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ATIS INTERROGATION REPORT NO. 621　19 August 1950

FIELD REPORT (ADVATIS - FEAF LN TEAM NO. 0158)　10 August 1950

(Ref to ATIS Rpt No. 344)

The 603rd Unit departed from PYONGYANG on the 12th of June 1950, by rail via, YANGKOK, WONSAN, and dismounted at a station located 24 kilometers north of the 38th parallel on or about the 18th of June 1950. Upon arrival the 2nd battalion separated from the 1st and 3rd battalions and proceeded toward a high mountain (direction unknown) and stationed there until the 29th of June 1950. Early in the morning of the 29th of June the 2nd battalion proceeded southward, when they came to a river 200 m wide and 3m deep, located immediately north of the 38th parallel. A-3 type pneumatic floats (rubber pontoon) were inflated. Four floats were joined together. On each float one motorcycle with side oar was loaded accompanies by the operator. Legs tied down by ropes and nails were used to hold the motorcycle in place, after crossing the river, the 2nd battalion proceeded southward passing over mountain trails and the towns of WONJU, CHECHON, CHONGJU, TAEJON, YONGDONG, MUJU and arrived in KOCHANG late in the evening of the 24th of July 1950. Having rested till the morning of 1st of August 1950, the 1st and 3rd battalions departed toward HYOPCHON about 0400, then at 0500 the 2nd battalion followed the same trail. When they came close to the vicinity of INKOG-NI, they were strafed by aircraft. At this moment prisoner escaped from the area and was captured by United States troops.

1. Table of Organization Strength:

100 motorcycles in the 2nd battalion.

36 motorcycles in the 3rd company.

12 motorcycles in the 1st platoon.

4 motorcycles in the 3rd squad.

2. Actual Strength at Present:

Thirty motorcycles in operable condition on the 1st of August 1950 in the 3rd company.

The 603rd Motorcycle Unit was composed of; three battalions, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Each battalion had three companies. Each company had three platoons. Each platoon had three squads.

Personnel of the 3rd company received seven months of training consisting of lectures on the function and operations of the motorcycle engine. The last three months were practical operation, individual test driving over hills and mountain trails and also firing the PPSH M1941 tommy gun. Instructor was Moscow trained Lt KIM DONG GUN. Prisoner stated, it was very difficult to learn because their instructor used mostly Russian terms in his lectures, naming parts and functions of the engine.

Two ZIS-151 type trucks loaded with supplies followed in the back of the 2nd battalion all the way south. One truck was located with gasoline drums and the other was loaded with provisions. Rafts and floats were used to transport trucks across rivers. Replenishments were confiscated from occupied areas.

Prisoner believed the 3rd company’s objective was to enter TAEGU from the south.

The PPSh M1941 tommy guns and one DP light machine gun, per motorcycle. Operator, a Junior Sergeant and assistant, a Private, who rides on the back carry PPSH M1941 tommy guns, each carries two drums each, loaded with 71 rounds. A Senior Sergeant who rides in the side car operates a mounted DP light machine gun.