The month of February was just in its infancy when it became apparent that something was in the air. First of all, the OC departed for Vella Lavella by 'plane, and a few days later Captain Brooker, our liaison officer, did likewise, for he was to remain with the 14th Brigade to discuss the forthcoming action. We, who had been waiting for so long to get into action, were unable to control the thoughts which rushed through our minds. Who would be going? Where would we be going? What chance was there of a good scrap? These were only a few questions for which we required answers, but as yet we could only guess. However, one day General Barrowclough visited us and casually mentioned, whilst standing near a tank, that the islands which were to be taken were those of the Green Group. There was a time when similar ventures were kept a guarded secret from the men, but the tendency in modern warfare is to let all participants know what to expect. During the following days members of our squadron visited headquarters, where they inspected a relief map of Nissan Island, and the plan of action was explained. Every man knew his job, and now had a good idea of the island and the difficulties to be faced.

An air of light-heartedness became very prevalent and on 8 February 1944 the names of the personnel to proceed north were announced. Preparations for the move were carried out with great gusto, and had the unit been told to move in two hours, all would have been done with time to spare. The long months of training in Waiouru, Taupo district and Pukekohe were behind us, and our thoughts were for the future. Were we as good as page break

A convoy on the way to Nissan Island, with LSTs trailing
protective halloons to prevent enemy dive-bombing attacks

Tanks being loaded into an LST at Kukum Beach, Guadalcanal.
This photograph indicates the carrying capacity of these craft

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Tanks going ashore in a plantation on Nissan Island

The convoy passing the Treasury Group on the way to Nissan

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Major-General H. E. Barrowclough. CB, DSO, MC, GOC Third Division, outlines the plan for the Nissan landing to his staff officers

Japanese souvenirs displayed by the men of the squadron

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A tank patrolling the beach on Nissan, shooting up caves in which Japanese were thought to he hiding

Visibility was reduced to a few feet in the jungle where tanks operated only with difficulty.

page 41we thought we were? The acid test was now to take place. Can any of us forget those long parades at the RAP when 'Aspro' Edmeades and his staff painted our toes with all types of dyes in order to chase away those frequent attacks of tinea; and who will ever forget the gaudy appearance of the patients who left the tent painted like Red Indians, because these dyes were the only cure procurable for eczema, ringworm, and rashes of every description. Of course, there were occasions when a trooper left the tent without any sign of having received attention, but do not be mislead for beneath any scanty clothing 'Aspro' had left his mark.

When the names of personnel proceeding north were announced the attendances at the RAP parades dropped considerably, for nobody wanted any evidence against himself which might preclude him from going to the fight. Then there were the unfortunates who had not been selected, and who were to remain on Guadalcanal. These, up to the last minute, cherished the hope that they might be selected to replace anyone unable to make the trip. Alas! Not one man originally selected was replaced. It was unnecessary, for all were in perfect health ! The day had arrived; 10 February 1944, for the embarkation of the first flight and as each tank left the camp area the crew was given a rousing send-off. It was raining quite heavily but it would have taken more than rain to dampen the enthusiasm of the fellows as they sat on the outside of the fully loaded tanks. This flight consisted of several tank crews, plus portion of B echelon, whose presence near the tanks was essential because it included fitters, mechanics, electricians and some of the Q staff. At Kukum Beach, Guadalcanal, this party was divided into three, and the allocation to the various vessels was as follows: LST 446: 3 officers, 28 other ranks, 1 tank HQ troop, 3 tanks, No. 3 troop, slave carrier, stores and jeep. LST 447: 2 officers, 23 other ranks, 1 tank HQ troop, 3 tanks, No. 1 troop. LCI 445: 2 officers, 29 other ranks, B echelon and spare tank crews.

At 1400 hours, or two o'clock in the afternoon on 11 February 1944, the two LSTs departed, leaving the LCI to follow a day later. Quite a number of those who were left behind were on the beach watching the LSTs making their way across the water with the protective, silvery balloons floating above each vessel and gleaming in the sun, and the smaller LCIs until they disappeared beyond the horizon.

