Hi, I am interested in finding out as much as I can of the Australian Coastwatchers, also known as M Special, who were part of my father's group. My Father was on Guadalcanal behind Japanese lines, Solomon Islands and Bouganville. He travelled on the Garfish? and the Gato? U.S. Subs and at one time after being rescued from one of their missions they were transferred onto a US PT Boat and someone in the crew took several photos of the men. I would love to get a copy of those photos if at all possible. My father was Sydney Stonehouse, usually called "Mr SID" by the local islanders. I know that one group he worked with had a Fijian Missionary in the group who was called "Anatola Mary" after his wife. The men devised a "Bullybeef code" so they could communicate without the Japanese understanding what one radio operator was saying to the other. I can remember he taught me that they used to say C fer fish- A fer orses, B fer mutton?-F fer vescent-O fer the moon, and similar compositions, some of which featured popular film or recording stars names.. When half of the group on one mission were captured by the Japanese they were carrying a couple of injured very young American fly boys on litters, who had crashed a plane on the Island. The men had strapped them up as best they could and promised they would get them home to their families, but the Japanese were patrolling constantly and they caught the group and forced them to dig their own graves before beheading them. My father got a tip off from a friendly native and found where the Japanese were holding the men, he climbed 60 feet up a tree and radioed Port Moresby but they refused to let them attack and rescue the captives. The mission was too important and they had to avoid capture and keep radioing out information. One of the captured group was a man called Thompson who the natives told my father, had fought bravely to the last to avoid capture, even using his machine gun butt to smash the Japanese when he could no longer fire it. I would also like to trace a lost signed letter from General Blamey to my Grandmother Mrs W.G. Stonehouse where General Blamey told her my father Sydney Stonehouse was on manouveres in the north of Western Australia, when in actual fact he was on a secret overseas recon mission with Coastwatchers. A man who was writing about WWII asked my Mother for a loan of the letter and then forgot to return it. If anyone knows where the letter has ended up, I would appreciate it's return to the family.
Welcome to the forum ZOEZOE - enjoy! The main instigators of Coastwatcher threads on this forum that I have noticed are 'Spidge' and 'Spider', as attached link: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-against-japan/10675-coastwatchers-sometimes-forgotten-resistance-unit.html You may wish to PM - send a private message - them! Good luck with your search... Best, Steve.
Finally found this site again, after forgetting to bookmark it when I originally joined. Somewhat technologically challenged back then! Have just spoken today to Lionel Veale another Coastwatchers M Speciall Unit man, who lives on the east coast of Australia. Lionel who is now 96 years old, has written several books about the Aussie Coastwatchers. He tells me there are now only 4 of the original Coastwatchers living. Such a shame that most of Australia have no idea of what these remarkable men did in secret behind the enemy lines so long ago. Sworn to secrecy for 35 years, they returned to Australia from their hazardous missions, and many were not treated very well by the authorities who had no understanding of the traumatic experiences, and deprivations they had gone through, and how it had affected them. I would appreciate any information anyone has, stories, copies of photos etc, of any of the Coastwatchers men, their missions, etc. I have seven sons and I hope to compile some information to be passed down through the family to keep the memory of the Coastwatchers alive for future generations. Also can somebody inform me of how to post relevent photos on this site?
Hi Zoe When you make a new post, in the bottom right hand corner is an option for 'More Reply Options' select that and it opens up a new screen. At the bottom of this screen is the option to 'Choose Files' select this and then select the file you want to add from your computer. If the file is over 2Mb then it cannot be uploaded without resizing, once accepted select 'add to post' and it should be in the post. An alternate is to go through 'My Gallery' where you can upload photos and documents to an album you can create, and either allow them to be seen by all members or keep them 'private'. TD
Ho Zoe, Welcome to the forum. This is one site which you would have seen however other members may not have. http://www.janeresture.com/coastwatchers/ And another here: http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/npswapa/extContent/usmc/pcn-190-003117-00/sec2d.htm Do you have a copy of the memorial to the coastwatchers who were murdered on Tarawa (Kiribati (Previously The Gilbert Islands) ? Cheers Geoff
