My father ws a Coastwatcher. I was born in Rabaul and New Guinea is my home. I wish to congratulate the narrator who pronounced our names of Islands and towns correctly. Also jack Reid was our neighbour for a number of years.
@mareawhitley3324
Жыл бұрын
My father was a Coastwatcher. His history behind enemy lines is documented in the book, 'The Coastwatchers' by Eric Feldt. I have a photo of him with Feldt. This documentary honours his and his mates' brave deeds.
@buildmotosykletist1987
9 ай бұрын
What was his name, I'll thank him by name.
@mareawhitley3324
8 ай бұрын
His name was Ernest John Parker Rust, Corporal, NX127852, Z Special Unit. It's listed in the back of the book I mention above, 'The Coastwatchers'. It's also listed in an appendix of the book 'Save Our Souls: Rescues Made by U.S. Submarines During World War II' By Douglas E. Campbell' as one of the 22 Commandos evacuated from Bougainville in July 1943 by the USS submarine, The Guardfish. @@buildmotosykletist1987
@katherinegates1559
3 жыл бұрын
🇺🇸 My Dad was with the 1st Marine division at Guadalcanal and Okinawa. God Bless all our Brave Coast Watches...Never To Be Forgotten...All our Brave WWII Veterans
@clivejones1888
Жыл бұрын
they weren’t ‘merikuns … they were australians … another world
@jimmylieb5225
Жыл бұрын
yes. my dad was army in Germany late in the war. he was later an MP at the Nuremberg war trials. Bronze Star.
@TechnikMeister2
3 жыл бұрын
My dad was originally from New Ireland as district officer. He was inserted into New Britain and operated a Coast Watch station with a view of Rabaul. He was cut off for over six months and avoided capture until December 1942. He was captured, then escaped and made his way alone back to New Guinea. When he recovered from malaria and malnutrition, he was sent back. He received no recognition because he was secret and a civilian. He survived the war. His mother didn't recognise when he came home in 1945.
@barneyboy7771
3 жыл бұрын
He is a brave man. Worked hard, staying out of sight and fed extremely important information to the allies. Good on him.
@Tawadeb
3 жыл бұрын
Gosh How incredibly brave. Was he awarded a medal? He should have been It’s thanks to the coast watchers the Pacific war was won
@wekapeka3493
3 жыл бұрын
A very brave man. You have good genes!
@mynamedoesntmatter8652
2 жыл бұрын
That’s a shame his contributions weren’t recognized because of a civilian status. The Allies recognized, praised awarded medals to spies who worked with Allied nations and resistance fighters in Europe. It should be the same for these coast watchers who were up against a country who tortured, worked to death and beheaded people - any people, whether military, indigenous, religious or medical. The Japanese atrocities were committed because they lived by the Bushido code and never ratified the Geneva Convention code of conduct. They believed themselves the only important race of people in the world and that everyone else was expendable. The coast watchers deserve every medal the military and governments award. They earned that recognition. They deserve their own museum. My apologies for coming down on those who failed to recognize them this way, but I read world war histories and I know what the Japanese did to hundreds of thousands of peoples. Coast watchers performed a job that requires proper recognition, to a man. God bless them and their families.
@deanwilliams4365
2 жыл бұрын
he would have been listed as RAN reserve officer. they all were. he would if he had claimed them. be entitled to hang the Australian Pacific star, defence, War.39-45 and defence medals
@rockygreen8501
3 жыл бұрын
New Zeland, Australian, and islanders all deserved way more than a thank you and an occasional bag of rice. Unfortunately all I have to offer is a heartfelt thank you, wish it could be more.
@garyschultz7768
2 жыл бұрын
We all benefited by defeating of the forces of Japan.... Even the Japanese people themselves benefited by the allies defeating imperial Japan....& it's future generations who should be the most thankful..
@seanclint2711
3 жыл бұрын
God bless all who sacrifice so much. Thk u.
@richardmason902
Жыл бұрын
My friend Jack Brown from Adelaide was an Australian Coast Watcher in New Guinea. Good health Jack and total respect to you for what you endured and what you did and your friendship and support.
@mattyallen3396
3 жыл бұрын
New Zealanders too
@Tawadeb
3 жыл бұрын
17 New Zealanders were sadly executed at Tarawa by the Japanese. Rest in peace
@greggiles7309
Жыл бұрын
New Zealanders also did coast watching,17 were executed on the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati) were beheaded at Betio, Tarawa.
@daddybob6096
3 жыл бұрын
The USA saved my country New Zealand. Those boys protected us from a terrible fate, and for that , i will always be grateful to the United States of America, many American former service people i am proud to call my friends. Robert, 81yo, Veteran, NZ Infantry Soldier.Lower Hutt NZ.
@randywarren7101
Жыл бұрын
I would say that the most well known coastwatcher was Lt. Ron Evans who discovered that It John Kennedy and the survivors of PT-109 were alive on a small island in the Solomon Island chain!
@josephbingham1255
3 жыл бұрын
A bomber crew member who was rescued by natives and a coast watcher became an LAUSD administrator in California. He spent his vacations working to locate his fellow crew members. He was able to have three identified and attended their individual funerals along with surviving family members. This story was in The Reader's Digest. I met a man who had worked closely with him never having heard any clue about this side of his life. So I gave him my copy of The Reader's Digest to his amazement. Someday I might again locate a copy of this man's amazing devotion to his comrades in arms.
@mmeeozzzaaa3421
11 ай бұрын
@josephbingham1255 Try reaching out to Reader's digest to see if they can give you a copy..
@juliehildahl2758
3 жыл бұрын
I have always been fascinated with this portion of the Pacific War. They deserve to be remembered & honored.
@michaelfield3024
3 жыл бұрын
Sixteen New Zealand coastwatchers were beheaded by the Japanese on Tarawa and one on Banaba. They are mostly forgotten
@kcharles8857
3 жыл бұрын
New Zealanders, Australians, Dutch, and of course all the natives that assisted them......The Japanese shot or tortured and beheaded all the Coastwatchers they caught. But you will not find any mention of this is Japanese WW2 Histories.
