The bow guard and torpedo caps of a Japanese midget submarine

Date1942

Object number00015236

NamePostcard

MediumBlack and white photographic print on paper.

DimensionsOverall: 87 x 142 mm

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

Australia

DescriptionPostcard of the bow guard and torpedo caps of one of the Japanese midget submarines that attacked Sydney on 31 May 1942 during WWII. It is part of a series of cards from an exhibition commemorating the event.SignificanceThe attack on Sydney Harbour by the Japanese midget submarines on the night of Sunday 31 May 1942 was the first attack on Sydney by a foreign power, and brought the war home to the east coast of Australia.

This postcard is an example of the fundraising efforts for the Royal Australian Navy Relief Fund and the King George Fund for Merchant Sailors. It was sold along with souvenirs from the wrecks during the tour of a composite midget submarine made from the recovered parts of the two wrecked submarines in 1943.