IV. Nissan Island

No. 1 platoon and company headquarters on LCI 443, which led the LCI convoy and also carried the American war correspondent, moved into Navy Point and landed. Although there was a lovely coral beach on which to land the captain of our craft had other ideas and instead we drove in towards a six-foot coral bank which necessitated our entering into the water waist deep before scrambling up the coral. This was accomplished and, after a patrol had plunged into the jungle to find it clear, two rough tracks were cleared and the LCI unloaded. With the gear stacked we settled down for a well-earned rest when down came the inevitable order—' Gear to move back 50 yards.' To the accompaniment of much abuse this was done and the platoon was once more resting when it was roused a few minutes later by a runner requiring a working party to unload rations. Eventually, with our prospects of seeing action still seemingly very remote, the platoon settled down for the night in the fox-holes. After rather a restless night, morning brought an order, with the usual 45 minutes' notice, to move to Barahun Island to spend the night there preparatory to making an assault next day on Sirot Island where it was reported there was a small enemy force. After the landing on Sirot the MMG platoon was left to guard the perimeter on the beachhead. Settling down to wait, the silence was suddenly broken by a roar of rifle fire followed shortly after by the arrival of a wounded and badly shaken New Zealand lad who shattered our calm by informing us that 150 Japs had broken through. This, to say the least of it, made our position a trifle precarious but, page 124apart from Private Stewart's snap shot at a wandering pig nothing untoward occurred and the infantry returned to say they had bagged 20 Japs.

Next day, 18 February, we returned to Navy Point, moving on the Saturday to the vicinity of Tanaheran Village, which area the infantry had vacated with the assurance that the b-war, in that particular spot, was over. After Lieutenant Ryan's futile attempts to inveigle the infantry commander into letting him strafe the Mission buildings, the Jap stronghold, it seemed that the war was over for the MMGs. Sunday morning told a different story with arrival of a carrier platoon sergeant (this platoon was also in the area), with the news that a number of his platoon had been fired on and one man wounded. No. 1 platoon was then placed around the perimeter with the four vickers mounted on the eastern portion. The MMGs opened fire at 1.30 am at about 20 yards range, several Japs being accounted for. Privates Walsh and Ball created an MMG precedent by using a full belt on one poor Jap. While this was going on the MMG section, armed with rifles on the outside of the northern perimeter, also had some success, killing three Nips. By this time it was apparent that the enemy was in the area in some strength. With the arrival of two tanks at 2 o'clock, it was decided to use them to comb the whole region, the MMGs supporting them with harassing fire. Fire from enemy mortars and snipers was still being encountered and it was while engaging a sniper that Pat Beban was wounded. Sergeants Hughes and 'Scone' Holden carried Pat to the rear under fire, eventually getting him to the advanced dressing station for medical attention, but he died soon afterwards.

Meanwhile enemy mortar fire was becoming so heavy that it was thought advisable to withdraw the guns which were left with one of the tanks. At length Major Bullen, of the 30th Battalion, was contacted and he arrived about 4 pm with two platoons of infantry and mortars. Sporadic fighting continued, with the tanks giving harassing fire, until 5.30 pm when all troops were withdrawn 75 yards to allow the three-inch mortars to fire on the target. At 6 pm an organised assault was made by the two infantry platoons and the MMG platoon but enemy snipers made this movement difficult. The MMGs advanced to within four or five yards of the enemy, using grenades to good effect, but were unable to get any further. Ron Richards, using his 'borrowed' page 125rising gun, killed three Japs before having his thumb shot off-This wound was accompanied by a stream of abuse dealing in no uncertain terms with Tojo's parents, or lack of them, followed by a bitter tirade on his future inability to write to his girl friend, much to the amusement of his pals.

While waiting for the infantry platoons to swing in from the left No. 3 received the full weight of the enemy attention in the form of grenades which, although making much noise, inflicted no casualties. Shortly after this, while moving over to Ron Richards, Lieutenant Ryan was shot through the buttocks, a. rather unromantic type of wound, but nevertheless painful. Both were later evacuated from the area, leaving the NCOs in charge. Finally a grand assault was made which resulted in all resistance being wiped out, no enemy being left alive. Later 50 dead Japs were counted in the area. Before returning to company headquarters at Hospital Point the platoon had a field day on souvenirs, the most prized being a Japanese officer's sword which was later presented by the platoon as a whole to Pat Beban's old school. Pat was buried on Monday night and, after a quiet Tuesday, the platoon moved across to Hallas Point by barge and from there to South Point which was to be the MMG camp for the next few months.