@jeffingram9916
3 жыл бұрын
They haven't been forgotten. I've read extensively of the war in the Pacific and those who served will never be forgotten. I have two grandsons and I'm trying to make sure they know what that generation did for our country, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, etc. Unfortunately I'm getting up in years and I hope the younger people in my family will remember what their grandfathers, grandmothers and great grandparents did.
@bigwoody4704
3 жыл бұрын
@@kcharles8857 The Japanese shot,tortured,beheaded and bayoneted their prisoners pretty much everywhere. Like the NAZI's an advanced society that didn't have a conscience
@LIGHTNINLIPSKI1
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, that's very true.They were NZ Post office employees.
@awblax1
3 жыл бұрын
Not be all of us. I have visited the spot a number of times
@allansbullet
Жыл бұрын
I spent 10 years from 1980 until 1990 working for Amalgamated Wireless Australasia, otherwise known as AWA in Australia and New Zealand. The name "Teleradio" was still used by AWA for some of their (especially marine) radio products. I didn't realize until seeing this video that the original "Teleradio" was developed for use by these immensely brave and resouceful people - the Coastwatchers!! Amazing story and video!!
@buildmotosykletist1987
9 ай бұрын
There is an AWA ad in this video. About the middle.
@allansbullet
9 ай бұрын
@@buildmotosykletist1987 Yes, there certainly is! Thank you for that!
@darrenmonks4532
3 жыл бұрын
Onya for the upload. Australia and USA best cobbers. Thanks fuzzy-wuzzy mates.
@wekapeka3493
3 жыл бұрын
My father flew with the RNZAF In New Guinea/New Britain area. He was hospitalised at a US forward base with perforated ear drums when a coastwatcher and his native party called through, they sought him out because they had come across a crashed RNZAF Corsair in the jungle, the remains of the pilot still strapped in. They had buried the body and had recovered personal effects and dog tags they wanted him to take back to his squadron when he recovered, when he saw a ring they had removed he was able to tell them the name of the pilot who was one of his squadron who had failed to return from a secondary strafing mission after bombing Rabaul. My father flew with 16 and 22 squadrons RNZAF on three tours, one with P40’s and two with corsairs. They had much respect for the New Guinean civilians who gave every assistance at the risk of their lives.
@marciebalme588
3 жыл бұрын
My late Father in Law ex 29th/46th Australian Infantry Battalion( AIF) spoke about a mission they undertook to pick up a RNZAF pilot who had crashed and died etc. He described the New Zealand Pilots as the bravest of the brave. God Bless Your Father Paul Reynolds
@wekapeka3493
3 жыл бұрын
@@marciebalme588 Thank you Marcie. A story for you regarding Aussie infantry ...... My father was hospitalised with perforated eardrums (probably through flying with a cold) in a forward hospital where there were wounded Australian infantry, when he was told some of the injured were there with injuries caused by falling shell cases when he and his squadron were bombing and strafing ahead of the attacking Australians he became very apologetic. They stopped him and explained it was there own fault, they had become so reliant on the RNZAF accuracy that they always advanced ahead of their given start line ready to attack the bombed Japanese before they could reorganise. Cheers from NZ.
@rossawood5075
Жыл бұрын
My family have just celebrated my father's 99th birthday, he gave me his RNZAF (Royal New Zealand Airforce) discharge papers, at 18 years of age he enlisted and his primary job was as a "loadmaster" controlling the weights being loaded on aircraft of massive amounts of supplies being flown around the Pacific to resupply outposts from ften rudimentary locations . Although not a hero in the classic sense so many young men like my father from many nations stepped up to support the war in not lessor but vital roles for which there would be no victory. From my long adopted home in Queensland Australia, albeit a 5th generation NZ'er, the proximity of the Japanese was so close that a line was drawn across the country through the capital of the state of Queensland, called the Brisbane Line it was a mark that would be retreated to by the Allies then defended at all costs. I still remember as a youngster our favourite play areas at our local beaches were concrete 'pill boxes gun emplacements dotted serially along areas considered to be good landing areas for the Japanese. Thankfully they were never needed largely due to the Battle for the Coral Sea. It must also be remembered that many Australian coast watchers or their supports in Northern Australia were Aboriginal Australians superb bushmen who knew the area and how to survive well in the often highly remote coastines.
@margaretnewton6625
3 жыл бұрын
The Australians stopped the Japanese on the Kokoda track before the US stopped them on the island all thanks to the Australians
@jeffingram9916
3 жыл бұрын
That generation of Americans, Australians, British, New Zealanders, native of the islands, etc should never be forgotten.
@nmelkhunter1
3 жыл бұрын
I had a vague under of the individuals, but no real appreciation for them until watching this video. I believe they should be remembered through a memorial or other appropriate means.
@1vigorousdragon
3 жыл бұрын
Can recommend 2 books on The Coast Watchers. 1 by Eric Feldt who was a Coast Watcher, and Another By Patrick Lindsay couldn't put the books down. Brave men and even a woman. They saved downed pilots and reported on Japanese ship and troop positions.. So much relied on these People. Lest we Forget !!
@craigwilcox4403
3 жыл бұрын
Eric Feldt was the boss of the Coast Watchers, stayed in Townsville. He was RAN, and supported and defended "his" Coast Watchers from chairborn idiots who wanted the CW's in all sorts of ways that would have gotten many killed.
@robertgrey6101
3 жыл бұрын
MARC FLETCH Wasn't it Admiral Halsey who said, "If not wasn't for these coast watchers we, as in American Navy , would have had a terrible time as these people provided us with such important information. Or words to that effect ??
@sleepydog223
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I found the first book as a $0.99 download. That’s a good deal.
