Lot
135 
Gilbert & Ellice Islands, 1943 (Sep. 5) Incoming Soldier Mail from Nagano, Japan, Japan 2s red postal card canceled by "Nagano, Iijima, 18.9.5" cds (5 Sep 1943) addressed to "c/o Yokosuka P.O. U66 U223, Takei Part, Kimura Party", the Naval address code of U66 = Tarawa, red "Military Mail" chop handstamp; minor card creases, Very Fine and rare incoming use to Tarawa. Estimate $300 - 400.
Just over two months after this card was mailed, the Battle of Tarawa was fought on 20-23 November 1943. Of the 3,636 Japanese in the garrison, only one officer and sixteen enlisted men surrendered. Of the 1,200 Korean laborers brought to Tarawa to construct the defenses, only 129 survived. All told, 4,690 of the island's defenders were killed.
Realized: $425