WWII Imperial Japanese Army 8th Engineer Regiment Hokkaido Maneuver Badge 1936
This is an original Imperial Japanese Army participation badge from the 1936 Special Army Maneuvers held in Hokkaido, associated with the 8th Division and most likely the 8th Engineer Regiment. The front features a large Army star with the characters: “Imperial Army” and the upper bar is marked: 8th Division. ” The reverse is especially important and is inscribed: “Maneuvers Supervised by His Majesty the Emperor as Supreme Commander” “Held in Hokkaido” “Special Army Maneuvers” “Participation Badge” “8 – Engineers” “Showa 11″ [1936] The marking “8 – Engineers is particularly interesting. The 8th Division included the 8th Engineer Regiment, making it very likely that this badge belonged to a participant connected with that regiment. The 1936 Hokkaido Special Army Maneuvers were a major Imperial Japanese Army exercise. The 8th Division formed a principal part of the Southern Army, opposing forces centered on the 7th Division. Emperor Hirohito personally supervised the maneuvers in his capacity as supreme commander. Unlike a generic military commemorative badge, this piece preserves several specific historical details in one object: 1936 Hokkaido 8th Division Engineer troops Special Army Maneuvers This makes it possible to connect the badge to a particular military formation, branch, place, and event. The badge shows age-related wear, discoloration, surface oxidation, and loss of finish consistent with its age. Please examine the photographs carefully for condition. A smaller Imperial Army badge is also included, but it should be considered a bonus item. The main item in this listing is the large 8th Division / Engineer participation badge. An interesting piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese Army insignia, engineer troops, 8th Division history, and prewar Japanese military maneuvers. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note.