544th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment
| 544th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1943–1946 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch | United States Army Corps of Engineers |
| Type | Engineer battalion |
| Part of | 4th Engineer Special Brigade |
| Engagements | New Guinea campaignNew Britain campaignPhilippines campaign |
The 544th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment was part of the 4th Engineer Special Brigade of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It trained at Fort Devens, MA and Camp Gordon Johnston, FL before crossing the country to San Francisco where it departed to New Guinea in the Pacific on 23 April 1944. After acclimating to the tropics and additional training the regiment participated in assaults against Japanese forces at Morotai and the Philippines during World War II.
Training[1][edit]
The 544th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment was one of three Boat and Shore Regiments of the 4th Engineer Special Brigade - the other two being the 534th and 594th. The Regiment was activated 1 February 1943 at Fort Devens, MA, as the 544th Engineer Amphibian Regiment. Its designation was changed to the 544th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment in May 1943.
A skeleton of officer and non-commissioned officers began the process of building the regiment from various sources. A majority of officers came directly from Fort Belvoir after graduating from Engineer Officer Candidate School. Some officers came directly from civilian life and were selected due to of their knowledge or experience in water navigation and boat handling. Enlisted personnel were obtained from various reception centers.
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Enlisted personnel whose background revealed boating, fishing, seafaring or rum running experience were assigned to the Boat Battalion. Crane and heavy equipment operators and civil engineers were assigned to the Shore Battalion. Basic Training began immediately at Fort Devens and training continued until the regiment moved to Camp Edwards.
On 28 Mar 1943, the Regiment moved to Washburn Island, a part of Camp Edwards, MA, where amphibious training began and men were schooled in the use of boats and heavy engineer equipment. Those in the Boat Battalion learned general boat handling, beaching, retracting and boat maintenance; while those in the Shore Battalion learned how to operate cranes, bulldozers, road construction equipment and heavy engineer equipment maintenance. Boat training was intensive due to the condition of the boats. Boats that were rejected by the Navy as unserviceable and veteran craft of previous amphibian training cycles were used in the initial training phase.
Various companies trained each other, with one company acting as infantry and another as boatmen. Once one phase was completed, they would switch roles.
The Shore Battalion practiced loading and unloading equipment off the craft and operating and maintaining its engineer equipment while the Embarkation Platoon of Headquarter and Headquarter Company trained in the supervision of loading operations. The Medical Detachment was active in training it personnel, setting up aid stations on the far shore and operating dispensaries, and the Communications Platoon schooled men for Radio Operator and Linemen's jobs.
In June 1943, the 544th EB&SR supplied officers and men for the 466th Amphibian Truck Company, one of the DUKW companies, which subsequently came to this theater in late 1943.
Early July 1943, the Regiment was on a week-long problem at Martha's Vineyard, MA, landing and setting up a a bivouac area. As a second phase it returned to Washburn Island, repeating the landing operation.
Later in July 1943, F Company, the Embarkation Platoon, and elements of D and E Companies went to Boston Port of Embarkation to learn stevedoring.
In August, 1943, the Shore Battalion, minus the units at Boston went to Camp Miles Standish to do construction work.
On 11 September, 1943, the Regiment departed from Camp Edwards and arrived at Camp Gordon Johnston, FL, on 14 Sept. The camp was quickly established and training soon started. During this time, other engineer amphibian units were beginning to win the praise of General Douglas MacArthur's HQ and the Allied HQ in Australia. The men were instilled with the importance of their work as vital in the struggle to regain territories conquered by the enemies and to invade the enemy's own country and possessions.
The Regiment trained with the 4th Infantry Division in amphibious operations. Both gained valuable experience.
Early 1944, the Regiment began preparation for overseas movement. New and complete equipment was issued and personnel were familiarized in the use of all U.S. Army weapons.
Major types of boat the Boat Battalion was trained to handle were various landing craft including LCVP, LCM, LVT as well as working alongside LSTs and other larger boats. The shore Battalion was trained on D-8 bulldozer, cranes, and pontoon bridges.
On 11 April the regiment departed Camp Gordon Johnston, FL, by troop train and arrived at Camp Stoneman, Pittsburg, CA, on 16 April 1944
Travel to New Guinea and Training in the Pacific Theater[1][edit]
Regimental HQ and HQ Co departed from San Francisco on 23 April 1944 on SS Fairland and arrived Oro Bay, NG 23 May 44 while the Boat Battalion departed aboard SS Extavia on 1 May 44 and arrived at Oro Bay 24 May44. The Shore Battalion departed aboard USAT Sea Devil on 1 May 44 and arrived Oro By 24 May 44.
Boat Bn (-C) departed Oro Bay 26 July and arrived Buna 26 July
Company C departed Oro Bay 26 July and arrived a HARVEY Bay, NG 26 July
Camp was established at Palm Beach, New Guinea that had just previously vacated by the 2nd ESB. HQ building and theater that had been constructed by the 2ESB were used by this Regiment. It was almost two weeks before the boats were made available to the Boat Bn.