@captainjack8823
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, see my comment below regarding Coast Watcher Eric Felt. My Comment, I read a book about the Aussie Coast Watchers of WWII about 20 years ago, however now I forget its title. Watching this it reminds me that it took place around and defense of Boganville. it was a gripping read centering on a small band of them that daringly used radio and indigents to communicate. I recall quotes of these men that dominated the amazing tale. It put yourself in their pull because they were at risk from the Japanese at all times, yet maintained their mission no matter their personal deprivations and sacrifices!
@craigwilcox4403
3 жыл бұрын
@@captainjack8823 Feldt was truly a fascinating man and officer. He was overjoyed when some of the USMC stationed there in Townsville arranged for air drops to the Coast Watchers - new radios and other needed gear.
@sagnal
3 жыл бұрын
The Australian Army had already defeated a Japanese force at Milne Bay in May 1942. The Australians had also engaged the Japanese in the withdrawal from Buna across the Kokoda Track from July 1942. The Americans did not land in Guadacanal until August 1942. Why is the impact of Coastwatchers on these other critical battles not mentioned?
@arenamananeraswgoh141
2 жыл бұрын
I think you got your dates wrong ...but you're right that guadalcanal steals all the attebtion....
@sagnal
2 жыл бұрын
@@arenamananeraswgoh141 The battle of Guadacanal en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guadalcanal_campaign commenced on 7 August 1942. The Kokoda campaign commenced a month before in July 1942. You are correct that the Milne Battle proper was conducted in late August to early September however the area was surveyed in May 1942 and the Airfield construction commenced in early June. Milne Bay is rightly recognised as the first defeat of Japanese Land Forces in the Second World War.
@kevinrussell1144
Жыл бұрын
No honest American would ever attempt to deny the importance of the Coast Watchers to the south Pacific campaigns. But let's be honest, without the Americans the Aussie's would be speaking Japanese or lacking their heads. And without the staging areas and the assistance of Australia and NZ, WE couldn't have done what we did. We were and should ALWAYS be allies and friends. I salute them all. The indigenous peoples that remained true to their salt and assisted the Yanks , Diggers, and Kiwis need to be praised and remembered, too. Hell, I still watch the Diggers scrapping around the bush for sunbakers and rippers.
@sagnal
Жыл бұрын
@@kevinrussell1144 Thanks Kevin I really appreciate your kind words about the ANZUS alliance. It is clear that the numerical contribution of the United States in the Pacific under Nimitz and the South West Pacific under MacArthur was critical to the final victory but it is almost unknown in the US that Australia contributed the bulk of the troops in the South West Pacific up until early 1943. MacArthur and his PR team always emphasised that victories by Australian troops were "Allied" victories whilst defeats or withdrawals (as in the Kokoda Track campaign) were most definitely Australian. Victories by American troops were always "American" victories. The strategic direction laid down by MacArthur was appalling. He micromanaged the campaign in New Guinea from thousands of miles away in Melbourne (Southern Australia) and later Brisbane (still removed from the battle) His treatment of Australian, American and Filipino troops was criminal.
@kevinrussell1144
Жыл бұрын
@@sagnal I entirely agree with you. Mac was a blowhard, self-promoting Primadonna, and did a great job leading from the rear. I've always been a Navy guy myself. Mac had to "return"; the Navy and the Marines (and our Allies/buddies) stayed and fought and suffered. Even the Pommies did more than their rightful allotment of arms up and backward advances out East, although their record in N. Africa (again with the help of Diggers, Kiwis, Indians, and many others) has much to admire and they never gave the knee to the Jerries.
@flojro
3 жыл бұрын
A service to humanity by these very brave heroes. Love and respect from Mindanao ( Philippines).
@michaelashcraft8569
3 жыл бұрын
As a boy in the 50's I read about these Coastwatchers, and, local Villagers struggling valuantly, and, bravely to save their homes, way of life, as well as help the Allies. There was NO shortage of bravery or sacrifice!!
@hamishevans6260
Жыл бұрын
My Grandfather was a commando coast watcher with M Special Unit. Him and a small group had massive impact on the outcome in the pacific. He survived the war but died at 73 from war injuries. I am proud of him and think about him every day. Cecil Frank Evans.
@stephenkonefal276
Жыл бұрын
Sa Vietnam vet salutes our greatest generation
@chrisbrent7487
3 жыл бұрын
The 2/2 and 2/4 independent commando companies were also outstanding. They fought a guerilla campaign against the Japanese on Timor without support for a long time, again with the support of the native population. By the end they were depleted as a fighting force due to casualties and illness and were evacuated with some Dutch colonial troops and Portuguese civilians. Many went on to fight in Z Special units who were also another such force. Besides the episode on the MV Krait and canoeing into Singapore harbor members were parachuted into Borneo to organise the locals into guerilla units. The locals were thrilled as the British had previously outlawed head hunting and they could now fight and collect heads again, albeit Japanese ones.
@curtiskretzer8898
Жыл бұрын
Tough break for I🇯🇵A
@rossawood5075
Жыл бұрын
The story of the Krait and the Australian specialised Z units is very well worth checking out!
@daniellemurphy9755
3 жыл бұрын
Those men [scouts] are living history too; their stories are worth knowing/ recording the same as any allied soldier's... i'd love to get to talk to any of them.
@captainjack8823
3 жыл бұрын
I read a book about the Aussie Coast Watchers of WWII about 20 years ago, however now I forget its title. Watching this it reminds me that it took place around and defense of Boganville. it was a gripping read centering on a small band of them that daringly used radio and indigents to communicate. I recall quotes of these men that dominated the amazing tale. It put yourself in their pull because they were at risk from the Japanese at all times, yet maintained their mission no matter their personal deprivations and sacrifices!
@andrewmclean6721
3 жыл бұрын
Great programme. Very moving. Such different backgrounds. Together for decency and freedom.
@justicesomeday
Жыл бұрын
921 subscriber i became ! cheers!!!!!Tthanks Jim !!!!!This channel should have thousands of subscribers and millions of views , since 2011 !!!! but algorhytms and channel location are the handicaps i think!!!!
