| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Solomon Islands, Bougainville, South Bougainville |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/12658 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Synthetic fabric |
| Location | Main Bld: World War 2 Gallery: Gallery 4: Islands |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Japan |
| Date made | c 1941-1945 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Autographed furoshiki (wrapping cloth) carried by Japanese soldier Tsuchiya Akira, South Bougainville, 1945
Description
Synthetic fabric furoshiki, a wrapping cloth used to carry personal items. Cloth is printed in blue, grey, brown, mauve and orange with a map of South East Asia, aeroplane, ship and a printed patriotic marching song. Song translates as 'Both in defence and offence, we can depend on our floating castle of black steel [i.e.Japan]. We must defend to the end all sides of the Japanese empire, which is our floating castle'. There is also a short hand written poem indicating that Tsuchiya is the writer's third son to enlist, 'I have seen my sons leave for the battlefields three times on a fine day of play'. Also on the cloth is 'To Tsuchiya Akira from all the staff of the Minenobu office'.
History / Summary
Obtained by VX8774 Gunner Eric Joseph Knight, 2 Field Regiment from a Japanese soldier captured on South Bougainville in 1945.