| Place | Asia: Borneo, North Borneo, Sandakan |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/11479 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Flag |
| Physical description | Printed silk |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Japan |
| Date made | c 1941-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Autographed good luck flag carried by 2nd Lieutenant Okamoto Kazuo : Sandakan, North Borneo
Description
Japanese officer's autographed national flag bearing numerous signatures in black ink. Apart from the traditional wish for long-lasting good fortune in war and the name of the recipient of the flag, 2nd Lieutenant Okamoto Kazuo, the rest of the characters are the personal names of those signing the flag for Okamoto's benefit.
History / Summary
Obtained by QX34724 Lieutenant Norman John Bell at Sandakan in October 1945. He was part of a composite group of Australian servicemen sent to Sandakan to arrange the transport of Japanese POWs from the Sandakan area in September and October 1945. Bell was born in Bundaberg, Queensland, in 1916, and enlisted on 3 October 1941. He served with 2/2 Machine Gun Battalion and was discharged on 7 December 1945.