@jayfelsberg1931
3 жыл бұрын
An excellent piece of history. It was particularly interesting to hear stories from the people that were there
@vendingrepair
3 жыл бұрын
I am glad they are telling their stories finally /They deserve to be remembered
@geoffbell166
3 жыл бұрын
Australian coast watchers got Yanamotos sword and medals when he was shot down by P-38s,and they escaped into the jungle before Japan troops arrived...
@timm.2840
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful documentary about some of the bravest people that ever lived. Whatever accolades that received, it was not enough to thank them for what they did under unbelievable odds. Tim M. 4/18/2023
@hilogreg5216
3 жыл бұрын
it was the Aussies who bore the brunt of the ground fighting in New Guinea in 1942 stopping the Japanese advance with the Americans adding air support. It was the coast watchers who saved the day on many occasions giving advance warning of Japanese air and troop movements. And a special shout out to the PBY Catalina crews both Aussie and American who patrolled the Southwest Pacific rescuing downed pilots and providing invaluable recon on ship movements.
@silentotto5099
3 жыл бұрын
There's an Aussie historian who has a series of videos detailing the fighting in New Guinea. I had generally known that it was tough fighting in a tough environment, but I had no idea that it was as brutal as he's reporting it was and how close the Japanese came to winning some important victories. The fighting around Wu and Milne Bay was just viscous. And, to think that many of the Australian troops had come from the fighting in the Libyan desert and the siege of Tobruk to almost getting overrun in Japanese human wave attacks in the fetted jungle of New Guinea... They must have wondered why God hated them so much.
@marciebalme588
3 жыл бұрын
Yes Greg you are right
@wor53lg50
Жыл бұрын
Should bloody well hope so to, its your doorstep....
@fokkerd3red618
3 жыл бұрын
This was the best historical program I've seen in a long time. What bravery, courage and sacrifice to all involved. Thanks so much for sharing.
@johnharrop5530
3 жыл бұрын
I went to Henderson’s Field in the early 70’s The heat and humidity was the highest I’ve ever experienced, in between the field and the golf course we went into the jungle there were massive craters from bombs everywhere you couldn’t go in a straight line or you would be in one there were still aircraft engines just lying around
@mbabist01
3 жыл бұрын
And, the code words used to alert them of potential Japanese attack: "Steak and eggs" - traditional Australian breakfast.
@halojump123
3 жыл бұрын
“ Steak and Eggs” is the breakfast that is served on the morning of or a few hours before an operation. At times this was the first indication that an operation was eminent.
@carlnash7200
Жыл бұрын
My dad fought in the Solomon islands.
@gregoryeastwood9068
3 жыл бұрын
I’m an American (now 71). My dad met my Australian mother in WW2. My older brother was born in Australia, me and my twin sister here in the States. Thank God , for past and present reasons, for Australia.
@richardmaxwell5335
3 жыл бұрын
I think We need to think about re raising Coastwatchers because of China threat to the North.
@seanclint2711
3 жыл бұрын
well said
@allanmiles5396
10 ай бұрын
We have two (2) men still alive who were Coastwatchers in WW2, serving with distinction on lonely islands doing the most dangerous work that few knew about. I know both these men who are legends in Australian military history. Jim Burrows is now 100 years old and Ron "Dixie" Lee will reach his 100th birthday on 4th July 2024. It is my priverlage to be part of the Operation Pilgrimage Group who will host "Dixie's" birthday in Melbourne on 7th July 2024. Men like Lionel Veale, Matt Foley, Jim & Dixie...along with so many others who will remain unknown, their contribution to our victory in the Pacific deserves your praise.
@ItsAHedgehog
6 ай бұрын
Oh, that is wonderful. I am an American WWII buff and love learning about the Coastwatchers. Many Americans have no idea. Please pass on best wishes to Mr. Burrows and Mr. Lee from an American who is so grateful for what they did.
@patr10t762
2 ай бұрын
I hope the birthday was a success.
@jackdaniel7465
3 жыл бұрын
They were men of steel with cast iron balls!!!!
@sheckyfeinstein
3 жыл бұрын
The black dudes carrying their gear weren’t exactly pansies themselves.
@Methadone4Life
3 жыл бұрын
Exactly!
@Agnemons
3 жыл бұрын
They are probably the true unsung heroes of that effort. Without them it would not have worked, at all.
@alkitzman9179
3 жыл бұрын
They are not African Black. They are of Asian decent well tanned by the sun. Much like Mexican people who have darker skin.
@HenriHattar
Жыл бұрын
at 8-55 the interviewee makes the staement that no other army in the war had hitherto held off the Japanese army so far.WRONG! At Minlne bay for the FIRST TIME IN THE war a Japanese invasion force was actually pushed back into the water by the Australians BEFORE Guadacanal had been won, same on the Kokoda track where 22,000 Japanes troops ( 12,000 the vertern Pacif South Seas, veterand of China and Hong Kong and Malaysia) landed at Gona and Buna, defended by 542 Australia militia. Obviously the Militia was pushed back but they didnt surrender and as the slowed the Japanese down as other Australian forces came up to help, basically ONE at a time because the track from Port Moresby to Imita Ridge ( the final stand base) was not sufficient for two men at a time to travel, So they came up in ones until Australian engineers had cut timber steps into the track and then they came up n more numbers, Imita Ridge as as far as the Japanese got , the Australians then pushed them back to their beachead at Gona and Buna an were joined by the US 32nd division which at their first encounter with the Japanese they were routed. The Americans in their final assault had Australians as the point and were led off by Australian bren gun carriers. The Australian had already taken the other beach head, investing in it as the artillery shells were still landing before they joined the Americans. Of the 22,000 Japanes in all ( about 10,000 were not infantry) they were all but wiped out with about 3,000 escaping. The battle of the Kokoda track started on 21 July 1942 and edned at Buna/Gona 16 November 1942 Guadacanal started in August 1942 and ended in Feb 1943. The battle of Milne Bay started also in August 1942 and finished in Sept 1942 BOTH THESE ACTIONS WERE WON BEFORE GUADACANAL!
