102ND COAST ARTILLERY
(AA SEPARATE) BATTALION
LATER THE 102ND COAST ARTILLERY BATTALION (AA)
IN AUSTRALIA DURING WWII
102nd Coast Artillery Battalion (AA Separate) was issued forty-eight (48) .50 cal. machine guns, WC, M-2, on arrival in San Francisco. On 17 February 1942, all personnel boarded troop transport "Matsonia", former luxury liner of Matson lines. All the guns were mounted on the decks and were manned throughout voyage. The "Matsonia" left San Francisco on 18 February 1942. The 208th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment was also on board the "Matsonia".
The 102nd arrived in Brisbane on 9 March 1942 and anchored overnight, possibly part of the same convoy as the 197th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment which was on the SS Monterey. The "Matsonia" pulled into the docks on 10 March 1942. They moved to Camp Ascot. On 11 March 1942, orders were received from Brigadier General Clark, the Commanding Officer of 41st Coast Artillery Brigade that the battalion would move to Darwin to provide anti-aircraft defences for airfields in that area. Those orders were later confirmed by Movement Orders, Headquarters, USAFIA, of 20 March, 1942.
The 102nd CA Bn comprised:-
HQ Battery
Battery "A" 3 platoons, each with 4 guns
Battery "B" 3 platoons, each with 4 guns
Battery "C" 3 platoons, each with 4 guns
Battery "D" 3 platoons, each with 4 guns
On 13 March 1942, the 102nd commenced a major air movement to Darwin and by 8 April 1942, 31 officers, and 560 enlisted men and 49 only .50" calibre machine guns, four units of fire and required field kitchen and necessary equipment had been flown to Darwin. This was the first large scale American airborne operation of the war and the first time an anti-aircraft unit had flown into combat. The planes were piloted by American, Australian and Dutch pilot using every available transport aircraft. The trucks of the 102nd were driven by road to the Northern Territory via Mount Isa.
A six man detail lead by Lt. Julian from Battery "A" was selected to greet General Douglas MacArthur when he arrived at Batchelor Airfield on 17 March 1942 after his evacuation from the Philippines. General MacArthur came directly from the plane to the small group of American soldiers, before turning to the other waiting groups. Apparently the welcome went like this:-
Julian - "Glad to have you here Sir."
MacArthur - "Glad to be here Lieutenant. So these are the new helmets."
Three minutes later the 102nd honour guard were back in the gun pits or unloading the battalions incoming planes.
Two enlisted men of the 102nd CA Bn were killed in a Qantas Short Empire flying boat on 22 March 1942 while landing in Darwin Harbour. Two other men of the 102nd Coast Artillery Battalion, who were passengers on this aircraft, were awarded the Soldier’s Medal on 12 June 1942 for their heroism in saving men from this crashed flying boat. They were Lt. Hubbard and Pvt. Ravenscraft.
By the 23 March 1942 initial antiaircraft automatic weapons installations had been completed at the RAAF Darwin Airfield, Civilian Drome at Darwin and Batchelor Field, some sixty (60) miles south of Darwin, in accordance with orders of the Australian Commander in the Northern Territory to establish antiaircraft defense for these airfields. Transportation problems were numerous with elements sixty miles apart and only vehicles available were those which could be borrowed.
On 4 April 1942, the Battalion became the first American Anti-aircraft unit to see action in the Southwest Pacific Area SWPA. On this day two type O-SSF strafed the RAAF Airfield; both aircraft were destroyed by the fire from the guns located there. Although by this time many high-level bombing raids had been experienced this was the first time enemy planes came within reach of the 102nd's guns.
On 17 April 1942, seven (7) officers and two hundred and forty (240) enlisted men with all motor vehicles and remaining organizational equipment departed from Brisbane on an overland convoy to Darwin. The going was rough as the roads were mostly non-existent. In many places convoy was held up while men made necessary repairs to make the roads passable.
