WACs in New Guinea + current news
WACs in New Guinea, 1944
In June 1944, about the same time that Smitty landed in New Guinea, Gen. Kenney of the 5th Air Force started building up a WAC detachment in Australia. He had nearly 200 women in the HQ doing the secretarial duties. They must have been originally scheduled for Alaska, because they arrived with heavy woolen skirts, coats and shirts. The quartermaster re-equipped them with cotton G.I. clothing and the tailors of Brisbane were kept busy making alterations.
They were told of the deplorable conditions on New Guinea, but not a one backed off from the ‘hard knocks’ assignment. So, General Kenney handed the women over to their commanding officer, Captain Blanche Kline.
US Army WACs, New Guinea
The women were warned that eggs would be nothing but a memory, so they purchased 30 hens from an Australian poultryman. The WACs talked about the bacon and eggs, omelets and soufflés they were going to eat. Some wanted to raise the chickens and thoughts of fried chicken dinners swirled through their heads.
One thing began to worry the ladies – the hens hadn’t laid one single egg since they landed in New Guinea. Among the men there were several “experts” who were called upon for assistance. The diet was changed as they brought in feed from Australia. Still – No eggs.
WAC in New Guinea in front of her “apartment”
One person observed that there were no roosters. Of course! they thought, that had to be the answer! In the nearest village, the WACs bartered with cosmetics and clothing in exchange for 3 slim roosters placed in the chicken enclosure. The hens displayed enthusiasm, but their attraction was not reciprocated. It turned out that the roosters were fighting cocks that now refused to eat.
The WACs decided to go out of the chicken business. The roosters were returned to the village, and the ladies had a dinner that became part of their history. It was now a fond memory to look back on when rations were worse than usual.
The story was taken from “General Kenney Reports”.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Current News – Lawrence J. Hickey
IHRA
Lawrence J. Hickey
RIP Lawrence J. Hickey, founder of the IHRA, researcher extraordinaire went on his final mission 14 August 2021.
https://irandpcorp.com/about-ihra/
Lawrence J. Hickey
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Current Veteran News –
For those who are having difficulty coping with the Afghanistan situation, the VA is providing assistance for veterans …
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Military Humor –
“What makes you think the WACs are coming to this camp?”
“It’s some game she learned in the Army.”
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Farewell Salutes –
Alden Allen (100) – Ironwood, MN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Lt.
Helen Beeching – Nelson, NZ; WRENs, WWII
Biacio Casola – Long Beach, CA; US Navy, WWII, Seaman 1st Class # 2232399, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
Jow Galloway – Refugio, TX; Civilian, war correspondent, Bronze Star / author “We Were Soldiers Once … and Young”
Gerald R. Helms – Chicago, IL; US Army, WWII, ETO, SSgt., # 36306478, Bronze Star, Co E/325/82nd Airborne, KIA (Katerbosch, NETH)
Martin ‘Bobby’ O’Gara – Broad Channel, NY; US Navy, Korea
Bill Overmier (101) – Albuquerque, NM; US National Guard/Army, WWII, PTO, POW
Herman Schmidt – Sheridan, WY; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class # 3683763, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
William K. Shafer – Alhambra, CA; WWII, PTO, Fireman 2nd Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
Jonathan Taylor – Augusta, GA; US Army, SSgt.
Larry S. Wassil – Bloomfield, NJ; US Army, WWII, ETO, Sgt. # 32245879, 13/8th Infantry Division, Bronze Star, KIA (BELG)
James C. Williams – Portland, OR; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Seaman 1st Class # 4143915, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
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Posted on August 23, 2021, in Current News, Uncategorized, WWII and tagged History, Military, Military History, New Guinea, Pacific, Pacific War, Tributes, US Army WAC, veterans, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 144 Comments.
Pacific Paratrooper 
The women were quite resourceful, even if it went wrong. By the way, roosters are not needed for hens to lay eggs. 🙂
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haha, too bad you weren’t there to help them out, Lavinia!! They sure seemed to be having a tough time of it.
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It occurs to me that my father had a good friend named “Smitty Smith.” Was your dad perhaps posted to the Pentagon in the 1950’s?
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No, I’m afraid not. Most men named Smith get the nickname Smitty one time or another. Glad to hear your father’s ‘Smitty’ was a good friend and did the name proud!
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I enjoyed your article very much. From a retired vet, I say thank you
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Thank you very much, Michael.
I have been to your site and it’s a pleasure to meet you.
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What a pity they couldn’t get the hens to breed. They stop laying eggs when they are about 18 months old. I wonder if they were a bit past it? Having the women about would probably improve morale.
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You’re right on both counts, I suppose we’ll never know now – but it sounds like they made for a pretty memorable dinner!
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Certainly a sight for sore eyes.
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I bet they were!
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Reblogged this on Nelsapy.
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Thank you, Nelson.
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It’s great!!
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Thank you.
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