Bohol Force

Last updated
Bohol Force
ActiveDecember 1941 - May 1942
DisbandedMay 12, 1942
CountryFlag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines
AllegianceFlag of the United States Army.svg  United States Army
Philippine Commonwealth Army
BranchArmy
Constabulary
TypeInfantry
RoleTerritorial Defense
Size600 ~ 900
Part of Visayas-Mindanao Force
Visayan Force
Garrison/HQTubigon, Bohol
Equipment M1917 Enfield Rifles
M1923 Thompson SubMachinegun
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Captain Ismael Ingiñerio, PC

Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Grimes, USA
Lieutenant Colonel John P. Woodridge, USA

Colonel

Contents

Guy O. Fort

Bohol Force, is island garrison force of Bohol Island during World War II. The island is located central south of the Visayas Islands where it is strategic due to its proximity with Cebu, Leyte, and Mindanao Island in the south. [1]

Background

The island was the garrison of 81st Infantry Division under Brigadier General Guy O. Fort, it was made under the command of Visayas-Mindanao Force under Brigadier General William F. Sharp in November 1941. 81st Infantry Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Ruperto Kangleon was ordered to transfer to island of Leyte in order to fill the defense left by 91st Division leaving only 1 regiment who is still organizing. In January 1942, 81st Division Headquarters units was ordered to Lanao and 81st Field Artillery Regiment to Cagayan in Mindanao Island.

Leaving only Philippine Constabulary units in the island, Visayas-Mindanao Headquarters ordered 1st Battalion, 83rd Infantry under Major Arthur Grimes to transfer to bolster the island defense. In March 1942, Visayan Force was activated under Brigadier General Bradford Chynoweth, all units in the Visayas came under this new headquarters based in Cebu. [2] Sensing the invasion is imminent in the Island of Cebu he ordered Major Grimes to transfer back to Cebu to bolster its defense, leaving only PC and volunteer militia. [3] Captain Ingiñerio assumed command left behind by Major Grimes. [1]

On April 15, 1942 Kawaguchi detachment invaded Cebu they bypassed Bohol and proceeded to Mindanao as they considered Bohol is not a threat due to small number of troops. In April 19, Visayan Force was dissolved as it could no longer function as all communications are all cut off with the island. General Wainwright IV ordered General Sharp to reinstitute Visayas-Mindanao Force to command all remaining existing units in the Visayas as Visayan Force could no longer communicate outside Cebu. [1]

Surrender and Guerilla Movement

On May 11, 1942, Major General Sharp ordered all units to surrender to the Japanese at daybreak. However, Captain Ingiñero escaped inland in the mountainous area of the island to setup guerilla movement to continue fighting.

Order of Battle

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Morton, Louis (June 26, 1953). The Fall of the Philippines, November 1941 – May 1942 (1st ed.). Washington, D.C: US Government Printing Press. pp. 502–507.
  2. Mar 1942 - OoCities (studylib.net)
  3. Tarkington, Hiram. There Were Others (PDF). pp. 291–294.

See Also