Leo Posted July 21, 2019 Share #1 Posted July 21, 2019 This is something I thought was a bit of a rarity so its ended up in my collection. A Japanese wakizashi brought home by Charles Gunn who was with the R.A.F 2965 squadron, air headquarters. He left Saigon in 1946 to come home after the war and this captured sword was brought home by him. It was bought from the family auction 2 years ago and is now sitting here with me. Its a Bizento blade signed BISHU JU YOSHI MITSU This could be the last (5th) man. Circa 1550s blade. Original Knot and surrender linen signed OGAWA CHU -SA ? LT/COLONEL ? There is also a 3/3 so is that a rank ? Would love your thoughts - enjoy the pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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Leo Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share #15 Posted July 21, 2019 I’ve heard that it was very difficult for English vets to get anything back, battlefield pick up etc. Smuggling was rife, but this sword was put through the proper system and as seen through the paperwork came back with him. I think this makes the history of the item all the more richer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Posted July 21, 2019 Share #16 Posted July 21, 2019 Original Knot and surrender linen signed OGAWA CHU -SA ? LT/COLONEL ? There is also a 3/3 so is that a rank ? Would love your thoughts - enjoy the pics Hi Leo, Terrific sword and story, thanks for posting it! You're correct, 中佐 Chusa = Lt. Colonel. My guess... 3/3 is 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion but we may never know. It may be that the sword was handed over to 2963 Squadron at the same Tan Son Nhut Airfield surrender ceremony as in the photo (Screen shot of P.246, book Constant Vigilance). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted July 22, 2019 Author Share #17 Posted July 22, 2019 Hi Leo, Terrific sword and story, thanks for posting it! You're correct, 中佐 Chusa = Lt. Colonel. My guess... 3/3 is 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion but we may never know. It may be that the sword was handed over to 2963 Squadron at the same Tan Son Nhut Airfield surrender ceremony as in the photo (Screen shot of P.246, book Constant Vigilance). Thanks for that awesome insight and information Rod, I think you nailed it, it could even be the sword in the picture ! We will never know but it has come from that squadron and in Saigon. I find it fascinating and That picture tells a thousand words Dean & Leo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony v Posted July 22, 2019 Share #18 Posted July 22, 2019 Leo Very nice sword ! Thank you for sharing. Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted July 22, 2019 Author Share #19 Posted July 22, 2019 Leo Very nice sword ! Thank you for sharing. Tony Thanks Tony for the kind comment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Posted July 23, 2019 Share #20 Posted July 23, 2019 Thanks for that awesome insight and information Rod, I think you nailed it, it could even be the sword in the picture ! We will never know but it has come from that squadron and in Saigon. I find it fascinating and That picture tells a thousand words Dean & Leo Hi Dean & Leo, You're very welcome. I take back my guess that "3/3" represents the "3rd Company, 3rd Battalion". Lt. Col.s would never associate with anything smaller than a battalion and so must be something else. Also I found a reference that says the 'Tan Son Nhut Airfield' surrender ceremony with RAF 2963 presiding took place in December 1945. Wonder if a record of Japanese officers and/or surrendering units exists. If so it might be possible to learn more about Lt. Col. Ogawa. Perhaps the British War Museum in London has some idea. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted July 23, 2019 Author Share #21 Posted July 23, 2019 He could of received the sword in 1945 as he came home 12/2/1946. I will go to the war museum and ask some questions and see where it goes. Thanks again for taking the time to comment on the thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted July 23, 2019 Author Share #22 Posted July 23, 2019 I found this on a LT OGAWA and its an amazing read, he was also in Saigon https://saltandlight.sg/leadership/the-wwii-japanese-officer-who-rescued-christians/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted July 23, 2019 Author Share #23 Posted July 23, 2019 Could this be him ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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