| Place | Oceania: New Guinea1, Papua New Guinea, Papua, Milne Bay |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/17617 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Flag |
| Physical description | Printed silk |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Japan |
| Date made | c 1941-1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Autographed good luck flag carried by Japanese soldier Ajiwa at Milne Bay, 1942
Description
Japanese soldier's autographed national flag with characters in black ink translating as the traditional wish for long lasting good fortune in war and 'A gift to Mr Ajiwa from Mr Kagohashi Kyubei'. Along the top edge in large lettering is the wording, '2/9th Field Battery', while the bottom edge bears the wording, 'New Guinea 1942'. Many members of the 9th Battery of 2/5 Field Regiment have signed the flag after its capture.
History / Summary
Captured during the Milne Bay campaign by members of 9th Battery, 2/5th Australian Field Regiment. The flag, which was taken from the body of a dead Japanese soldier, was captured around 4 September 1942.