Black Japanese Naval banner script translation request

[JCB]

Hello all.

I recently purchased this small Japanese black Naval banner. It measures 15 by 25 inches and is printed cotton of WWII vintage. The black color might signify the mourning of a lost serviceman but I'm not sure. Can I ask someone to translate the script? Any thoughts I'd like to hear it.

Much appreciated!
Jim
JapaneseOrdnance(at)yahoo.com



Sorry, this isn't for sale. Seeing this banner with this design in black seems unusual to me.

[Nick Komiya]

Literally, it means Friends of the Sea Group Member (Kaiyu-dan member), but there is absolutely no historical reference to such a group in the net or the archives, so it could be the name of a post war navy vet organization.

[JCB]

thanks

Nick, Greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Jim