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Wakizashi brought home by UK Vet WW2


Leo
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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

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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

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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).

post-185162-0-97181300-1563744080.png

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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

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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!

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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

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