The Type 38(I) was the standard field gun of Japanese forces from 1935 onwards and played a major role in actions concerning the Second World War. In prior contests against the Chinese, the Type 38(I) fared well considering the results expected of it - particularly against a similarly (or sometimes lesser) -armed foe. However, once up against the Allies across jungle terrain after 1941, the Type 38 shown its limitations accordingly. By this time, most of the original Type 38 guns were all modified to the newer Type 38(I) standard but this held little impact in the short term. As the Japanese lacked much in the way of industrial production and natural resources back home, many Type 38(I) guns were still being shuttled about the battlefield by pack animals as opposed to mechanized movers such as halftracks. Comparable Allied guns proved the Type 38(I) design outmoded by 1940s standards which left the Japanese at a considerable disadvantage in the field when attempting to get the most of their limited field guns. All told, Type 38(I) crews fought on valiantly but were either overrun or out-ranged and out-classed by their contemporaries on the other side of the barrel. Since it proved near impossible to relocate the system at speed by horse or manage the firing action across uneven, dense terrain, the Type 38(I) held little tactical value by the end of the war. It did, however, go on to serve well into 1945 which proved the desperate nature - and lack of industrial might - of the Japanese war machine by this point in the war.
The Allies identified the Type 38 formally as the "Field Gun Type 38 (Improved)".
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