WWII da dao

[huirtd]

Hi,

I am an Australian currently in China trying to put together a research proposal for PhD work on Chinese military history. My main interest is actually arms and armour but that is a difficult subject to get university backing for. I am hoping someone can help me with a few queries I have.

1. Firstly, does anyone know if anything has been published (in English or Chinese) regarding the military use of the 'dadao' 大刀 during the 1900's (i.e. war against Japan, communist/nationalist struggles)? If so, would you be kind enough to pass along any bibliographical details you have. Anything you have regarding primary sources would also be of great benefit.

2. I am also interested in the Japanese military swords (shin-gunto) used in the same period and especially any Japanese references to the Chinese use of the 'dadao'.


Thank you any help you can provide would be extremely appreciated.

Regards,

Douglas...

[Peter Dekker]

Hi,

Although I don't own the book, this seems like a good starting point:
The Xingyi Quan of the Chinese Army: Huang Bo Nien's Xingyi Fist and Weapon Instruction - by Dennis Rovere

Available for a bargain at: http://www.amazon.com/Xingyi-Quan-Chine ... 972&sr=8-2

I'm blind as far as Japanese references go. There must be plenty, but probably not easy to find and all in Japanese which I can't read. I know some Chinese collectors have diaries like that, one was published here: http://english.people.com.cn/200506/14/ ... 90196.html

Research like that will require lots of digging but will be very rewarding once you've found some significant sources. Good luck!

-Peter