Occupation Force. Japan. 1947-48

[dtcoulson]

Hello people,

I am looking into my father's military experience in Japan post WW2.

He is a Kiwi who went to Japan with the NZJF in 1947 but transferred to the Australian force a few months later. He then served with the Australians for the remainder of his time in Japan (about a year).

I have contacted the NZ Defence force for his military records, but it is possible that there may also be records of him within the AIF/BCOF.

If so or if not, can someone tell me who I should contact for full details, if they exist?

My dad's details:

* Thomas Smith Coulson
* Born July 5 1925
* Born Christchurch New Zealand
* Arrived Yamaguchi Japan July 1947 as part of the NZ Jay Force
* Transferred to the AIF approx Dec 1947 / Jan 1948
* returned to NZ approx Aug 1948.

I'd be interested too in learning why it was that he transferred.
My best guess to date is that it was a matter of manpower.
There wasn't much for the troops to do in Japan.
It's possible that the Australian force in Kure simply needed extra staff for drudge work
and it was easier to absorb some of the Kiwi soldiers than recruit from home.

Any assistance welcome.

-David C










 

[lostredsock]

Hello David,

Found this on the AWM website under their BCOF section

 

Service records of those who served with Australian forces during this period may be held by either the Department of Defence or the National Archives of Australia. Information about access to these records is available on the Department of Defence website.[\quote]

Cheers

[Jamjar]

No record for him on NAA:

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/SearchScreens/BasicSearch.aspx

Jamjar

[barryd]

I learn something new everyday.

From the Internet:

After Japan’s surrender in August 1945, the New Zealand government agreed to participate in the US-led occupation as part of a Commonwealth force. More than 4200 New Zealand troops under the command of Brigadier Keith Stewart arrived in March 1946 as part of a 35,000-strong British Commonwealth Occupation Force.

[majm]

Hi,

Among my living relatives are three elderly brothers who served in the Australian Army as part of the Occupation Forces, Japan... BCOF.  Their service files are at the NAA but are not included in the online index. 

I have recorded their oral histories, included memories of that service in Japan.  They recalled some horrid scenes in the aftermath of clean up from the bombings of August 1945.  One of my transcriptions reads in part "all that remained was a shadow of a child seemingly melted into the footpath". 

JM