Pages tagged with: paekakariki

American life in New Zealand between 1942 and 1944 was centred on the camps. Most of these were to be found within marching distance or a short train journey from Wellington or Auckland cities. Some of the soldiers were here to train for forthcoming battles on Pacific islands.

Paekakariki was another well-known refreshment stop on the main trunk line.

The marines travelled by train from Wellington to Paekakariki from where they disembarked and marched to camp

Re-enactment of the Parliamentary special trip of 1908

On reaching their Paekakariki camp, the marines drop their kit

American serviceman erecting a tent at Paekakariki

Camps McKay and Russell on either side of the highway at Paekakariki

Men at Camp McKay line up with their mess gear

Men at Camp McKay are served their chow 200 at a time

The well-stocked PX store at Camp McKay did an average US$26,000 worth of business monthly

Couple in full flight at the Camp McKay (Paekakariki) dance in April 1943

The American forces brought a taste for music with them. Here couples swing to music during a regimental dance at Camp McKay, Paekakariki, in April 1943