Which Canadian colonel signed Japan's Instrument of Surrender in 1945?

Colonel Lawrence Moore Cosgrave signed Japan's Instrument of Surrender for Canada in 1945.

Cosgrave represented Canada at the ceremony aboard USS Missouri on September 2. He had served in World War I and lost sight in one eye during that conflict, an injury that later contributed to a famous signing error.

On the Japanese copy of the document, Cosgrave signed below the line intended for Canada. As a result, later signatures appeared out of alignment. Lieutenant General Richard K. Sutherland corrected the printed labels by hand and initialed the changes.

The mistake did not invalidate the surrender. Cosgrave’s signature remains part of the official record of Canada’s participation in the ceremony that ended hostilities between Japan and the Allied powers.