WW2 Sake Cup with Artillery Gun translation help needed

[micky_g55]

Hi Guys
Here is my second sake cup I have in my collection. I was hoping someone might be able to help me with the translation of the characters on the cup. I hope you guys like and thanks in advance.
Michael

[plmurphy]

It says "23rd Field Artillery. End of Service Commemorative". This is a nice piece from the 23d Field Artilelry Regiment. Most likely dates from the early to mid 1930's or slightly later.

Best regards,

Paul

[micky_g55]

Hi Paul
thank you very much for you help.
can anyone tell me where i could find any more info on this unit?
thanks again paul
Michael

[MikeB]

WW2 sake cup....

It's tough to find real good information on Japanese units unless they were key ones or served in important engagements. All I could find on "a" 23rd. artillery regiment dealt with the Philippine Scouts 23rd arty regt. that was attached to General Wainwright during the War (obviously not the correct side of the War.) Perhaps CB or Paul Murphy have better research guides available on Japanese units. Sorry. MikeB

[plmurphy]

The 23rd F A were from Himeji and formed part of the 17th Division. This division ended the war on New Britain Island at Labaul (?) (I am translating from the Japanese so the Ls and Rs may be incorrect).

[MikeB]

WW2 sake cup....

Hey Paul, is that Himeji the same place where the Himeji Castle is located? Mike

[plmurphy]

Hi Mike,

Yes, it is the same place. If you ever get a chance to visit the castle I highly recommend you go, it is a great place.

Best regards,

Paul

[MikeB]

WW2 sake cup....

Thanks for the info. Paul. I have a souvenir of service flag that was done in '45-'46 for an American vet that has the Himeji Castle painted on the front. I will have to go sometime and take a look. It is supposed to be one of the best preserved castles in Japan. Mike

[plmurphy]

It is by far the best preserved castle in Japan. It makes an excellent day out but I would recommend spring or early autumn as the best times to visit.

[micky_g55]

thanks so much guys for all the info. sorry i have not replyed sooner. have been away from the computer.
the info you have given me is very interesting as im a japanese and Australian militria collecter. durning the war Australians were posted on new britan and have some items relating to these Australian units. now i have somthing from a Japanese unit that was there to. which i think is very interesting. thanks again guys.
Is there any way to find out more about the japnaese 17th divsion.

thanks guys
Michael

[plmurphy]

Not sure about English sources, the one I use are in Japanese. Some other collectors may be able to recommend some.

[Eric Doody]

Michael,

According to Volume I of The Japanese Order of Battle in World War II by John L. Underwood Jr. the 17th Infantry Division was...

...activated in about 1906. It was comprised of the 33rd Infantry Bridge with the 21st & 63rd Infantry Regiments and the 34[th] Infantry Brigade with the 41st & 54th Infantry Regiments. In 1920 the 21st Cavalry Regiment, 23rd F[ield]A[rtillery], and the 17th Engineer and Transport Battalions were added. The division was demobolized in 1925.

Underwood goes onto state that the 17th Infantry Division was..."reactived in 1938" and "reorganized in 1944."

Also, that the divisions movements were...

July 1938 - 1942 Shanghai
Late 1942 - Aug 1943 Hsuchow
Oct 1943 New Britain
Early 1944 Rabaul

Hope this helps.

Eric