@mehere8-32
Жыл бұрын
One of my favourite books "The Coast Watchers" by Eric Feldt. I think I read it 50 years ago. Hero's all of them.
@mauriceupton1474
3 жыл бұрын
New Zealand was involved too. Most of our hospitals and air strips were built by American forces. Musick Point Govt radio station in Auckland operated as communication link to coast watchers and naval boats and aircraft during WW2. ZL1ZLD Lest we Forget.
@stevelindstedt8858
3 жыл бұрын
New Guinea was never completely taken by the Japanese. Port Moresby, most notably.....thanks to the Aussies,
@jackdaniel7465
3 жыл бұрын
As an American from what I have read in military books here in the USA, you are absolutely 💯 percent correct!!!
@thomassalois3508
3 жыл бұрын
President John F Kennedy and his crew were rescued by an Australian coast watcher
@majorlee76251
3 жыл бұрын
REGINALD EVANS
@geometer6121
3 жыл бұрын
Interesting, many Coast Watchers were Papua New Guinean blacks but only the whites are ever mentioned. No, they weren’t just cargo bearers. They were Coast Watchers who had been highly trained at Queensland by the Australian Navy together with their white counterparts. But in the 1940’s the ‘Bwana Syndrome” was strong. After years of living and fighting together in the jungle most white Coast Watchers considered their New Guinean counterparts as brethren at arms and their equal, but the press and the western society did not. By the way, Lt. John F. Kennedy and his PT-109 crew were found and saved by the heroic deed of two Melanesian natives named Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana, who, disregarding great risk to themselves and to their families, paddled their small dugout canoe thru 65 kilometers of Japanese patrolled waters to deliver Kennedy’s message to the nearest allied base located in Rendova, in the New Georgia Islands. Of course, it wasn’t them who got the credit. In January 1961 then President Elect John F. Kennedy invited both of them (Biuku and Eroni) to his Presidential Inauguration but british authorities in the Salomon Islands didn’t allow them to travel. They sent two other guys instead. Guess who. Enjoy. www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/remembering-png-wasman-second-world-war findit.library.yale.edu/catalog/digcoll:1791143 www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28644830.amp
@captmulch1
3 жыл бұрын
Not only that, he was rescued by my wife's great uncle Biuku!!! He was one of the two guys that carried the coconut that had the rescue message carved into it that ended up on JFK's desk in the White House. At 31:39 expat Danny Kennedy mentions Biuku.
@larryzigler6812
3 жыл бұрын
@@captmulch1 Such a great story !!!!
@tomcat7843
3 жыл бұрын
As a US Marine would rather have an Auzzi in the fight with me than any other country. Those guys just dont know quit
@wor53lg50
Жыл бұрын
As a auzzi i would have any other country fighting behind me, apart from yanks..
@asmodeus0454
7 ай бұрын
Martin Clemens generations after the war's end still won't reveal the code he used as a coastwatcher. Still following orders, God love him.
@myday805
3 жыл бұрын
Hugh Ambrose was incorrect on more than a few things on Band of Brothers and it looks like he's going to be incorrect on things with his upcoming miniseries on the Pacific war. The American's weren't facing an enemy on Guadalcanal that no army had stopped before because the Aussies had not only already stopped them in Port Moresby but put them on the retreat. He's not a very good historian.
@myday805
2 жыл бұрын
@fred's long, hard, throbbing ego Enough Japenese troops and supplies made it through to make the Japanese force an effective force especially when copaed tot the small force facing them and they were constantly re enforced and supplied at least during the Port Moresby battles so no the naval attack had little effect at the start of the battle it was only later that naval action took its toll on the Japanese supply line. And it's not pointless pointing out who were the first to stop them. History isn't pointless.
@markrowland1366
3 жыл бұрын
I found a coast watchers training handbook. There were far more coast watchers than we imagine. Many were on Australias coast. Their stress caused many to suicide. Plump and fit they were often reduced to bones after a year or more, alone. Bloody tough blokes.
@peteranthony9535
3 жыл бұрын
JFK had the coconut message on his desk as a paperweight.
@richardploeser4267
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome, Bravery: Thank You for your service and dedication.
@jimwalker9718
3 жыл бұрын
The natives were just as brave and helped and should be remembered.
@louisavondart9178
3 жыл бұрын
A glaring error right at the start ! The Japanese didn't take Papua New Guinea. The Australian Army stopped them cold on the Kokoda Track and in battles in Milne Bay and Wau, wiped out a major Japanese offensive. No US forces were involved expect for transport planes bringing in Aussie troops. The battle for Guadacanal happened after that. Why is this never mentioned?
@seanmorris
3 жыл бұрын
American engineers and anti aircraft gunners were involved with the ground fighting at Milne Bay
@robertgrey6101
3 жыл бұрын
@@seanmorris The actual COAST WATCHERS were Aussies, Kiwis, a Dutch man, and others loosely associated including religious personel. Owen Stanley Ranges saw Aussies driving back the Japanese. Americans came on board some time when fighting began in Sanananda, Salamau, Buna and in thst general area, according to what I have read.
@seanmorris
3 жыл бұрын
@@robertgrey6101 at Milne Bay the members of the US 46th Engineers Battalion (there to work on an airstrip) and the 709th US Airborne Anti-aircraft Battery and the 101st Coast Artillery Battalion (anti aircraft) took part in the ground fighting against the Japanese at the airstrip in support of the Australian 25th and 61st Infantry Battalions. Op was claiming the only US involvement was transport related
@robertgrey6101
3 жыл бұрын
@@seanmorris Be that as it may, the doco was about The Coast Watchers who were mainly Aussies with some Kiwis, at least one Dutch person, religious personel of both priests and nuns, not to forget the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who helped those C. Ws. as being porters and other jobs due to their hearing and perfect eyesight. This also takes into account their ability to erect a hut using the barest of vegetation to have a dry night's sleep. Cooking for the white fellas and other duties. These were the APEX of success in the Pacific theater where even Bull Halsey gave credit to these gallant men, both white and black, for the service they provided for turning the tide against the Japanese.