Here the Regiment went into a training period to acclimate to the weather and conditions. The Regiment trained with the 31st Infantry Division in shore to shore operations.
On 3 Aug, 1944, the Regiment was alerted for movement to Wakde for stating the INTERLUDE operation the direction of Alamo Force. From this date until movement, commencing 12 Aug all elements were employed in conditioning the craft and equipment. Boat maintenance created the most serious obstacle to rapid readiness for movement. The 3017th Engineer Mn Co normally supporting the regiment was relieved by the 3015th Engr Maintenance Co in order that the former company could prepare for movement.
Movement of the Boat BN by organic craft was initiated on 12 Aug 1944 convoys leaving Buna in Company echelons
Regimental HQ and the Shore Bn out-loaded equipment on the A K Clayton 15 Aug – 18 Aug. A guard detail accompanied the equipment and the bulk of personnel sailed aboard the SS Mexico 18 Aug with units of the 534th EB & SR. Arrived at Maffin Bay 26 August 44
Co B Boat Bn departed Buna via organic LCMs 12 Aug and arrived Wakde Island 24 Aug
Co A Boat Bn departed Buna via organic LCMs 14 Aug and arrived Wakde Island 28 August
HQ Co Boat Bn (-C) departed Buna via organic LCMs 15 Aug 44 and arrived Wakde Island 27 Aug 44
Co C Boat Bn departed Harvey Bay via organic LCMs 15 Aug and arrived Wakde 28 Aug 44
Co F departed Oro Bay aboard SS Clayton on 17 Aug and arrived a Maffin Bay 24 Aug 44
At Maffin Bay the area allocated to the Boat Bn was too small so that BN HQ had to be on the mainland. The lettered companies and the 3017th Engr Mnt Comp were located on Wakde Island. Boat Maintenance was accomplished without excessive difficulties.
The road between the 31st Division HQ and Yellow Beach was located along the beach and during high tides is was not passable at river crossing. Failure of the bridge over the Tor River halted traffic for nearly a day. Small craft could not land on Yellow Beach.
Regi Responsibility for the perimeter defense was coordinated with the 155th Infantry.
On 3 Sept 1944, the rear echelon of the Reg closed at Maffin Bay.
The 544th EB & SR (with attached 3017 Enr Main and 164th Ord Det) was assigned to the Tradewind Assault Force for movement to the far shore and the Tradewind Task for for operations after landing.
Pelim operational plan were prepared at TF HQ, Oro Bay and enrout to Maffin Bay. The Tradewins Assault Force field order was received on 29 Aug and the Taks For order on 5 Sept. Information was so meager that the place was difficult to piece together.
Army unites involved were shaking down and Navy echelons arrived a Maffin Bay just prior to the dated set for dress rehearsal.
A loading plan was developed and subintted to the 31st Division on D -11. The naval commander ordered that the maximum LCT payloads available would be 50 tons.
Morotai[1][edit]
ON 5 Sept 1944, The 544th Engineer Boat and Shore Equipment heavy equipment at Celluloid was to be routed directly to Morotai on the Liberty Channing.
Lighterage missions were numerous during the period and the availability of boats for maintenance presented problems. Also Navy cube pontoon construction for LCTs was studing at the assembly point on the Tor River.
The 3017th Engeeer maintanc Co reorganized so that a Marine Maint Det could carry on boat maineenance for Company C. This company was detached from the regiment and assigned to Sixth Army at Maffin Bay.
Loading for Dress Rehearsal
Dress Rehearsal Landing
Loading and Movement for Morotai Operation
Loading was completed on 10 Sept 1944. and the Regiment (- C Company) departed Maffin bay on 1030 11 Sep 44 aboard Navy Landing Craft and accomplished an amphibious landing on Morotai Island, Netherlands East Indies on 15 Sep 1944
D-Day 15 Sept 1944
Naval air cover overhead. Naval gunfire stated at H-90, Just prior to H-hour rocket fire was localized on Red Beach.
Landing on schedule. Buffaloes and LVTs penetrated no more that 100 yards before stopped by dense undergrowth. Many halted on the beach. The avg depth of the beach 15 ft-coral surfaced. Just off shore the bottom was mucky.
Per field order LSTs were to land on call and were to land on the left flank. They come in without order on the right flank, the wosrt part of a very poor beach, despite repeated signals from the own beachmaster not to land on the right flank.
Personnel waded ashore in water 4 to 10 feet deep at the ramp. Most troops halted on the beach, took cover behind trees and buffaloes and were most hesitant about moving in. Efforts to clear the beach were hampered by the fact that officers were not readily identified since many did not wear insignia and wore EM web equipment.
