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Marines Arrival
When World War II broke out in 1939, New Zealand gave total support to Britain, sending its army to the Mediterranean. However, by 1942, Singapore had fallen and Japan’s armies threatened the South Pacific. At Churchill’s request, the New Zealand government agreed to leave its army in North Africa. Because New Zealand was an ideal start line for rolling back the Japanese invasion, U.S. Marines were sent here to prepare for the Pacific War, while at the same time protecting the country from the imminent threat of Japanese invasion.
Photo Gallery
Please click on images to read the original captions
First contingent of U.S. Marines arrive in a So. Pa. Port after being relieved in Guadalcanal. The photo shows the wounded and sick being taken ashore in stretchers by U.S. Navy Hosp. Corpsmen. The wounded and sick were the first ashore.
So. Pa.
Dec. 1942.
Frank Prist Jr. Acme News Pictures.
Start of parade through Auckland, N.Z.
Auckland, N.Z.
Feb. 1943.
Marines Debark at South Pacific Allied Base.
Tired and battered but happy, battle-toughened Marines, relieved from the Solomons, are shown disembarking under full pack from a U.S. Navy transport at an allied base in the South Pacific base area. After a short rest, this outfit is now in training for another offensive aimed at the heart of Tokyo.
South Pacific
February 9, 1943.
Marines line up on the docks of an Allied Pacific Base after an uneventful journey from Guadalcanal.
January 28, 1943.
While waiting for the train to take them to camp at this Allied Pacific Base Marines unload their packs, stack rifles and relax.
January 28, 1943.
With packs hoisted on their shoulders and rifles to hand, Marines await the word to board the train which will take them to camp at this Allied Pacific Base.
January 28, 1943.
At this Allied Pac. Base, it's only eight men to a carriage. A Marine Lt. and an Allied Sgt. supervise the loading as Marines clamber into the train.
January 28, 1943.
Marinesnz.com is the website of The Kāpiti US Marines Trust and part of a major project to collect, preserve and promote World War II US Armed Forces history from 1942-1944 in the Kāpiti district, north of the capital city Wellington, New Zealand. While our focus is the history surrounding Camps Russell, MacKay and Paekākāriki’ we also have an interest in Marines camps in other parts of the Wellington region and in the social history and friendships between Kiwis and Americans during this brief but all-important encounter.
Contact Info
KUSMT 1 Grange Park Avenue Raumati South, Paraparaumu 5032 New Zealand
Email: info@marinesnz.com
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