April 2, 1944 - Cape Gloucester

Daddy arrives at Cape Gloucester, New Britain as part of the 41st Replacement Battalion on April 2, 1944.  He could not recall, when asked in the interview my sister conducted with him, his exact duties when he first arrived on the islands as part of the replacement battalion.

Flooding caused by the monsoon deluge makes life miserable even in the comparative comfort of the rear areas.
Department of Defense (USMC) photo 72463

Based on his records and qualification codes, my best guess is that until he was assigned to the 12th Defense Battalion (in June 1944), he and other members of the replacements were doing odd jobs along with general training.

A 6 x 6 truck of 3rd Bn, 17th Marine Regiment, plows through the morass of a trail on Cape Gloucester, 1944.

Looking at the photos I have found online, the living conditions at Cape Gloucester looked miserable, even for those coming in after the battle.  I can't imagine how hard it was for the Marines that landed in December 1943 to actually fight a tough, battle-tested, dug in enemy, as well as the elements, disease, insects, rodents, etc.

Skirmishes with Japanese enemy continued until April 16, 1944, but Daddy was not part of any unit, and was not involved in any combat at this stage.

V-Mails from Cape Gloucester to home to follow in the coming days...