Draft:Pacific Commandos (WWII)

Pacific Commandos The Pacific Commandos were a small special forces unit created by New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and other militaries in World War Two.

The force was initially raised to conduct guerilla raids against an assumed Japanese invasion of the South Pacific.

The force was supposed to be an asymmetric offset, at a time that the bulk of New Zealand’s fighting strength was committed to the European theatre (the 2nd NZ Division), and a 3rd Division was being raised but needed time to train and equip itself.

The Pacific Commandos also offered a way for Fijians, Tongans and later British, the British Solomon Islands and peoples from what is now Papua New Guinea could contribute to the war.

The force is not widely known due to its small size, secrecy and a traditional focus from New Zealand historians on the European theatre - where most of New Zealand’s major combat took place.

Sergeant Colin Larsen, the intelligence office for the Pacific Commandos based in Fiji, wrote a semi official book on the subject. Called ‘Pacific Commandos - New Zealanders and Fijians in action’. Dr Rhys Ball, an academic also wrote on the force.

Raising the force The force was raised in both Fini and Tonga. Initially it was trained in reconnaissance and small unit raids. Patrols normally comprised a New Zealand Officer or Sergeant, sometimes a radon operator or second in command and a number of Pacific Islanders. A notable exception to this was Lt Henry Taliai a distinguished Tongan officer who would be killed in action.

Preparation for defence The Third New Zealand Division, as part of the allied forces in the pacific, was responsible for the garrison and defence of Tonga and Fiji against Japanese invasion.

The Pacific Commandos were initially displaced across Fiji and in the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa.

They were prepared to disrupt invasion and then remain behind for raiding parties.

The invasion never came after the Japanese were defeated at Midway and the in Papua New Guinea.

Solomon Islands campaign The Pacific Commandos would see action across the Solomon Islands.

An initial contribution (called the Special Party) deployed in support of US landings at Guadalcanal.

They conducted reconnaissance missions and clear routes for larger forces and were commended for their actions.

They also fought in a number of other locations. The force took heavy casualties through action and disease. After a year it was so attritted, particularly the New Zealand commanders, that it was withdrawn and disbanded.

Legacy A number of the Pacific Commandos received decorations for leadership and gallantry. This included Fijians and Tongans. There was a great deal of respect and fellowship between the New Zealanders and their Oacific cousins, something that is reflected on today by the Mew Zealand, Fijian and Tongan military forces.