Our Photo Gallery
WW II Photos
(set 2)
I
purchased this Photo Album (set two) on eBay from a Seller named Bill
Griffin of Cardington, OH. He told me he found the album at a local "barn
sale" and had no idea who the original owner may have been, which is
unfortunate. The album was described as being from NCB 53 and contains
photos from several units. CBMU 586 was active on Bougainville Island from
April, 1944 in the Cape Torokina area on Bougainville where a Fighter
Airfield was constructed (by NCB 71) shortly after the initial invasion. The
cape forms kind of the NW corner of Empress Augusta Bay where elements of
NCBs 25, 53, 71 & 75 assaulted Bougainville under fire along with the 3rd
Marine Division on 01 Nov ‘43. According to my reference books, NCB 53 and a
100 man Marine group assisted 71 by constructing a camp for Marine aviation
personnel -- including a three ward hospital, galleys and mess hall and
storage buildings. The Torokina Air Field was operational 10 Dec ‘43 and
handled Corsairs and light bombers. It is said that "much of the
construction at Torokina was accomplished under actual battle conditions".
From 08 March through 28 March the Japanese conducted an unsuccessful
attack on the area resulting in numerous Seabee casualties. 
Do you have a picture or article you think may be of interest to the group?
Contact Bernie at
mcb53aa@gmail.com and we will figure out how to post it for all to
enjoy.