@stevewixom9311
3 жыл бұрын
@@robertgrey6101 who said they weren't the actual coastwatchers?
@holliscook7106
Жыл бұрын
We owe a great dept to all these great people and offered citezin ship. Their ain't no atheist in rubber boats.
@buzz5969
Жыл бұрын
Not too take anything away from those brave souls but they had lots of help and couldnt have been successful without it. They couldnt even carry all their gear and must have been nice to have the locals doing it for them, the dude aint even carrying his own RUCK! Bet the locals stood guard watch as well. Musta been real convenient. I wish I had someone carry my 80 pounds for me, we had to carry our own required gear plus food rations or go without everytime we humped and being RadioMan sucked. Jump to timestamp 06:31.✌🏻
@johnpotter4750
3 жыл бұрын
Really difficult to tramp around the islands with a phone radio set and dirty great glass lead acid batteries, a true ad-hoc group.
@jimmylieb5225
Жыл бұрын
all done in ultra high heat and humidity.
@varschnitzschnur8795
3 жыл бұрын
My father served in the Pacific theater with the USN, and his ship had a good experience with a native. It's important that documentaries such as this be made "lest we forget."
@rickkephartactual7706
3 жыл бұрын
Its a shame that so many American's don't have clue what happened in World War II. Yes I am American; and fortunately with a love of history. We owe so much to our forefathers.
@silentotto5099
3 жыл бұрын
Speaking of the natives (and a bit off topic), I once read an account of a Guadalcanal native who had been captured by the Japanese. The Japanese suspected he was working for the Americans (he was) so they tied him to a tree, bayoneted him in the torso a half dozen times, cut his throat and left him for dead. By some miracle he didn't bleed out, somehow managed to chew through the ropes to get loose, dragged himself several miles back to the American positions where was given medical treatment, recovered from his wounds and survived the war. What a tough SOB!
@zephsmith3499
3 жыл бұрын
@@silentotto5099 Watch the video; it's mentioned
@larryzigler6812
3 жыл бұрын
What was her name?
@larryzigler6812
3 жыл бұрын
@@rickkephartactual7706 TRUMP stated more than once only suckers and losers fought in Vietnam and WW1
@Metanaut1
Жыл бұрын
Look up Leo Giron, Filipino that came to US, fought the Japanese, as part of a team, dropped of by Submarine, near Luzon bay, fought in the jungle for over a year, fought for both his homelands, a real hero, Bahala Na
@fandangofandango2022
3 жыл бұрын
These Men are Stand Alone in their Efforts / So Brave Such a Huge Contribution to be fore Warned is to be Fore Armed. They came Under M. for Coast Watchers.
@gusgone4527
3 жыл бұрын
But the allies had cracked the naval codes for both Japan and Germany. Were they deployed simply to keep that fact secret? I know people were sacrificed in Europe and the Atlantic to keep the enigma crack secret.
@fandangofandango2022
3 жыл бұрын
@@gusgone4527 That's All Very well to Say that / Before that the Coast Watchers Saved the Day.
@gusgone4527
3 жыл бұрын
@@fandangofandango2022 Since making the comment I've done some background reading. It seems the Aussie coast watchers supplemented the info from the cracked codes. Reinforces what I was taught very early in my military career. The most dangerous weapon on a battlefield in a man with a radio who knows how to use it.
@fandangofandango2022
3 жыл бұрын
I Will get around to Answering this as My Dad was a Coast Watcher M@@gusgone4527
@fandangofandango2022
2 жыл бұрын
@@gusgone4527 Mate YOU WANTER GET SOME real Facts.
@markrowland1366
2 жыл бұрын
There were coast watchers all about the Australia too. The man who trained many wrote of the foods they might find and what needed soaking to be safe. Bushcraft saved many lives.
@stewartridgway5196
Жыл бұрын
Yes some patrolled in small fishing boats hopping from bay to bay, with just an Officer and civies at times here on the West Coast (Jurien Bay to name.)
@affordablelifts2708
3 жыл бұрын
This was a good video. I would like to have learned more about the danger to the Coast Watchers from Japanese radio direction finding equipment and what counter measures had to be taken.
@hazchemel
3 жыл бұрын
Amazing, remarkable men, and the communities of the Solomons.
@markpickett4403
3 жыл бұрын
They should do a feature film about the coast watchers... You don't hear about them in history a shame.
@donniedickerson8077
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed, That would be a film worth the Watch
@bobjackson4720
3 жыл бұрын
I first went to Honiara in '75. At that time there were markers along the main street where the various battles had taken place. I went to red beach but didn't find any war items (although I was told there were plenty there). I climbed bloody ridge and the Henderson airstrip tower. I saw lots of bits of the old airstrip metal cover used on houses and bridges. Much later I took a coastal boat back through the islands almost to Bougainville (which had been my home for three years).
@tomnagel5769
3 жыл бұрын
Very well done no one who fought against the axis powers should be forgotten
@HiddenHistoryYT
3 жыл бұрын
Really cool video here
@holliscook7106
Жыл бұрын
Thanks too the people's of the SOLAMON FREEDOM fighters
@peteranthony9535
3 жыл бұрын
If you can, read the books "Hunted" and "Escape" by Mary Murray about Harry Murray a Coastwatcher. They make what you have just seen look like a child's game.
@bennyjbenham
3 жыл бұрын
I have a copy of Hunted at home
@greghemlock6679
3 жыл бұрын
Father goose was it called coast watcher I remember that movie I always admired the cost watchers
@holliscook7106
Жыл бұрын
These tipes of film's should be shown from 1st grade and explained really what AMERICA is all about. Not this bullshit commy woke adginda.
