Australian military tunic

[kookaburra]

When I lived in Japan in 2017, I came across this old tunic at the Japanese equivalent of a "Sunday market" at the local temple.  

I usually went there looking for Japanese antiques. 

I don't collect uniforms, but being an Aussie, I couldn't leave without taking it with me. 

The seller couldn't tell me anything about its history/provenance. 

An American friend suggested that it may date from the Korean war era, but he wasn't sure. 

The overall condition is very good, and appears to have little wear. 

I couldn't find any name on it. 

There are coloured patches on both sleeves, with a purple and green diamond on a grey background.  

There is also a small number written (in pencil?) inside the right breast pocket. 

It's faint but still legible, although I'm not sure what it means.  

I would like to find out anything I can about the tunic, so any info would be appreciated.  

Thanks for looking, and for any help!  

[numbersix]

The sleeve flash is for the 18th Australian Infantry Battalion and the NX35009 service number (I am assuming it is a service number) appears to be for Lieutenant Aubrey Harold Pringle, who was KIA in Malaya in 1942 whilst serving with 2/18th Australian Infantry Battalion.

[Brian Keith]

Oh My! What a fantastic find! From the info "numbersix" provided, it would appear to match up exactly! From the service number, the formation badge lines up, and the rank insignia matches. Wow, what a story that uniform could tell! One wonders how it made it to Japan. Did the Japanese collect "war souvenirs" like GI's did? 

Glad Lt. Pringle is now remembered. Rest In Peace Sir!

Thanks for saving this historic uniform and posting it for us to see. Thanks to "numbersix" for the great information!
BKW

[Ivydiv]

Remarkable find. Really enjoyed the pictures and information. Thanks for Posting. Dave

[AustinO]

Wonderful find.  The Australians are doing a great job digitizing military records.  Here is Lt Pringle, as well as a brief summary of service.

[Brian Keith]

Thanks AustinO, Excellent addition to this tread. RIP Lt. Pringle.

BKW

[G.I. Pringle]

Hello, AH (Jock) Pringle was my uncle. My cousins and I are desperate to get hold of this tunic.

We never dreamed we'd be able to get hold of such an item. There must be a great story as to how it came to be in Japan. It would have been left at Jock's base at Mersing on the east coast of Malaysia when they were called into action in January 1942. It was probably souvenired by a Japanese soldier after the base was abandoned by the Australians in their haste to halt the Japanese advance.

I'd be willing to pay a fair price for it as it is a priceless family heirloom.

If anyone knows how I can contact 'Kookaburra' please let me know either here or at gipringle@gmail.com, or both.

Thanks in advance,

Graeme I. Pringle

[Preppy Picker]

What an amazing find. The original poster hasn’t visited the site in one and a half years.

You could send them a message which should send a posting to their email. The best way to get their attention is to make a substantial offer. This is an historic find on its own merit especially in the collecting community.