TarawaTalk - anniversary celebrations.

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I am so thrilled to get a response from my post regarding the anniversary celebtrations in May 2012. If only I could gather up all the veterans who were here 70 years ago and bring you back. Bill jeffries, how I'd love to meet you again.Paul and Kim info on the way. Shirley George Bob's story is an important item in my book if only you could make the journey. How great would that be? But we'd love to welcome wives and family members of deceased veterans of all the servicewmen who trained or came to NZ in WW11 to honour you too. This will be the last time for us to do so.
thanks for your interest.
Joan Ellis-Deighton

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Tracks on the sand — RV Cansière, Sat Mar 10 15:20

Hello Mr Bale and other readers, I have several questions concerning the C co, 2 TB at Tarawa: - I've read "Marine tank battles in the Pacific" from Oscar Gilbert, do you know any other books which... more
- Books on Tarawa — Al Platt, Fri Apr 20 16:17
  
  I have read many books on the battle but the best, most descriptive I think is "UTMOST SAVAGERY" by Col Joseph H. Alexander USMS (Ret). Col Alexander spent 28 years in the Corps and has written a... more
- - Rrobert Sherrod — William L. Jefferies, Sat Apr 21 09:35
    
    Robert Sherrod's books are from experince being with us durring the battles. Alexander who was never with us being a late comer writes from what he read or heard. I met Sherrod at our battalion... more
  - - Robert Sherrod — Al Platt, Tue Apr 24 15:30
      
      Jeff, You are absolutely correct. Robert Sherrod wrote a GREAT book,"Tarawa, the story of a battle". My Mother received a copy signed by Mr. Sherrod. (My brother KIA) There have been many books... more
    - Sherrod and Alexandre — Ed. Bale, Mon Apr 23 11:46
      
      Jeff I knew Sherrod well. He was a great friend to those of us who served on Tarawa. Alexandere picked up all the wrong "stuff" and printed it as gospel. At a forum in 1991, I challenged him on... more
    - - Robert Sherrod's book Tarawa — William L, Jefferies, Tue Apr 24 12:32
        
        Col Bale, I went to my book rack and picked out one of Robert Sherrod's books, 3rd edition of Tarawa. In front of the book from John Field, Governor of Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony were these... more
      - Sand — Ed, Bale, Tue Apr 24 12:53
        
        Roger that.
- Shermans on Betio — George Proulx, Tue Mar 13 15:25
  
  Hello Romain, To amswer just a couple of your questions: The Company list on this website is nearly complete except that CECILIA should be the Company Command tank in the HQ section and the recently... more
- - Photo China Gal — Al Guerrero, Thu Mar 15 18:40
    
    I do not know what happened to the first photo but here is another one. Al
  - - Tanks — Jim Browne, Fri Mar 16 13:42
      
      Does anyone know if any of these tanks made it to Camp Tarawa on the Big Island and if so did they make Saipan-Tinian? We have a couple of pictures of Shermans without names showing in our archives... more
    - Re: Photo China Gal — George Proulx, Fri Mar 16 03:53
      
      Okay Al! What took you so long? A nice hi-res photo is always welcome. Hey do you think one of the two men on top of China Gal is Lt. Bale? I guess only he can answer that! What is with the number 6... more
    - TXS — RV Cansière, Fri Mar 16 03:06
      
      Thanks Al, interesting picture! Romain.
  - Shermans on Betio — Ed. Bale, Wed Mar 14 15:56
    
    George/Romain I will try to shed some light on this in a few days. This old man needs to reflect on it. Ed. Bale
  - Middle tank — Bob Card, Wed Mar 14 15:22
    
    I beleive the middle tank is Chicago. Just my 2 cents. Note the star showing through on the turret, the line down the side showing the depth of the hole she was in and finally the small box on the... more
  - - Tanks — Bob Card, Fri Mar 16 07:52
      
