The US 1st Marine Division arrives in Wellington aboard the USS Wakefield on 14 June 1942.
After leaving the ship, the Marines boarded a train to Paekākāriki, where they disembarked and marched into camp. The 1st Marines did not stay long, departing six weeks later for the bloody Guadalcanal campaign in the Solomon Islands.
My grandpa was a Cpl in the 3rd Marine Divison and talked about being in New Zealand before going to Guadalcanal
My father - Joe Alvarez - was a staff sergeant First Marines First Marine Division. He lived to be 95 years old. For his whole life he told me how beautiful NZ was and how wonderful the people were. He truely loved your country. He was on Guadalcanal, New Britain, Pelalieu, Okinawa. He was one hell of a tough guy. He because a watchmaker in Pittsburgh PA and later moved to Long Beach CA. He will waltz with Matilda and the First Marines who he loved forever - good on yah !
Not only was the 1st Marine Division in Wellington, but the 2nd Marine Division was there as well. My Grandfather was among them. A Corporal in the USMC.
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