| Place | Asia: Japan |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL24540 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Flag |
| Physical description | Printed rayon |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Japan |
| Date made | c 1941-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Autographed good luck flag carried by Japanese soldier Kawata Manjiro in Japan
Description
Japanese soldier's autographed national flag featuring numerous signatures in black ink. Two red seals of the Yasaka Shrine, probably the famous shrine in Kyoto are also printed onto the flag. Apart from the traditional wish of long-lasting good fortune in war the rest of the characters are the signatures of well wishers of the recipient of the flag, Kawata Manjiro. At one end are two leather reinforcements with string to tie the flag onto a stick.
History / Summary
Flag was souvenired by NX6561Private Mac Reid, of 2/19 Battalion while he was a prisoner of war Japan working in the coal mines. Born in Sydney in March 1921, Reid enlisted on 5 March 1941 and was discharged on 12 December 1945.