IN this time of focus on the story of the Anzacs and other anniversaries, one factor often overlooked in World War I history is the involvement of Japan as an ally.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From the Anglo-Japanese Naval Treaty of 1902 there was co-operation both in construction of ships and engines, as well as training in Britain whose navy was greatly admired in Japan as an example. Destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy joined in the escort of our troop ships across the Indian Ocean – and helped protect Allied shipping against the German threat of U-boats and other raiders in this region.
Japan’s overwhelming naval defeat of Russia in their 1904-5 war was praised in Europe and Britain, with a statue of the victorious Admiral Togo being erected at the Portsmouth Naval College where he had studied earlier in his career. I have also seen a portrait of Admiral Togo at HMAS Creswell, reflecting this close naval relationship when that college was founded.
Japan’s benefits from its alliance included some former German territories and concessions in Asia and the north Pacific – much as Australia gained German New Guinea.
However this history was largely erased as a result of the later Pacific War, and other Japanese aggression and war crimes. However one interesting footnote: when during World War II Churchill demanded removal of the Togo statue at Portsmouth – his request was rejected, as his earlier fame as an ex student was considered by the college to remain valid.
G. Bolton,
Sussex Inlet.
