Flamethrowers were assigned to engineering regiments within each Japanese infantry division. A typical engineering regiment would be equipped with between six and twenty flamethrowers, which were operated by a designated flamethrower company.

Type 93 Flamethrower

How did they work? Well according to the Australian War Memorial the “Type 93 flamethrower was one of the standard flamethrowers used by the Japanese army during the Second World War. It was introduced into military service in 1933 and was used by Japanese forces throughout the Asian and Pacific campaigns. The action consists of a pressure cock on the head of a pressure cylinder which is disconnected from the rest of the equipment before charging. When the tank is charged, the pressure cylinder is reconnected, the cock is opened, allowing pressure to be taken against a valve controlled by a flexible aflexible connecting link. Opening this valve allows pressure to to pass into the fuel tanks. By rotating the firing handle in a clockwise direction, fuel is forced through the metal pipe. Simultaneously the igniter head is actuated, automaticallly firing the fuel stream. When not in use the firing handle must be kept in the forward position, otherwise fuel escapes. The action of the igniter head is similar to that of a revolver. A magazine housed under the knurled collar, contains ten blank ballistite cartridges. When the firing lever is turned through 90 degrees the magazine is rotated, the striker released and the cartridge fired. Flash from the explosion ignited the fuel stream. A sfaety catch is provided for locking the lever in a fixed safe position. The Type 93 flamethrower is usually operated by one man and no special protective clothing is worn. Fuel capacity: 11.4 litres; Type of fuel: 50% Benzene/crude oil“.

Type 100 Flamethrower in use.

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