Sport always played a prominent part in the activities of the squadron, and there was not one man, from the squadron commander down to the troopers, who did not participate in some game or other. In most cases, men played several games, therefore the standard of physical fitness was high. Whilst at Puke-kohe prior to departing overseas, an inter-troop football competition was arranged, and men who had given up the game or who had never played before participated in the fun. Although there were amusing incidents during the games, the matches were keen and hard, with the result that soon good football was played. Feeling rather arrogant after plenty of practice, the squadron challenged the Waipa (Te Awamutu) representatives. The trip was enjoyable and successful, for the result was 11-6 in our favour. Then followed a trip to Wanganui where a fine and closely contested game resulted in a win for Wanganui, 20-17. However, several games with Patumahoe were as amusing as any games played. The playing field apparently held cattle during the week and players found they could slide and slither all over the field, and when the game was over both teams would adjourn to an adjacent tap-room. The results of these games are rather vague! At that time, also, the Pukekohe Rugby Sub-Union held the Peace Cup, and the squadron was approached for players to assist in staving off any challengers. In one match 13 of our unit were in the team, and Te Aroha was trounced 26-0. Home Johns and Johnny Burke worked hard, and most of the credit for the success in football goes to them. It is interesting to know that after the squadron departed for the islands the Peace Cup was wrested from the Pukekohe team.

After landing in Guadalcanal all thoughts of sport vanished, for all we wanted was peace and quiet after a hard day's work. As time went on and we became accustomed to the climate and conditions, our leisure time had to be filled. Various sports were commenced, such as boxing, basketball, cricket, athletics and indoor activities, but the biggest triumph was the swimming sports organised by 'Budge' Meredith. Every race or competition had plenty of entries, and with 'Bonnie' Lewis at the megaphone there was no hitch. Two men tied for first, Roy White, of tank workshops, and Colin Coker of the squadron. In order to decide the winner a coin was tossed, and as luck was with Roy White, he received a handsome trophy which had been made by Spencer Gruebner. At cricket, in the inter-unit competion, our team lost one game only. Mullins, Johns, Meredith, Hearsey and Newson formed the backbone of a good side. The biggest asset to the team was the scorer and reporter, one Carvell, without whom we would have lost several matches. Burke bowled with a terrific swing when bombers left the Henderson airfield, but otherwise was ineffective. On the field of athletics, the unit was successful in winning a points competition at an inter-unit sports meeting organised by the division. Les Brooker coached the team, and fine performances were recorded at the meeting by Leo Shalders, Paul Bay and Les Brooker. All entrants did well and the result was very gratifying.

The first period at Nissan was devoid of sporting activities, and at one stage, because of the unavailability of ground, sport looked a blue duck. However, after a tour of duty to one of the infantry battalions John Philp, with the aid of a few of his worthies from the headquarters troop, erected a tenakoits court. The craze spread like wildfire and many who had hitherto clung to their canvas 'sacks' doing 'spine drill' entered into the fun. It became necessary to build a second court, and arrange com-, petitions. 'Kingi' Mullins and Don Hight won the competition by superior positional play, and their opponents in the final, Reg Donald and Bob Hobson, were a tough pair. Burke and Trehey, who knew something about the game, taught others a few tricks, and it was not long before the pupils showed the teachers more tricks. After the tanks left Nissan, there was little to do and tenakoits became the order of the day, for from dawn to dusk the courts were occupied. Even the most ardent 'sack' addicts began page break

LSTs quickly conveyed the tanks across the Nissan lagoon when required for action on another part of the island

Tanks helped to haul Heavy guns ashore on Nissan on D-day

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The 8Th Brigade Mmg company Company Headquarters
No. 1 Platoon
No. 3 Platoon
No. 2 Platoon

page 65to bestir themselves and join in the fun. Even Jim Lees and Bill Richards began playing, and developed into a formidable pair ! With so little to do, is it any wonder we flocked to the tenakoit courts, between grave-digging parties? The introduction of this game certainly saved our mentality on Nissan.

On our arrival at New Caledonia, we heard that a large programme of sporting activities was arranged. With plenty of gear, and tons of spare time, practice in the various sports started. The rugby team was coached by John Burke, and although quite a number of the old team had returned to New Zealand for industry, the new side met with a certain degree of success, due no doubt to the craftiness some of the players had gained in jungle combat. Towards the end of our stay there was a Saturday and a Wednesday team, the latter being comprised of inexperienced players. Due to the hardness of the grounds injuries were prevalent, but Goff Amey, the honorary masseur, did good work to keep the men on the ball. Phil Henley coached the cricket team, and men who had hitherto not known they could play the game turned out for practice. The team was beginning to get going really well when the furlough drafts began to leave for New Zealand. The major, Jim Rutherford, turned out to be a solid opening bat, and although very unlucky with his bowling he displayed a guile that he had acquired from the continuous tossing of grenades on fishing expeditions at Nissan.

We did not forget tenakoits, for two courts were erected in the camp area. Jack Vickery was always on one, consequently that meant there was only one court left for the general public. Always keen on improving the game, Vickery suggested and actually did arouse one of his tentmates during the night in order that he could find out whether the game could be played by torchlight ! 'Snow' McEwan organised a basketball team composed of unknown value, and we were very surprised when, in its first two matches, the team recorded wins over the Sigs, 'Tigers' and the 'Big Five.' Other results are obscure, therefore we draw our own conclusions.

Brian Potts did good work with the soccer team, and although he had to teach the majority the rules and rudiments of the game, the team developed quickly. It is rumoured that 'Choom' Feather was a menace in the field, for nobody could approach within six feet of his flashing boots. And then, of course, there was the page 66occasion when our side scored for its opponents, but that should not be mentioned for it only goes to show the sporting instincts bred into the members of our squadron! It is to the credit of the unit that on one particular Saturday afternoon, out of a roll of 100 men, we produced a rugby team, a soccer team, a cricket team, had a hockey practice, and were prepared to fulfil a tenakoits engagement. None of the teams included men on general fatigues. Lieutenant Bruce Hamilton was always a most enthusiastic sport's organiser for the squadron.