Disembarkation by No. 2 platoon at the southern end of Tangalan Plantation proceeded without incident and was completed in the designated 15 minutes during which time the guns, ammunition and various stores were transferred from ship to beach. After the LCI had pulled out, an LST took its place and we moved into the jungle about fifty yards to await further instructions. These were not long in coming and our first task was to handle rations from the beach to a dump where, incidentally, Padre Falloon, of the 35th Battalion, was doing his usual excellent job of dispensing cups of tea to the men. Before this was finished we were shifted along the beach to unload another LST, a job we finished in record time since we were spurred by the thought of the sitting target we would make for any prowling Nip. We were not disturbed for which we had to thank our air-support's magnificent job of protection. While we were working the Seabees, who had landed with us, had not been idle and roads were appearing as if by magic in the dense jungle. We were not long in taking advantage of the destruction wrought by their page 126work and the many coconuts pushed over in the process did much to assuage our thirst—the only other available supplies being water in petrol tins we had brought with us from Vella.

Eventually we were conducted to our area where we were to spend the night and the never-ending task of digging fox-holes began again. The stubborn nature of the ground did little to improve our tempers and these became even more strained after instructions had been received that a percentage of the platoon again had to move to take over another portion of the perimeter. Nightfall found us well dug in and waiting for Tojo's inevitable night hate session. In this we were to some extent disappointed as only an odd one or two Jap planes arrived to sow a few indiscriminate bombs around the area which did nothing except make us a little nervous. About 10 pm what sounded like a major battle started on one of our flanks but it soon died down and the rest of the night was surprisingly quiet. Enquiries next morning disclosed the source of the 'major battle' as a private battle some trigger-happy Yanks had had with some of the many pigs that roamed the island—perhaps excusable as a browsing pig at night bears a remarkable resemblance to a Jap. Our next day was a day of rest for us, the powers-that-be waiting till nightfall before advising us to move up to the forward area with the result that we spent the night above ground, pup-tents being bad enough to erect in the dark without the added burden of digging fox-holes. On the morning of 17 February the MMGs and the mortars set out on their first patrol to locate a position, commanding a field of fire on to the Mission buildings, for our guns. This was established at Hallas Point and the guns and the remainder of the platoon brought up. Having positioned the guns we then lay back and relaxed for a few days. Apart from an occasional burst of firing some distance from us, the war seemed only a dream as we lazed about playing bridge and reading. Even our food was almost luxurious as we had been issued with J rations, a vast improvement on the dreaded C and K rations we had had on Vella.

Our little contribution to Tojo's downfall on Nissan was to begin at 7.30 o'clock on the morning of 19 February in conjunction with the mortars and 25-pounders. Just before that time a very casual bunch of machine-gunners, most of them shirtless, tin hats askew and cigarette in mouth, took their places behind the page 127guns preparatory to the shoot. It is interesting to speculate as to how long this apparent unconcern would have lasted had the Nip decided to use some of those very excellent machine-guns the infantry later captured from him. Promptly at 7.30 thumbs pressed the thumb pieces, mortars were dropped down barrels and the 25-pounders roared and for the next few minutes all hell was let loose. After singing this little hymn of hate the MMGs went back to their bridge, the only other diversion being one night when a barge unwisely arrived in the lagoon without authority, the ensuing spectacle being very pretty as the tracers criss-crossed lazily about the sky. On 23 February No. 2 platoon girded up its loins and made its way to join the rest of the company at South Point.

Immediately after landing, No. 3 platoon moved to the northern end of the Tangalan Plantation and took up its position in a defensive role beside the 37th Battalion. Its first few days on Nissan Island did not differ greatly from those spent by the other two platoons. On the third day, with its role still unchanged, the platoon moved up to occupy positions at Lebin and Perewon. By this time these continual defensive roles were becoming a little tedious to the members of the platoon but, at length, after some fast talking by Lieutenant Wills, a more active role was found for one section. This was to act in support of a portion of the 37th Battalion in its task of clearing out Pinipel and Sau Islands. Accordingly, on 23 February, No. 2 section embarked on an LCV for Pinipel. Arriving at the island our fitness was put through a gruelling test as, after wading through water up to our armpits to the beach, we then had in front of us a 'long carry' in the wake of the C company patrol. This was accomplished successfully and 1.30 pm found us with the guns in position ready for our first task, the strafing of Sau Island. Whether or no we did any material damage was not obvious, but we did have the satisfaction of observing strike on the target. The next day, as a preliminary to the infantry landing on Sau Island, the guns were again used in support. This time three targets were engaged and all three effectively strafed. This completed No. 3's active role but it was two or three days before they left the island. One task done during this time and which is worthy of mention was the unloading of rations through the surf. This time native canoes were pressed into service, which lessened the danger of anyone being drowned, page 128but nevertheless it was still a difficult job. On 26 February the section returned to Nissan Island and, after picking up the other section and spending a night in the old bivvy area, moved to South Point where the company was again reunited.

