Reluctant Voyager
p. 71 · Read in the full issue
THERE is a fascination about a big ship putting to sea.
The bustle and excitement of em barking passengers captivate the imagination, and one feels hours could be spent watching the long derricks swinging slings of cargo up over the side and into the ship’s mysterious innards—for all the world like some colossal crab with multiple claws feeding.
If this is true of a normal peace time port, how much more so must it have been in Milne Bay early in the War, to troops sweating out their monotonous routines between enemy air raids. I know I spent as much time as I could steal, down around the waterfront kibitizing.
On one occasion I was idly watch ing the orderly embarkation of a contingent of US servicemen going South for leave—they called it fur lough. All was going well, and it was no different to countless other similar embarkations, until the last dozen or so were going up the gang way.
All of a sudden a row developed.
In the midst of flailing arms and legs I saw what looked like one fighting-mad Yank being dragged on to the gangway by Ihree or four of his comrades. I waltzed over for a closer view.
“Goldurn youse sonsa-wotnots,” he was yelling, “Youse can’t make me go if I don’ wanna, and I don r wanna! Leme go, I tellya, lemme go! I don’t wanna go to Australia; I wanna stay here and fight the Japs.
Lemme go, goldurn youse—”
There was much more in the same vein and spirit, before the inevitable arrival of the MB’s, who said, “Buddy, don’t argue!” After which the majesty of the Law was compe tently applied to the reluctant pas senger’s pants seat, scruff of neck, and whatever other appendage or anatomical portion presented itself to the grasp.
He was deposited in a heap on the ship’s decks. The gangway was hoisted, lines were let go, and away went the ship for Australia.
When they arrived at Townsville, they found they had one Yank too many! . . . SEAHORSE.
First Officer Noel Peacock was injured when the Dragon plane he was piloting crashed at Chimbu, NG Central Highlands, on September 23. He was flown to Lae for treat ment. The plane was badly damaged.