Japanese EMs overcoat possible medic? What do you think?

[micky_g55]

HI guys
This is my most recent Japanese item. I just thought I would run it past you guys. the guy I got it from advertised it as a Japanese naval force coat ( in his words) I believe it to be a enlisted mans overcoat, not necessarily navy or army.
Am I right?
The second question is what is the red cross stand for? Is it a medic patch? I have never seen anything like this before on Japanese items. The guy I got it off said it was for disabled soldiers. Which I doubt that story. Anyway let me no what you think.
Thanks Michael

sorry about the pictures. not my photos.

[John Egger]

Coat

The patch is for a "wounded soldier". Worn on the jacket or hospital gown it indicated the wearer had been wounded and was currently recovering. Usually worn while in a hospital and worn by both the army and navy. The coat I'm not sure of however from the photo the stamping looks to be army.

[micky_g55]

Hi John
thank you very much for the info. very interesting. are these common item to see? does anyone else have any other examples of these paches being used? either in photos or uniforms.
thanks again John
Michael

[cbuehler]

It is indeed Army marked.

CB

[micky_g55]

thanks guys
anyone else have anything to add. thanks again
Michael

[Jareth]

Micky, on pg 240 of Mike Hewitt's book is photo of your coat. Mike calls it a "patients coat" & it's lined in white flannel. One in the book has red cross on sleeve otherwise it's identical.

[Eric Doody]

The subject coat appears to be a white flannel lined patient's/recovering soldier's coat. Refer to Page 240 of Uniforms and Equipment of the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II by Mike Hewitt for additional information.

[micky_g55]

thanks guys
i have copy of mike hewitt's book coming in the mail. hopfuly it will be here in a week or 2.
thanks Michael

[micky_g55]

just another quick question. are these coats rare?
what are they worth?
i only payed 20 usd for this one. which i think was a really good deal.
anyway thanks again
Michael