Japanese naval ensign similar to one carried by Honda Yusaku at Milne Bay, September 1942. Framed and wired on the back. One such flag was seized by QX2240 Lance Corporal James Calvert of the 2/9 Battalion during a patrol in the Milne Bay area on September 29, 1942.The main Japanese force at Milne Bay had evacuated the area in the days before and Calvert's patrol was part of an exercise to clear the area of any enemy soldiers left behind. Coming upon a party of five Japanese soldiers in a native hut they opened fire. Calvert killed an officer and wounded another man. The others fled into the jungle, one hiding in a nearby bush which Calvert fired into, killing the man. When the area was secure the Australians souvenired items from the hut. Calvert picked up this flag along with a sword, some notes and other material. They then burnt the hut and returned to camp. Calvert was born in Manchester, United Kingdom, in 1910 and enlisted for service in Townsville, Queensland, in March 1940. He was discharged in December 1943.

The flag has dull color due to age wear and frame is in poor condition. Refer to photos for more details.

37 x 26 in