Hodgess, Lm

Planter's Good Work in the Solomons

AN interesting ceremony was held at Guadalcanal, BSI, on October 3, 1945, when Captain C. H. Vivian Hodgess, who was the first Australian to land at Guadalcanal the original attacking forces in the first American offensive of World War 11, was presented by the Commander of the American Natfal Bases, South Solomons (as representative of the Commander South Pacific Area) with the award of Legion of Merit. The ceremonial parade was attended by 300 officers and men of the United States Navy. The British Solomon Islands Pro tectorate was represented by the Resident Commissioner, Colonel Owen C. Noel, OBE, and staff. Guests of honour at the ceremony were Sir Alexander Grantham,

KCMG, High Commissioner for the Western Pacific; Lady Grantham; and Brigadier-General James W. Barnett,

Usa.

The citation to the award to Captain Hodgess is as follows: “For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding ser vices to the Government of the United States in connection with the landing of the First Marine Division (Reinforced) at Tulagi and Guadalcanal, British Solo mon Islands, on August 7, 1942. Volun teering for his services during the plan ning and execution of the assault opera tions on these strategic islands, Captain Hodgess rendered invaluable assistance to our forces in providing vital information concerning the hydrography and terrain of the proposed landing areas. Acting on his own initiative, although fully aware of the hazards involved, he subsequently accompanied our troops as a guide, land ing with them on Guadalcanal, and fur ther aiding their efforts by his Intimate knowledge of the locality. Captain Hodgess’s excellent spirit of co-operation and unique resourcefulness contributed materially to the success of the initial operations in this important phase of the war in the Pacific.”

At the time of the operation, and for 12 months afterwards, Captain Hodgess was a member of the Australian Imperial Force, He then went to New Guinea, and subsequently took charge of the Solomon Islands Labour Corps. The Corps had played an important part in this war, and did its job so well that it earned the

respect of every Allied soldier. It was organised in November, 1942, at Guadal canal. A small group was formed at Munda; but as the flow of supplies in creased at this base, the need for more men to handle them grew. Then Cap tain Hodgess arrived to enlarge the unit into H Company, Munda, which now has become 400 men.

Captain Hodgess has lived for 23 years in the Solomons. His knowledge of the Melanesian native, gained as a trader and planter, enabled him to form of the Corps a most efficient organisation. Under him is Lieutenant Harry Wickham, a Melane sian recently commissioned, and the lat ter’s son, Eddie Wickham, sergeant-major.

The natives come from many surround ing islands. They enlist for one year, with the option of re-signing. Single men are preferred. The British Government pays each £1 per month, and the Ameri cans supply the rations. Wherever the men work they earn the highest praise for their efficiency and co-operation.

Capt. C. H. V. Hodgess.