On the death of my uncle, I received a Japanese Flag with what I believe to be the signatures of a number of the soldiers who where attached to one of the units that their unit engaged.

As I am unable to attach a photo copy of this flag on this website, I would appreciate it if you were to contact me at the above e mail address and I will forward an attachment to you.

In the attitude of reconcilliation and respect for those killed in this action on both sides, and in honour of those who’s names appear on this flag, we as a family would like to personally contact some of those men or their families.

Should you feel that this would not be appropriate, we will respect that decision.

Your faithfully,

Gavin Rawstron

I personally applaud his decision, and the decision of most of his cabinet. I bet the non-visit was a result of some closed-door negotiations with China. Hopefully this will take away some nationalist steam from the countries profiting most from anti-Japanese sentiment.