2 Replies Latest reply on Jan 11, 2021 11:22 AM by Jason Atkinson

    Seeking information about photo of Japanese POWs on Guam

    Steve Kelly Newbie
    Steve Kelly Dec 28, 2020 6:43 PM

      Can anyone help with background information about this photo of Japanese POWs on Guam taken on Aug. 15, 1945? This photo was reportedly taken by a US Navy photographer on Guam on August 15, 1945, and is supposed to show Japanese POWs listening to Emperor Hirohito's noon radio address announcing the end of the war. I would like to know where exactly it was taken, and whether other photos of this moment also exist.

      This is reportedly a US Navy photo of Japanese POWs on Guam hearing Emperor Hirohito's Aug. 15, 1945, radio address announcing the end of the war.

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        • Re: Seeking information about photo of Japanese POWs on Guam
          Phillip Bussey Wayfarer
          Phillip Bussey Dec 31, 2020 12:44 PM (in response to Steve Kelly)

          Hi,

           

          I did a search on your photo and came up with this ID information:

           

          Caption   Japanese POWs at Guam bowed their heads after hearing Emperor Showa's surrender announcement, 15 Aug 1945, photo 2 of 2 ww2dbase
          Source   ww2dbaseNational Museum of the United States Navy
          Identification Code   80-G-490319
          More on...  
          Japan's Surrender   Main article  Photos 
          Photos in Series See all photos in this series
          Photos on Same Day 15 Aug 1945
          Photos at Same Place Guam
          Added By C. Peter Chen

           

          It was one of two such photos which showed up on a database titled guam japanese prisoners, which is apparently a working link that will take you to a google web search listing.The link should work if you do a cut and paste and put it in the web browser of your choice.

           

          Yours is the better of two photos apparently taken by the same photographer moments apart. Other photos of the same stockade shows a considerable difference in body weight and cleanliness of the PWs, with yours looking fairly clean and well fed and dressed. The others are much thinner and simply don't look as if they have been in the camp for quite as long.

           

          Hope this helps.

           

          Phil Bussey

          • Re: Seeking information about photo of Japanese POWs on Guam
            Jason Atkinson Ranger
            Jason Atkinson Expert Jan 11, 2021 11:22 AM (in response to Steve Kelly)

            Dear Mr. Kelly,

             

            Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

            At least one of the two photographs that Mr. Bussey located for you in the World War II database is from the record series General Photographic File of the Department of Navy, 1943 - 1958 in the General Records of the Department of the Navy (Record Group 80).  The photograph titled Japanese Prisoners of War at Guam, with bowed heads after hearing Emperor Hirohito make announcement of Japan's unconditional surrender (0-G-490320) has been digitized and may be viewed online using the Catalog. For questions about these and other World War II era photographs in NARA custody, please contact the National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures (RDSS) at stillpix@nara.gov.

             

            Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to guidance received from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), NARA has adjusted its normal operations to balance the need of completing its mission-critical work while also adhering to the recommended social distancing for the safety of NARA staff. As a result of this re-prioritization of activities, you may experience a delay in receiving an initial acknowledgement as well as a substantive response to your reference request from RDSS. We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and patience.

             

            We hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with your research!