Gunsmoke.
harrym,
"... it was no longer needed..." Wouldn't be too sure about that. You never know (up to what age can we go before they can't recall us to the Colours ?)
In the immediate wake of the surrender, it was sometimes touch-and-go whether your Jap's loyalty to his Emperor would override his natural instinct to blow your head off.
I kept my pistol with me right to the bitter end (kraits ?)
Danny.