Keiji Shibazaki | |
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Born | Kasai, Hyōgo, Japan | 9 May 1894
Died | 20 November 1943[1] Tarawa, Kiribati | (aged 49)
Allegiance | Empire of Japan |
Service | Imperial Japanese Navy |
Years of service | 1915–1943 |
Rank | Vice Admiral (posthumous) |
Commands | Gunboat Ataka, Tarawa Garrison |
Battles / wars |
Keiji Shibazaki (柴崎 恵次, Shibazaki Keiji, 9 April 1894 – 20 November 1943) was a Rear Admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He was the commander of the Japanese garrison on the island of Betio of the Tarawa atoll during World War II. Shibazaki and all his senior officers were killed by naval gunfire on the first day of the Battle of Tarawa. He was posthumously promoted to vice-admiral.