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.
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.
Sad to say that both Jim Burrowes and Dixie Lee passed away in July. I had the honour of being in contact with Jim and his family in the last few months as part of research for a Wargame of The CoastWatchers that is currently being developed by GMT. Vale Jim and Dixie, the efforts and sacrifices of all CoastWatchers must not be forgotten.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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..
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.
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.
🇺🇸 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
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!
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.
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
@@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.
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.
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
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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
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!!
Thank you for sharing this documentary. My Grandad was a coast watcher on Bougainville around Torokina. Really great to hear how it might have been for him. Love to get in touch with other relatives of coast watchers.
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!
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.
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. ❤
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.
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.
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.
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 !!
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.
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 ??
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!
@@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.
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."
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.
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!
These folks were among the most courageous and vital service members of the war in the Pacific. Their contributions in providing early raid warnings is nearly immeasurable.
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.
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.
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.
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
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).
There is a recent book "Saving Lieutenant Kennedy" by Brett Mason. This gives a great history, including that of Lt Reg Evans, the Australian Coastwatcher involved in the rescue of Kennedy. This also gives the history of the mixup of names and nationality of the Coastwatcher!
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 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.
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.
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.)
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
Today’s woke warriors would not last a second in that world. Have spent many years in the Australian jungle. My great uncle spent two years in Changi so immense praise to all the the people who pulled together to stop the invasion. We are so blessed to live in Australia but we owe so much to so many brave South Pacific locals that laid down such an honourable and brave legacy.
I had never heard of the Coastwatchers until I came across this video. What a tough, brave and dedicated bunch of people they must have been (islanders and military). Glad I saw it. It makes me wonder about all the other people who aided the allies that you never hear about.
I was inspired to come up with a solution by the WWII Coast Watchers. While I was the middle of a Terroritst Attack in 2008. I had been scheduled to give a presentation in a certain country I modeled my modern technology on what these Coast Watchers did ~60 years before. I am glad I knew the history My presentation went directly to that countries national intelligence and military.
ONE major film about Coastwatchers. IMHO there should be a DOZEN. The lugging around if those heavy tube radios alone is beyond heroic. I have read hilarious reports about US Marines who were trained to be Coastwatchers and how the civilian Aussies taught these 'hard core' go getters how to survive. And the funny tricks they played on them. Now THAT would be a movie I'd pay to see. Also how the "Fuzzy Wuzzies" (the natives) had such friendships and respect for the Aussies and vice versa.
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.
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.
The "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels" as they're known in Australia (natives supporting Aussies in the Pacific) are revered. Every kid still learns about them. Mainly their huge contribution during the Kokoda campaign.
That's such a beautiful song at the end! Thank you so much for producing this video! My grandfather who came back to end up raising me was a USN sailor!
My father was in signals with the Australian Army in New Guinea and operated a radio much like the coast watchers in the Solomons and Guadalcanal. He never spoke much of his service there. He was strafed by a Japanese Zero which struck a petrol barrel and was burned from the flames of it.
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...
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 🙏..
@@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.
My great uncle Harold Hootman was an officer on Guadalcanal- Hootman, Harold M. KIA. What a great documentary this is. 👍And history- brings it on home.
“ 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.
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.
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.
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.
I hope the birthday was a success.
There is an even more forgotten group, the men nicknamed Curtains Cowboys who monitored the Northern Coast of Australia from Broome to Brisbane
Sad to say that both Jim Burrowes and Dixie Lee passed away in July. I had the honour of being in contact with Jim and his family in the last few months as part of research for a Wargame of The CoastWatchers that is currently being developed by GMT.
Vale Jim and Dixie, the efforts and sacrifices of all CoastWatchers must not be forgotten.
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.
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.
What was his name, I'll thank him by name.
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
You should be incredibly proud!
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.
Sa Vietnam vet salutes our greatest generation
A true legend mate!
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.
He is a brave man. Worked hard, staying out of sight and fed extremely important information to the allies. Good on him.
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
A very brave man. You have good genes!
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.
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
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.
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..
A lot of their success can be attributed to the loyalty of the locals
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.
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.
🇺🇸 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
they weren’t ‘merikuns … they were australians … another world
yes. my dad was army in Germany late in the war. he was later an MP at the Nuremberg war trials. Bronze Star.
