SECRET MISSION
This is PO Boogie reporting from the South Pacific.
Well, after we embarked, we learned that we were headed for Auckland, New Zealand, where we were to take aboard two new crew members.
We arrived safely. No encounters with enemy ships - probably because it soon became obvious that we were deliberately avoiding contact with the enemy.
Something was afoot, and we all wondered what it was.
The first surprise when we docked in Auckland was to see a Naval Lieutenant piped aboard. We were told he was a 'special operations' man. His name was Lt Boomer.
The second (very pleasant) surprise was to see the lovely Morgan again! She'd been granted permission to come aboard for a tour, and write her story for her magazine back home. WHAT A LUCKY BREAK!
The next surprise gave us a clue as to what our mission might be. A DEMOLITION TEAM CAME ABOARD!
All leave was cancelled, and the USS SEADOG silently slipped out of the harbour in the dead of night.
The next day, at sea, Captain Barnaby addressed the crew and informed us of our objective. (We had all been wondering why demolition experts had been brought aboard and now we knew the reason. )
Our objective was GUADALCANAL!
Our crack Demolition Team was to go in and disable the enemy’s communication lines in preparation for the landing of the 1st Marine Division, which was presently leaving New Zealand where they had been in training.
To do this quickly, we needed inside information about where the communication station was situated and the quickest and safest way to get there without detection. This is where Lt Boomer came in. He had spent some time at Guadalcanal and had knowledge of the area. He was to direct our party to the target and get them safely back to the SEADOG, which would be waiting at the arranged hour.
The Navy Seals were to go in first and dispose of all obstacles and booby traps that were placed close to shore, so that the demolition party would have a clear landing.
PO Scooch went along with them to report back on the action, and Lt Commander Murphy went along as MO.
Here is a list of all who took part in the action.
Well, after we embarked, we learned that we were headed for Auckland, New Zealand, where we were to take aboard two new crew members.
We arrived safely. No encounters with enemy ships - probably because it soon became obvious that we were deliberately avoiding contact with the enemy.
Something was afoot, and we all wondered what it was.
The first surprise when we docked in Auckland was to see a Naval Lieutenant piped aboard. We were told he was a 'special operations' man. His name was Lt Boomer.
The second (very pleasant) surprise was to see the lovely Morgan again! She'd been granted permission to come aboard for a tour, and write her story for her magazine back home. WHAT A LUCKY BREAK!
The next surprise gave us a clue as to what our mission might be. A DEMOLITION TEAM CAME ABOARD!
All leave was cancelled, and the USS SEADOG silently slipped out of the harbour in the dead of night.
The next day, at sea, Captain Barnaby addressed the crew and informed us of our objective. (We had all been wondering why demolition experts had been brought aboard and now we knew the reason. )
Our objective was GUADALCANAL!
Our crack Demolition Team was to go in and disable the enemy’s communication lines in preparation for the landing of the 1st Marine Division, which was presently leaving New Zealand where they had been in training.
To do this quickly, we needed inside information about where the communication station was situated and the quickest and safest way to get there without detection. This is where Lt Boomer came in. He had spent some time at Guadalcanal and had knowledge of the area. He was to direct our party to the target and get them safely back to the SEADOG, which would be waiting at the arranged hour.
The Navy Seals were to go in first and dispose of all obstacles and booby traps that were placed close to shore, so that the demolition party would have a clear landing.
PO Scooch went along with them to report back on the action, and Lt Commander Murphy went along as MO.
Here is a list of all who took part in the action.
Lt.Commander Murphy
Lt.Boomer
Lt.Roddie
Lt.Bentley
Lt.Bramble
Lt.Dasher
Lt.Clancy
PO.Elvis
PO.Scooch
PO.Toby
PO.Pixie
PO.Cassie
Chief Keagan
Chief “Q”
Seawoman Hazel
Seawoman Molly/Cheyenne
Seawoman Bridey
Seawoman Lovey
Seaman Buddy
Seaman Murphy2
Seawoman Phugie
Seawoman Keeleigh
Seawoman Jazzy2
Lt.Boomer
Lt.Roddie
Lt.Bentley
Lt.Bramble
Lt.Dasher
Lt.Clancy
PO.Elvis
PO.Scooch
PO.Toby
PO.Pixie
PO.Cassie
Chief Keagan
Chief “Q”
Seawoman Hazel
Seawoman Molly/Cheyenne
Seawoman Bridey
Seawoman Lovey
Seaman Buddy
Seaman Murphy2
Seawoman Phugie
Seawoman Keeleigh
Seawoman Jazzy2
Captain Barnaby and Lt.Boomer discussed at length the forthcoming raid. Our captain was confident that the brilliant plan set forward by young Boomer was a good one, and he told him to get his team ready. The Seals were also prepared to leave in advance.
