Items found in the field: Intelligence stamps

[maverick87]

Hi,
I have a Japanese flag with a "examined in the field" stamps on it. I was wondering if anyone knew how to find out where it was captured from based on the stamp number? My number is 237.

Thanks

[MikeB]

Items found in the field...

Intel stamps generally had numbers on them that corresponded to the person who was assigned that stamp. Some stamps even had a line where the intel officer could sign his name after placing it upon the item (flag, document, etc.) Jerry Price has a new study out that goes into detail on intel stamps as well as bring back papers. You may be able to get a copy of it through Banzai newsletter/magazine or perhaps by doing a computer search using his name or the subject. mikeb

[hc8mm]

Here is a good site with more info about the stamps:

http://www.gunboards.com/sites/banza.../CapPapers.htm

I found a Chinese canteen probably captured by the Japanese and captured by an American with an intelligence stamp. Mine doesn't have a number or initial as it probably faded over time.

Maybe you can track the number somehow?

I just noticed that the author of that webpage was also written by the same person as mentioned by MikeB.

[MikeB]

Items found....

The article sited was written by Jerry Price in 1999. His most recent discsussion on the subject was presented just a few months ago (2009.) My book also covers the subject briefly. I would think it very difficult to near impossible to ever link up the intel person, via the numbers on the stamp they used with where the item came from. If you knew where the veteran acquired the item, you might work your way in the back door (so to speak,) that way. A tough bit of research work to be sure......mikeb

[kaigunair]

great article!

too bad there's aren't more archived issues available!

[MikeB]

Items found....

Kaigunair-
I have to agree with you on that one. There have been some very good articles presented over the past number of years. There have been many good ones in the present too. Our member, Takehito has put together some fine research in Banzai over the last few years himself. mikeb

[maverick87]

Thanks for the comments.

I've been going crazy about this. I'm trying to find any evidence on the flag. My girlfriend (japanese) looked over everything for dates or numbers, but it is basically only messages, good lucks and names. The only clues I have to where the flag is from is that it has a rectangular "field inspection" box with the No. 237. The only "number" evidence on the flag is 第三班鐡心. This means "daisanpan" or "group three"? The last two kanji means "iron heart". I thought 3rd division, company, regement? I tried research, no luck.

I remember when I went to Yasukuni shrine one time, there is all the names. I think they have an archive of all the fallen soilders. Anyone know about this? Is it possible for an average guy like me to just check a name and see where he was stationed?

I knew a bit about the certificates. My grandfather has the certificate to the "1 flask and 1 hat" that he brought home. He brought back a japanese skull (which I think he hid because it was illegal)