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Camp Life
The camps were like towns, supplied by New Zealand’s Public Works Department with roads, electricity, fresh water and sewage disposal. Food was abundant, brought by rail and road from farms, including huge special vegetable gardens in Horowhenua. It was kept in refrigerated stores.
Medical and dental services provided for bodily needs while chaplains ministered to the spirit. Personal needs and wants could be bought at the Post Exchange (PX) stores, one of them in a farm shearing shed. However, discipline was strict and enforced by a stay in the brig (lock-up).
Photo Gallery
Please click on images to read the original captions
A typical crowd at the Second Marines Post Exchange, Camp McKay's, N.Z. when the PX is well-stocked. The main PX does an average $26,000 business monthly. It is augmented by bn. hdqtrs. and service and Regimental Weapons CO. post exchanges. Nine men are on the main PX staff, while total PX personnel at Camp McKay's is 19.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Stg. E. Diet
Typical 'Chow Call' at the mess hall or the A-2 Med. Bn., Camp McKay's N.Z. home of the second Marines.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Sgt. E. Diet
This is a typical servey line in a Camp McKay galley. There is one galley per Second Marine Co. and chow is served to approximately 200 men at a time in each galley.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Sgt. Ernest Diet
Mess facilities for enlisted personnel of the Second Marines, Camp McKay, N.Z. can be seen from this pix. Each mess hall averages six double benched tables at which from 12 to 14 men can eat at one time. Each Second Marine Co. has its own mess hall and accompanying galley.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Sgt. Ernest Diet
Chaplain Douglas Vernon, New York, N.Y. holds a Bible class each Wed. night for Marines stationed at a New Zealand Camp. Chaplain Vernon was a missionary in the Phillipines (sic) from 1937 to 1941. Shown here is a group of attentive Marines listening to the Chaplain during one of his discussions, held in his office.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct, 17, 1943
Cpl. R.A. Matjasic.
The Post Exchange is always well stocked and is one of the most popular spots in camp. Here Marines may buy their supplies of necessities in toilet articles, candy, cookies, cigarettes, cigars and many Stateside items.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct. 17, 1943
Cpl. R. A. Matjasic
Interior view of the dental clinic at Camp Russel at N.Z.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct. 14, 1943
S/Sgt. R. E. Olund
A hungry Marine is buying oranges from this New Zealander who has brought his cartful of fruit to sell to the men at Camp Russell.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct. 14, 1943
S/Sgt. R. E. Olund
Officers and nurses leaving the chapel after Sunday Morning services. Chapel is used by all denominations and is located in a wing of the mess hall bldg. near the center of the compound.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct. 14, 1943
Cpl. O. Newcomb, Jr.
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.
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