Manchukuo Imperial Guards

The Manchukuo Imperial Guards were the elite unit of the corps of Manchukuoan defense forces. It was charged with the protection of the Kangde Emperor Puyi, the Manchu Head of State and members of Manchu civil government and their properties. Its headquarters was in Hsinking, near the Imperial Palace in the center of the city. They were organized in the same way as the Imperial Guard of Japan, the bodyguards of the Japanese Emperor.

They were composed of 200 specially trained officers who were totally independent of the Japanese Kwantung Army units. This special section uses the best firearms (Japanese and foreign weapons), Katana style and Sabre ceremonial swords with one grey or ceremonial Black uniform with silver or gold signs. Their symbol was the five point Star (with colours of all nationalities living in Manchukuo) worn on their helmet and kepis. This was the same symbol used by the Kangde Emperor in some uniforms.

Kangde Emperor in person ordered the creation of these unit, and even it rebelled and joined the anti-Japanese fight. The Japanese Commander and his Manchu officers are members of local and Japanese military forces who were trusted by Puyi.

The Imperial Japanese Army became aware of a series of plots and false orders to meet in a city park to provoke a fight with Japanese subjects. These groups were immediately arrested by the Japanese Secret Service and submitted to psychological and physical tortures and treatments. The accused were without even the possibility of legal defense of "Anti-Manchukuo and Anti-Japanese" activities, and were deported or executed. The remaining members of the unit had their regular weapons confiscated, and were only permitted to maintain small ceremonial pistols.

When Puyi returned of one of his "Sacred Voyages" to Japan, he exchanged the rest of unit's personnel for pro-Japanese local servants, and he attempted aid the original members but could not.

See also

ManchuriaImperial Guards