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The Camps
Between 1942 and 1943 over 15,000 American troops were stationed at Camp Russell (now Queen Elizabeth Park), Camp Mackay (now Whareroa Farm) and Camp Paekākāriki (now Paekākāriki village). The camps went up in a record six weeks, bringing monumental social change to the whole Wellington region and in particular, Paekākāriki and its people. Arrangements to supply the troops included vast market gardens and warehouses.
Photo Gallery
Please click on images to read the original captions
This is an aerial photograph of Camp McKay, home of the Second Marine Regiment. Camp McKay covers approximately 880,000 square yards. Camp Russell, where the Sixth Marine Regiment is quartered, is shown in part in the lower left hand corner of the photo. The two camps are approximately 30 miles north of Wellington, New Zealand, on the main north and south highway.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Photo by: Royal New Zealand Air Force
DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS)
This pix of Camp McKay, the Second Marine's New Zealand camp ground, was taken from one of the many hills around the site. It shows graphically the entire camp area except the 1st Bn. qtrs. (upper right). Camp McKay covers approximately 880,000 sq. yds. and is easily accessible to Wellington, N.Z. by motor transport or railroad.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943Sgt.
Ernest Diet.
This view shows two camps occupied by the Marines in New Zealand.
Wellington,
N.Z.Oct. 14, 1943S/
Sgt. R. E. Olund
(Camp Russell at right (center of picture) and McKay's Crossing, another Marine Camp, at left. The group of trees in the foreground hide most of Camp Russell from the camera)
This is a typical battallion area at Camp McKay, home of the Second Regiment in New Zealand. Enlisted quarters, washrooms and galleys can be seen. Camp McKay possesses 780 tents for enlisted personnel, each tent housing six men comfortably. The tents are heated by pot-bellied stoves in most instances and supported by 'strong-backs'.
Mckay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Cpl. Jim Ross Orton
Shown here is a row of enlisted men's huts. Notice the drums of water and pails, to be used in event of a fire. Also notice how the area is kept, well policed.
Wellington,
N.Z.Oct. 17, 1943
Cpl. R. A. Matjasic
These are some of the eight operational bldgs. of the 'A' Medical Co. attached to the 2nd Marines at Camp McKay's, 30 miles north of Wellington, N.Z. Besides the operational bldgs., the company also has a 72-bed ward, 2 mess halls, one galley and 22 tents for its staff of 101.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct. 11, 1943
Sgt. E. J. Diet
To doThis 8-room house, at Camp McKay's Second Marines New Zealand base, provides quarters for the regimental staff and a few Second Marine Division Field Officers. At present, the Second Marines Commanding, Executive and Operations officers, the regimental surgeon, paymaster weapons company live in the house, with division field officers. A comfortable front porch, sunporch and large yard add to the attractivness.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Stg. E. Diet
These are typical quarters of Captains, Lt's and Marine Gunners at the Second Marine's New Zealand base, Camp McKay's. The quarters, if necessary, can accomodate two men. They are heated by kerosene or coral heaters. Camp McKay's base has 107 such shacks for its junior officers.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct.1, 1943
Sgt. E. Diet
The Regimental Hdqtrs. bldg. of the Second Marine's N.Z. base, Camp McKay, houses 19 offices, currently shared by the regimental staff and some Second Marine Div. Personnel. All except two offices are spacious and comfortable. Officers and enlisted personnel toilets and washroom are within the hdqtrs. bldg. itself.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct.1, 1043
Sgt. Ernest Diet
Facing east, this view of Camp Russell shows street on which are located company offices of the First and Second Bns. of the Sixth Marines.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct. 14, 1943
S.Sgt. R. E. Olund