Dedicate Memorial Chapel On Nissan

Northern Advocate, 23 May 1944, Page 4

Dedicate Memorial Chapel On Nissan

(Official N.Z.E.F. War Correspondent) NISSAN, May 21. To the memory of New Zealand and United States servicemen killed in the initial landings on Nissan Island, and in subsequent engagements with the enemy, a cemetery and chapel were dedicated this morning at a combined parade of Allied units on the island The cemetery lies in a clearing at the top of coral cliffs overlooking the lagoon, from which can be seen a 90ft. steel flagpole with crosssbeams flying the flags of both nations. The New Zealand and American graves, headed by durably-engraved white crosses, lie behind, and on either side of the flagpole, while at the fringe of the jungle in the back centre, stands a small thatched-roofed native-built chapel. Two guards, each of 50 men, one New Zealand and one American, lined the cides of the cemetery for the dedication. which opened with an invocation by the New Zealander. Padre Whr.vford. ' After the “Last Post’” and the firing of vollleys, the chapel and cemetery were handed over by natives to General Barrowclough, who accepted on behalf of the armed forces. Inspiration to All

A United States Marine, Chaplain Clement Buckley, gave the dedication address, reminding that the “people pf New Zealand and the United States must not be permitted to forget that these men died that they might live. Further, the men who are buried here must be an inspiration to us to commit ourselves untiringly to the task they have so nobly advanced. We dedicate this cemetery to the memory of these men. May God reward them for the sacrifices they have mado.” General Barrowclough was accompanied by Brigadier C. S. J. Duff. Colonel J. L. Brook and Lieut.-Colonel A. H. L. Sugden. United States officers in the official party included the commander of the naval base, the commander of air centres, commanders of a construction regiment and an anti-aircraft battalion.