Our camp area this time was quite pleasant and, compared with some, almost a paradise as it had the advantage of being on dry sand in a fairly open space right on the beach. Standing there on a clear morning, the outline of Buka Island could be plainly seen, while, from a little way further round the beach, New Ireland was also visible. It was the proximity of Jap-held airstrips, such as were on these islands, that made air raids very probable and their absence occasioned considerable surprise and no less relief. The unfortunate feature of our early days here, and one that caused a great deal of lurid comment, was the absence of tents and bed-cots which, because of a muck-up in Vella, did not arrive when they should have done. Certainly one or two tents had been smuggled up on the trucks but they had been snapped up by the officers and so, for about two weeks, we endured, not without some abuse, the doubtful comforts of pup-tents. We became fairly used to the sand on which we slept, but no one ever seemed to become quite accustomed to the delightful habits of the crabs, or the savagery of those tiny black bugs which bit like snakes. After a fortnight or so the tents at last came to hand and we went back to comparative comfort.

Fresh water was, of course, at a premium on Nissan Island and, although the arrival of the tents helped a lot (tins could be laid round the fringe of the tents to catch the precious drops), it was difficult to get a good wash. This, no doubt, accounted for the heavy RAP parades, the record attendance of 75 in one day being reached despite an official assurance that troops in the Pacific 'were fit and well and longing for another fight.' The position was alleviated later after brigade headquarters had sunk a well and obtained quite a quantity of brackish water. It was following the successful outcome of brigade headquarters' well that MMGs 'white elephant' came into being at the instigation of Major Ross. With the aid of the engineer, the use of hand-grenades and much good MMG sweat No. 41's well, afterwards named Ross's Mistake, was slowly sunk. Finally, when it had reached a depth of 15 feet and no water was forthcoming, the project was abandoned to remain there boarded over until we page break

A comer of the camp of the New Zealand Ordnance Workshops detachment at Noumea, port and capital of New Caledonia

Men of the 65th Light Aid Detachment, showing the wrecker truck used for recovering vehicles

page break

Sergeants, staff-sergeants and warrant-officers of the Base Ordnance Depot in Bourail, New Caledonia, 1943

A group of workshops personnel. Standing: Privates S. Butler and T. Barker. Seated: Staff-Sergeant Gribben, Sergeant M. Dallas, Corporal M. Hosie, Privates A. Steer, J. Harvey and F. Campbell.
The bathing party shows a group of Divisional Ordnance men freshening up in the Moindah River

page 129left, when it was filled with rubbish—a lasting memorial to No. 41 's ingenuity. Although our camp site had many advantages it had one drawback which was not to be treated lightly. This was its proximity to brigade headquarters with the result that all the brigade officers seemed to vie with each other in trying to produce irksome fatigues for us. One of the least popular of these was the perimeter which had to be thrown around brigade headquarters each night.

Early in March great rejoicing was caused by the arrival of Christmas parcels which had been coming since October, and Christmas cake became the fare in the tents at supper time. Another belated arrival, too, was the company Christmas cards which set the unit funds back because it was too late to sell them and they had to be issued free. Very shortly after our arrival at South Point a little excitement was provided by the rumoured presence, in the area, of a Jap. The preparations to catch one probably unarmed exhausted Jap were ludicrous, as nearly half the company fared forth armed to the teeth, to return later with empty hands. However, 15 March, nearly provided us with some consolation for missing our poor Jap. This day was chiefly memorable because of the number of 'scones' that were done. The time was 0044 hours and the orderly room telephone broke the silence, disturbing the slumbers of the estimable Smithers. His peace of mind was further shattered when a voice informed him that a Jap counter-invasion from New Ireland was imminent and could this company please do something about it. Ensued much bursting into tents, more profanity and a general feeling of unbelief. Gunpits had to be completed, belts filled and trucks refuelled but even so the imperturbable privates lingered on their cots until the prospects of a fight had been properly reviewed while the despairing sergeants pleaded and threatened that these things should be done. After about an hour the reception committee was ready so we all retired to bed until such time as friend Tojo should appear—no one was unduly surprised when the projected invasion failed to materialise.

