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Chapter Four
Farewell New Caledonia

It came as a surprise when it was announced that the rear detachment was to proceed north to join the main body. Many improvements had been added to the camp and the men had not been long enough there to enjoy them. However, a small party was to be left behind, under Lieutenant U. M. Devlin, to clean up the area, hand back surplus gear, and to await the arrival of the New Zealand rear party which was expected any time. On 23 October 1943 the personnel who were bound for Guadalcanal left the area and made for the transit camp prior to the movement being carried out. Before many days had passed they were on board ship, and were pleased to realise it would not be long before they were with their mates once again. The scout car troops were to be classed as reinforcements of tank crews, for it was obvious a reconnaissance and inter-communication troop of scout cars could not be used to advantage in the islands which the Third New Zealand Division would probably have to take.

The scout cars, tank transporters and other vehicles were not to be taken north, consequently those who remained to take care of them were allocated about three vehicles each. Days seemed to be very long with only maintenance of the vehicles to occupy the time, and all hoped the New Zealand rear party would arrive. It was not until 20 November that Lieutenant deVere and his party arrived, for they had experienced difficulty in getting a ship, and had been stranded in Trentham. All of the 3rd Division Tank Squadron (which was the new name given to our unit by the division) were now overseas, and it was quite evident the rear party would join the main body in the near future. However, page 26Christmas arrived and there was no change. On Christmas Eve an invitation was extended to our unit to join with the engineers in the camp, in a smoke concert. It was a successful gathering, and the concert finished up with a good sing-song round the piano. When everybody was ready for bed, a special entertainment was put on for one little party by Horrie Lewis and Jack Simmonds (of workshops). It was after midnight and the stage was the tent occupied by several of the boys. The sketch was entitled 'I'm going home to mum,' with Jack Simmonds playing the part of the hero, and Horrie Lewis as the villain. For an impromptu show it was probably one of the most humorous the audience could have seen, but further humour was added the next day, when the final act was played on the platform where the drums for pig food stood. Christmas dinner was enjoyed by all, for the turkeys which were supplied helped, along with the cigarettes, cigars and ice cream, to make the meal equal to the occasion. The men of the Works Service Company were waited on by their officers and sergeants, and the spirit of goodwill was evident. Even in our little group the usual Christmas gestures were carried out just as though the unit was a full squadron.

Shortly after Christmas, orders were received to the effect that we were to dispose of all equipment and be prepared to proceed north. Without any delay the vehicles were handed over to the vehicle reception depot, and all surplus equipment was sent to Base Ordnance Depot. During these cleaning-up operations a hurricane paid us a visit. Fortunately, we were protected and only one tent was blown down, whereas buildings in other New Zealand camps were badly damaged.

On 25 January 1944 the rear detachment was on its way to Guadalcanal, and arrived there on 28 January. The time spent in New Caledonia had been pleasant, for we had met some very fine French people, and the climate had been delightful, although at times hot. With the swimming pool the heat was never noticed, and it was as good a camp as we ever had in the islands. With the visit of the mobile hot showers, there were few comforts the camp lacked, and although we had been prepared to dislike the island from what we had heard of it, we found it to be quite different from what we expected. With the arrival of the rear party at Guadalcanal, it meant that for the first time since leaving New Zealand the whole of the squadron was together.