Paraparaumu woman Diana Sawrey (88) has donated a field notebook, recording the graphic experiences a Marine fighting in Guadalcanal, Tongatapu and Tulagi during World War II.
The book, hand-written by Jim Wallace who served in the 2nd Marines, provides a rare first-hand account of the very grim life and conditions of a Marine during the Pacific War. It has been transcribed by the Kāpiti U.S.Marines Trust.
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.
KUSMT 1 Grange Park Avenue Raumati South, Paraparaumu 5032 New Zealand
Email: info@marinesnz.com