@jaywheels42
8 ай бұрын
Really amazing docu. - heros of the world!
@BillHalliwell
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this excellent documentary. One small point: since the end of the war it has been proven via Japanese documents, that the IJF had no intention of invading the mainland of Australia. Although there was a great fear of invasion during the war, it has been known for a long time that the Japanese would not be making a huge attack on Australian soil. Simply because their supply chain to the islands was difficult enough. They were being savaged by the USN and the RAN and Allied air forces. The Japanese didn't have enough cargo ships and support warships to mount an attack on Australia and then keep such a force supplied. Dr Stanley and young Mr Ambrose would be fully away of this. So why did the narrator at the beginning of this film mention that there was a danger of an invasion of Australia. The Australians, British, local residents and the brave indigenous people of the islands did an outstanding job coast watching while moving their vital information on to Australia and then to Allied command. It's a tragic story of a small command of outstanding people, the most of whom were captured and executed. It is also sad that Coastwatchers are so rarely commemorated when we pay annual respect to others who made the ultimate and final sacrifice. Thanks again. BH
@guyh9992
3 жыл бұрын
The Japanese could have done whatever they wanted if they had managed to isolate Australia by occupying New Guinea, the Solomons, New Caledonia, Fiji and Samoa. They wouldn't have been savaged by the USN, RAN and Allied air forces under those circumstances because the air and navy bases would have been controlled by the Japanese.
@aussiemilitant4486
3 жыл бұрын
I agree wholeheartedly Bill, I get sick of this 'Invasion Myth' that is constantly perpetuated today, despite it being disproven for decades. However when speaking of the people that lived thru that time, they definitely felt they were a target for invasion for the purpose of occupation. This is the difference between feeling and fact. I cant disparage those people for having those feelings, but I can look down upon the people that didn't live thru this era yet still perpetuate the myth. Its a tiring exercise trying to prove to these people of today that they are wrong.
@aussiemilitant4486
3 жыл бұрын
@@guyh9992 No guy, the Japanese were so spread thin they could never have attempted an invasion for the purpose of occupation. They were still fighting a war in China, and manning the Manchurian border against the Soviets with the infamous 'Kwantung Army'. Thousands of men on far flung isolated island chains, Fighting insurgencies throughout Asia and South East Asia, fighting the British and Indian troops in Burma etc etc. They were using warships for the purpose of resupply, such was the shortage of merchant ships. The Japanese admitted several times they had no intention of Invasion, and that it wouldn't have been an option even if the Pacific War was still going their way. The goal was simply to cut off Australia from the world and seek a negotiated settlement, thus ending Australia's involvement in the Pacific Theatre.
@dunruden9720
3 жыл бұрын
The belief was there because Darwin, Broome and the Torres Strait islands were being bombed at will.
@Agnemons
3 жыл бұрын
The fact is, that at that time (1941/42) there was a genuine belief that an invasion of Australia was probable. As such the "narrator" was reporting the beliefs of the time which is, in my opinion, entirely correct. The fact that it was later discovered to be highly improbable if not impossible for Japan to carry this out is irrelevant. Although I will bet you a bar of soap to a bucket of goat sh*t that the Allies would have loved to have known this fact.
@Drrayoldman
2 жыл бұрын
Pity these documentary s aren't shown in American high schools
@johnelcock7734
3 жыл бұрын
Gods speed to all these amazing heroes and islanders amazing piece of history
@jasonparr4275
3 жыл бұрын
Lest we forget!!
@halojump123
3 жыл бұрын
History is being erased at the moment in the Western nations.
@spx954
Жыл бұрын
Medal or no medal it cannot be overstated that all these men did was save the world. Looking back people think the allies won as though it was a foregone conclusion but nothing could be further from the truth. There are so many times it could have gone differently and as Churchill said we would have entered a new dark age. Make no mistake - we owe our life and liberty to these incredibly courageous and persevering men. The history we learn in school is a joke or even worse betrays great men such as these by their omission. May we never forget.
@alainaaugust1932
Жыл бұрын
Sorry about your poor history lessons. Mine were good, and comprehensive. Gave you a thumbs up anyway.
@gimpycanuck2
3 жыл бұрын
The islanders were hero's, they taught the pale skins to survive in the jungle and cared for them, we owe them a great deal more.
@skybot9998
Жыл бұрын
We always hear about the USA in the Pacific,about time we got stories like this.
@Charlesputnam-bn9zy
3 жыл бұрын
RAN Captain Eric Feldt's ''The Coast Watchers'' is titled ''Espions-Suicide'' in its French translation.
@vincewilson3624
3 жыл бұрын
My Uncle was a coast watcher on a few islands.
@kaythomas5884
3 ай бұрын
My father was an army intelligence watcher in the Torres Strait. He was taken on to a US Navy vessel to observe the Battle of the Coral Sea, off Townsville. ❤
@bobmurdoch4719
3 жыл бұрын
What about the New Zealand coast watchers?
@brendan8550
3 жыл бұрын
new zealanders always get forgotten
@geoffbell166
3 жыл бұрын
A lot of them were murdered,no quarter was given in the Pacific War...
@alanmoffat4454
3 жыл бұрын
WHITH THIS MUCH HISTORY THERES A FILM HERE , CANT WAIT , MAKE IT SO .
@ProperLogicalDebate
3 жыл бұрын
I understand that the flight of P-38's (not the particular crews) that shot down Admiral Yamamoto's plane had to fly more flights to give the impression that it was just luck and not code breaking.
@MrGarthah
3 жыл бұрын
I've read many books about these men but it was great to put a face to some them. In 1994 in my job I travelled by air on a twin otter from Port Moresby to via Madang and Rabaul to Kavieng on new Ireland so leaving Rabaul we flew a diagonal right up the slot (St Georges Channel) from Rabaul on eastern tip of New Britain Island to northern tip of New Ireland.