Regimental CP was ashore at H+20 and weapons on buffaloes and small arms were fired freely. Return fire was not observed and few contact with the enemy were reported.
On 15 Sep 1944, Company C departed Maffin Bay and arrived at Aitape, NG on 19 Sep 1944
On 8 Oct 1944, the Regiment was relieved of control of the 6th Army as was assigned to the Eighth Army. It continued loading operations until it was relieved by service elements of XI Corps on 27 Oct.
On 6 Nov 1944, Shore Bn sailed for Bougainville, BSI aboart SS Rodgers and arrived 17 Nov 1944
On 6 Nov 1944, the Reg HQ and HQ company sailed for Bougainville, BSI aboart SS Cape Orange and arrived 21 Nov 1944
On Dec 12 1944 Reg HQ & Shore Bn boarded APAs and participated in practice landing 14 Dec 1944
When the Boat Bn departed Morotai in Janu, 1945, 212 air raid alerts had been sounded and 186 enemy bombing raids had occurred over the beaches.
Ligayen Gulf[1][edit]
Advance party transported by air from Morotai and arrived in Bougainvilled 8 Nov 1944
Personnel and equipment of the Shore Bn departed Morotain aboard SS Rogers and arrived at Bougain 16 Nov 44.
Reg HQ and HQ Co, Co A 264th Med Bn and Det 3017th Engr Boat Main Co departed Mororain on SS Cape Orange and arri Boug 20 Nov 1944.
Boat Bn HQ Co and A and B Companines remained at Morotai to stage from that area while Co C stationed at Wakde was scheduled to state from there.
Company A 533rd EB&ST arrived at Bougan 1 Dec 1944
LUZON Attack force participation.
The Ligayen Attack Force was to make and assault on S Day on the southern shore of Lingayen Gulf. The landing force was to be the XIV Army Corps commanded by MG Griswold and comprised of the 40th Infantry Division (CO MG Brush) landing on Orange Beach and the 37th ID (CO MG Beightler) landing on Yellow Beach.
The Ligayen Attack Force consisted of XIV Corps which included the 40th ID and 37th ID. Shore party of the 37th ID was provided elements of the 3rd and 4th Engineer Special Bdes as follows”
544th EB&SR
Co. A, 533rd EB and SR
Co. A, 264th Med Bn
Det 164th Ord Co
1st Pltn 3017th Engineer Boat Maintenca Co.
Service units as attached by 37th ID.
1st Rehearsal at Torokina Point 14 Dec 1944 – communications and experience climbing and descending cargo nets
2nd Rehearsal at Lee 19 Dec 1944 – Infantry beach practice and cargo nets
3rd Rehearsal at Los Negros Island – 23 Dec 1944 most important of the 3 which found some major faults – Corrections were mad and another rehearsal occurred on 28 Dec 1944
Unloading of APA Sarasota instead of the inadequate LST was accomplished
On 31 Dec 1944 the convoy departed for the last leg of the journey to the target area
Enroute from the Admiralties to the Philippines, the convoy was attacked by enemy aircraft of several occasions but arrived in the Lingayen Gulf during early day of S-Day (9 Jan 1945) intact
Air Cover and Fire from Navy ships was softening up the landing beach area.
The Regiment landed on Yellow and Crimson Beached on 9 Jan 1945 and unloaded supplies on Yellow Beach and in the Dagupan River area.
Manila[1][edit]
The Regiment departed Base M Luzon via truck and LCM convoy on 7 Mar. The truck convoy arrived in Manila 8 March and the Boat convoy arrived Manila 10 March
Co C and F designated as the 544th Provisional Bn, departed Manil via LCM, LCI and LCT convoy on 30 June 45 and arrived at Aparri Luzon, 4 July 45
In early March the Regiment moved to Manila and continued unloading operations until late June. From that time until the Reg moved to Aringay the regiment concentrated its efforts on construction and clearling project in the South Manila Area.
Regimant (-C and F) departed Manila via truck and LCM convoy 13 Aug and arrived at Aringay, La Union, PI 14 Aug 45
Provisional Bn departed Aparri via truck and LCM convoy Sept 4 and arrived at Aringay, La Union, PI 5 Sept
The Regiment loaded aboard transports and departed Aringay, La Union, PI on 15 Sep 1945.
Japan[1][edit]
Regiment made and amphibious landing at Wakayama, Honshu on 25 Sep 1945.
Landing and Occupation at Wakayama Japan.
6 March 1946, Col Myers, CO of the 4th ESB presented the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque to the Regiment for superior performance of duty in the permance exceptionally difficult tases in Japan from 5 Oct to 5 Dec 1945.
On April 15 1946 the unit was inactivated when most of the officer and men of the org had been previously reassigned to other units or sent to the 4th replacement Depot at Zama for return to the US. Script error: No such module "AfC submission catcheck".
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "544th Engineer Boat & Shore Regiment History". Archived from the original on 2014-12-04. Unknown parameter
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