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Broadcaster Vivian Spencer introduces Major Allan Johnston of Karitane, Commanding Officer, 23 Field Company Engineers.
Maj. Johnston took part in the Treasury Island operations. New Zealand sappers worked alongside American engineers or "Seabees" [construction battalions.] He says four weeks ago there were no roads or bridges on this island and now there are miles of them. The bulldozers they are using have been invaluable.
He describes how they landed after the the first infantry wave had gone ashore, and an American bulldozer was used to deflect sniper fire from hidden Japanese. The enemy also shelled the beach with mortars.
Roads had to be made to get supplies and vehicles of the beach. Purification plants were set up to produce safe water.
Lately they have been doing demolition work and building roads and bridges. the coconut palm is used for many engineering projects.