He was a hero. I am a retired Marine. 1965 1970. Trump says your Dad and his brothers were losers and suckers. Shame, shamr
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!
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.
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
@@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.
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.
These men were the epitome of brave, mentally tough, and selflessness. Absolute heroes ❤😊
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
One of my favourite books "The Coast Watchers" by Eric Feldt. I think I read it 50 years ago. Hero's all of them.
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!!
There is an AWA ad in this video. About the middle.
@@buildmotosykletist1987 Yes, there certainly is! Thank you for that!
I have always been fascinated with this portion of the Pacific War. They deserve to be remembered & honored.
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.
@josephbingham1255 Try reaching out to Reader's digest to see if they can give you a copy..
That generation of Americans, Australians, British, New Zealanders, native of the islands, etc should never be forgotten.
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.
A service to humanity by these very brave heroes. Love and respect from Mindanao ( Philippines).
Sixteen New Zealand coastwatchers were beheaded by the Japanese on Tarawa and one on Banaba. They are mostly forgotten
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.
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.
@@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
Yes, that's very true.They were NZ Post office employees.
Not be all of us. I have visited the spot a number of times
New Zealanders also did coast watching,17 were executed on the Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati) were beheaded at Betio, Tarawa.
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!!
God bless all who sacrifice so much. Thk u.
Thank you for sharing this documentary.
My Grandad was a coast watcher on Bougainville around Torokina. Really great to hear how it might have been for him.
Love to get in touch with other relatives of coast watchers.
We always hear about the USA in the Pacific,about time we got stories like this.
Very well done no one who fought against the axis powers should be forgotten
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!
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.
Wow, so much sacrificed !!! These men, these COAST-WATCHERS have a very special place in my heart.
I am glad they are telling their stories finally /They deserve to be remembered
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. ❤
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.
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.
Yes Greg you are right
Should bloody well hope so to, its your doorstep....
Best production I've seen covering their stories. Gods blessings to them all.
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.
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.
Tough break for I🇯🇵A
The story of the Krait and the Australian specialised Z units is very well worth checking out!
Great programme. Very moving. Such different backgrounds. Together for decency and freedom.
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 !!
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.
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 ??
Thanks. I found the first book as a $0.99 download. That’s a good deal.
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!
@@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.
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."
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.
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!
@@silentotto5099 Watch the video; it's mentioned
What was her name?
@@rickkephartactual7706 TRUMP stated more than once only suckers and losers fought in Vietnam and WW1
Onya for the upload. Australia and USA best cobbers. Thanks fuzzy-wuzzy mates.
fantastico coast watchers & the raiders..... with love and respect from Vietnam.
New Zealanders too
17 New Zealanders were sadly executed at Tarawa by the Japanese. Rest in peace
These folks were among the most courageous and vital service members of the war in the Pacific.
Their contributions in providing early raid warnings is nearly immeasurable.
Amazing, remarkable men, and the communities of the Solomons.
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.
Glad to finally here this story of the true heroes of WWII
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.
The scouts are the true bad asses here. I'm glad they at least mentioned a couple of them.
Really amazing docu. - heros of the world!
An excellent piece of history. It was particularly interesting to hear stories from the people that were there
Wonderful documentary, well done keeping history alive and thier well deserved memory.
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.
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
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).
All time respect for the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.Thankyou for your service to Australia.
Thank you 😊 coast watchers and the American soldiers for are freedoms and the geart job you did for everyone around the world .David
My dad fought in the Solomon islands.
Awesome, Bravery: Thank You for your service and dedication.
There is a recent book "Saving Lieutenant Kennedy" by Brett Mason. This gives a great history, including that of Lt Reg Evans, the Australian Coastwatcher involved in the rescue of Kennedy. This also gives the history of the mixup of names and nationality of the Coastwatcher!
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?
I think you got your dates wrong
...but you're right that guadalcanal steals all the attebtion....
@@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.
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.
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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
Today’s woke warriors would not last a second in that world. Have spent many years in the Australian jungle. My great uncle spent two years in Changi so immense praise to all the the people who pulled together to stop the invasion. We are so blessed to live in Australia but we owe so much to so many brave South Pacific locals that laid down such an honourable and brave legacy.
