| Place | Oceania: New Guinea1, Papua New Guinea, Morobe Province, Lae |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/17514 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Flag |
| Physical description | Printed silk |
| Maker |
Matsuida Factory, Japan Silk Textile Industry Limited? |
| Place made | Japan |
| Date made | c 1941-1943 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Japanese good luck flag captured at Lae, 1943 : 2/23rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force
Description
Japanese soldier's autographed 'good luck flag' (yosegaki hinomaru) featuring numerous Japanese signatures in black ink. Across the top in large characters is a traditional wish for long-lasting good fortune in war. The name of the owner has not been included but there is an inscription which translates as 'Industrial Patriot's Club, Matsuida Factory, Japan Silk Textile Industry Limited'. It would appear that the owner was an employee of the company and that the signatures are those of his colleagues. On the top left corner of the reverse of the flag is the inscription 'Taken at Lae, Sept 12th 1943, 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division'.
History / Summary
Captured at Lae, New Guinea, by unknown members of the 2/23 Battalion on 12 September 1943.