History: A flag from WWII is being brought from Sydney to Benalla.
David Phillips is bringing a piece of World War II history to Benalla.
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He’s bringing a Japanese flag that 58 Australian soldiers signed at the end of the war in August 1945 to Benalla, all the way from Sydney.
This piece of history also has a local connection: Benalla resident Alan Ould signed the flag alongside 17 other Victorians.
Local connection: Benalla resident Alan Ould’s signature on the flag.
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The soldiers signed the flag after a radio report saying that Japan was prepared to surrender, and they knew the war was over. The men had their first beer ration since landing at Balikpapan, Indonesia, while signing the flag.
Mr Phillips’ grandfather was one of the soldiers who signed the flag, and that’s how it ended up in his family. However, he said he didn’t ‘own’ it.
“I’m just a custodian of it. It belongs to the 58 people who signed it,” he said.
“I have been researching the artefact my grandfather brought back from World War II for several years.
“Since World War II, my family and two others are the only people to have seen the flag in real life. I want that to change.”
Mr Phillips said that although the flag was not his, he felt he had a responsibility to the 58 who had signed it.
“I’m bringing the flag to Benalla because I feel like I’ve got a responsibility to them, and I’d do anything to preserve their names,” Mr Phillips said.
You can see the flag in person and learn more about its history at the Benalla RSL sub-branch, 75 Nunn St, Benalla, on Monday, May 6, from 9.30am to 2pm.
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