My great uncle served in the RAAF on a Catalina in the later years of the war, he was 17 YO, god bless all the brave souls who fought for freedom.
Gods speed to all these amazing heroes and islanders amazing piece of history
I had never heard of the Coastwatchers until I came across this video. What a tough, brave and dedicated bunch of people they must have been (islanders and military). Glad I saw it. It makes me wonder about all the other people who aided the allies that you never hear about.
I was inspired to come up with a solution by the WWII Coast Watchers.
While I was the middle of a Terroritst Attack in 2008.
I had been scheduled to give a presentation in a certain country
I modeled my modern technology on what these Coast Watchers did ~60 years before.
I am glad I knew the history
My presentation went directly to that countries national intelligence and military.
ONE major film about Coastwatchers. IMHO there should be a DOZEN. The lugging around if those heavy tube radios alone is beyond heroic. I have read hilarious reports about US Marines who were trained to be Coastwatchers and how the civilian Aussies taught these 'hard core' go getters how to survive. And the funny tricks they played on them. Now THAT would be a movie I'd pay to see. Also how the "Fuzzy Wuzzies" (the natives) had such friendships and respect for the Aussies and vice versa.
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.
Sorry about your poor history lessons. Mine were good, and comprehensive. Gave you a thumbs up anyway.
The Australians stopped the Japanese on the Kokoda track before the US stopped them on the island all thanks to the Australians
My late father served in the South Pacific during WWII, and was the radar Officer on an apd.
The Australians were great allies in the islands there.
Thank you Jim for airing Coast watchers documentary.
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.
I hope the natives that assisted the Coast watchers were and are given their credit, without them this wouldn’t have been possible.
The "Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels" as they're known in Australia (natives supporting Aussies in the Pacific) are revered. Every kid still learns about them. Mainly their huge contribution during the Kokoda campaign.
My Uncle was a coast watcher on a few islands.
That's such a beautiful song at the end! Thank you so much for producing this video! My grandfather who came back to end up raising me was a USN sailor!
My father was in signals with the Australian Army in New Guinea and operated a radio much like the coast watchers in the Solomons and Guadalcanal. He never spoke much of his service there. He was strafed by a Japanese Zero which struck a petrol barrel and was burned from the flames of it.
Mine too, never spoke a word of it! Trained at Bonegilla Victoria
Father goose was it called coast watcher I remember that movie I always admired the cost watchers
This was a wonderful documentary.
The natives were just as brave and helped and should be remembered.
WHITH THIS MUCH HISTORY THERES A FILM HERE , CANT WAIT , MAKE IT SO .
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...
JFK had the coconut message on his desk as a paperweight.
Really difficult to tramp around the islands with a phone radio set and dirty great glass lead acid batteries, a true ad-hoc group.
all done in ultra high heat and humidity.
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 🙏..
A bunch of brave bastards ....... what an appropriate compliment. Lest we forget.
One of my favorite books is Lonely Vigil by Walter Lord. This documentary barely scratches the surface of their heroic efforts.
Absolutely amazing men!
Thank you so much for posting.
Heros are made in conflict.Duty is ours.Results are Gods.
There is a book Titled "The Coast Watchers." I highly recommend it as a must have on your book shelf
A hook?
@@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.
One of the best reads ever.
Fantastico coastwatcher.... Respect from Vietnam... Allahu akhbar.
I really like how they made re-enactments like they usually do for Medieval documentaries
Really new and really sick also
"Lonely Vigil" by Walter Lord is one of my favorite books. Martin Clemens book about his time on Guadalcanal is also a good read.
I read a chapter about him in Ian Toll's book "The Conquering Tide". He was British.
I knew a lot of this went on, but never knew details .. thank you for sharing
They should do a feature film about the coast watchers... You don't hear about them in history a shame.
Agreed, That would be a film worth the Watch
My great uncle Harold Hootman was an officer on Guadalcanal- Hootman, Harold M. KIA. What a great documentary this is. 👍And history- brings it on home.
And, the code words used to alert them of potential Japanese attack: "Steak and eggs" - traditional Australian breakfast.
“ 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.
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.