| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | 019178 |
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white, Landscape |
| Physical description | Black & white, Landscape |
| Date made | September 1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Yokohama, Japan. September 1945. These Australian men smiling and displaying the Australian flag ...
Description
Yokohama, Japan. September 1945. These Australian men smiling and displaying the Australian flag they are so proud of were amongst 231 prisoners of war (POWs) released and brought into Yokohama in the middle of the night. The lateness of the hour did not stop them from demonstrating their joy at release. The flag was made and sown by hand from pieces of coloured parachutes used to drop supplies to them while still in camp. All these men were members of 8th Division. They were captured in Singapore and Malaya three and a half years ago. They had been in Naoetsu prison camp ever since. Standing directly in front of the centre of the flag is possibly Aboriginal serviceman NX31736 Private (Pte) Frederick Beale, 2/20th Battalion.