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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume III

342 — Memorandum from Lieutenant-General Puttick to the Minister of Defence — Request from Commander, South Pacific Area, for Troops for Defence of New Caledonia

page 361

342
Memorandum from Lieutenant-General Puttick to the Minister of Defence

16 October 1942

Request from Commander, South Pacific Area, for Troops for Defence of New Caledonia

1. Attached is a copy of a signal from Commander, South Pacific Area, for additional troops to reinforce the defence of New Caledonia.1

2. As you know, the force being made ready for overseas duty in the Pacific and known as Kiwi ‘C’ has been reduced by the provision of garrisons for Norfolk Island and Tonga.2

3. I consider that the portion of Kiwi ‘C’ remaining and available should be supplied as requested and that as soon as is possible further units to make this force up to the full scale of the contemplated Kiwi ‘C’ should be sent.

4. I am having prepared and will forward today an Order of Battle showing the composition of Kiwi ‘C’ as at present available for this duty.

5. It is recommended—

(a)

That approval be given for the despatch in the first instance of that portion of Kiwi ‘C’ force as is immediately available.

(b)

That as soon as possible additional troops to make Kiwi ‘C’ up to full strength also be approved for despatch.

(Sgd) E. Puttick,
Lieutenant-General,
commanding new zealand military forces

1 This signal, dated 15 October, read: ‘Present following to New Zealand authorities. Request New Zealand Government release to comsopac command a force equivalent to Kiwi C for duty to reinforce defences at New Caledonia. Movement to take place as soon as transportation is available….’

2 The 36th Battalion, under Lt-Col J. W. Barry, landed in Norfolk in three groups between 26 September and 14 October, and the 34th Battalion, under Lt-Col R. J. Eyre, disembarked in Tonga on 27 October. Both battalions were relieved by Home Defence units from New Zealand and rejoined the 3rd Division in New Caledonia in March–April 1943.