My late father had one of those Samurai swords for many years, smuggled here after WWII. There wasn't a family discussion about it, but Mum & Dad decided to send the sword back many years later (the family name was on a scroll inside the handle). It went back via a Catholic priest (who got into some trouble over the whole thing) but that's a different story!
Whilst the sword must have had some sentimental value to Dad, they obviously decided that it had more value to another family who had lost a son, albeit a combatant of my father.
(Dad was pretty private to us young uns about WWII, but enjoyed the camaraderie of the annual reunions and was President of the Battalion Association, and was involved in commissioning the book "A Young Man's War" a history of the Aust. 37/52.)
Edit: PS. He too finished up owning 'Jap' vehicles!
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Allan Layton
Last edited by Allan L; 17-07-14 at 13:35.
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