NEW ZEALANDERS LAND IN JAPAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 215, 11 September 1945, Page 5

NEW ZEALANDERS LAND IN JAPAN

MEN OF CRUISER GAMBIA Reed. 6 p.m. Tokio, Sept. 10. The first members of the British landing force to step ashore ou the Japanese mainland were B Company, which, with the exception of one platoon from H.M.S. King George V, is manned and officered by New Zealand personnel from the cruiser Gambia and is under the command of Lieut.-Commander Davis-Goff, R.N.Z.N. Although the New Zealanders were prepared to meet any contingency, they experienced no opposition after they landed. B Company is part of the British force now occupying the Yokosuka naval base.

The Japanese who had been left behind at the base were obviously badly •cared, and nothing more than a dis£lay of arms was necessary to exact nmediate compliance with any orders. Although the base was in a filthy condition, the company turned to with a will and within 24 hours, by dint of judicious requisitionings and with the New Zealanders’ usual facility to "make do," fires were soon stated, quarters cleaned out- polluted water chlorinated and the whole detachment made as comfortable as mosquitoes and rations would allow. Within a few days of the initial landing. B Company was well established, carrying out routine duties, while the New Zealand ensign was proudly flying over their headquarters. The men of B Company are proud of the fact that they were the first ashore and are conscious that they indeed have made history and have earned the distinction of being the smartest company ashore. New Zealanders at home, too, should be proud to know tnat they have been as well represented at the conclusion of this war as they were at its beginning.