The Book Is Published!

My book, The 440th Signal Battalion: An Oral History, has been published and is now available.  Well over one hundred former 440th members sent many wonderful stories, memories, photographs and other information and documentation to aid me in this project.

From nearly one thousand stories and memories received, the book contains more than 460 submissions which bring to life the total 440th experience.  Far too many contributors to this oral history would not live see the book in print and it is to these many former battalion members that I express my most sincere thanks.  For without the participation of so many, this oral history would not be as interesting and important as it is felt that it is.

Visit the book's official website in the coming weeks for information on upcoming readings and book signings, as well as other information.  In the meantime, enjoy the new features of this blog, which include links to other interesting sites, such as the World War II Database.

Into the Australian Outback

While the first platoon of A Company was arriving at Port Moresby and getting settled in, the remainder of the battalion was speeding up construction work in Australia. Temporary camps were placed at various locations for B Company to begin work on the line from Charters Towers to Hillgrove. Long segments of the line were being completed every day as advanced camps were set up at Clarke River and Orangevale.

Building Australian lines

The Torrens and the 440th Signal Battalion arrived in Brisbane on a clear, warm winter day. The bulk of the officers and men were taken by truck to a holding area within the city limits of Brisbane while a detachment remained at the dock to supervise the unloading of their equipment. The unloading process required several days and this gave HQ Company an opportunity to catch up on records and other paper work. It was also a time for most of the battalion to rest a little.