BURMA STAR SWORD
Report by Clive Sinclaire
Such an unusual event followed certain rather unusual circumstances and was the unexpected results of an Essex police knife amnesty that took place last summer. Apparently, whilst this amnesty was taking place, a certain Mr Osmond Horner, (ex RAF) marched into Southend police station, in full Burma Star regalia, with a World War 2 Japanese officer’s sword, which he tried to surrender to the police. Fortunately, rather than immediately sending the sword for destruction, certain more enlightened members of Southend constabulary, felt there might be some historical importance to such a sword and contacted the British Museum, in the shape of Victor Harris.
Although Victor was able to ascertain that the sword was of no great importance as an art sword, he contacted me and we decided that the sword needed to be rescued and that such an opportunity should not be missed . We thought, especially considering the current situation where sword ownership is under pressure, that any ensuing positive publicity could only be welcome. Further, it did not seem appropriate that either of our major museums should have the sword, but rather that the sword be donated to To-ken Society of Great Britain, who would then appraise it and decide on its eventual fate.
To this end, we presented ourselves at Southend police station on Tuesday afternoon for a presentation ceremony that was hosted by Southend police, who also generously provided refreshments. Those present included about a dozen Burma Star veterans, several wives and a number of policemen and, of course, Mr Horner with his sword. In addition, there were representatives from BBC South-east News, local press and local radio stations. Both Victor and I were interviewed and photographed to such an extent that I lost count and it was apparent that the hosts saw this as a piece of good PR for them, as indeed it was.
I was presented with the sword by Mr Horner (who later told me that he was glad to see the back of it!) and made a brief speech to him and the other Burma Star veterans. In this, I explained the significance of such a sword to the Japanese and acknowledged its symbolism to Burma Star vets as well as praising the enlightened approach and hospitality of the local police force. Victor then presented a copy of the Cutting Edge catalogue to Mr Horner and took the opportunity to talk briefly about the Japanese sword as art.
The sword itself is a gendaito signed (tachi-mei) Kanenori and dated Showa 18th year (1943), 1st month. The hamon on this sword is rather difficult to see overall and impossible in the mono-uichi area. We are not too sure of its eventual fate, one option may be that it is sold and the money given to the Burma Star Association.
Southend Echo – 8th November 2006