      For anyone needing those film clips these are from a site named Criticalpast. http://www.criticalpast.com/stock-footage-video/65675072665 This is Colorado on the beach after putting out the fire.... more
    - - Cuddles and Cobra — Bob Card, Fri Mar 16 08:39
        
        These are my ideas on Cuddles and Cobra. Cuddles came in on Red 3, which is left of the main pier. This photo shows some vehicles stranded on the reef one of which I believe is Cuddles. Cobra came in ... more
      - 2nd AMPHTRAC BN — al platt, Sat Mar 24 15:11
        
        Anyone out who served in the 2nd AmpTrac Bn? or knew Cpl. Thomas Fenton Platt. Please contac me. Thanks, Al Platt
        B Co. - 2nd Amtrac Bn — 3L6research, Sun Apr 1 12:51
        
        I realize that this is off-topic for “Tarawa Talk”, but thought I would post it anyway because of all the discussion of the 2nd Amtrac Bn. I believe that B Co. 2nd Amtrac Bn took the 3/6 Marines... more
        WAVES — George Proulx, Sun Apr 1 17:30
        
        With the numbers of amtracs available at Saipan, I'm not so sure that the entire 3rd battalion was not in a single wave! However, I will see what I can find out for you. George
        Re: Waves — 3L6research, Thu Apr 5 11:00
        
        I believe that there were four landing waves, made up from LVTs that had been carried aboard four LSTs. I'm especially interested in what wave the B Co. 2nd Amtrac units aboard LST-268 were a part of.
        Cpl. Thomas Platt - 2nd Amtrac Bn — Jim Hildebrand, Sat Mar 24 23:29
        
        Hello Al, I am not a Tarawa veteran and I did not know or serve with Cpl. Thomas Platt. However, in the course of my research, I have exchanged information with several members of the 2nd Amtrac Bn.... more
        2nd AMPHTRAC BN — Al Platt, Sun Mar 25 21:29
        
        Hello Jim, Got your message. Thanks. It would sure help if you could give me names of those in 2nd Amphtrac Bn. and email address. I need to locate someone who might have known my brother. He was KIA ... more
        Re: 2nd AMPHTRAC BN — Al Guerrero, Tue Mar 27 23:09
        
        I sent you a disc has it arrived? Al
        2nd AMPHTRAC BN — Al Platt, Fri Apr 20 16:09
        
        Al Guerrero, Still no disc. My address is 212 Willowick Ave Temple Terrace, Fl. 33617. Thanks. Al Platt.
        Re: 2nd AmphTrac Bn — Al Platt, Thu Mar 29 12:09
        
        Al: so fan I have not received the disc. you sent. Thanks. Thanks also to all those who have resopnded to my request for info on my brother. I am going to the "Follow Me" web site for info. Thanks... more
        Re: 2nd AmphTrac Bn — Al Platt, Thu Mar 29 12:02
        
        Al: so fan I have not received the disc. you sent. Thanks. Al Platt
        Cpl. Thomas Fenton PLATT - Service Number 311051 — Jim Hildebrand, Mon Mar 26 12:13
        
        Hello Al, None of the 2nd Amtrac people, that I had contact with, had email addresses and none were from C Company. All but one of these contacts were years ago. I just called the man that I still... more
        your mwssage — Al Platt, Mon Mar 26 14:40
        
        Jim, Thanks for your help. If you ever have the opportunity to contact anyone from C Company 2nd AmphTrac Bn. please try to get a contact address. In all the years since 1943 I have tried to find... more
        Re: your mwssage — William L. Jefferies, Tue Mar 27 11:22
        
        Al, Have you checked our Second Marine Division Association Membership Diretory? I know there are not too many of our old Marines left.
        C Company 2nd Amtrac Veterans — Jim Hildebrand, Mon Mar 26 15:15
        
