When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
(9) 4.5\" inch x 2.5\" inch
Rare original set of nine (9) black-and-white World War II photographs, taken by Cpl. John R. Ellis
Service No.: 38702706
Cpl. Ellis served with Company G, 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division — the famed “Appleknockers.”
Offered here is a cohesive lot of 9 original World War II–era black-and-white photographs documenting a large U.S. Army military parade or ceremonial review during the Allied occupation of Japan, circa 1945–1947.
Based on architectural features and setting, these photographs likely depict central Tokyo, in or near the Hibiya / Marunouchi district adjacent to the Imperial Palace.
The prominent Western-style office buildings visible are consistent with the area that included the Dai-Ichi Seimei Building, which served as General Headquarters (SCAP) under General Douglas MacArthur during the occupation.
The images show:
🔹Large formations of U.S. Army troops in parade formation
M4 Sherman medium tanks with soldiers riding atop
🔹American flag and color guard elements
🔹Massive civilian crowds observing the event
🔹Urban Tokyo architecture and open ceremonial grounds
All photos appear to document the same event from multiple angles, making this a strong, historically coherent grouping rather than random snapshots.
Provenance
These photographs come from the estate of a U.S. Army soldier who served in G Company, 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. While the images cannot be conclusively attributed to depicting that specific unit, the provenance adds meaningful historical context.
Details
🔹Original vintage WWII photographs (not reproductions)
Black & white
Original vintage WWII photographs (not reproductions)
Overall beautiful condition
Light edge wear and minor age-appropriate marks consistent with original 1940s prints
No major creases, tears, or damage.
Please see photos for additional details
💥Collector Notes
This set would be an exceptional addition to:
WWII militaria collections
27th Infantry Division / 105th Infantry Regiment collections
Pacific Theater research archives
Original soldier-taken photo groups with documented unit attribution are increasingly scarce.
