Overpaid, Oversexed and Over Here (Wellington) Traditional Cache
Overpaid, Oversexed and Over Here (Wellington)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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A small cache commemorating one of the lesser-known episodes of the Second World War. Easy to access, only a few metres from parking.
The cache name was coined in England to refer to the vast numbers of U.S. troops who moved through England during World War II and caught the eye of the English girls. The name migrated to NZ in 1942 when the Marines passed through on their way to and from the Pacific fighting. Their high wages compared to those of the local men (and access to such luxuries as nylon stockings!) created some ill-feeling, and women were known to travel out from Wellington to consort with the troops (trains were laid on for the purpose!).
There were two large U.S Army camps at McKay’s Crossing, one on the flat towards the beach from the railway, the other on the slope to the Southeast. Each consisted of lines of small huts of four to eight bunks –spartan, draughty and damp- plus the usual mess halls, infirmaries and canteens selling American goods. The troops were stationed here before the push up through the Pacific and the eventual invasion of Japan. They trained for landings at the nearby beach (one night exercise cost several lives but was kept secret at the time) and for jungle and mountain warfare in the Tararuas.
A display near the cache site describes more of camp life.
The cache is a small canister containing just a logbook and pencil.
Driveby is accessible only during park hours (8am-8pm in summer, shorter in winter). Walk-in is 24/7.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Arfgrq
Treasures
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