Today in History

1942 First US troops land in Auckland

Between 1942 and 1944 about 100,000 American servicemen were stationed in New Zealand, in support of the Allies' counter offensive against Japan. This 'American invasion' brought a considerable clash of cultures.

At any one time between June 1942 and mid-1944 there were between 15,000 and 45,000 American servicemen in camp here, mainly around Auckland and Wellington. For most, their stint in New Zealand occurred either before or immediately after experiencing the horrors of warfare on a Pacific island. In addition to the soldiers and marines, many US naval and merchant marine personnel spent time in this country.

For both visitor and host it was an intriguing experience with much of the quality of a Hollywood fantasy. The American soldier found himself 'deep in the heart of the South Seas', in the words of his army-issued pocket guide. He was in a land of tree-ferns and semi-tropical 'jungle'. Little wonder that in later years Leon Uris would write a novel about the experience (Battle cry) and that Hollywood itself would make a film (Until they sail) with Paul Newman as the heart-throb.

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