During March a diversity of fatigues was performed by the company, in fact the whole of our Nissan stay was occupied in fatigues. The most popular was the jetty fatigue as this meant repairing to the airstrip to saw up and load coconut logs for the construction of the jetty at Hallas Point. Many pleasant hours page 130were spent at the strip on this task, looking over planes and yarning with the New Zealand pilots who came in occasionally from Bougainville. March also dropped a bombshell in our midst when, on the 22nd, Captain Rice was promoted to major and departed to take over command of the 8th Brigade MMG company. With the passing of the days came many rumours, some good and some bad. Who will ever forget that dreadful rumour that circulated regarding another operation on Emirau ? The general trend was towards the former so that it was no great surprise when, on 7 April, Major Ross gathered his men to his bosom and read to them the conditions relating to the manpower scheme. Although nearly everyone filled in the little cards signifying their willingness to do anything rather than stay in the army, the project was greeted with vast suspicion and everyone loudly proclaimed the unlikelihood of their drawing a marble. Even so the few skilled workers with the necessary number of years and two children began to circulate around wearing satisfied smirks, while the breasts of the younger married men were filled with emotional cyclones of hopes and despair. The publication of the first draft a few days later, when 81 found themselves in the lucky group, was greeted with great delight.

With the departure south more or less assured, the camp assumed something of a holiday spirit. Ammunition suddenly seemed to have become plentiful and the days resounded to the crash of tommy-guns, rifles, grenades and, as a climax, two large-scale vickers shoots, the expenditure of ammunition in the last named being so intense and prolonged that the barrels of the guns bulged to such an extent that they could only be pried loose with the aid of blunt instruments. At this time, too, the company command underwent another change. Major Ross's boils, of which he was inordinately proud, at last got out of hand and he was evacuated to the casualty clearing station. Shortly after Captain Hood arrived to become our new second-in-command.

Although a slightly festive spirit pervaded the camp sundry fatigues still had to be done, most of them trivial but, towards the end of April, a new fatigue came into being. A detail, whose personnel were changed periodically, had to be sent to the airstrip to do military police duties and this lasted till within a few days of our leaving Nissan. To the personnel of the first party went full honours for their stand against having to wear military police page 131arm-bands. Their refusal led to them being charged and the ensuing trial became in the nature of a test case in which they were successful, the order being rescinded and the following parties being permitted to do their duties without the stigma of wearing arm-bands. Due to the proximity of the fatigue to the airstrip many were the temptations strewn in the path of the embryo military police and, at last, some of the more daring souls weakened and, against orders, wheedled some American pilots into taking them on bombing missions over Truk and the surrounding islands. All returned safely but some rather narrow escapes experienced by them had the effect of rather dampening the enthusiasm of the less fortunate who had missed out on the first flight.

At last the great day arrived and, on 27 April, the first manpower draft made its way aboard the USS Celeno to start the first leg of the long trip home. The disintegration of the company which had started in Vella with the departure of the 'oldsters' was now well under way. That last morning beside the big tree we shook hands with many friends—friends whom we probably would not see again for many long years. With rather mournful faces the remaining fifty odd returned to what was left of the camp and settled down to wait. Although one month was to elapse before the departure of the remainder, it seemed a long month to us. Early in May all personnel reported to the 22nd Field Ambulance for blood tests for hookworm, ten lucky ones being selected for treatment which consisted, they were at pains to tell us, mainly of the administrations of large doses of Epsom salts. Towards the end of our stay in the Solomons nature gave us one last experience of her versatility, as if to make our sojourn even more memorable, with a first-class thunderstorm. A high wind came up of almost hurricane force and as a result trees came crashing down and many tents gave up the ghost and collapsed. Apart from some discomfort, no one suffered any injuries, which was surprising. Another storm blew up on our last night on Nissan when all our tents had been packed away. The hardy ones who had slept in the open were soaked to the skin and driven to seek the dubious shelter of the mess hut, which had been left standing, only to become the prey of the numerous cookhouse rats which infested that area. Consequently it was a bedraggled bunch who, on 29 May, clambered up the side of the USS Naos from page 132the landing barges and thankfully looked their last at Nissan Island.

Liberty ships were never designed with the comfort of the troops in view and this particular specimen proved to be no exception, Indeed, it was by far the worst ship we had drawn in all our maritime wanderings. Deck space was at a premium due to a cargo of trucks, jeeps and bulldozers. We always found the American seamen a very decent band of chaps. As we expected, gun watch was our lot on board and this proved to be different from our usual experience because of the restrictions imposed, with the result that many of our boys unconsciously incurred the displeasure of the officers on the bridge. The weather also added its quota to the burden of those seven days. Wind, rain and heavy seas made the voyage most unpleasant so it was with relief that on the morning of 5 June we at last saw the outline of New Caledonia. We were berthed during the afternoon at Nepoui dock and were eventually disembarked, being driven by truck to Tene Valley.