Soon, the SEADOG was in position and the teams were ready to go. The submarine surfaced and boats were lowered. The Navy Seals headed towards the shore.
The Demolition Team waited for the signal to boad the boats and follow the Seals in.
Excitement was high.
The Demolition Team waited for the signal to boad the boats and follow the Seals in.
Excitement was high.
As soon as all the boats were away, the Seadog slipped beneath the waves and headed for a nearby island which was not enemy occupied. There, in the lagoon and under the cover of overhanging trees, it surfaced to recharge its batteries.
THE ATTACK!
This is War Correspondent PO Scooch reporting the action carried out against the enemy Communications Station at Guadalcanal.
The first to go in were the fearless Seals, under the command of Lt. Dasher. They swam from where the SEADOG had dropped them off and, after clearing the portion of beach where the others would be landing, they waited under the cover of the jungle to meet with, and join us in the assault.
The first to go in were the fearless Seals, under the command of Lt. Dasher. They swam from where the SEADOG had dropped them off and, after clearing the portion of beach where the others would be landing, they waited under the cover of the jungle to meet with, and join us in the assault.
After a brief wait, they saw us approaching in Zodiacs. (I of course was travelling with the main assault group.) We pulled safely up to the shore, and gave thanks for the brilliant work of the Navy Seals who had made our safe landing possible.
We grouped, and under the guidance of Lt. Boomer, we made our way into the thick jungle.
It was of the utmost importance to be quiet. We did not want to alert the enemy to our presence. The success of the mission depended on secrecy and surprise.
We pushed deeper into the steaming jungle and fought the insects and stifling heat, which was like a thick blanket smothering us. We had to hack our way through much of the undergrowth and prayed we wouldn’t encounter any poisonous snakes, or other deadly critters!
As we got further in country, we came to an area where an aircraft had crashed, - clearing a wide path for use to follow. We halted for a while to have a drink and snatch a breath before going on to our target. Boomer was right on the ball and knew exactly where we were and how much farther there was to go. Seawoman Keeleigh, our new photographer, took a picture of Boomer, with Cassie, Keagan and Buddy standing in front of the wrecked aircraft.
It was of the utmost importance to be quiet. We did not want to alert the enemy to our presence. The success of the mission depended on secrecy and surprise.
We pushed deeper into the steaming jungle and fought the insects and stifling heat, which was like a thick blanket smothering us. We had to hack our way through much of the undergrowth and prayed we wouldn’t encounter any poisonous snakes, or other deadly critters!
As we got further in country, we came to an area where an aircraft had crashed, - clearing a wide path for use to follow. We halted for a while to have a drink and snatch a breath before going on to our target. Boomer was right on the ball and knew exactly where we were and how much farther there was to go. Seawoman Keeleigh, our new photographer, took a picture of Boomer, with Cassie, Keagan and Buddy standing in front of the wrecked aircraft.
On we pressed through jungle such as we’d never seen before! Then we saw something above the tree line. It was the top of a high tower. Boomer put up his paw as a signal to halt. He moved his paw to his lips and whispered:
“No talking from here on. Follow me..”
We followed him, crawling on our bellies with our rifles resting on our outstretched arms. Then we came into a clearing and Cassie and Pixi went ahead to scout out the area. In a short time they returned and made some signals which informed us that the area was well guarded and we’d have to approach the station from the left flank, which was close to the jungle and would provide us with cover.
We halted, and our eyes swept the set-up of the communication station, looking for weak spots. Lt. Bramble found them! (Lt. Bramble can sniff out ANYTHING!) She spoke softly to Boomer and then we received our instructions on how to carry out our tasks, and where to lay the charges. The officer in charge of the Demolition Team, PO Cassie, gave the order - and we moved out.