        Al, This website is still the best place to contact Tarawa veterans who are online, but many are not. Another possibility is "Follow Me" the official publication of the Second Marine Division... more
        COBRA? — George Proulx, Fri Mar 16 15:47
        
        Bob, The Sherman you see above the LVT-2 engine hatch is the same tank that is still out there today. Same tilt and turret position today as in the photo and in the same location. I have always... more
        Chicago — RV Cansière, Fri Mar 16 12:36
        
        Numerous sources says that only 2 medium tanks took part in the "big finish" on D+3. That means that Chicago was recovered after the end of the battle, or before the end, but wasn't used. I found a... more
        Re: Chicago — George Proulx, Fri Mar 16 13:59
        
        CANNONBALL - burned out and the right side blown apart in the fuel dump excavation had a painted over star on the turret. George
    - CHICAGO or CUDDLES? — RV Cansière, Fri Mar 16 02:52
      
      Hello everyone, Bob, could you post that video please (or the link)? I have difficulties to see the star and the box that you are talking about on the photo. If it's Chicago, why did they took this... more
    - - C_ _ _ _ _ _ ??? — George Proulx, Sat Mar 17 16:11
        
        So which tank is this? What beach? Notice the attitude of the hull, the turret to the rear, the gun muzzle, etc. I can't seem to locate this tank at TARAWA. Anyone have an idea?
      - Re: C_ _ _ _ _ _ ??? — RV Cansière, Sun Mar 18 03:37
        
        I would say it's Cecilia. We don't see a lot of things on that picture, even in the background. But the turret on the rear and the angle of the tank in the water (water level stopped below the... more
        70th Anniversary celebrations. — Joan Ellis, Mon Mar 19 00:21
        
        At last the programme for the 70th anniversary celebrations of the arrival of Marines in Wellington in WW11 is here. We would love to welcome all marines, veterans,friends and families to join us as... more
        Re: 70th Anniversary celebrations. — Lois, Tue Mar 27 09:44
        
        Hi Joan, Thank you and everyone who is making this anniversary celebration possible. Thank you also for sending the information as well. My sister and her husband will be able to attend, and... more
        70 anniversary. — Joan Ellis, Wed Mar 28 01:36
        
        Hi Lois how exciting to have a positive result from sharing the news in Tarawa Talks. Please give your sister and husband my details and I'll be happy to answer any of their queries. I'm hosting a... more
        Visit New Zea;and again — Paul W. Ziegenbein SR., Wed Mar 21 00:26
        
        Sure wou;d like to make the trip, however Health may be a problem and Finances would be a problem. Let me know any further information on dates, etc, and I will sure try to come. Paul W.Ziegenbein Sr.
        70th Anniversary — Joan Ellis, Wed Mar 21 02:05
        
        Paul send me your email details and I'll send you a copy of the program. would love to welcome you back here again Joan Ellis
        Trip toNewZealand — Paul W. Ziegenbein, Wed Mar 21 21:42
        
        E-Mail to Paul W.Ziegenbein pwz@awesomenet.net
        70th Anniversary — Kim Righetti, Tue Mar 20 08:14
        
        could you post the info. Is there a brochure or program dates, times etc? Thank you
        70th Anniversary celebrations. — Joan Ellis, Wed Mar 21 02:08
        
        Kim please send me your email details and I'll forward the necessary programe and flight details right away. Joan Ellis
        70th — Ed Bale, Thu Mar 22 13:11
        
        Could you please send details to me at Sipapu5318@yahoo.com? Thanks ED. Bale
        Program — Kim Righetti, Wed Mar 21 08:01
        
        Thanks, kimrighetti@roadrunner.com
        anniversary celebrations. — Joan Ellis, Wed Mar 21 23:48
        celebration. — John Armstrong, Fri Mar 23 16:10
        
        WE thought about going but a round trip is around $1300 (x2) +hotels and other expenses. It takes months to get a passport.(ours is outdated) Then the health factor Can you arrange for the Navy to... more
        NZ and Shirley George(John Armstrong/celebration. — Trish Schiesser, Sat Mar 24 11:46
        
