Help with techou kanji

[TomP1945]

Hey all,

I need help with a battle entry in an IJA service record. It is not the usual "participated in general combat" or "participated in the assault on XYZ". I have marked the two entries with the same type of combat. It looks like purge or elimination, but does anyone know the context of this kanji combo? There is another kanji combo for "mop up" style operations, but this one is different. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Tom

 

[Majestic]

粛清戦 = Shukusei-sen ("purge operation", as you noted).

It involves eliminating all the partisans, military or otherwise, of a particular location. Elimination of all elements deemed to be enemy forces, military or civilian.

The one on the right: 第一期粛清戦 (First purge operation)
The one on the left: 潞安平地粛清戦 (Not sure of the pronunciation. There is a 潞安 in Taiwan - transliterated as Luan)

Edit: Looks like this isn't Taiwan, but a location in Changzhi province in mainland China.

Lucheng District, Changzhi - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[TomP1945]

Ok, about as dark as I suspected. Many thanks, it is much appreciated!

Tom

 

[TomP1945]

Thanks for the added info.

Yes, there are many entries within the booklet taking place within Shanxi Province. To clarify, is Lucheng District 潞城, essentially 潞安?

Tom

 

[Majestic]

Yes, I think so. I don't speak Chinese so I'm kind of winging it here, but I think it merged with another prefecture in China, and so the name Luan (or Loan or Roan) isn't used anymore.

 

[TomP1945]

Thanks!