Pocket rank kanji question

[Rommel1942]

I’m just wondering what the kanji above this sergeant’s pocket rank indicates - I’ve only seen one other pocket rank that also has kanji on it. What was the purpose of this?
Best regards
Finn

[GHP]

眞 is the old kanji; today 真 is used.

It means “real” or “truth.” I have no idea what it means on the uniform.

— Guy

[Rommel1942]

眞 is the old kanji; today 真 is used.

It means “real” or “truth.” I have no idea what it means on the uniform.

— Guy

Thanks for the translation Guy- I wonder how that had any relevance to the uniform!

[Jareth]

Usually a unit name. These are being faked. Easily put together & used to enhance tunics. Is your tunic named, issued with handwritten owners name on inside ink stamp?

[Rommel1942]

Usually a unit name. These are being faked. Easily put together & used to enhance tunics. Is your tunic named, issued with handwritten owners name on inside ink stamp?

Interesting - here’s the stamping inside the tunic that it’s attached to. Any ideas what it means?

[GHP]

Interesting - here’s the stamping inside the tunic that it’s attached to. Any ideas what it means?

Weird .... only lists a surname using katakana.

アライ
新井 [in kanji most likely it is this]
Arai

Size small: 小
Dated: 昭和二十三年 Showa 23?? [1948]


-- Guy

[Jareth]

...and looks like it was done with sharpie marker

[Will G.]

Looks like =+ which would be 1945, and I agree with Jareth it does look like it was done with a marker!

[Rommel1942]

Interesting. Thanks for the insights and opinions!

[Rod G]

眞 is the old kanji; today 真 is used.

It means “real” or “truth.” I have no idea what it means on the uniform.

— Guy

In this case it may mean 眞 "Shin", code name for the 4th Air Army (Philippines and New Guinea).

(Sound of harps playing in the background) Just supposing it were a period piece it would most likely have come from the P.I.

That aside, without a unit code number 眞 "Shin" by itself, in this context, has little to no historic value as it comprised an army of several hundred units and thousands of men in 2 air divisions.

Of course 眞 "Shin" may be something else entirely, so take this for what you just paid for it.

[GHP]

In this case it may mean 眞 "Shin", code name for the 4th Air Army (Philippines and New Guinea)....

Thanks Rod!


-- Guy

[Dean Brock]

Usually the character was part of the unit leaders name.

[Rod G]

Thanks Rod!


-- Guy

You're welcome Guy.

Dean is more than likely correct if it's supposed to represent a company, platoon or squad. Which it probably does.

Rod