Sheet of typed paper containing BCOF hymn
Datec 1950s
Object number00054421
NameHymn
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 160 x 210 mm, 1.94 g
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Sadako Morris
DescriptionThis typewritten hymn, adapted from the prayer 'Our Father', relates to John Morris' service with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan from 1949.
HistoryMore than 600 Japanese women migrated to Australia as war brides after World War II. Their husbands had served with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF) after the surrender of Japan in 1945. At first marriage between Australian soldiers and Japanese women was prohibited. But many men fell in love and lobbied the Australian Government for change.
When Sadako Kikuchi’s family discovered that she was secretly seeing Australian Army officer John Morris, they threatened to disown her. Strong-willed, Sadako chose to leave, moving into an apartment with John.
Sadako met John when she was a seamstress in a Kure department store. There was still much bitterness between ex-enemies. ‘Morrisan’ and Sadako had to keep their meetings secret, using Sadako’s brother Yasuo as a go-between.
In 1952, after intense lobbying, the Australian Government eventually gave permission for soldiers to marry Japanese nationals. Sadako and John had a church wedding in 1952. Most of Sadako’s family attended, despite their earlier opposition. Finally, in December 1953, Sadako and her two baby daughters boarded Changte bound for Adelaide. They were among the first group of non-Europeans officially permitted under the White Australia policy. While many immigrants experienced displacement, culture shock and homesickness, Japanese brides also had to endure bigotry in both Japan and Australia.SignificanceThis hymn is part of a collection relating to a highly significant period in Australia’s immigration history, when the lobbying of a group of Australian servicemen would mark the beginnings of a multicultural Australia.
1950s
c 1950
c 1950
