Destination Ginger

Destination Ginger outlines the rapid progress of the air war and of the island-hopping troops in the SW Pacific theatre during World War 2. For the patriotic volunteer RAAF groundstaff from Victoria, their journey necessitated rapid adjustment to life in the tropics. As the Japanese offensive was gradually weakened we see a distinct change of mood. The tedious routine of maintaining aircraft, loading and unloading endless equipment and spare parts, guard duty and satisfying the RAAF's...
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Destination Ginger outlines the rapid progress of the air war and of the island-hopping troops in the SW Pacific theatre during World War 2. For the patriotic volunteer RAAF groundstaff from Victoria, their journey necessitated rapid adjustment to life in the tropics. As the Japanese offensive was gradually weakened we see a distinct change of mood. The tedious routine of maintaining aircraft, loading and unloading endless equipment and spare parts, guard duty and satisfying the RAAF's thirst for documentation, sees husbands and fathers increasingly yearn for home and family. Gambling is replaced by more substantial pastimes. Australian and US Squadrons came and went along with large deployments of AIF troops and US Marines preparing for amphibious landings. 26RSU however, remained anchored on Goodenough Island for 16 months before advancing to Noemfoor Island after a most painfully slow and interrupted voyage. Thrown together for that duration, the occupants of tent 22, our intrepid six Equipment Assistants from the Stores Depot, Ossie Renshaw, Jim Reed, Cyril McCoubrey, Graham Halliday, Tom Davis and Harry Simcox became loyal mates. They spent most of their spare time together at diverse pursuits: Letters and parcels to and from home were immensely important. They took quite an effort to maintain their tent as a functional home. The co-location of other army and air force units, particularly the USAAF, brought great benefits - e.g. better amenities, generous comfort handouts and frequent movies. Close fraternisation with "the yanks" led to the regular exchange/trading of goods. Cards, two-up and dice were given a good run. Frequent movie shows, occasional concerts and sports were organised. Church services were regularly attended. Swimming in the mountain-fed streams and at the beach was popular. Rumours were rife and some "war news" as told by new arrivals later proved to be pure fiction. Hiking, swimming, a piano, library books, trading rations with the natives for craft goods and garden produce, collecting of shells and butterflies, photography and toy-making help pass the off-duty time. Maps, personnel list, index.