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On 1 December, the 1st Battalion completed embarkation on board the carrier Lexington (CV 16) and sailed for the West Coast to be disbanded. On the 24th, the 3d Battalion, reinforced by regimental units and a casual company formed to provide replacements for Fifth Fleet Marine detachments, relieved 2d Battalion of all guard responsibilities. The 2d Battalion, with Regimental Weapons and Headquarters and Service Companies, began loading out operations on the 27th and sailed for the United States on board the attack cargo ship Lumen (AKA 30) on New Year's Day. Like the 1st, the 2d Battalion and the accompanying two units would be disbanded. All received war trophies: Japanese rifles and bayonets were issued to enlisted men; officers received swords less than 100 years old; pistols were not issued and field glasses were restricted to general officers.
This passage was taken from SECURING THE SURRENDER: Marines in the Occupation of Japan
by Charles R. Smith. Interesting part was to me about the swords, pistols and field glasses. Although this is a 4th. Marine battalion, the same must have held true for later in the occupation. My father was in the 2nd. Marine division and he had to sneak field glasses out of a warehouse, and he also cut the bottom of his canteen out to fit a Model 1910 Mauser. On his bring-back papers it also shows he had a "Japanese Saber". I know he had his pick, they must have only allowed him to take a saber? Also interesting that the officers could only take 100 yr. old swords. At that time, how did they determine the age of the swords? Did they go by what the Japanese told them at the time? Also, has anyone ever seen bring-back papers to include a sword or saber on the listing? I really commend my dad for sneaking so much stuff! Unfortunate that he traded his saber for a pistol when he came back. He also traded the Mauser for a Colt 38 on the ship he came back on.
This passage was taken from SECURING THE SURRENDER: Marines in the Occupation of Japan
by Charles R. Smith. Interesting part was to me about the swords, pistols and field glasses. Although this is a 4th. Marine battalion, the same must have held true for later in the occupation. My father was in the 2nd. Marine division and he had to sneak field glasses out of a warehouse, and he also cut the bottom of his canteen out to fit a Model 1910 Mauser. On his bring-back papers it also shows he had a "Japanese Saber". I know he had his pick, they must have only allowed him to take a saber? Also interesting that the officers could only take 100 yr. old swords. At that time, how did they determine the age of the swords? Did they go by what the Japanese told them at the time? Also, has anyone ever seen bring-back papers to include a sword or saber on the listing? I really commend my dad for sneaking so much stuff! Unfortunate that he traded his saber for a pistol when he came back. He also traded the Mauser for a Colt 38 on the ship he came back on.
