Jun 12 at 12:00 PM - Sale 2708 -

Sale 2708 - Lot 214

Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
(WORLD WAR TWO.) Five original photographs of Japanese soldiers from their occupation of Attu Island. Most 8 x 10 inches, one smaller; moderate wear; each stamped on verso "Confidential, printed by photo lab NAS Adak." Attu, AK, 1942-1943
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Additional Details

The Japanese Army occupied Attu in the far western Aleutian Islands on 7 June 1942, and remained on the island for almost a year. It was the most significant occupation of American territory during the war. The Battle of Attu lasted for 18 days until the final banzai charge on 29 May 1943.

These photographs were developed from film found after the Americans regained possession of the island. They were developed at another American base further east in the Aleutians, Naval Air Station Adak.

A large group photo is captioned "Jap aviation personnel on Attu. Third from right in standing row is supposed to be a German." The one single portrait is captioned "Col. Yamashita, commanding officer on Attu." The other three are of small groups, including "Jap anti-aircraft fire control group."

We have found two of these images in web searches (the large group of aviators, and a group of 5 sword-wielding "Jap officers on Attu"), but have not traced the other three.

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