| Place | Asia: Borneo, Tarakan |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM32166 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Flag |
| Physical description | Printed silk |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Japan |
| Date made | c 1940-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Autographed good luck flag carried by Japanese sailor Bun'ya Yukio on Tarakan, 1945
Description
Japanese sailor's printed silk autographed national flag with numerous signatures and slogans in black ink. Apart from the traditional wish of long-lasting good fortune in war, there is 'Victory. Unselfish service to the country. Strike America - they are not worth being afraid of'; 'Brave men of our navy, adding to the glory of our country'; 'Young men of our naval country'; and 'To Bun'ya Yukio from his office colleagues'. On the back of the flag in ink is 'H. PUGSLEY TARAKAN 20.5.45'. The flag has reinforced corners on the hoist, with attached tape ties.
History / Summary
Captured on Tarakan by QX46684 Sergeant Henry William Pugsley, on 20 May 1945, while he was serving with 2/23 Infantry Battalion. Pugsley was born at Parramatta, NSW in December 1912. He enlisted at Mackay, Queensland in March 1942 and was discharged on 4 January 1946. Information supplied by Bun'ya's family in 2006 identifies his 'office colleagues' as fellow employees at the Minenobu post office in Hokkaido.