- First Edition 1997
- Publisher: Oxford University Press in association with the Historical Branch of the Dept. of Internal Affairs
- Format: softcover, 25cm h x 19cm x 1.4cm, 262 pages, illustrated
- Condition: Very good, Owner stamp covered on title page.
- RARE book
New Zealand and the Military Occupation of Japan 1945-48
A vivid account of New Zealand's role in the military occupation of Japan following WWII. This was New Zealand's first peace-keeping mission and it's first engagement with Asia. Altogether some 12,000 men and women were involved over the three years of the deployment, which amounted to contributing an infantry brigade and an air force squadron to a Commonwealth force.
Based on official records and personal diaries and recollections, the book traces the reasons for New Zealand's participation in the occupation and the steps taken to fulfil the committment, first by sending troops from Italy, then by recruitment in Nw Zealand.It descibes in detail the tasks undertaken by Jayforce and provides compelling insights into New Zealander's perceptions of japan and its people in the aftermath of crushing defeat.
The stories of encounters with the victims of Hiroshima and the problems caused by troop boredom and poor morale are candidly related.
Jayforce is a valuable contribution to the understanding and development of a relationship with a country that has since become increasingly important to New Zealand.
Generously illustrated with official and unofficial photographs.
Product is in stock.
