WWII Imperial Japanese Volunteer Corps Tianjin Disbandment Medal 1941

WWII Imperial Japanese Volunteer Corps Tianjin Disbandment Medal, 1941 North China. This is an extremely rare disbandment commemorative badge for the Imperial Japanese Volunteer Corps in Tianjin (Tientsin), North China. The front shows the bold characters ("Giyu" = Volunteer/Bravery), crossed rifles, a star, laurel wreath, and wings-symbols of courage and military honor. (Tianjin Japanese Volunteer Corps Disbandment Commemoration, May 27, 1941). What was the Tianjin Japanese Volunteer Corps?

Formed mainly by Japanese civilians, ex-soldiers, and settlers living in Tianjin, this unit supported the Japanese Army's control and security operations in the foreign concession area of Tianjin, a key city in North China with a large Japanese population. They performed guard duty, police work, and provided logistical support. By May 1941 (Showa 16), Japan was consolidating its military and police control in occupied China. The regular army and military police (Kempeitai) had expanded, making volunteer units less necessary.

The "disbandment" marks a transition from irregular, volunteer-based units to a more centralized military administration, right before Japan entered the Pacific War (WWII). Why is this item special? Issued only to actual members at the disbandment ceremony-never for sale. Tianjin was one of the most significant Japanese strongholds in China.

Very few such badges survive today. For collectors of WWII Japanese Army, North China operations, and foreign concession history, this is a piece that embodies the story of civilian-military cooperation, the expansion of Japan in China, and the build-up to the Pacific War.

Own a Piece of History.

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