@ericmowrey6872
3 жыл бұрын
An F4F Wildcat at 35,000 ft?...not so sure. Maybe 20 or 25 tops to intercept Zeros.
@halojump123
3 жыл бұрын
Performance Maximum speed: 331 mph (533 km/h, 288 kn) Range: 845 mi (1,360 km, 734 nmi) Service ceiling: 39,500 ft (12,000 m) Rate of climb: 2,303 ft/min (11.70 m/s) Wing loading: 28.5 lb/sq ft (139 kg/m2) Power/mass: 0.282 kW/kg (0.172 hp/lb)
@ericmowrey6872
3 жыл бұрын
@@halojump123 Thanks halojump123 but I was well aware of the performance stats when I wrote my post. I also have internet search engines. My point is that the Wildcat - a relatively underpowered, slow climber - didn't need 35 thousand feet to ambush Japanese planes on low level bombing and strafing runs. I suppose some more research could clear up any doubt about that disputed detail. It would require access to official after-action reports by the various squadron commanders at Henderson. No doubt it's all there in US Navy archives but a bit of a slog knowing where, and who to ask. So my friend, could the F4F climb to 35 thousand feet? Yes. Did they actually bother when 25 thousand was most probably more than adequate? It does not seem likely.
@donf3877
3 жыл бұрын
@@halojump123 Actually, it was the F4F-4 that was utilized on Guadalcanal. It featured improved armour and six 50 cal's instead of four. Because of this it was heavier and 23 MPH slower than the dash 3, and reached that speed 2,500 feet lower... and it's service ceiling was only 33,700.
@geometer6121
3 жыл бұрын
Grumman Wildcat Specifications: F4F-3 F4F-3A F4F-4 & FM-2 Service Ceiling: 37,500 ft (11,430 m) 34,300 ft (10,455 m) 34,900 ft (10,638 m) 34,700 ft (10,577 m)
@ericmowrey6872
3 жыл бұрын
@@geometer6121 I'm not arguing that the Wildcats could not reach max. service ceiling. I am arguing that I doubt it was done over Henderson as a combat strategy, especially knowing the Japanese would be coming in low to strafe and bomb, and most of all would be at the practical limit of combat range.
@andrewhart6377
3 жыл бұрын
The Author needs to realize while the Americans landed on Guadal Canal they did not face any fighting for quite some time. During this period however, the first decisive Land Battles were fought and won at Milne Bay in August of 1942 by the mainly Australians.
@nickcallahan6543
3 жыл бұрын
Milne bay was the turning point in the land war against Japan, things after that went down hill for them.
@stevewixom9311
3 жыл бұрын
Very Good... Heard of the coastwatchers and the job they did all my life but never read anything dedicated to just them. really enjoyed this video, i learned alot. Brave Guys.. Brave Guys
@robertgrey6101
3 жыл бұрын
There is a book Titled "The Coast Watchers." I highly recommend it as a must have on your book shelf
@halojump123
3 жыл бұрын
A hook?
@robertgrey6101
3 жыл бұрын
@@halojump123 Corrected. This phone I do my posts on and what it is installed with Re: spelling makes so many damned mistakes a posting. Posdibly made in China and falling apart.
@ewengillies9826
3 жыл бұрын
One of the best reads ever.
@CowboyTech
3 жыл бұрын
This was a wonderful documentary.
@alswann2702
3 жыл бұрын
Those were USN Seabees not Marines finishing building that airstrip on Guadalcanal under fire!
@larryzigler6812
3 жыл бұрын
Was told that John Wayne was a dozer driver there
@gregcollins7602
3 жыл бұрын
"Lonely Vigil" by Walter Lord is one of my favorite books. Martin Clemens book about his time on Guadalcanal is also a good read.
@plantfeeder6677
3 жыл бұрын
I read a chapter about him in Ian Toll's book "The Conquering Tide". He was British.
@fatso8437
2 жыл бұрын
might be time to resurrect these boys now that a potential new yellow peril has "invaded" the Solomons
@ericsimpson1176
3 жыл бұрын
A America fiction movie called " father goose" made in about 1965 kinda simi comedy. Probably on youtube if your interested
@macswanton9622
3 жыл бұрын
That one's good. If you haven't seen it yet, check out 'The Wackiest Ship in the Army' All-star cast, featuring a well done representation of the coast watchers
@ericsimpson1176
3 жыл бұрын
@@macswanton9622 oh ya I forgot about that one
@rockymountainlifeprospecti4423
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful documentary, well done keeping history alive and thier well deserved memory.
@leechgully
3 жыл бұрын
Its a bit sad people are still dying in The Solomons from unexploded munitions. The belligerent nations should lift their game and help the locals clear out what's left.
@halojump123
3 жыл бұрын
The U.N is in charge of mine clearing. It in the budget and is heavily funded by the USA.
@leechgully
3 жыл бұрын
@@halojump123 They're not mines. They are unexploded ordnance. The Solomons are not part of any UN program to get rid of them. Its been 70+ years. Clearly you know fuck all. edition.cnn.com/2020/09/20/asia/solomon-islands-fatal-bomb-blast-intl-hnk-scli/index.html
@jmdavis45
3 жыл бұрын
There is unexploded ordnance left in France from WWI. I don't think that the issue is limited to the Solomons. But the narrative isn't served by that truth.
@leechgully
3 жыл бұрын
@@jmdavis45 The French have some technical and economic resources to get rid of theirs. These people have nothing.
@jmdavis45
3 жыл бұрын
@@leechgully 103years, something over a thousand square miles off limits, and farmers are still plowing up unexploded ordnance, gas shells etc. That's what total war looks like whether it's the Pacific or France.
@sammysharep5434
3 жыл бұрын
To my islander brothers carrying the heavy luggage I see u fighting the battles to showing love from the island of Guam if it wasn’t for your fight we wouldn’t win the figh thank you 🙏..
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