| Accession Number | REL/12676 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Personal Equipment |
| Date made | 1944 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Handkerchief autographed by the 23 members of Operation Rimau, 1944
Description
COTTON HANDKERCHIEF, 43 BY 47CM, AUTOGRAPHED BY THE 23 MEMBERS OF OPERATION RIMAU, WHILE THEY WERE IN THE SUBMARINE HMS PORPOISE. THE MEN FIRST SOAKED THE HANDKERCHIEF IN BEER TO 'SET' THE AUTOGRAPHS, WHICH WERE WRITTEN IN INDELIBLE PENCIL.
History / Summary
Operation Rimau was an attack on Japanese shipping in Singapore Harbour, carried out by commandos of Z Special Unit. The operation was aimed at sinking Japanese shipping by entering the harbour in collapsible canvas 'folboat' kayaks, and placing limpet mines on ships. The operation was discovered and the men abandoned the mission. All members of the operation were later killed in action, died in captivity or were executed by the Japanese.