Marines@Mahia 1943-2013

[Rob Beale]

First pic is a Puddle Jumper, The C8AX cab and Chassis assembled in NZ with a locally built steel deck. We believe there were about 1000 of these built, some with different decks or bodies. (Greatest build number found is mid 900s).
Background is Hawke Bay with Hawkes Bay region on skyline.

Second pic is a C8AX Ambulance, 4 Stretcher. The deck and chassis are lengthened behind the rear cross member. Either 24 or 50 were built. This is the only complete survivor, with a few others less complete and unrestored. Background is the South Pacific ocean, next stop South America!

Third pic is a Carrier MG LP2A NZ. The GM assembly plant in NZ built the hulls and assembled them from locally made components and Ford mechanicals imported from Windsor, Canada.
The beach to the left is the landing beach used by 2 Mar Div in 1943

[Rob Beale]

A group of 1/4 ton 4x4 models: from Right side:-
A Series 1 Rover with civvie hard top,
Series 2A Skippy Rover peeking through behind
WW2 Jeep,
M151 'jeep'
plus a 3/4 ton Series 3 V8
(In the shed is an old Thornycroft)


Another view of the NZ assembled V8 Series 3 Rover


1 1/2 ton Dodge 6x6, still in use on the farm.

All pics from Andrew Kay

[Rob Beale]

An F30 CMP under restoration. It's driveable now with brakes.

A Dodge Fargo Fire Appliance assembled in NZ in WW2 in case of Japanese attack. There were two versions, one with a pump and one with a water tank.
The inside cab roof has untouched paint from WW2 which is the NZ shade of Khaki Green.

A C8AX Wireless truck with a wooden body. Between 24 and 50 are believed to have been produced. They were used in the Solomons campaign, but found to be very hot inside with poor ventillation.
They were fitted with the NZ designed ZC1 Radio set, which was equivalent to the No19. There was an overlap in the band so they could communicate with the infantry's No 48 sets.

pictures supplied by Pete Moore

[Rob Beale]

The US Ambassador's Representative and serving Marines seated before the Memorial stone.

The USMC Major addressing the assembled public.
We used a 48 star US flag to cover the memorial as was current in WW2. The Marines folded it ceremonially.
The flagpoles flew the flags of USA, the former dominions: NZ, Australia and Canada, and Great Britain.
A USMC flag was flown to one side.

(The Catafalque Guard were Local Cadets who were trained in SMLE drill.
The firing party were re-enactors from Auckland.)

Armour on Mahia Beach for probably the first time in 70 years!
The Half track and LP2 and LP2A carriers moving out for the practice battle.
The beach in the far distance is Opoutamu where the 1943 landing exercises were held.

pictures supplied by Peter Moore

Our American visitors suffered in our sunshine.
We have high UV due to the isolation from cities and proximity to the Antarctic ozone hole that moves north each spring.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Looks very dignified. It is times like this that reinforce why we bother with old rusted trucks, scratchy uniforms and otherwise Useless Farking Information about the past. Good job.