“No talking from here on. Follow me..”
We followed him, crawling on our bellies with our rifles resting on our outstretched arms. Then we came into a clearing and Cassie and Pixi went ahead to scout out the area. In a short time they returned and made some signals which informed us that the area was well guarded and we’d have to approach the station from the left flank, which was close to the jungle and would provide us with cover.
We halted, and our eyes swept the set-up of the communication station, looking for weak spots. Lt. Bramble found them! (Lt. Bramble can sniff out ANYTHING!) She spoke softly to Boomer and then we received our instructions on how to carry out our tasks, and where to lay the charges. The officer in charge of the Demolition Team, PO Cassie, gave the order - and we moved out.
Well, I take my cap off to those brave troops. You should have seen them go! Quiet as mice and swift as cheetahs they laid their charges, and we moved back to be out of the reach of the fireworks when they went off!
The first of the explosions almost knocked us off our feet! Lt. Bramble said our mission was accomplished and Lt. Boomer told us all to SCRAM! We didn’t need to be told a second time! We took off into the jungle and made our way back to the beach.
The first of the explosions almost knocked us off our feet! Lt. Bramble said our mission was accomplished and Lt. Boomer told us all to SCRAM! We didn’t need to be told a second time! We took off into the jungle and made our way back to the beach.
Things did not run as smoothly on the way back. The enemy must have got a message out before the lines were cut, because we were soon confronted by a Zero fighter, - and it was coming straight at us!
We scrambled for cover. Bullets whizzed past our ears but no one was hit. It was then that Clancy spotted an anti-aircraft gun that had been abandoned during the explosions. He and Bridey raced over and began to operate it, swinging it around to face the Zero, which was coming in for a second run.
They fired away at the low flying aircraft and kept on firing as it was above their heads. Their aim was accurate and deadly, and Dasher, Hazel and Elvis, who were standing nearby, saw flames pouring from its engine as it came down and crashed a distance away.
The instinct was to cheer, but we did not want to alert the enemy further to our position.
We scrambled for cover. Bullets whizzed past our ears but no one was hit. It was then that Clancy spotted an anti-aircraft gun that had been abandoned during the explosions. He and Bridey raced over and began to operate it, swinging it around to face the Zero, which was coming in for a second run.
They fired away at the low flying aircraft and kept on firing as it was above their heads. Their aim was accurate and deadly, and Dasher, Hazel and Elvis, who were standing nearby, saw flames pouring from its engine as it came down and crashed a distance away.
The instinct was to cheer, but we did not want to alert the enemy further to our position.
Lt. Roddie said he was recommending both Lt. Clancey and Seawoman Bridey for decorations.
We made the rest of the journey without a hitch, and were soon approaching the pick-up point. We had to wait for nightfall so that the SEADOG could surface without being seen.
We made the rest of the journey without a hitch, and were soon approaching the pick-up point. We had to wait for nightfall so that the SEADOG could surface without being seen.
MEANWHILE, BACK ON THE SEADOG.......
This is War Correspondent PO. Boogie reporting from the USS SEADOG at anchor by an unnamed island of the Solomon’s Group.
Just before the troops went ashore, Lacey O'Quinn had been talking with Lt Boomer about the Solomon Islands. She wanted to know if they were the site of King Solomon’s Mines!
He had laughed in a good humoured way and said that he didn’t know about King Solomon’s Mines, but he HAD heard stories about a pirate who hid his treasure somewhere on one of the small islands of the group. It was over 100 years ago and no one had ever found it, but of course, that didn’t mean that it wasn’t there!
Boomer had only meant to give her something to dream about. It never occurred to him that she’d take him seriously and even plan to go and search for it! (Of course, he was new to the SEADOG and didn’t know Lacey O’Quinn!!)
Well, off she went with a delighted little smile on her face and ideas spinning around in her head. She got out some maps and began to scan the area.
YES! This very island where they were anchored could be the one! It was small, it had lots of caves and it was not occupied by the enemy. She felt sure she was onto something!
Enthusiastically she called a meeting of all the girls who were still on the SEADOG.
