'Keseko: the experiences of a guide to a U.S. Marine landing and later as coastwatcher in the British Solomon Islands', 1929-1945, compiled in 1946 and revised in 1981, together with miscellaneous papers, 1943-1947, by Cecil Eric Spencer

MLMSS 3884

fonds

1946, 1981

918646

1 box of textual material

Cecil Eric Spencer was largely instrumental in guiding the U.S. Marines into the Solomon Islands in 1942. Prior to the War, Spencer had spent four years on Tulagi island, the capital of the British Solomon Islands. During these years, Spencer acquired extensive knowledge of the locale and made many acquaintances. In particular, he initiated the first boy scout troop for natives on the islands, and was given the native name of Keseko. When the United States launched its offensive in the Pacific campaign it did so in the islands of Tulagi and Guadalcanal. Spencer's background was invaluable and he worked closely with the U.S. Marine Corps. Later he was recruited by the Allied Intelligence Bureau (A.I.B.) and worked as a coastwatcher from 1942 to 1944. In 1943, he was awarded the Legion of Merit by the U.S.A. Spencer continued to serve with A.I.B. until 1945 when he was discharged on medical grounds.

In 1947, Spencer entered the manuscript of Keseko in the Sydney Morning Herald Literary competition. It was a condition of entry that the author's identity be kept secret from the judges so Spencer used the fictitious name of Thoms in the original version of the work. He was highly commended by the judges for his contribution

Information transferred from Manuscripts Leaf Catalogue No. 1 (8-681C) as part of the eRecords Project, 2010-2011

Keyword subjects:
World War, 1939-1945 -- United States
Boy Scouts -- Solomon Islands