I think I might have fond a solution to the Chrysanthemum question.
According to M Murray’s book “Hunted” a group of 10 Americans and 6 Australian Z Force operatives (2 Australian, 4 Natives) were landed on the island of Boang Island on the 29th December 1943, from the USS Peto.
During this operation it was necessary to cause some considerable mischief to a party of Japanese soldiers who got a little to close for comfort. Among the souvenirs brought back to the Peto was a pistol and a machine gun. According to Murray
“ The captured machine gun was presented to the crew of the Peto by Murray for the gallant part they had played in the rescue of the team; the Japanese officer’s pistol he gave to Commander Nelson as a personal souvenir. The crew made immediate arrangements to have the machine gun sent back to America to the ship-building company where Peto had been built; it still occupies a place of honour in a glass showcase in the lobby of the administration building.”
If this gun still exists, and bears the Chrysanthemum, it is a clear example of Japanese weapons being brought back prior to the cessation of hostilities without having the Chrysanthemum removed.
Anyone know where this gun might be today? I suspect it will be a Japanese Type 96 LMG.
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