|
|
1 April,
1944
 |
"The regiment is
again alerted." |
|
|
È |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
5 April,
1944
|
|
"Embarked from Breta
(Bretts)
Wharf, Brisbane on the USAT Sea
Cat." |
|
|
È |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7 April,
1944
|
|
The
unit sailed from Bretts Wharf, Brisbane aboard the USAT “Sea Cat”, in a
northerly direction, destination unknown.
The “Sea Cat”
stopped at Townsville, Cairns, Port Moresby, Milne Bay, and finally dropped
anchor at Oro Bay, New Guinea. The battalion debarked and was transported
in ducks from the ship’s gangway direct to the battalion area at Cape Sudest.” |
|
|
È |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In order to clear up the tale of the 503rd assault on the beach of
Oro Bay, I will quote from the Regimental S-1 Journal. I am not sure how
many ships we travelled on from Brisbane to Oro Bay. I know our battalion was
on the USAT Sea Cat. The journal give the second echelon, H and I Companies
travelling (22 officers and 371 EM) on the SS Van Der Lijn). The
numbers sound like the 3rd Bn. Evidently the regiment travelled on two ships.
The newly arrived 462nd PA and Co. C, 162d PE had just arrived at
Camp Cable and would not join us until after the Noemfoor operation. We left
Brisbane during the night, 8 April 44; arrived at Cairns 9 April, 0892 to
pick up parachutes and containers (71 EM jumped ship despite
heavily guarded ship - 69 were arrested and thrown in ships brig); 11 April arrived
Port Moresby and left at 1500 hr; arrived Milne Bay 1500 hr, 12 April; 14
April first echelon arrived Oro Bay, New Guinea at 0730; distance travelled
2000 miles; Debarked in "Ducks" and proceeded to camp site at Oro Bay. 15
April 44:
Strength: Officers 173; Enlisted Men 2347.
18 April 44: Second Echelon arrived this date.
So much for the "assault" on Oro Bay,
11
April, 1944
|
|
Arrived at Port
Moresby Harbor 1600 hr left 1700
hr. |
|
|
È |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
April, 1944
|
|
Anchored at Milne
Bay 1700 hr and left 1700 hr 13 April, 1944. |
|
|
È |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
April, 1944
 |
Disembarked at
Dobodura (Oro Bay), New Guinea. |
|
|
È |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
April, 1944
|
|
Co arrived and
disembarked at Oro Bay, New Guinea. The company moved to Cape Sudest area to set up camp. |
|
|
“After less than 2
months in Brisbane with its good food, beer, and social activities,
strenuous training, the battalion was again returned top physical and mental
capabilities." |
|
|
|
|
|
È |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