An Australian civilian guide accompanied the convoy as far as Mount Isa. Without his knowledge of the Northern Territory, the convoy would not have been able to get through. Many repairs to vehicles were made during the trip and mechanics worked each night at stopping points readying vehicles for the next day’s journey. The convoy rolled from dawn to dusk each day and reached the base camp thirty-nine (39) miles south of Darwin at 2330 hours on 30 April 1942. All vehicles were brought through the trip, which was an enviable record for the maintenance repairmen. This was the first military convoy to make the trip from Brisbane to Darwin and covered a total mileage of two thousand four hundred (2400) miles.
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HEADQUARTERS 14 May 1942 SUBJECT: Convoy and Road Conditions between Brisbane and Darwin TO : Commanding Officer, Base Section #3, Brisbane, Qld Our convoy arrived safe and sound after being on the road fourteen days. All 76 vehicles, which included the Red Cross car, and all personnel, with one exception, arrived in good condition. One man, Private George H. Addington, was taken ill, his case being diagnosed as appendicitis by Capt. McDonough, our Medical Officer. He was removed to Camooweal from Bore #3 for an operation. It turned out to be a hard trip on the vehicles and would recommend in the future that no staff cars be allowed to make it as it surely takes plenty out of them. In many and most cases what appears to be a good road on the map is nothing more than a bush track through the woods. The four-ton wrecker and water tanks were saviors for us and would advise that no convoy be sent without them.
The road from Brisbane to Toowoomba is paved and good. Then dirt roads that are not too bad but far, far from a good road in the sense that an American would speak of a good road. When I speak of a good road, I mean one that is passable. Upon reaching Cloncurry, I was advised that we could never get through to Mt. Isa with the convoy, but in as much as I heard an Army truck had gone there, I decided we could get through also. The road from Cloncurry to Malbon was terrible, nothing but a bush track and quite a bit of it through a creek bed which made the going really slow and in some places we had to rebuild the so-called road. From Malbon to Mt. Isa the roads are bad but one can get through by traveling slowly. A short distance from Mt. Isa we went through dust that really was dust, it ranged anywhere from 6 to 18 inches deep and at one time the staff car became stuck because the chassis was resting on dust and the wheels were spinning and getting no traction whatsoever. We were towed out and then bucked our way through in another wheel track. Fortunately, this heavy dust condition did not last too long. About the last 35 miles on the east-west road between Bore #3 and the north-south was very heavy going on account of the dust. It was a reduced gear pull for all cars. The north-south road to Larramah is good except it is “wash-boarded” in a number of places but a great improvement on the roads we had been on. From Larramah to Katherine, the road is both good and bad, mostly bad. From Katherine to Ferguson River, the road is merely fair at best. From Ferguson River for 30 miles north, the road is wonderful (it was built by the American Engineers—808th) and from this point on to Adelaide River the road is fairly good but very narrow in places, and rather hilly. From Adelaide River to Base Camp the road is in good condition. Attached hereto is a copy of the report made by Lt. Nicholson, our transportation officer. RUSSELL E. BURT
There were 40 breakdowns from Brisbane to Darwin. These were caused by vibration from the very poor roads breaking oil and gas feed lines; and vapor locks due to the alcohol-blended gas which probably would have not occurred if we had used ethyl gas. This fault is very common in the Australian trucks. Tires and tubes are the biggest item. We carried twenty new tires and about thirty new tubes and these were not sufficient. At Mt. Isa, halfway on the trip, I had to purchase four new tubes. The last three days a truck had to be towed as a timing gear broke and we had no spare. We had to be sufficient unto ourselves on the road and every part we carried came in handy. Lots of tire patches should be carried (the hot patch and clamp are preferable). We had about 55 breakdowns due to tire trouble which our maintenance repaired on the road. The ordinary flats were repaired at the end of the day’s run. We encountered vehicles with not only treads but sidewalls as well. We did not change tire pressure due to head expansion and had not a bit of trouble from that. I strongly advise staff cars to be left behind
as they cannot stand the gaff of this kind of a trip. A four-ton
wrecker should be taken instead of the ordinary light wrecker. Water
trailers should by all mean be taken, at least one with maintenance.
