News of Skipper Carlson, of New Ireland

New Ireland

rpHE following information about X “Skipper” Carlson (whom we listed among New Guinea civilians “miss ing. but no information” in September) has been kindly sent to us by Lieut. A. J.

Corlass, now of the PCB, Madang. Lieut.

Corlass writes: “While out in the New Hanover dis trict this year on Intelligence work for AIB, I obtained some information about ‘Skipper’ Carlson. After the invasion of New Ireland by the Japs he was removed to Anelaua Island, which is the leper island about two or three miles off New Hanover, and while on the island it ap pears Mr. Carlson became ill and died.

“A Kavieng native named Skinmat looked after him right up to the time of his death. He told me that Carlson was in no way ill-treated by the Japs and that, once on the island, he was left alone.”

Lieut.-Colonel Norman Neal, who be lieved that his military service was over, and was waiting in Sydney for a chance to return to Wau, New Guinea, has suc cumbed to the blandishments of his friend Colonel H. T. Allen, and has gone north to assist “Blue” in his new and difficult task of introducing order and discipline into the three Pacific Infantry Battalions.

Colonel Allen is seeking, as general officers, men who have had experience of the New Guinea natives, as well as specialised military knowledge.