'Operation Dexterity'
December 26, 1943
After the terrific bombardment which pulverized Japanese defences on the beaches of New Britain, American troops swarmed ashore at Cape Gloucester in the northwest of New Britain, on December 26 1943 and firmly established a beachhead.
In this photo, US 1st Marines arriving at 'Yellow Beach 1', manhandle a jeep through shallow water after unloading it from a landing craft; in the background is an "alligator", a general utility land-and-water transport vehicle.
(The second phase consisted of a drive on the airdrome by the 1st Marines (less 2d Battalion). Forward elements of the 3d Battalion of that regiment came in on LCI's behind 3/7 on YELLOW 1 at 0815, passed through that unit, and not long thereafter ran up against one of Colonel Sumiya's road blocks: four strong bunkers armed with as many machine guns, together with a system of rifle trenches.) (
ibiblio.org)
On December 26, 1943, the First Marine Division commanded by Major General William H. Rupertus (veteran of Haiti, China and Guadalcanal) landed at Cape Gloucester after a brief naval bombardment and aerial smoke screen, landing at Yellow Beach 1 & 2 and Green Beach. The Marines faced swampy terrain and thick jungle, but met only rear-echelon Japanese troops. Some criticized the landing unnecessary, as the Allies already had total control of the Huon Peninsula of New Guinea.
Two new weapons were introduced during the battle: the M1 Garand rifle and M4A1 Sherman tank. Also, L-4 and L-5 Liaison planes were used for spotting, supply drops and message relay. Once secured, the Marines advanced eastward along the north coast capturing the Willaumez Peninsula. Once the area was secured, the Marines were relived by the U. S. Army 40th Division, commanded by Major General Rapp Brush who were later relieved by the Australian 5th Division.