Captain Barnaby, who always found Lacey’s antics amusing, agreed to let the girls go ashore if Lacey could get any supporters. (He didn’t really think she would!)
Well, he underestimated feminine curiosity and the natural thrill of treasure hunting!
They agreed to go!
Just before the troops went ashore, Lacey O'Quinn had been talking with Lt Boomer about the Solomon Islands. She wanted to know if they were the site of King Solomon’s Mines!
He had laughed in a good humoured way and said that he didn’t know about King Solomon’s Mines, but he HAD heard stories about a pirate who hid his treasure somewhere on one of the small islands of the group. It was over 100 years ago and no one had ever found it, but of course, that didn’t mean that it wasn’t there!
Boomer had only meant to give her something to dream about. It never occurred to him that she’d take him seriously and even plan to go and search for it! (Of course, he was new to the SEADOG and didn’t know Lacey O’Quinn!!)
Well, off she went with a delighted little smile on her face and ideas spinning around in her head. She got out some maps and began to scan the area.
YES! This very island where they were anchored could be the one! It was small, it had lots of caves and it was not occupied by the enemy. She felt sure she was onto something!
Enthusiastically she called a meeting of all the girls who were still on the SEADOG.
Captain Barnaby, who always found Lacey’s antics amusing, agreed to let the girls go ashore if Lacey could get any supporters. (He didn’t really think she would!)
Well, he underestimated feminine curiosity and the natural thrill of treasure hunting!
They agreed to go!
CLICK ON THE PAUSE BUTTON OF FIRST TUNE THEN CLICK ON THE WHITE ARROW TO HEAR THE SECOND ONE.
LACEY O’QUINN’S MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR!
I, (PO. Blondie) went along for the story, and boy oh boy, was it WORTH IT!
At first we found ourselves trekking through thick jungle as Lacey O’Quinn and Winnie Mae followed a map which showed some caves to the north of the Island. Miss Morgan, the representative from “Bitches and Stitches” magazine was well equipped with a two-way radio, in case of trouble, and at that moment she had tuned into a channel playing Glenn Miller. It set their happy, carefree mood perfectly!
What a scoop it would be for her, to be able to tell the magazine’s worldwide readers how a bunch of Navy girls set out on a real life treasure hunt in the thick of WW2! (And can you believe that she actually took her vanity case with her as well?!)
Everyone hummed along with the romantic song and, as there was no presence of the enemy on this island, we saw no reason why we shouldn't turn up the volume!
After walking, climbing, sliding and getting bogged in mud we stopped for a break. We were all beat!
At first we found ourselves trekking through thick jungle as Lacey O’Quinn and Winnie Mae followed a map which showed some caves to the north of the Island. Miss Morgan, the representative from “Bitches and Stitches” magazine was well equipped with a two-way radio, in case of trouble, and at that moment she had tuned into a channel playing Glenn Miller. It set their happy, carefree mood perfectly!
What a scoop it would be for her, to be able to tell the magazine’s worldwide readers how a bunch of Navy girls set out on a real life treasure hunt in the thick of WW2! (And can you believe that she actually took her vanity case with her as well?!)
Everyone hummed along with the romantic song and, as there was no presence of the enemy on this island, we saw no reason why we shouldn't turn up the volume!
After walking, climbing, sliding and getting bogged in mud we stopped for a break. We were all beat!
Some of the girls were afraid we were lost, and the younger ones started getting scared and wanted to go back. Others said we couldn’t go on further, not on foot! We needed some transport of some kind BUT, where would we find it on a deserted island?
Well, Miss Morgan said that we had not really been observing things as we went along. It was obvious, she pointed out, that the enemy HAD been here and had moved on. We had passed discarded equipment and perhaps if we made some attempt to locate where their camp had been, we just MIGHT find something in the form of transport!
We followed Morgan’s advice and, sure enough, about 500 yards away we stumbled on an old camp site. There were lots of bits and pieces, but no trucks or jeeps.
Suddenly, Lacey O’Quinn let out a jubilant scream –"HERE!!!"
We all raced over to see what she’d found and, well, we couldn’t help getting the giggles. Just take a look at the picture below, and you’ll see what kind of transport we found!!!
