The history of a captured Japanese flag that was signed by twenty four Australian soldiers has been revealed and the flag has been reunited with a signatory sixty four years after it was captured.
Kokoda Historical director and historian, David Howell, reunited the flag with 39th and 2/2nd Battalion veteran, Ken Phelan (VX117704) after sixty four years; it was an emotional moment to say the least. Ken served on the Kokoda Track and in New Guinea during WWII and verified the signature on the flag was his but was unable to recall the circumstances surrounding the event.
Further research conducted by David has confirmed that there are at least two other signatories still alive; Jack Gallagher (NX125330) and Mal Williams (NX16665). Both Mal and Jack were able to shed some light on the history of the flag and the following story unfolded.
On the 28th of Feb 1945 the 2/2nd Battalion crossed the Anumb River in New Guinea’s Aitape-Wewak area having relieved the 2/1st Battalion. The 2/2nd Battalion Commanding Officer Colonel Cameron, ordered patrols to be sent out in order to clear the surrounding area including Simbi Creek of any enemy. On the 1st of March 1945 the 2/2nd occupied Sowom Village. The following day Lt Shanahan leading 13 platoon of C Company was ambushed on the old German Road just short of the Simbi Creek flood channel. The Japanese had held their fire until the two forward scouts Pte Dwyer and Pte Doyle came within a few metres. They were both killed instantly. Lt Shanahan and Sgt McCabe went to investigate and they too were killed. Sgt Carnell took over and managed to flank the Japanese killing two of the enemy and wounding another before charging down and killing one more.
The names of the four soldiers who were killed in this ambush were written on the centre of the flag and all others involved in the event signed the white area around the red circle. This flag is a reminder of the sacrifice Australian soldiers made in the WWII battles in the Pacific.
For interviews, Mr. David Howell can be contacted at +61 405 007 700 or e-mail david@kokodahistorical.com
David Howell (L) and Ken Phelan (R) with the Japanese flag
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1 comments:
I think that the hard historical work that was undertaken to preserve and enrich our knowledge of self sacrifice and honour is a fine example of a decent Australian.
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