Plenty of solder, irons and blow torches should be taken. At least
400 lbs of thuban for differentials, transmissions, etc. should be
taken and two pump cans for same are very useful instead of one. At
least 200 lbs of grease should be taken, the drivers greasing their
own trucks. We had two half-day stops for checkups, which should be
followed by all. JAMES M. NICHOLSON |
On 1 May 1942 orders were received by radio from USAFIA that the Battalion was assigned to Air Officer, Commanding Northern Territory Forces for operational control. On the following day, Captain Hogan, Captain Day and Lieutenant Augspurger reported to Air Commodore Bladen (RAAF) and were informed that the Battalion would remain under the operational control of the Commander Royal Australian Artillery.
After arrival of the convoy, Battery "B" took over all positions at the RAAF Airfield, Battery "C" was in position at 34 Mile Strip, Battery "D" was in position at Hughes Airfield and 28 Mile Strip, and Battery "A" was at Batchelor Airfield.
On 19 May 1942, a message was received that Colonel Gibson was then the Antiaircraft Defense Commander for all anti-aircraft with the exception of the RAAF Airfield which would be under the control of Fortress Command. A meeting of staff officers with Col. Gibson was held to discuss new operational setup, ground defense plans for all batteries and evacuation plans.
The 23rd May 1942, twenty-two (22) bags of mail were received for the Battalion. This was the first delivery of mail since their arrival overseas.
On 15 June 1942, enemy aircraft attacked Darwin. One type O-SSF followed a P-40 Warhawk down over Strauss Airfield (28 Mile Strip) and attempted to strafe the airfield. Battery "D" guns engaged and probably destroyed this aircraft as it was reported to have crashed eight (8) miles northwest of the airfield.
Heavy Japanese air raids were made on Darwin and the RAAF Airfield on 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th June 1942. The 102nd suffered no casualties or damage.
Lt. General Brett made a presentation of medals to 49th Pursuit Group pilots and also presented the Soldier’s Medal to Lt. Hubbard and Pvt. Ravenscraft at ceremonies at 34 Mile Strip. Two hundred and twenty-five officers and enlisted men of battalion were in formation.
Lt. General Brett, Major General Richardson, Commanding General of West Coast Defenses and Brigadier General Marquat, Antiaircraft Officer, GHQ, SWPA inspected Batteries "B" and "D" on 26 June 1942.
During July all Batteries constructed small arms ranges and all personnel fired record courses. Men who did not qualify were given another opportunity to fire in the near future.
Lt. Priddle and forty (40) enlisted men of Battery "A", with four (4) guns, moved from Batchelor Airfield to 65 Mile Strip to set up anti-aircraft defense for the airfield there on 15 July 1942. Captain Roesser secured two (2) air-cooled .50 caliber machine guns from the Air Corps as guns in the Battery were not sufficient for use at both Batchelor and 65 Mile.
The Battalion was assigned to the 41st C.A. Brigade on 16 July 1942 per General Orders No. 16, CHQ, SWPA.
Battery "D" moved to the RAAF Airfield on 18 August 1942 to take over the positions of Battery "B" which moved to Hughes Airfield and 28 Mile Strip and took over the defenses of that area.
Heavy Japanese air raids on Darwin and the RAAF Airfield on 25th and 26th July 1942 and again on the 29th and 30th July 1942. Demolition, incendiary and anti-personnel bombs were dropped. The 102nd suffered no casualties.
On 13 August 1942, the 102nd Separate Battalion (CA) (AA) was reorganized and redesignated the 102nd Coast Artillery Battalion (AA) under T/O & E 4-195, 1 April, 1942.
On 23 August 1942, twenty-eight (28) Japanese bombers dropped bombs at Hughes Airfield. Two (2) "C" Battery men, one (1) "B" Battery man and one (1) Medical Detachment man were slightly wounded by flying shrapnel. These men were later awarded the Purple Heart. Some damage was caused to aircraft on the ground and an ammunition dump was hit.
"D" Battery moved one (1) officer, forty (40) enlisted men and four (4) guns to 65 Mile Strip and four (4) guns from "A" Battery in position there returned to Batchelor Airfield, in accordance with instructions of Anti-aircraft Defense Command on 7 September 1942.
On 7 October 1942, the last elements of the 49th Pursuit Group departed from Darwin area by boat. The 102nd received a Letter of Commendation from Colonel Hutchinson, Commanding Officer of the 49th Group, for the excellent job that the 102nd had done and the cooperation which had been given by all officers and men of the Battalion. Australian fighter squadrons replaced the 49th Pursuit Group.