Well, Miss Morgan said that we had not really been observing things as we went along. It was obvious, she pointed out, that the enemy HAD been here and had moved on. We had passed discarded equipment and perhaps if we made some attempt to locate where their camp had been, we just MIGHT find something in the form of transport!
We followed Morgan’s advice and, sure enough, about 500 yards away we stumbled on an old camp site. There were lots of bits and pieces, but no trucks or jeeps.
Suddenly, Lacey O’Quinn let out a jubilant scream –"HERE!!!"
We all raced over to see what she’d found and, well, we couldn’t help getting the giggles. Just take a look at the picture below, and you’ll see what kind of transport we found!!!
Those who couldn’t find a push-bike doubled with someone else. That certainly put the smiles back on our faces.
On we rode, - it was a bit bumpy but better than walking. We laughed, sang and chatted as we went along. It was like going on a picnic, except that we hoped to find treasures beyond our imagination at the end.
Soon, we came into a clearing, and there was a huge rock face that had vines covering the front. Ginger said that it looked like a cave entrance, and Bonnie Blue hopped off her bike and ran over to investigate. We all followed.
It was hard to move the vines because it looked as if they’d been growing there for ages. Fortunately, Kaity and Daisy had brought some first-aid equipment with them and they hacked at the vines with sharp scissors.
Killian, Meghan and Molly McGee had brought knives with them, so between them all, the vines began to come down. Sure enough, there was a loose boulder. This was indeed an opening to something! We all got our shoulders behind it and pushed, and pushed ……and then the boulder moved and we could see a large opening inside.
Miss Morgan made a torch, and lit it. We crept carefully into the cave. The torch was set up in a crevice near the opening, and we all gasped in amazement as it lit up the interior!
What we saw was more like a room than a cave. It had what appeared to be stone walls and a stone floor – made by humans, and at the top left corner was a sight that caused us all to feel the hair on our necks standing on end.
It was a TREASURE CHEST!!!!
We stood in silence for a minute, taking in the magic of this vision, then we all rushed over and tried to open the chest.
It was locked!
“OK,” cried Lacey, “Who knows how to pick locks?”
Rosey wanted to know why everyone was looking at HER! Well, she HAD been employed by a locksmith before she joined the Navy!
She asked if anyone had a nail file or a penknife. (We might have known that Miss Morgan would have a nail file) Rosey worked at it until there was a click.
It was OPEN!
Well, the sight we beheld was more than what dreams are made of!
There were silks and satins and jewels and beads and pendants and.....and.......!
We all dived in (some, literally!) and took out things that we liked and wanted to wear.
Most of us were draped in silks and satins, and had so many beads hanging from our necks that we could barely lift our heads!
Some even decorated their legs and their tails! Can you believe it!!
There were excited woofs and whirls and leaps all over the room as we went crazy with our new found riches. There were rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, pearls and GOLD!!!
We had found the pirate’s treasure, but dear Lacey O’Quinn still insisted that we’d found King Solomon’s Mines.
On we rode, - it was a bit bumpy but better than walking. We laughed, sang and chatted as we went along. It was like going on a picnic, except that we hoped to find treasures beyond our imagination at the end.
Soon, we came into a clearing, and there was a huge rock face that had vines covering the front. Ginger said that it looked like a cave entrance, and Bonnie Blue hopped off her bike and ran over to investigate. We all followed.
It was hard to move the vines because it looked as if they’d been growing there for ages. Fortunately, Kaity and Daisy had brought some first-aid equipment with them and they hacked at the vines with sharp scissors.
Killian, Meghan and Molly McGee had brought knives with them, so between them all, the vines began to come down. Sure enough, there was a loose boulder. This was indeed an opening to something! We all got our shoulders behind it and pushed, and pushed ……and then the boulder moved and we could see a large opening inside.
Miss Morgan made a torch, and lit it. We crept carefully into the cave. The torch was set up in a crevice near the opening, and we all gasped in amazement as it lit up the interior!
What we saw was more like a room than a cave. It had what appeared to be stone walls and a stone floor – made by humans, and at the top left corner was a sight that caused us all to feel the hair on our necks standing on end.
It was a TREASURE CHEST!!!!
