Unit marked Imperial Japanese Navy flag from Okinawa brought back by AAF Captain

[SEABEE SON]

Here is a rare souvenir from the Battle of Okinawa. It is a unit marked, Imperial Japanese Navy Flag. It is about 30" by 50". It was likely from a Navy ground unit, either combat troops or perhaps airbase personnel. It definitely saw some action. The colors are bleeding a bit, which is not unusual. It is made of cotton.

 

 

Here is the provenance.

 

 

[SEABEE SON]

A close up of the markings.

 

 

一中二小
Ichi-Chū Ni-Shō

1st Company 2nd Platoon
中隊 Chūtai = Company
小隊 Shōtai = Platoon

[SEABEE SON]

[WWIIDADS]

My dad was there at Naha same time, at Quartermaster Depot. As he had unlimited access to harbor and bases, and the camp was small, they undoubtedly crossed paths. They had Japanese prisoners at the camp.

[SEABEE SON]

My dad was there at Naha same time, at Quartermaster Depot. As he had unlimited access to harbor and bases, and the camp was small, they undoubtedly crossed paths. They had Japanese prisoners at the camp.

That's interesting! Did he bring back any souvenirs?

 

 

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[WWIIDADS]

Yes, a beautiful knife, wrapped grip, burgundy woven silk tassels, with original scabbard. It was stolen at a history class show and tell during lunch when I was in 7th grade 51 years ago. I put a plea in the newspaper a couple years ago for it's return. No response

[SEABEE SON]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that.

 

 

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