The four (4) machine guns in position at 65 Mile Strip were withdrawn as there were no longer any aircraft operating from this airfield. They were returned to the Battery at the RAAF Airfield.
On 14 October 1942 word was received by radio from the 41st C.A. Brigade that M/Sgt. Stephen Barday and T/Sgt. George W. Ziebarth had been appointed Warrant Officers, Junior Grade.
Japanese bombers made their deepest penetration south since the 102nd's arrival in the north when they dropped bombs at Batchelor Airfield and 65 Mile Strip. "A" Battery outpost gave the only warning of attack. There were no casualties and only slight damage was inflicted. Officers returned from Chemical Warfare School in Brisbane.
The following is a excerpt from
the WWII History of
the 102nd Antiaircraft Battalion (AW) by Owen B. Augspurger:-
1942 On 25 October word was received that Major Russell E. Bert had been transferred to Headquarters, 41st C.A. Brigade and he departed that day for Townsville to take up his new duty assignment.
A radio was received from the 41st Brigade on 26 October to effect that M/Sgt. Andrew L. Farkas had received a direct appointment as Second Lieutenant, AUS.
On 27 October word was received that movement of battalion to Townsville was imminent. Movement directive 329 received on 31 October confirming this movement. On 4 November all possible organizational equipment was loaded on freight cars at Noonamah and this train departed for Birdum with Lt. McGroder and thirty-four enlisted men at 2049 hours. The following day a passenger train with eleven (11) officers and three hundred and seventy-five (375) enlisted men under command of Major Stone departed at 0929 hours. Lt. Lewis had departed on 2 November for Mt. Isa to arrange for staging of battalion there and further movement. Mr. Ziebarth and six (6) enlisted men had departed as advance to Birdum on 3 November.
At 1000 hours on the 5th November motor convoy of seventy-nine (79) vehicles and all remaining personnel and equipment departed from Darwin area and arrived at Birdum at 1400 hours on 6 November. Both the freight and passenger trains had arrived at Birdum twenty-four hours after their departure from Noonamah.
Battery D with six (6) officers, one hundred and sixty-two (162) enlisted men and thirty-nine (39) vehicles departed from Birdum for Mt. Isa on 7 November. The following day the rest of battalion left Birdum in remaining organizational vehicles and thirty-nine vehicles of 48th Quartermaster. Battery D arrived at Mt. Isa at 1530 hours on 10 November. The rest of battalion arrived at 0130 hours the following morning. Total mileage covered by convoy was one thousand thirty-seven (1037) miles. Roads were in good condition through entire trip and had been improved immensely since convoy north in April. The remainder of trip to Townsville will be made by rail.
Movement by rail from Mt. Isa to Townsville was made by three (3) freight trains and two (2) passenger trains. Loading of freight train number one at 1400 hours, 11 November. Two advance details departed from Mt. Isa on 11 November. Lt. Nicholson and twenty (20) enlisted men departed at 1400 hours and Major Stone, seven (7) officers and twenty (20) enlisted men departed at 1645 hours. Freight train No. 1 departed at 0045 hours, 12 November with two (2) officers and sixty (60) enlisted men. Freight train No. 2 departed at 0045 hours, 13 November. Passenger train No. 1, Colonel Welte commanding, with fourteen (14) officers and two hundred seventy-one (271) enlisted men departed at 1100 hours. Major Stone and advance detachment arrived in Townsville at 1530 hours the same day. On 14 November freight train No. 1 arrived at Townsville at 0100 hours; passenger train #2 with Capt. Day, fourteen (14) officers and two hundred seventy (270) enlisted men departed Mt. Isa at 1100 hours; passenger train No. 1 arrived at Townsville at 2100 hours. Freight train No. 3, with Lt. Hoyt, two (2) officers and sixty (60) enlisted men, departed Mt. Isa at 0045 hours on 15 November; freight train No. 2 arrived at Townsville at 0100 hours and passenger train No. 2 arrived at 2100 hours. The move was completed on 17 November with the arrival of freight train No. 3 at 0300 hours.
