“Imagine thousands of young American Marines training right here.” That’s the scene we’re about to conjure at this US Marine Corps training camps vicinity Stone. This stone stands as a silent witness to a unique chapter in New Zealand’s history. It marks a time when this peaceful nation became a vital training ground for the United States Marine Corps during World War II.
The US Marine Corps camps in this vicinity played a crucial role. They prepared young men for the brutal realities of the Pacific campaign. Picture this area transformed into a bustling hub of military activity. Over 20,000 Americans were stationed in the region at one point.
The first Marines arrived in Wellington in June 1942 to a tremendous welcome. Equipment was sorted. A parade was quickly organized before the trip to the camps at Mackays Crossing. There were three main camps. Camp Russell was located within Queen Elizabeth Park. Camp Mackay was located across the main highway. Camp Paekakariki was at the southern end of the park.
These camps weren’t just places for rest. They were vital for rigorous training. Paekakariki’s steep hills were perfect for marching and mortar practice. The beaches became stages for simulated amphibious invasions. These exercises prepared the Marines for the island hopping campaign against the Japanese.
The 2nd Marine Division had the longest association with this region. They arrived in Wellington in November 1942. The 2nd, 6th and 8th infantry regiments were housed in Camp Mackay, Camp Paekakariki and Camp Russell. Men from the amphibious tractor, medical service units, special weapons and tank battalions were stationed here. Headquarters teams were based in Wellington city. Specialist units were based in Hutt Valley, Masterton and the Porirua districts.
New Zealand became an ideal place for recovery for battle-worn Marines. Kiwis opened their homes. The Marines delighted in fresh milk, eggs and vegetables. Training resumed with week-long patrols in the Tararua Range. Joint exercises with armoured vehicles took place in the Paekakariki dunes. They had shooting practice. There were all-important beach landings in Higgins boats.
One major exercise went tragically wrong on June 20. A landing craft overturned. Ten of its crew of 24 naval seamen drowned. The climax of the training was a 70-kilometre route march in full kit from Paekakariki to Foxton. After final ‘beach landing’ exercises on Mahia Peninsula in October, a fleet of sixteen ships was assembled in Wellington Harbour.
Trainloads of Marines in full kit left Mackay’s Crossing and Paekakariki. This time it was ‘the real thing’. On November 1, 20,000 men and 1500 vehicles headed for Japanese-occupied Betio in the Gilbert & Ellice Islands. They were going to fight in the Battle of Tarawa.
Over 1000 Marines who’d lived and trained in New Zealand died in two days. Over 2000 were wounded. This marked the start of a torrid journey through the Pacific.
To recapture life at the camps, the Wellington Regional Council erected a commemorative plaque, flags and interpretation panels at Queen Elizabeth Park. The US Marine Corps camps vicinity Stone serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made. It embodies the strong bond between the United States and New Zealand. It is a bond forged in the fires of war and strengthened by a shared commitment to freedom.