The 563rd Boat Maintenance Battalion consisted of five units:
1461st, 1462nd and 1463rd Engineer Maintenance Companies
1571st Engineer Heavy Equipment Shop Company
1763rd Engineer Parts Supply Platoon
This Battalion served the 3rd Engineer Special Brigade by keeping the flotilla of landing craft and other vessels operating in remote areas. In the case of the 563rd, this meant having with them the capability of repairing or rebuilding craft damaged by enemy fire, running aground on coral reefs and accidents between crafts. In New Guinea, where there were no real ports, this meant having the capability of erecting a temporary shop on another boat, lifting the craft on board a ship, or repairing while afloat. Since they were thousands of miles from Australia, all parts and raw steel, wood, pipe and wiring had to be carried with them. The astonishing achievements of this battalion and ones like it cannot be overstated. The Camp Gordon Johnston Museum is working to understand and present the history of these battalions. watch this space for further information.
Roster of the 563rd, A-H from Down Ramp site, sorted by company