The Battalion commenced setting up camp at Camp McClung which is approximately six (6) miles from Townsville.
Sixty-two bags of mail were received by Battalion in first three (3) days at location. Twenty-five percent of enlisted men were given passes from 1800 to 2300 hours on night of 17 November.
Permission was received for granting of furloughs to ten percent of command and on 21 November Lt. Hubbard, Lt. Sullivan and ten percent of enlisted men departed on southbound train for Brisbane, Mackay and other leave points. Leaves were for seven days plus three days travel time.
On 23 November, thirty-two (32) Bofors guns were issued to Battalion, eight (8) per battery.
Brigadier General Colburn, Commanding General, 41st C.A. Brigade inspected all personnel, arms, quarters, and areas on 2 December. Complimented Col. Welte on excellent condition of camp area and morale of personnel.
On 5 December Officers’ Candidate Board completed the examination of one hundred and twenty (120) applicants from Battalion. Twenty-five (25) of these applicants were accepted and applications were forwarded to the 41st C.A. Brigade.
Christmas Day was declared a holiday for all men. Whiskey and beer were made available to men in camp for Battery parties.
Word was received from Brigade on 29 December that S/Sgt. Weigel, Sgts. Gannon and Eibert, Cpl. O’Rourke and Pvt. Ackerman had been accepted for attendance at Officers’ Candidate School.
Since arrival at Townsville, some officers and enlisted men of battalion had attended Brigade Aircraft Recognition School, Base Section Bomb Disposal School and Brigade Bofors School. Continual training was being conducted on new weapons in each of gun batteries.
At the close of the year the battalion had served ten months overseas. While in the Northern Territory from 13 March to 10 November we had undergone forty-three (43) enemy bombing attacks. On only two occasions did targets come within range of our guns. The results of these two engagements were two (2) planes destroyed and one (1) probably destroyed.
With the start of the new year the Australians and Americans are slowly pushing the Japanese back in New Guinea. We are looking forward to further missions in the coming year and a chance to show our proficiency with the new 40mm Bofors guns.
1943
All batteries in battalion are in staging area at Camp McClung approximately six (6) miles from Townsville on 1 January, 1943. Intensive instructions on Bofors is being given to all gun battery personnel.
Five (5) enlisted men selected for Officers’ Candidate School departed from Townsville on 2 January and work orders were received detailing T/Sgt. Talley, S/Sgts. DeVoria and Gerloch, and Sgt. Winch to school in addition to five (5) enlisted men previously selected.
From 12 January to 10 February, batteries trial fired with Bofors and machine guns at Kissing Point. Batteries which were not firing tracked planes at Garbutt Field during this period.
Orders were received on 20 January changing unit designation to 102nd Coast Artillery Battalion (AA) (AW).
Notification was received from 41st C.A. Brigade on 25 January that T/Sgt. Ferdinand J. Lynn had received direct appointment as Second Lieutenant, AUS. Lt. Lynn will perform duties of battalion communication officer.
Battalion OCS board examined candidates for Officers’ Candidate School from battalion on 5th and 15th of February.
Corporal Robert J. Buettner, Medical Detachment, received direct appointment as Second Lieutenant, Medical Administrative Corps on 22 February. Lt. Buettner will remain with battalion awaiting new duty assignment.
Terrestrial firing of Bofors was conducted by all batteries from 9 March through 11 March.
On 16 March, Battery D moved to Kangaroo Point ammunition dump (does this mean the Kangaroo Ordnance Depot at Stuart in Townsville? - Kangaroo Point is in Brisbane) and will remain there for approximately two months cleaning and sorting ammunition stored there and constructing new dumps.
On 21 March, Batteries B and C moved into tactical positions at Garbutt Field. Operational Order No. 4, Headquarters, 41st C.A. Brigade places these batteries under operational contract of 197th AAA Group as of 1200 hours 20 March.
Orders were received on 28 March detailing Sgt. Aldrich, Cpl. Hellendale, Hq Battery; Cpl. Watson, A Battery; and Sgt. Wolf, B Battery to attend Officers’ Candidate School commencing 1 April.
On 6 May orders were received ordering Major Leon F. Stone to return to United States and he departed on 9 May. Capt. Edwin G. Hogan assigned executive officer and Capt. John J. Day assigned Battalion S-3.
