Japanese Flag from the Second World War

Flags were very important to soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army. Generally soldiers would carry a personal flag - a 'hinomaru (sun) yosegaki (sideways writing)'. It was a good luck flag signed by friends and family. Robert Scott acquired one at Kohima whilst commanding the 2nd Battalion. Captain John Howard rememberd him with admiration. "Two minutes with him and a man's fears were calmed. The mud and the wet didn't matter - nor did the Japs. His bravery was magnificent, that always inspires soldiers ....

Most people rather tend to change in battle but Robert didn't - he was the same awkward bugger! He was covered in mud but then so were the rest of us. His huge boots on his large feet, covered in mud, looked even bigger. His trousers were covered in dried blood - he'd stabbed a Japanese at some stage so I was told. He had grenades, a pistol; and his dagger hanging round his huge waistline. He'd acquired a silk Japanese flag which he was using as a scarf. Like the rest of us he had four or five days of beard.... He had a bandaged head, his tin hat a ragged bullet hole...enjoying himself wildly he shouted 'Take cover you silly buggers, we're being shelled! Everybody down except me, I can't, I've got lumbago, but the buggers can't get me!' That was very cheering."

The term “Jap” has been used as an abbreviation of “Japanese” to describe things imported from Japan or of a Japanese style. However, during the Second World War the term was used and continues to be used in a derogatory manner.