Arisaka T99

John -Melb · 09-03-2003, 08:46 PM

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.

09-03-2003, 08:46 PM	#17
John -Melb User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Peoples Republic of Australia! Posts: 145 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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.