Propaganda has been used by all sides during the various wars and the Japanese were no exception in Pacific during World War II.
They attempted to niggle away at the folks at home as well as the troops with Tokyo Rose and other broadcasters trying to undermine morale.
The sailors on HMAS Arunta were surprised by a leaflet drop aimed at dividing the Allies through suggestions that "BLACKS" and "YANKS" were raping wives, daughters and sweethearts, "thinking you 'diggers' will never come back alive."
The colourful leaflets with explicit artwork suggested the Australians give up the fight so they could go home to protect their families.
"They're helpless without your protection. Your future happiness is at stake! One less Aussie simply means one more Yank 'safely' in the home. Surely you'll not give up your lives to make this possible."
Another leaflet depicts a wife at home pleading for her man to return. "Please, please come back. Don't die, it's terrible to be dead! We need each other. It would be awful if you're crippled. I wouldn't know what to do if you were."
Yet another leaflet has the headline "Sacrificed" followed by the wording "Your happiness at home in Australia that American war mongers may indulge in this!", along with graphic drawings of naked women in bed with Americans.
