Sword returns home to japan

Discussion in 'Durham Light Infantry' started by Verrieres, Aug 6, 2011.

  1. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Interesting story here regarding a `captured` Japanese sword

    AN old soldier’s dying wish to return the ceremonial military sword he took from a surrendering Japanese general has been fulfilled.
    The family of the late Lieutenant Colonel William “Bill” Weightman paid an emotional final farewell to the sword before it was shipped to the descendants of the man he had taken it from at the end of the Second World War.


    Full story here;-

    Sword taken during Japanese surrender is returned (From The Northern Echo)


    Jim
     
    James S likes this.
  2. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

    Jim , that is rather a suitable end to the events of 1945.
    I am sure the families meeting each other do not see themselves as enemies more people from the opposite ends of the world who are brought together by a war which their fathers and grandfathers had to fight.

    My father would never have bought anything Japanese as a matter of principle but remembering the war and the men who fought and died in it should not be visited on future generations and I think it was a generous act of reconciliation to ask that the sword be returned to the family of the Japanese officer who surrendered it.

    Thank you for bringing this post to my attention.

    :poppy: Remembering all who died in the far east.
     
  3. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Jim , that is rather a suitable end to the events of 1945.
    I am sure the families meeting each other do not see themselves as enemies more people from the opposite ends of the world who are brought together by a war which their fathers and grandfathers had to fight.

    My father would never have bought anything Japanese as a matter of principle but remembering the war and the men who fought and died in it should not be visited on future generations and I think it was a generous act of reconciliation to ask that the sword be returned to the family of the Japanese officer who surrendered it.

    Thank you for bringing this post to my attention.

    :poppy: Remembering all who died in the far east.

    Hi James,

    I remember several old neighbours who belonged to 125th Anti Tank Regiment R.A. (I believe not 100% certain on that one) who would certainly be of the same opinion as your father having spent years in Japanese captivity.One family the Brennans I believe had two sons died in Japanese hands.
    My mother told me of seven brothers captured by the Japanese at Singapore two died in captivity,two others shortly after they were freed,another commited suicide in the late 1950`s of the two surviving brothers both were mentally scarred by their experiences.One of the brothers working in Sunderland during the late 60`s made the news when his company hoisted a Japanese flag to welcome a trade delegation and he promptly scaled the flag pole and cut it down his reasons were he had been forced to bow to a Japanese flag every morning and every evening of his captivity and he would be dammed if he would do so in his own country!
    I know Lieutenant Colonel William “Bill” Weightman was with 2 DLI and the DLI did not have any men captured by the Japanese ..I wonder if he would have felt different if they had?
    Either way I would`nt comment on any feelings these men had, all suffered horrors and if they could find forgiveness then thats fine,but for those who hold the Japanese responsible still...then that too is more than understandable.
    Wish I could recall the brothers family name! It will come to me..eventually!

    Best Wishes

    Jim
     
  4. Mike L

    Mike L Very Senior Member

    I am sure we have all heard horror stories of Japanese treatment of Prisoners of War and I can understand reluctance of some to forget that.
    The thing that strikes me about this article is the phrase “The sword was presented with honour, received with honour and cared for with great dignity".

    Lt. Col. Weightman had a distinguished career and the fact that he wished this sword to be returned to the Japanese Officer's family seems to me to be rather remarkable.
    It obviously meant a lot to him.

    Well done Mr Daly for helping fulfill his dying wish.

    :poppy:RIP Lt. Col. Weightman, DLI.:poppy:
     
  5. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Attached Files:

  6. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    I have to agree with Robert regarding a superb act of Reconciliation.

    Regards
    Tom
     

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