Orders were received on 28 May promoting Capt. Hogan to rank of Major and 1st Lt. George S. Bruss to Captain.
Memorial Day services were held at Camp McClung with personnel from all batteries participating in formation. Father Carroll gave services in memoriam of Pvt. Lukasik who was killed at Darwin.
S/Sgt. Irwin F. Lee received direct appointment as Second Lieutenant, Medical Administration Corps. He will remain with battalion awaiting his new duty assignment.
All leaves, furloughs, and passes were cancelled and personnel on leave were recalled on 12 June when warning alert for movement was received from Brigade. At least ten percent of personnel had been on furlough at all times since arrival at Townsville in November, 1942.
Battery D having completed their detail at Kangaroo Point (does this mean the Kangaroo Ordnance Depot at Stuart in Townsville? - Kangaroo Point is in Brisbane) returned to Camp McClung and set up camp on 14 June.
Sixth Army Inspection Teams inspected battalion from 14 June to 20 June. Inspected administration, communication, AW training and material, motor vehicles and chemical warfare training and equipment.
All batteries conducted practice loading of Bofors on C-47 from 20 June to 22 June. Word was received from Brigade that the following enlisted men had been selected for attendance at Officers’ Candidate School commencing 1 July: T/Sgt. Neary, HQ Btry for course in Transportation Corps; Pvt. Murphy, B Btry, S/Sgt. Beyer and Cpl. Okmann, C Btry and Pfc Clifford, D Btry for Coast Artillery Corps; Pfc Zombar, HQ Btry, Cpl. Gates and Sgt. Strong, B Btry, and S/Sgt. Berry, C Btry for Infantry.
General Colburn, Commanding General, 41st C.A. Brigade presented Purple Hearts to T/5 Frick, Sgt. Ambrose and Pfc Bredon, who were wounded by enemy action at Darwin, at a formation of five hundred (500) officers and enlisted men of battalion.
On 26 June orders were received from Brigade alerting Battalion for movement by water in three echelons to a secret destination. Crating of all equipment commenced immediately.
Captain Robert S. Ballagh, Commanding Officer, Battery C was transferred to 41st C.A. Brigade on 28 June and will assume duties of Brigade S-2.
Loading of 1st echelon of movement on 5000 ton Dutch freighter "Van Heutz" was begun on 29 June. This echelon will carry all guns, ammunition and communication equipment. Two (2) officers and thirty-four (34) enlisted men will also move with this echelon. Eight (8) .50 cal. machine guns were mounted on deck and manned by 102nd personnel throughout voyage. Although all equipment and personnel were loaded and ship moved out into harbor on 1 July, the ship did not depart from Townsville until 12 July.
2nd Lts. Robert P. Aldrich, Daniel Wolf and George D. Wray assigned from OGS and joined Battalion on 1 July. The former two officers were formerly enlisted men of 102nd.
Serial No. 2 consisting of twenty-nine (29) officers, five hundred thirty-two enlisted men, tentage and necessary kitchen equipment loaded on Liberty Ship "S. Hall Young" on 4 July and left Townsville at 1330 hours. Elements of the 197th AAA Group and 208th AAA Group are also traveling on this vessel. Col. Newman, C.O., 197th AAA Group is commander of troops aboard ship. The battalion prepared and served mess to all Army personnel throughout voyage. The trip was uneventful with usual boat drills. Many men discovered they were not suited for the Navy when we struck two days of rough seas and high winds. Land was sighted at 1300 hours on 7 July and we had out first view of New Guinea, one of the majestic isles of the Southwest Pacific. At 1600 hours we reached Port Moresby and disembarkation of troops commenced immediately. One (1) officer and fifteen (15) enlisted men of each battery remained aboard ship to unload equipment as ship could not dock and was anchored offshore in bay. All personnel and equipment were ferried to shore on barges.
On 2 September the rear echelon commenced loading on Liberty Ship "Thomas Jefferson". Ship departed from Townsville on 12 September with six (6) officers, one hundred seventy-two (172) enlisted men and remainder of battalion equipment aboard.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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This page first produced 3 April 2004
This page last updated 14 October 2021
