Emirau Island

Early in World War II this small island became international news when over 500 prisoners from various ships (including RMS Rangitane) sunk by German surface raiders were released following the first attack on Nauru and subsequently rescued by the Australian authorities.

The 27th built a PT boat base, an LCT floating dry dock and slipway, and roads.

The 61st constructed housing, ammunition storage facilities, a runway, and some of the buildings at the PT boat base.

The 63rd assisted at the sawmill and worked on the roads, camps, harbor facilities, warehouses, magazines and avgas dumps.

The 88th worked on runways, roads, radar stations and a causeway at the eastern end of the island.

[3] In August, General Douglas MacArthur directed that responsibility for garrisoning Emirau would be transferred to the Australian Army.

[6] Marine Aircraft Group 12 operated from Emirau until December, when it moved to Leyte, its place was taken by squadrons of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

[10] Squadron 11-2 (including PT-177, PT-182, PT-185, and PT-186), under the command of Lieutenant John H. Stillman, was transferred to Emirau Island in May 1944.