포로신문
보/고/서

ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 3091　1 February 1951

FIELD REPORT (521 - LDI - 0369)　16 January 1951

PW was very cooperative and answered questions freely. However, knowledge of military information was limited due to his constant travel south from CHANGJIN, North KOREA.

Wounded by US Arty (left arm and back .... not very serious).

Reliability - Fair.

24 Oct 50 - Conscripted at CHANGJIN, North KOREA

10 Nov 50 - Departed CHANGJIN.

9 Jan 51 - Arrived to HAN River area (DR 33-88).

The entire 2nd Div arrived at the HAN River, in vicinity of SONGSONG NO (DR 33-88) 9 Jan 51. The 1st Bn of 6th Inf Regt was the leading element and crossed at 091800 Jan 51 at DR 33.5-87.9. The PW’s unit, the 2nd Plat of Ind Bridge Construction Co and a Co of Engrs attached to the 1st Bn made the crossing together. Total strength of this crossing was estimated to be around 430 men. After walking across the ice of HAN River, this 1st Bn moved eastward along the river to KUMI RI (DR 36.5-85.8), by-passed Hill 879 (DR 36-84) over eastern crest then descended to HOESAN NI (DR 37-82). Again they moved eastward to KASAN NO (DR 38-82) and took the trail farther eastward over Hill (DR 40.1-81.8). Arriving to this area around midnight of 14 Jan 51. On this hill facing UN sector, US Arty barrage was received and PW was wounded. He lost immediate contact with the 1st Bn at that time.

2nd Div:

The Div Arty Regt had no Arty piece; it was only known as such. Also no vehicle was ever utilized by the 2nd Div since it was organized at CHANGJIN. The troops moved southward on foot through small mountain trails; never on large roads. Therefore, our road blocks such as bridges damaged by UN planes never affected or impeded their movement. Troops of the 1st Bn, 6th Regt; a Co of Engr Bn; and the 2nd Plat of Bridge Const Co; the leading element of river crossing carried the following weapons:

Officers carried:

either M 1895 Nagant Revolvers or TT 1933 Pistols, usually together with rifles or carbines.

Average number of rds of ammo issued to a man was 300. Troops also carried two hand grenades each (F-1 Defensive, RG-42 Offensive - - - one of each). Members of Engr Co had 3 or more boxes of Japanese made dynamite. The wooden crate measured approx (90x40x15) centimeters and sticks resembling candles were packed in 10 paper packages in each box. Time fuse was utilized for demolition; electrical devices were not used. Equipment carried by both Engr Co and Bridge Const Plat were only picks and shovels. Each Sqd was allotted one shovel and a pick each.

In engineering the HAN River crossing, the Bridge Const Co layed boards, picked up from the village, over the frozen surface of river. Thickness of ice was about one inch. Then troops crossed in single file with each man five days apart.

The PW overheard a conversation between officers that 1st Bn of the 6th Regt be the leading element of HAN River crossing, then it would be followed by 2nd and 3rd Bns of the 6th Regt, respectively. Also, 17th and 4th Regts would follow in the same manner and finally completed with Div Arty Regt and Div CP crossing at the same location. Upon completion, elements of the 2nd Div would be deployed widely along the HAN River and advance southeast with coordination, however, their destination or objectives were unknown.

CO, Bridge Const Co: Capt LEE, Chong Suk

2nd Plat Ldr, Bridge Const Co: Lt KIM, Song Gun (KIA on 15 Jan 51)

For the AC of S, G-2: