The Thai Veterans Day
Today in Thailand is Veterans Day on February 3 every year. War Veterans Organization and veteran families off-duty military and those who are performing their duties in maintaining national security will jointly organize a wreath laying ceremony at the Victory Monument To pay homage to the spirits of these brave warriors. There was also a parade ceremony in honor at the multi-purpose area. 11th Infantry Regiment, Chamberlain Ratchawallop, His Majesty’s Guard as well.
Victory Monument
Laying a wreath on Veterans Day
Today, I would like to present an interesting history of battles during the franco-thai war for you to see today.
Battle of Phumi Préav
Major General Luang Phibunsongkhram Decorated with the Victory Medal for Major Khunnimmanakloyuth.
The 3rd Infantry Battalion has Major Khun Nimmanakalut as the battalion commander. He led the soldiers under his command to seize and defend the territory. On the east side, it borders with Cambodia. along the boundary markers 43 to 46 and penetrated into French Indochina Since December 23, 1940
3rd Infantry Battalion was ordered to lead soldiers according to orders to seize Ban Phrao on January 13, 1941, when they led the army to move to Ban Phrao. and traces of an Indochina military camp were detected. and found a plot on the Indochina side to attack the Thai forces.
From examining the topography in front of the line, it was determined that it was more appropriate. Therefore, he requested permission to move his forces from their original location another 4 kilometers to base themselves at Huai Yang.
In the early morning hours of January 16th. The Indochina troops deployed 1 regiment, consisting of 3 battalions, to attack and destroy the 3rd Infantry Battalion under the command of Major Khun Nimmana Kloyuth at Ban Phrao by setting up an attack base at Huai Yang. Because they thought that Thai soldiers were at home in Phrao. and did not know that our side had changed its strategy.
Thai army with Type77 Machine Gun
It was around 5:00 a.m. when the 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion of the Indochina Division moved in formation along the route that our side had deployed. Calmly allow the enemy’s forward forces to pass beyond the battle line. When most of the force was in the killing area The signal for firing from the Type77 heavy machine gun from the Thai side began to open fire along with various firearms from the Thai side.
Type 76 Light Tank (Vickers 6 Ton)
When a clash occurred, Lt. Col. Sanit Hongprasong was assigned to command a combat vehicle platoon consisting of two Type 76 (6-ton Vickers) tanks, numbers 1116 and 1118, to move out to help the infantry counterattack. At the front of the line of Infantry Battalion 3, which was being heavily attacked by the enemy. Upon reaching the conflict area, Lt. Col. Sanit Hongprasong led a tank to attack the enemy and fired back with his vehicle’s guns until the enemy was defeated.
After the battle it was discovered that approximately 400 enemy soldiers had been killed and many were taken prisoner. They were also able to seize the unit’s Renault UE tanks. On the other side, one Thai soldier died and two others were injured in this battle.
Renault UE (Capturned)
Battle of Ko Chang
HTMS Thonburi
French naval power relied on darkness. and encroaching on speed on the south side of Koh Chang There were a total of 7 ships: 2 Lamotte-Pique cruisers, 4 sloops, and when the Leo 130 took off and detected a Thai torpedo boat. (The Royal Ship Songkhla and the Royal Ship HMS Chonburi) before being opposed by anti-aircraft guns until they crashed. The French fleet then attacked both torpedo boats.
HTMS Songkhla
from the fire of a French Cruiser Both ships were damaged and sank. Later, Lieutenant Commander Luang Prom Veeraphan Commander of the HTMS Thonburi Ordered to withdraw anchor and move ships to battle stations. and ordered the HTMS Nong Sarai and HTMS Tiew Utok, which were small boats, to withdraw.
At 6:38 a.m.HTMS Thonburi encountered the French fleet and exchanged fire with Lamotte-Pique at a distance of 10,000 metres. The battle became more intense as French sloops approached. They joined in the battle and shot the Royal Thonburi ship as well.
The navy helped put out the fire that was burning on the HTMS Thonburi ship.
Shells from the Lamotte-Pique hit the bridge and exploded. causing the commander of the HTMS Thonburi as well as several officers to be killed and seriously injured. As a result, command, communication, and control are disrupted. The steering system is damaged and cannot be controlled.
As a result of the shooting, a large fire started on the HTMS Thonburi ship. But the soldiers on the Thai boat continued to fire and fight. By switching targets to the three French ships. When the steering system is damaged The turret doesn’t work. (Thai soldiers had to use the method of turning the turret manually), making the HTMS Thonburi’s counterattack difficult. and fired a volley until the bullet hit the Lamotte-Pique Cruiser and was damaged.
French light cruiser Lamotte-Picquet
As a result of the shooting, a large fire started on the HTMS Thonburi ship. But the soldiers on the Thai boat continued to fire and fight. By switching targets to the three French ships. When the steering system is damaged The turret doesn’t work. (Thai soldiers had to use the method of turning the turret manually), making the HTMS Thonburi’s counterattack difficult. and fired a volley until the bullet hit the Lamotte-Pique Cruiser and was damaged.
The Thai side lost 3 warships, namely the HTMS Thonburi. Songkhla Royal Ship and the Royal Ship Chonburi A total of 36 soldiers died, divided into 20 soldiers aboard the HTMS Thonburi (including Captain Luang Prom Veeraphan) Commander of HTMS Thonburi as well), HTMS Songkhla 14 officers and HTMS Chonburi 2 officers for the French side. Even without losing any ships. But the Lamotte-Pique flagship was also heavily damaged. As for the number of soldiers who died and that injury Thai news reports do not know the exact number.
Bravery medal for the naval jack of HTMS Thonburi.
Battle of Nakhon Panom
Lieutenant Sanit Nuanmanee
On November 28, 1940 at 8:00 a.m., France sent a squadron to bomb Nakhon Phanom, Lt. Sanit Nuanmanee, who was currently stationed at Nong Khon Kwang Airport or Udon Thani Airport. Receiving orders to fly the Corsair V-93S, he intervened, Flight Sergeant Prayoon Sukumonchan acted as the rear gunner.
Corsair V-93S
After taking off, 5 Moran M.S.406 fighter planes were detected coming to intercept. So there was a clash with all 5 planes until 1 Moran plane was shot down. Later, two Hawk 3 fighter jets flew to help Lieutenant Sanit Nuanmanee and flew back to the Thai side safely.
Hawk III
Moran M.S.406
From the brave deeds of this first Thai air battle The Royal Thai Air Force therefore provides compensation. Flight Lieutenant Sanit Nuanmanee was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader and received the Dushdi Mala Medal.
Dushdi Mala Medal (เหรียญดุษฎีมาลา)
