Training
Veterans often claimed the training the 2nd Marines Division received in New Zealand left them in the best physical condition any unit had ever been in.
Training was an immediate priority, because 95% of surviving troops had returned from Guadalcanal with incapacitating tropical diseases, principally malaria. Hence, recuperation units were brought up to strength and 45% of the total force was replaced.
Over time, the training tempo for future operations increased dramatically with emphasis on the fundamentals. All units conducted compulsory marches of over 140 miles with full combat equipment over varied terrain.
This extensive ‘workup training’ in New Zealand was credited with the unit’s sustained performance in combat on Tarawa.
Photo Gallery
Please click on images to read the original captions
A tank repair crew starts to take an M-3 ata Marine Corps base somewhere in the So. Pac. The crew keeps the tanks in condition for instant combat.
New Zealand
Feb. 4, 1943
TSgt. J. Sarno
Members of an artillery unit are shown with naval gun directional finder set up on beach to coordinate land sea movements and to mark inland progress of troops.
New Zealand
Sgt. Roy E. Olund 2nd Mar. Div. Photo Sec.,
Capt. Charles L. Hayward, Photo Off.
Members of A Company, 18th Marines, repairing road after clearing a mine field.
New Zealand
June 16, 1943
SSgt. Jefferson H. Sutton
75mm Pack Howitzer, set up, ready for action. Disassembled, this piece is brought ashore as a 14 man load.
New Zealand
June 16, 1943
SSgt. Jefferson H. Sutton
HOW HIGH IS UP?
It's a tough climb, this 30 feet of rope on the obstacle course at the intelligence section amphibious scout school of the First Marine division at a Southwest Pacific base. Left, Corp. N. J. Cole, 20, of 4570 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio; right, Sgt. V. C. Stimpel, 23, of 3539 North Hamilton St., Chicago, Illinois. Both are veterans of Guadalcanal. Sgt. Stimpel wears a salty campaign hat, headwear that no longer is issued. br/>June 1943South Pacificbr/>Corp. R. Howard
One of the tougher jobs on the obstacle course is the cargo net climbing. The course was part of the amphibious scout school of a Division, somewhere in the Southwest Pacific. A cargo net, down the side of a ship is not anchored securely and generally is slippery with oil. It takes a lot of practice to descend, especially in heavy landing gear.
June 1943
Scout School D-2
Cpl. R. M. Howard
Grappling hook from lower shackel making contact with the reinforced double apron.
Wellington, N.Z.
September 21, 1943
Cpl. O. Newcomb, Jr.
This picture, taken during recent maneuvers held in this area, shows three generals of a Marine Division having a quick lunch on "C" rations. The generals are, left to right, Maj. Gen. Julian C. Smith, CG of the Second Marine Division, Brig. Gen. Thomas E. Bourke, Div. Artillery Officer, and Brig. Gen. L. D. Hermle, ADC of the Second Marine Division.
Wellington, N.Z.
Sept. 1943
SSgt. R. E. Olund
Second Marines at Camp McKay's, near Wellington, N.Z. are seen on the firing line of the new small arms range. The range is 200 yds. There are 17 targets in the butts, which stand on the side of a large hill.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Sgt. E. Diet
These are targets used by Second Marines on their small arms range at Camp McKay's New Zealand. The targets stand 200 yards from the firing line.
McKay's Crossing, N.Z.
Oct. 1, 1943
Sgt. E. Diet
This picture shows group of men from the Sixth Marines ar Camp Russell with their equipment laid out for inspection.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct. 14, 1943
SSgt. R. E. Olund
An officer of the Sixth Marines stops to examine a canteen cover belonging to a Marine who has equipment out for inspection.
Wellington, N.Z.
Oct. 14, 1943
SSgt. R. E. Olund