        John, This is Trish Schiesser, the one who misunderstood your message to Shirley George. Shirley is in the hospital - for a heart angiogram and possibly to fix whatever they find. I am sorry you... more
        Re: NZ and Shirley George(John Armstrong/celebration. — Rick Sikkema, Sun Mar 25 12:34
        
        Probably a real stretch but if the vets who are unable to attend could supply an attendee with 'then and now' copies of pics with some basic contact info, maybe they could be posted on a board where... more
        New Zealand — EDG, Fri Mar 23 09:27
        
        Joan Ellis, I once asked my Dad if he would return to Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Saipan to show me where it all happened. He said hell no. I think he would have loved to return to New Zealand. Since he... more
        New Zealand — Kim Righetti, Sat Mar 24 09:41
        
        My Dad would completely agree with this.
        my dad — Jim Crue, Mon Mar 19 23:23
        
        my dad Elmer "Lefty" Crue of the 18th Combat Engineers, died 11 years ago today. If he were still alive I would make sure we attended the celebration. He always told our family how kind the folks in... more
        Folks in Wellington — Kim Righetti, Tue Mar 20 10:27
        
        My Dad said exactly the same thing.
        New Zealand — William L. Jefferies, Mon Mar 19 09:34
        
        Joan, I would love to visit your beutiful country again but having health problems that have slowed me down. I have told my wife of 65 years how the nice people in New Zealand treated us young... more
        NEW ZEALAND — S George, Mon Mar 19 15:01
        
        I AGREE WITH JEFF. I WISH ICOULD GO IN BOB'S NAME, BUT HEALTH PROBLEMS FORBID IR. YOU NEW ZEALANDERS TREATED THOSE YOUN KIDS/MEN SO WELL. BOB SPOKE OF YOU WITH LOVE. SEMPER FI SHIRLEY GEORGE
        CECILIA — George Proulx, Sun Mar 18 15:41
        
        Yes Romain I think you are right. It was just a test. You passed. {:-)
      - Re: CHICAGO or CUDDLES? — George Proulx, Fri Mar 16 04:46
        
        Romain, CHICAGO was one of three Shermans drowned out very close together at Red Beach #1. The other two fell into such a deep hole (bomb crater?) that they were almost completely submerged at high... more
      - Re: CHICAGO or CUDDLES? — RV Cansière, Fri Mar 16 05:50
        
        That make sense. Well, could you send me those photos you are talking about please? This is my email adress : romain.cansiere@gmail.com "A fourth Sherman that was photographed with two of the crew... more
        Re: CHICAGO or CUDDLES? — RV Cansière, Fri Mar 16 09:40
        
        I found the pictures you talk about. Thanks Bob for the links. Nice images!
    - CHICAGO — George Proulx, Thu Mar 15 14:36
      
      Bob I now believe you are right. Good eye you have! CUDDLES does not have the same water mark along the hull. CHICAGO in the photo I posted even has the same lightened area below the bow machine-gun... more
  - Re: Shermans on Betio — RV Cansière, Wed Mar 14 03:39
    
    Hello Thanks for the precisions George. The picture posted by Al Guerrero isn't on the forum anymore, I'll ask him to send it to me. Concerning the picture you posted, I made some researches and... more
  - - Re: Shermans on Betio — George Proulx, Wed Mar 14 13:41
      
      That is exactly what I was thinking Romain - regarding the second tank in the photo! I do believe we are correct! I'd love to know when and where it was recovered from the reef. It apparently was not ... more
  - Re: Shermans on Betio — George Proulx, Wed Mar 14 02:59
    
    Looking closer at the photo I posted, I'm thinking that the third tank in line could be CHINA GAL and the middle tank is a recent recovery from the reef. Note the canted water mark along the side of... more

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