Japanese Air Force : 1939-1945 : Aircraft data plate

Aluminium data plate giving instructions for procedure connected with pressure. Translates approximately as: "OIL PRESSURE. In emergency: 1) In case of left motor stopping, i) if pressure is 45-60 kg/sq cm, rings open or shut normally. ii) if [landing gear?] legs do not lower, use hand pump. (2) If [handle/pipe?] pressure is zero, i) move handle down (ii) change undercarriage and wings flaps to manual and hand-pump (iii) emergency handle activates red light (iv) operate manual pump handle." Aircraft from which plate was removed is not identified. It is anodised and appears to be lacquered.

Souvenired from a Japanese aircraft at Dagua airstrip, New Guinea on 25 March 1945 by NX101707 Private John Lewis de Teliga, who was serving with 2/2nd Battalion AIF, participating at the time in the 6th Division 's campaign against the Japanese 18th Army in the Aitape / Wewak area. He cut the plate from the cockpit of the aircraft with a machete. He inscribed his name on the back.