Dark blue commemorative scarf (furoshiki) : Lieutenant K Matsuo, Imperial Japanese Navy

Dark blue cotton commemorative scarf (furoshiki) bearing a poem composed by Mrs Matsuo. The poem has been printed on to the furoshiki in white characters.

The poem on this scarf was composed by Mrs Matsuo after her visit to Sydney in 1968. She was the mother of Lieutenant Keiu Matsuo, one of the six midget submarine crewmen who were killed during the failed surprise raid on Sydney Harbour on 31 May/1 June 1942.

Approximately translated the poem reads, 'My dear son, I am proud of you for the life we have shared and for your love and patriotism to your family, your home, your Emperor, and your country in going forth to do battle. My son my heart is sad with your loss but I will always carry with me the image of a young man with the highest ideals.'.