An intriguing archive of three Japanese language items documenting Japanese military efforts in the Western Pacific Theatre during World War II, ca. 1944, including: a topographical map of Peleliu and a communications diagram of Saipan, both sites of major 1944 battles; and a pocket size day book or diary, with over 35 pages with handwritten entries in Japanese, presumably penned by a Japanese soldier and recovered from the field by the victors. The titles of both maps/diagrams have been translated. The day book has not been translated and definitely deserves more research!

The items relate to military engagements that took place during the Summer and Fall of 1944: the pivotal Allied victories of the Battle of Saipan (June 15 - July 9, 1944) and the Battle of Peleliu (September 15 - November 27, 1944). Saipan and Peleliu were just the most recent battles in a series in which the Allies attempted to wrest control of the Western Pacific Theatre away from the Japanese. During 1943-1944, critically important areas were reclaimed by the Allies: the Solomon Islands, the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands, New Guinea, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, Ulithi, Angaur; next on the agenda were the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Japanese home islands themselves.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A Japanese diagram showing communication networks on Saipan, one of the Mariana Islands, with the headline translated as: "Figure: Communication of essential information to the Air Force Commander of the territory of Saipan (Paper on continuous usage removed)" with red and blue lines denoting telephone lines for the commander and telephone lines for "radiometry" respectively. The diagram is entirely hand-written and hand-drawn in red and blue colored pencil on yellow grid graph paper. An English docket inscription reads "Saipan AA positions" verso. Expected paper flaws including folds and wrinkles, else near fine and very crisp. 15.25" x 21.125."

The diagram of communication networks follows the approximate silhouette of the island of Saipan. Telephone and radio communication would have played a decisive role in Japanese efforts to defend the island. The Battle of Saipan was waged from June 15, 1944 through July 9, 1944, when the Americans secured the island.

2. A Japanese map of Peleliu Island, one of the Palau Islands, with the translated title as: "Topographical Map of the Island of Peleliu for Military Use / As of 30 March 1944 / (Provisional) Squad No. 7920." The map consists of two sheets of paper glued together verso, and printed in red and black figures recto. A small handwritten inscription in pencil appears at lower left recto. An English docket inscription reads "Pelew [sic]" verso. Expected wear including folds, wrinkles, and isolated stains, else near fine. 21.375" x 28.875."

The map shows the topographical terrain of Peleliu Island, scaled 1/15,000. The legend shows symbols for different environmental features, including elevated zones, bodies of water, and areas of dense vegetation. The human-made X-shaped structure shown in the lower left quadrant of the map was Peleliu Airfield. Other landmarks that can be seen on the map include the highest point on the island, Umurbrogol Mountain, as well as Kamilianlul and Amiangal Mountains. U.S. Marines encountered the fiercest resistance while overtaking Umurbrogol Mountain, where Japanese forces, entrenched in limestone caves and mine shafts connected via a tunnel system, evaded capture.

The Battle of Peleliu began on September 15, 1944, when the Americans arrived on the tiny island measuring just 6 x 2 miles, and ended ten weeks later, on November 27, 1944. Peleliu is remembered as one of the costliest amphibious assaults of World War II, with approximately 40% of 28,000 U.S. Marines and other troops being wounded or killed during the battle. About 10,000 Japanese troops--including Squad No. 7920, the unit that used this map--holed up in the island's underground bunker system. Surrender was not an option, and casualty rates among the Japanese were extremely high. Japanese fighters were so devoted to their mission, that several dozen soldiers held out until April 22, 1947 because they refused to believe that the war was over.

3. A Japanese day book or diary, recovered from the field presumably following an American victory, stamped "Examined in the Field / Passed by / Joint Intelligence" on the back loose endpaper. Expected wear including some looseness to the binding, else near fine. 3.625" x 5.125" x .5." The pocket-size book with chrysanthemum covers has a manuscript title block. Japanese language maps, calendars, prints, and other illustrations, some in color, can be found within, with a definite bent towards propaganda (images of Rising Sun flags, female factory workers, fishermen, farmers, battleships, etc.) Unpaginated. Approximately 36 pages have manuscript writing in pencil or pen, which remain untranslated. Who knows what soldier's battle accounts or homesick recollections can be found within?

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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