Campbell, Alan James (Signaller, b.? - d.?)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of VNZ441420 Signaller Alan James Campbell, a New Zealander who served with Z Special Unit, Pacific Theatre and Australia, 1943-1945.

Folder 1:
One handwritten notebook, on plain, brown, water-damaged paper. Inside are notes discussing training for Z Special Unit including different conditions faced; demolition and use and setup of explosive charges; identification of Japanese aircraft features; code words; Malay language training; Japanese shipping; notes on jungle warfare; navigation advice; jungle foods; and Japanese army details such as identifiable insignia.

A copy of the operation order for night exercise ‘Little Woody’ on Little Woody Island, dated 6 March 1945, where the target was the demolition of a walkie talkie station that was acting as a communication base for Japanese signals that were being sent from the island to Maryborough and to various supply routes in the Pacific.

Folder 2:
Eight hand-written letters and two air mail letter cards, all dated 1945, by Sig Campbell to his sweetheart Miss Melva McKenzie, written both when Sig Campbell was based in Australia and in the Pacific while serving with Z Special Unit. Letters are general in nature, discussing the weather, mutual friends, and family affairs, celebrations for VJ Day, Sig Campbell’s impending return to Australia, and a marriage proposal.

Two hand-written letters from Sig Campbell’s mother advising him on family matters.

Three telegrams addressed to Sig Campbell while in hospital in Melbourne, dated May 1945.

Folder 3:
One 1943 blue covered diary titled ‘On Record’, with several entries relating to Sig Campbell’s time in the Pacific, largely discussing training and recreational activities.