The convoy in which the LSTs were included proceeded along steadily, and on approaching" Savo Island all vessels participated in anti-aircraft practice. The shooting from the LSTs and escorts was particularly accurate, and we felt confident that any raiding aircraft could be sure of a hot reception. However, nothing of any note occurred before we arrived at our first place of call, Vella Lavella. Here, further equipment was loaded and more personnel of the division embarked. Taking advantage of the few hours available, members of our unit went ashore and in their inimitable manner acquired oranges, limes, paw-paws, and other tropical fruits.

Shortly after noon on Sunday, 13 February 1944, most of the vessels were ready and one by one they moved into position. One craft was so well laden it seemed reluctant to leave the beach. A bulldozer was obtained, hoping that it would be table to push the vessel into deeper water, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Then along came a destroyer, and we all thought a tow line would be used, but we were mistaken. Instead, the destroyer rushed past at a high speed thus creating a huge wash which, together with the pushing of the bulldozer, enabled the LST to get into deeper water. When the vessels were in convoy order the LCIs, which had left Guadalcanal a day later, arrived and pulled in to the beaches where further personnel and equipment were to be loaded. The LSTs did not wait, but started off, the intention being that the LCIs would join the convoy on the morrow. The following morning the LSTs and escorts cruised along the coast of Bougainville, and in the afternoon the convoy was joined by more transports. There were dozens of vessels of all types, and as we were now in Tojo's area, trouble was expected. During the night flares were dropped by enemy reconnaissance planes, but our progress was not hindered in any way.

The next day was D day, 15 February 1944. Dawn had just broken when the sound of firing was heard. It was not long before we were on deck, and in the distance we saw an enemy plane dive-bombing one of the destroyers. In spite of heavy ack-ack fire, the plane continued and dropped an 'egg.' It looked a near miss. Then looking around we could see other ships being attacked, and realised it would not be long before we had proof of how good our air defence was. At Vella Lavella, New Zealand bofors had been mounted on the decks of the LSTs and these, page 43together with the numerous heavy and light guns which comprised the armament of an LST, blazed away merrily. It was remarkable how any plane could get through the terrific amount of stuff in the air. However, through a veritable maze of lead, one Nip plane came for LST 446. How it got through was a miracle, but the bombs were dropped and fell slightly astern to the starboard side. A piece of shrapnel damaged one of the cables which secured the lifeboat on the stern, and slightly injured one of the crew. With guns blazing another plane approached from the rear, but the fire from the vessel was too hot, and away he went.

Allied planes were now well into the fun. We continued to watch the aircraft playing" about in the sky, and well can we remember the cheer which arose when a Jap bomber, after dive-bombing one of the destroyers, found an allied machine on his tail. It was not long before the enemy plane burst into flames and crashed into the sea. It was interesting to watch the way the Jap bombers operated, for after their dive they did not soar into the air but skimmed along the water, making it very difficult for any of the ships to fire, as there was a chance of hitting other vessels in the convoy. The story, which we heard later, was that there were 60 enemy planes coming for the convoy, but interceptors had met them, stopped 18, and with the exception of ten, turned the remainder back. Of the ten which got through, six were destroyed, and the balance driven off.

Fortunately, the landing on the island was unopposed. Firstly, the destroyers landed personnel, then the LCIs landed personnel and equipment. The time stipulated for the LCIs to discharge their cargo was seven minutes, therefore little time could be wasted. During these operations the LSTs were cruising backward and forward outside the lagoon, and when it was their turn to go in no time was lost in discharging the cargo. Our personnel landed at three different beaches. No. 3 troop went with the 37th Battalion, No. 1 troop with the 35th Battalion, and one headquarters tank went with each troop. B echelon landed near No. 3 troop. The tanks proved of great value in getting the heavy antiaircraft guns from the beach, and we were glad we were met by friendly natives.

The ground was very hard for it was mostly coral, which was as solid as cement. To dig a fox-hole was impossible, and most of us finished with a shallow trench about six inches deep. These page 44were our protection in the event of an air raid. We were in bed early, for a strict black-out was necessary. Pickets, our first pickets in an active combat area, were mounted and every precaution was taken. During the night enemy bombers visited the island, but the bombs did not fall near us. It was on this day, back on Guadalcanal, that the second flight had embarked, and nine more tanks, and 95 officers and men were on the way.