Ww2 occupation money

[John McGillivray]

Originally Posted by Little Jo

Hi John

It is always interesting to sink your teeth into a mystery and to have no idea as to what you found only enhances the interest. I hope you find an answer to the half note. Maybe half pay for a job and the balalance upon completion, though who would work for one Peso. Hmmm....I have attached copies of the complete note issued by the Japanese occupation forces in 1943. Happy hunting.

Cheers

Tony

Thinking about the note I may have come up with a possible answer. My dad was in the RCAF during the war but spent the entire war in Eastern Canada so he could not have gotten the note himself. However, a number of his cousins had moved to Michigan in the 1930’s. It is possible that one may have served with the US military in the Pacific and had sent him the note as a souvenir.

[Little Jo]

Hi john

Yes mate, but where is the other half of the note ...

Cheers

Tony

[Little Jo]

Hi Guys

I just thought I would give you all an update into my investigation into the survivors of the "Boozers Committee". I finally tracked down the last surviving member named on the back of the 10 Yen Japanese note under the heading of "Boozers Committee". Late this afternoon I received a phone call and had the honour of speaking to 88 year old Noel WHITING.

We had a lovely chat and he could not believe his eyes when he opened my letter and saw the Photo I sent of the 10 Yen note. He confirmed it was his handwriting on the note. He related his story of his time in Japan as part of the BCOF force, as part of 123 Transport Platoon, stationed 6 Kilometres from Hiroshima, and now we know why he is the only survivor, he identified others on the note and the name of the OC of his unit who recently passed away, all suffered with cancer.

I was thrilled speak to this chap who recently lost his wife. I will now write up a story for my association magazine and then I can put this mystery to bed. My thanks to MLU members. Mike Cecil, Tony Wheeler and Richard Couts-Smith for your support and assistance to keep me stirred up enough to continue until the final chapter in this true Aussie story.

Cheers

Tony

[Tony Wheeler]

Wonderful story Tony, well done on tracking down Noel Whiting and solving "The riddle of the 10 yen note"! I'm sure he was surprised to see it again after almost 70 years! Hopefully it brought back memories of good times with the "Boozer's Committee", sad to hear they're no longer with us.

I gather BCOF Japan vets have been fighting for recognition/entitlements for years, but successive govts have been doing the usual thing - stalling until they all fall off the perch. Your efforts will ensure they at least get some audience amongst people who care. It occurs to me you may even get some interest from mainstream media, it's the kind of human interest story they often go for. Anyway I look forward to reading your article eventually.

Cheers,
Tony

[Mike Cecil]

Well done, Tony. I look forward to reading your article.

Mike C

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

10 out of 10 for persistance Sherlock.
Fortunate that you don't suffer from procastination, as I fear that "The Riddle Of The 10 Yen Note" would have remained unsolved if left much later.
Rich.

[hrpearce]

Looking forward to the full story.