We stood in silence for a minute, taking in the magic of this vision, then we all rushed over and tried to open the chest.
It was locked!
“OK,” cried Lacey, “Who knows how to pick locks?”
Rosey wanted to know why everyone was looking at HER! Well, she HAD been employed by a locksmith before she joined the Navy!
She asked if anyone had a nail file or a penknife. (We might have known that Miss Morgan would have a nail file) Rosey worked at it until there was a click.
It was OPEN!
Well, the sight we beheld was more than what dreams are made of!
There were silks and satins and jewels and beads and pendants and.....and.......!
We all dived in (some, literally!) and took out things that we liked and wanted to wear.
Most of us were draped in silks and satins, and had so many beads hanging from our necks that we could barely lift our heads!
Some even decorated their legs and their tails! Can you believe it!!
There were excited woofs and whirls and leaps all over the room as we went crazy with our new found riches. There were rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, pearls and GOLD!!!
We had found the pirate’s treasure, but dear Lacey O’Quinn still insisted that we’d found King Solomon’s Mines.
MEANWHILE, back on the SEADOG, the little Sea Cadets were getting worried. Many of the girls were like mothers to them and they became alarmed when the girls still had not returned after a few hours.
What if the enemy got them?! What if snakes bit them?! What if there were MONSTERS on the island?! What if they were captured by CANNIBALS?! What if................?!
Liam sat them down and reassured them that all would be well.
What if the enemy got them?! What if snakes bit them?! What if there were MONSTERS on the island?! What if they were captured by CANNIBALS?! What if................?!
Liam sat them down and reassured them that all would be well.
The kids needn't have worried because we were on our way back.
Back to the SEADOG we trudged, carrying all our treasures in bags and sacks. We didn’t leave one solitary bead behind!
It had been the most wonderful experience of our lives and when the war was over, we’d never want for anything.
We were first spotted by Hannah - faithfully standing at her post as lookout.
Back to the SEADOG we trudged, carrying all our treasures in bags and sacks. We didn’t leave one solitary bead behind!
It had been the most wonderful experience of our lives and when the war was over, we’d never want for anything.
We were first spotted by Hannah - faithfully standing at her post as lookout.
Our arrival back on the SEADOG was met with gaping jaws and exclamations of astonishment as we showed off our treasures.
Admiral Andrew and Captain Barnaby were left scratching their heads, while Lt. Liam and the other officers still on board were noticeably green with envy!
We had a late lunch and settled down to await the return of our heroes who had gone ashore with the Demolition Team.
Admiral Andrew and Captain Barnaby were left scratching their heads, while Lt. Liam and the other officers still on board were noticeably green with envy!
We had a late lunch and settled down to await the return of our heroes who had gone ashore with the Demolition Team.
Chief Lookout, Ensign Hannah, had been rostered on duty and had been unable to go with us, so she remained at her post, watching anxiously for our return.
Well, you can imagine her relief, and amusement, when she saw us approaching!
Well, you can imagine her relief, and amusement, when she saw us approaching!
THE SEADOG WEIGHED ANCHOR and set course for the pre-arranged point where we would surface to take aboard the landing parties.
Admiral Andrew and Captain Barnaby kept watch from the conning tower, and soon they saw the first boat-load of their commandos coming into sight. Gun crews stood by the deck guns in case of any trouble from aircraft or land based fire. Thankfully there were no dramas and the brave warriors came aboard safely.
The Officers immediately reported to the Captain for debriefing, and it was a blessing that all had returned safely, and the mission had been a great success.
The order was given, and the Seadog slid beneath the waves, setting course for Brisbane, Australia.
Admiral Andrew and Captain Barnaby kept watch from the conning tower, and soon they saw the first boat-load of their commandos coming into sight. Gun crews stood by the deck guns in case of any trouble from aircraft or land based fire. Thankfully there were no dramas and the brave warriors came aboard safely.
The Officers immediately reported to the Captain for debriefing, and it was a blessing that all had returned safely, and the mission had been a great success.
The order was given, and the Seadog slid beneath the waves, setting course for Brisbane, Australia.
CONTINUED
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Copyright - Audrey Plowes - 2010
CHAPTER 5