[Titanwarrior89]

Nice photo's, wish i could travel around checking the old areas out.

[crsutton]

Very nice. I am surprise that there is much left at all after 60 years.

[CaptBeefheart]

I have a good buddy, Phil Kelm, who is the brewer at Palau Brewing Company. You guys will have to try some of the local suds. I also hope you are doing some diving.

One of these days I'll get off my keister and post some Bataan Death March tour pics from last year.

Cheers,
CC

[Empire101]

ORIGINAL: MichaelU

Here's a Type 95 tank on the runway. I like to think it's that one that gets knocked out with a bazooka in The Pacific. That's me on the left, and lb4269, aka Mike, on the right. We don't look happy, but really we are loving it.

More tomorrow when it's less late.

I cannot believe something like that is still there!!!! [X(]

The rubber rims are still intact on the running gear...

Amazing picture!!

[LoBaron]

ORIGINAL: Empire101

ORIGINAL: MichaelU

Here's a Type 95 tank on the runway. I like to think it's that one that gets knocked out with a bazooka in The Pacific. That's me on the left, and lb4269, aka Mike, on the right. We don't look happy, but really we are loving it.

More tomorrow when it's less late.

I cannot believe something like that is still there!!!! [X(]

The rubber rims are still intact on the running gear...

Amazing picture!!

I did not know they were THIS small! [X(]

Thanks for the pic btw.

[Empire101]

Tiger tanks they were not[:)]

[LoBaron]

Indeed, rather looks like my VW Polo. [:D]

[janh]

Amazing photos!  After so many years still that much to see.  Hard to believe that this was once the scene of some hard fighting.  Looks so peaceful now.
Any hints for travelling there if I ever should get a chance?  What to see, where to go?

[Puhis]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

ORIGINAL: Empire101

ORIGINAL: MichaelU

Here's a Type 95 tank on the runway. I like to think it's that one that gets knocked out with a bazooka in The Pacific. That's me on the left, and lb4269, aka Mike, on the right. We don't look happy, but really we are loving it.

More tomorrow when it's less late.

I cannot believe something like that is still there!!!! [X(]

The rubber rims are still intact on the running gear...

Amazing picture!!

I did not know they were THIS small! [X(]

It's small only because turret is missing! [;)]

[Empire101]

Yep, they were mostly in the Panzer I category,
although the Type 97 Chi-Ha did have either a 57mm ( early version ), or a 47mm ( high velocity, later versions )

I think in this case its a Type 95 Ha-Go AFV.

[Shark7]

ORIGINAL: Puhis

ORIGINAL: MichaelU

There were aircraft parts scattered throughout, here's a sample.

Ah, it's the Type 99 navy wheel! [:D]

Seriously, is this an aircraft part, or something else?

Looks like a auto axle to me. [;)]

[JocMeister]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

ORIGINAL: Empire101

ORIGINAL: MichaelU

Here's a Type 95 tank on the runway. I like to think it's that one that gets knocked out with a bazooka in The Pacific. That's me on the left, and lb4269, aka Mike, on the right. We don't look happy, but really we are loving it.

More tomorrow when it's less late.

I cannot believe something like that is still there!!!! [X(]

The rubber rims are still intact on the running gear...

Amazing picture!!

I did not know they were THIS small! [X(]

Thanks for the pic btw.

My thought exactly! Looks like a Pz I in size

[Canoerebel]

I've read one book about the Battle of Peleliu, and that was years ago.  But what stands out vividly in my mind (I love the way reading creates mind pictures) was the narrative of the attack up a steep mountain draw/valley/ravine, with stiff opposition from Japanese infantry and American fighter-bombers providing support.  If I ever had the chance to visit Peleliu, I would want to try to find that valley and walk up it.

[CaptBeefheart]

CR: That valley is quite well described in "With the Old Breed." I'd like to visit there for the world-leading diving and sample some of my friend's beer, but certainly a hike up that valley would be a great part of the trip.

Cheers,
CC

[nashvillen]

I have some topo maps and 3-D rendering of the Island that I put together for my co-worker, I will find them when I get a chance tomorrow and post them. The valley CR is talking about is very visible.

BTW, my co-worker had a relative that was involved on the Island. I also know of one other who frequents this board that had a relative involved.

[LST Express]

 What I remember reading about the campaign is sinister terrain,nasty environment and Jap defenders determined to die for their little slice of hell.  Unable to even imagine what it was like and glad I don't have to.